Discrete weapons

[RetiredUSNChief]

First of all, you need to take a look at Japan's laws on what constitutes a "weapon". When in a foreign country you do NOT want to go astray of such laws. And Japan is pretty strict on a lot of things. And some laws may be even more strict for foreigners.

So stay away from things which are obvious weapons. No guns, no knives, no brass knuckles, etc. Even carrying some tools, by themselves, may be construed as something deliberately intended to be carried as a weapon, especially if you have no other reason to have it with you.

Canes may or may not be a problem. You need to research this yourself.

Common, every day items which are sturdy are better choices that most people don't think about. Put yourself into a "weapon of opportunity" mindset...look about your person, and your surroundings, and see what you might could use as an improvised weapon. Pens, belt/buckle, flashlight, large ring of keys on a lanyard, and similar items that may commonly be found on a person are some good examples. Looking around wherever you're at, metal rods/posts, wooden sticks/boards, glass bottles, rope/chain, rocks...all fine examples.


But the absolute BEST thing you can do for yourself in any foreign country is ALWAYS have a buddy with you and be smart about where and when you go places.

 

[hso]

Sound advice from a fellow who's been in many foreign ports.

 

[craftsman]

ReadyRod,

Obviously, discretion is key here. One sure-fire tool is a bandana handkerchief. Birang Silat: The Handkerchief Dance http://www.cafepress.com/meijin4.767729350 This passes with no problems, through TSA, etc.

A weighted sap cap would go virtually unnoticed ... but may be troublesome if later used and detected by the local authorities ... $ 13 http://www.defensedevices.com/weigh...=61865531738&gclid=CMGHzLrbz8ECFabm7AodpCgA_w Not sure if this gets through TSA.

Fury 3-angle fixed blade, non metallic zytel 3.5" blade "dart" type knife, with sheath 7.25" overall, 1 oz. $5 http://www.lapolicegear.com/fury-16903-angle-knife.html

 

[JShirley]

A simple 2 cell mini Maglite would be as/more effective than the synthetic dart, and actually be, you know, legal.

 

[hso]

Stay FAR away from all the concealed weapons and stick with every day items that are selected for their dual role capabilities.

 

[NOMI WASP]

Get the tactical pen the remmington/dpms makes. You can also carry a ball bearing to make a good fist pack.

 

[glistam]

Obviously, discretion is key here. One sure-fire tool is a bandana handkerchief. Birang Silat: The Handkerchief Dance http://www.cafepress.com/meijin4.767729350 This passes with no problems, through TSA, etc.

A weighted sap cap would go virtually unnoticed ... but may be troublesome if later used and detected by the local authorities ... $ 13 http://www.defensedevices.com/weight...Fabm7AodpCgA_w Not sure if this gets through TSA.

Fury 3-angle fixed blade, non metallic zytel 3.5" blade "dart" type knife, with sheath 7.25" overall, 1 oz. $5 http://www.lapolicegear.com/fury-16903-angle-knife.html

I heard the Japanese police like to do whatever their equivalent is of a Terry search on Americans in particular, often with little or no reason. I think they generally stereotype us as weapon-crazy or violent. Anyhow, they get seriously bent out of shape if you have even the smallest of knives. It being plastic will probably just make it worse. Not sure about the sap cap, but considering the similarity to some old school martial arts weapons (chain hidden in sleeves) I don't see it ending well.

On the other hand, I did find Birang Silat a very interesting read when I bought it a while back. Don't know how solid the sourcing is for it, but the principle is pretty sound. I say that as someone who has actually fended off an attacker with a wet gym towel. You can produce a lot of force from just a piece of fabric with practice, just like a bullwhip cracker. It's physics.

 

[hso]

You can also carry a ball bearing to make a good fist pack.

Not easily explained and the wrong geometry to minimize breaking bones in the hand.

The ideal where there's strict no weapons policies are easily overlooked or readily recognized as everyday normal items that don't appear out of the ordinary.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

You don't have to order an expensive indestructible umbrella to carry a sturdy umbrella that you could thrust with.

... that being said, both Hso and I own and heartily endorse the expensive Unbreakable Umbrella.

 

[hso]

I even took it to SD training last night (along with a pack full of everyday items anyone could carry without raising an eyebrow).

 

[blindhari]

Mp7,
There was a time when no gentleman left home without gloves, hat, coat and cane. No one has ever told me that I didn't limp enough to carry a blackthorn cane. Remember you owe no one an explanation of why you carry a cane. The phrase, "I am worried about my disability" comes to mind. Nothing definitive about time in that phrase at all.

blindhari

 

[NOMI WASP]

Not easily explained and the wrong geometry to minimize breaking bones in the hand.

The ideal where there's strict no weapons policies are easily overlooked or readily recognized as everyday normal items that don't appear out of the ordinary.

I'd rather have a broken hand than get slashed to death. Since I've broken a single bone yet and been in a lot of fights, I consider a fist pack a viable option.

