Asp key defender?

I've been carrying my keys on an ASP Key Defender for over 10 years. Originally, I got it to provide redundant backup for a pocket OC canister and an ASP baton - over the years, I have found that it offers me a synergistic combination of features and options that no other pocket stick or OC system does.

Normally, I like to carry the KD inside my waistband just forward of my IWB pistol holster, with my keys hanging outside. This allows me to quickly and easily pull the whole unit free when walking up to my car or front door, or if I perceive a potential threat. If I glide my fingers between the keys and my belt, and lift by the key-ring, the KD comes out into my palm ready for immediate use. Alternatively, I can leave the KD in my waistband, and release my keys alone with the quick-detach key-ring they are on. If the keys jingle too loudly for comfort, they can be tucked into my side-pocket and silenced.

When my car key is in the ignition, the KD hangs next to the steering column and can be released via the QD key-ring if a panhandler in the parking lot or on a median looks like he might get aggressive.

While walking with my keys, I like to hold the KD in a ready grasp and let my keys dangle from the top of my fist - this lets me flail with the keys, or do a punyo pommel-strike or hook/trap with the spray-nozzle-end. This hold also allows me to surreptitiously activate the OC and lay a smoke-screen of pepper-spray behind me if I think someone nefarious is following me too closely. Of course, the keys can be carried in my palm for silence if desired.

The OC formula is suitably unpleasant and nasty, the knurled aluminum body works pretty well as a Kubotan, and the safety-catch is effective, ergonomic and reliable. I cannot imagine carrying my keys any other way than on my KD, and it goes with me any and every time I leave my house.

How's that for an endorsement?

Clarification: my ASP-KD did not come with a quick-detach key-ring as OEM equipment in the package - I went to an Ace Hardware store that has a large selection of metal key-rings, and I got a 2-piece unit for about $1.50 that is made of nickel-plated brass with a spring-loaded plunger that plugs into a socket. I replaced my first one about a year ago, so I'd say that it's sturdy enough, for the price.

FYI, I've carried my KD and keys in just this manner through 3 tactical pistol classes, 1 grappling seminar, and one class that combined close-quarters shooting, Simunitions force-on-force training, and ground-fighting/grappling - I only lost the KD once, and on another occasion a plastic key-shackle broke and dropped my house keys, both times during some hard wrasslin'. One new QD-key-ring and one new metal key-shackle, and I was back in business for under $3.00.

Back when the Key Defender was pretty new on the market, one of our classified training facilities on Ft. Bragg issued them to their cadre. Of course, SF guys being the way they are, only a few hours had gone by before a couple of the guys had sprayed themselves.

One turned the sofa he was sitting on over backwards. The other fled towards the closest water, missed the door and knocked a hole in the sheetrock wall.

I bought one that week and have carried one ever since .

lpl

eta- It isn't classified any more, it seems- see http://www.sfahq.com/miller/camp_mackall_range_37_memorial.htm . I left SWC in 1997 and it was still classified then.

Pics of my set-up...

1. These are my keys on the KD as I normally carry them. Yes, that is over a decade's worth of daily carry-wear on the KD.

2. These are the separate individual key-ring sets:

A. Car key and one gun-cabinet key on first key-ring, attached to KD w/QD plunger/socket connector. When the key is in the ignition, the KD can be released with one hand by depressing the plunger lock.
B. House keys on second key-ring, attached to above w/metal key-shackle. This allows me to, for example, leave the car key in the ignition and remove/re-attach my house keys readily when unlocking my mailbox.

Both key-rings include a Photon micro-LED light that can be squeezed against a key to illuminate the lock as the key is inserted.

3. Inserting the KD into my waistband in front of my IWB holster - the shirt still drapes over the gun(Glock 26) to maintain discretion, I also mask this movement further by facing my car in the parking lot while stowing my keys.

4. How the KD and keys normally ride - I can readily grab the keys to extract the KD, or tuck them into my side pocket for silence.

This may be too late but I will say it anyway. If you have not been exposed to OC and plan on carrying it around teens who have been in trouble with the law, then the odds are good that you will be the one experiencing something new if you ever have to use it. You will be exposed if you have to use it, as it will be up close and personal. Just something to consider.

I like the concept, nice design and well executed. However, test your weapon with the inert tester I did and was less than impressed. I found a small pocket unit of OC works WAY better. The ASP unit is kind of weak and sputters a bit when discharged. Suboptimal.

Key Defenders are a good product but I am now using the SABRE Brand OC + CS blend and it is a fine product. All of our local agencies use it and it works very well. You can buy it at Bass Pro, Academy or Midway USA.

Here is more information on Sabre Products.

www.sabrered.com

Yes some of the high pressured sprays can cause eye injuries if used up close. You have to be careful when using the High Pressure MK9 Foggers and Stream units.