 

[Readyrod]

The problem with the cane or umbrella is that I'm always on or carrying my folding bike. So I can't carry them with me all the time. As I said before tho I'm keeping my eyes open for a nice cane or two. I did put an old mini mag in my daypack tho. I love the water bottle idea and I'll be testing bottles asap. The cops here are onto tactical pens, and most of the ones I've seen look a lot like weapons. I do have some non tactical looking pens with me most of the time tho. There is a 4xDcell Maglight at the door for emergency earthquake use that I guess would work to repel boarders and other rifraff. There is also a crowbar for getting out in case an earthquake jams the door shut. You can buy all kinds of brass knuckles, butterfly knives, and other such weapons but if the cops catch you with them you are sol. I guess a baseball bat would be ok in the car, if I had a car, if you had a glove and a ball with it.
I think I'll check out a slightly larger Maglight. Maybe a 2xDcell. Has anyone used a lock for sd? I could use it as a bike lock also.
RR

 

[hso]

Heavy D type locks have been used as bludgeons and heavy padlocks on bike chains have been used as flails (lot of space required there). We've discussed bike pumps, but the trend to reduce weight reduces their utility and you have to look for steel or Ti. You're bike itself is a tool in that you can use it to shield yourself.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

The problem with the cane or umbrella is that I'm always on or carrying my folding bike.

Back in my youth, whenever I rode my bike I had 6 feet of chain and a case hardened American lock wrapped twice around my waist. Got me out of more than one altercation!

 

[hso]

http://www.gizmag.com/seat-biologic-postpump/24269/

Or you might get a longer steel seat post to use with a quick throw lever to release it so you can pull it in an emergency.

 

[RustyShackelford]

BladeHQ.com ....

The website: www.BladeHQ.com has a lot of cool stuff.
I want to get a new white-light for work(security details) & maybe a new defense pen or 2.
I like the new Fenix 35PD, 2014 ed. It's bright & has the strobe feature.
You can let some thug see the light or use it to flee/exfil. The Fenix 35PD 2014 runs about $70.00 USD.

Rusty S

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

http://real-self-defense.com/unbreakable-umbrella/

 

[Readyrod]

Does the unbreakable umbrella hit hard enough to stop someone? It looks like it hits hard but does it have enough weight to it? Cause it seems like a nice concept.

 

[lemaymiami]

An umbrella that won't break... hmm. In the baton training I've had (street baton, riot baton, etc.) one of the most effective strikes was the two handed jab (like you were using a spear or rifle with bayonet). Seems to me an umbrella used in that fashion would stop or badly injure an aggressor if used like you really meant it. Me? it would be used only if I had no other recourse. I'd want to disengage and depart rather than duke it out since the good guy doesn't always win on the street....

If facing an aggressor with a knife, though, anything that can keep him/her from reaching you with their weapon would be quite valuable... I once worked with an officer that used a chair like a lion tamer in just that fashion to prevent a crazy lady with a knife from being able to do any damage at close quarters - it was an eye opener. Once she was pinned to a wall with the chair it was a simple matter to pull her feet out and disarm her without doing her a lot of harm... No, it's not something you'd want to do more than once but it was very effective in the moment.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Does the unbreakable umbrella hit hard enough to stop someone? It looks like it hits hard but does it have enough weight to it? Cause it seems like a nice concept.

I'm sure hso will also chime in, but yes and no. Yes, you can hit hard with it, but it doesn't hit as hard as a cane because the umbrella frame and canopy absorb some of the shock from the impact. Also, when gripping it for strikes, your grip will shift for much the same reason- you aren't gripping the main handle, but the canopy/frame around the handle.

If I ever use mine for defensive purposes, two-handed strikes and Army bayonet drill will be the order of the day. The tip of the umbrella is blunted, but much small than the safety tips on a cane, and it is also steel. I am certain I would not want to eat a jab from that in the solar plexus, throat, or between the ribs.

An umbrella that won't break... hmm. In the baton training I've had (street baton, riot baton, etc.) one of the most effective strikes was the two handed jab (like you were using a spear or rifle with bayonet). Seems to me an umbrella used in that fashion would stop or badly injure an aggressor if used like you really meant it. Me? it would be used only if I had no other recourse. I'd want to disengage and depart rather than duke it out since the good guy doesn't always win on the street....

Sounds like we have pretty similar training then... I agree, and I hold the umbrella in the same way. It works 1000% better than an expandable baton for an arm lock takedown defense against a rush as well. Simply hold with both hands, aim the point at an armpit, shoot the umbrella under his arm then use the crook to catch the forearm... grab the umbrella above the attacker's shoulder, and sidestep and pull for the takedown or drag into a knee strike.

 

[readyeddy]

The Hydro Flask Standard Mouth bottle gives a good grip on the mouth end. It's also stainless steel and double walled insulated, and would make an impressive club, especially when filled. The 21 ounce bottle is about the right size.

The HF will also keep your drinks cold/hot all day long.

 

[Readyrod]

I'm with you guys on the jab thing. I once saw some cops training with batons and it was the jabs that looked the most destructive. It took a lot less space to do it in too. I'm still looking for a cane though.
My metal Kleen Kanteen would do a fine job. I'm going to test an Orangina bottle tonight, they seem to have a good grip. I tested a plastic Coke bottle last night and wow, it would hurt to be smacked with something like that.
And a pet bottle filled with oj is totally under the radar.
sweet.

 

[hso]

Buddies of mine that somehow found themselves in bar fights praised the glass beer bottle as a great tool to knock out another guy. Not by using the tacky movie method of smashing over some guy's head, but instead capping the open top (or even better having the cap still on) and hammering a guy in the head. Since these were a couple of good friends from 5th Group I accepted their advice without question.

 

[JShirley]

I have knocked big chunks of firewood several feet with full water bottles. No real damage to bottle. 16-20 oz sizes are best for handling.