Non-firearm weapons for the disabled

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Jesse Heywood

Jesse Heywood

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An earlier thread got in the weeds with firearms.

Unnecessary- John

I am disabled and usually carry a Cold Steel dragon cane and a large folder, either assisted opener or full auto. After another foot surgery (#8) I am on crutches or a knee roller for the foreseeable future, which removes my first line of defense, the cane.

There are times where I don't feel up to carrying a firearm. What other options are feasible?
 
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Why is a knife or cane better than a gun? My experience with the elderly, when they start being incapable of using guns especially, is that a key issue is strength and range of motion. By the time firearms are not plausible, we're miles past stabbing, slicing, and striking in any effective manner.

So, seriously, please explain the reasoning so far so we better understand the needs and constraints other than "not a gun."
 
A telescoping baton is effective and easily carried but requires some agility to use effectively.

a full sized ka-bar, hard to beat for a fighting knife, if you like that sort of thing.

Chemical sprays are effective but the chances of you getting a face full is real, close quarters would be tough and if you can't run I think it's less than ideal.

If I'm going where I can not carry a firearm and anything that looks like a weapon would be frowned upon I carry a benchmade socp (ring dagger), tucked in the front of my waist band . it can be used with little training all the way up to very advanced techniques and everything in between . the reason I say it's useable with very little training is that you can still punch, and have good use of both hands while retaining the knife and in the midst of it if you find a spot to poke ,it would do the job. unlike fighting with a traditional knife where your one hand is occupied and that's likely to be your strong hand.
- I'm not a trained fighter. No, I've never been in a knife fight and hope to God I never am. I'm not an expert and not claiming any specific knowledge . smarter people than me certainly know better . my perspective is from average Joe (not THAT Joe ) off the street who sees something as better than nothing if forced to defend yourself. I wouldn't want someone coming at me with a weapon like that, it's a knife that would be very difficult to remove from the hand of someone who intended to keep it. But the blade is short and it's little more than a "get off me" tool in the grand scheme of things. A trainer is available , it is actually a weapon too- impact weapon to be used as a sort of kubaton, decreases the chances of poking yourself but is obviously less lethal .
Screenshot_20200904-205932.png
Good luck
 
If you for some reason will not carry a firearm does the state you are in allow Taser's? If so they can be good. Down side is unless you want to spend a LOT of money and have one that is very large they are a single shot weapon. I still have an old M18 that was for work long ago. when they offered up the much smaller Pulse model I bought one of those. They "Can" be very effective but, they have to be used correctly or they do not work.
The other big thing is of course OC. Get the steam kind as it's less likely to get you. This too is very hit and miss on 2 legged. I have used it many times on 2 legged and some drop to the ground screaming. Others act like noting happened other than making them mad. Still have a scar on one arm where a scum just lowered his head, charged and bit me. A sap dropped him but, those too are not legal any more in many places.
 
Jesse Heywood said:
What other options are feasible?
Click to expand...

Taser, OC, Sap (where legal, coin purse where not), full water bottle on a short lanyard, flashlight, Bagwell, alter habits. We discussed non firearms options over the years. A disability, in your case taking a foot out, narrows those options, but the list of all options hasnt changed.
 
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Bolawrap sells for $1,000 to LE only. Turned in my shield 45 years ago. Maybe I can find some bolas left by a vaquero. :D
 
If you can't grip a defensive tool or see to use one is where options narrow terribly. I've worked with folks in those situations and we had to get very creative. An older friend with Parkinson's and I worked through a series of knives until a Taser and an offset L-grip knife (think push dagger) was what he carried. Another blind aquaintance carried a knife and trained in grappling to use it.

All the non-firearms defensive tools are there to be selected from. What might be chosen depends upon ability/disability.
 
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Knee roller is a wrinkle.
You will have a compromised balance, or a compromised arc of stability.
Which suggests that yu will not have a normal range of reach.

At the same time, the knee roller offers "cover" for a lot of things that might otherwise attract more attention.

My first thought was a lament that a quality umbrella is near to impossible to find anymore.
So, a collapsible baton makes some sense.
Less overtly, a striking lanyard might be useful. Which could just be some knotted paracord or a modified dog leash might be handy.

Bears more thinking about.
 
Toughest nut to crack, from my personal experience, is crutches.
You now have four unsure legs, and they require both arms to operate.

While a crutch is a significant striking weapon, come to need, you generally lose about 50% of your stability to try and use one.

So, that remains a big giant "I don't know."
 
CapnMac said:
Knee roller is a wrinkle.
You will have a compromised balance, or a compromised arc of stability.
Which suggests that yu will not have a normal range of reach.

At the same time, the knee roller offers "cover" for a lot of things that might otherwise attract more attention.

My first thought was a lament that a quality umbrella is near to impossible to find anymore.
So, a collapsible baton makes some sense.
Less overtly, a striking lanyard might be useful. Which could just be some knotted paracord or a modified dog leash might be handy.

Bears more thinking about.
Click to expand...

I don't know if they still make them but one of the places that make "stuff" like this used to sell an Umbrella made as a defensive weapon. They had a video showing a guy using one to break apart some wood pallets with it. Then would open it and it looked fine. I forgot who made it or where I was seeing it. Looked interesting at the time though.
Does anyone still allow the batons for the "lowly citizens" now days? I know last time I bought one I had to show them proof of employment for them to sell it to me which makes me wonder if they have not declared them an item criminals use now? Somehow I have a hard time seeing the average scum on the street using them but hey who knows. For those who do want to buy one get a good one. I have seen several try to "cheap out" and save a few bucks. Ended up with one that promptly failed in testing.
 
hso said:
Nope, I have the Unbreakable and there are plenty of can umbrellas.
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Learn something new every day.
A non telescopic might be handy on a kneewheel, hooked over the top handle. Which leaves the other hand free, or as an option for aiding in the mobility for being able to push off. Which can be an issue with the knee wheels.
 
Looking at a long baton secured to the steering shaft of the roller. Training should be close to what I had for the cane.

I am wondering about a heavy throwing knife. Attach the sheath to a crutch. It would take quite a bit of training. Thoughts?

Here in Kansas we can now carry knives and weapons open or concealed. Local authorities are exempted for over-riding. The only non-firearm weapons banned are: bludgeons, sand clubs, or metal knuckles. And blackjacks and dangerous cutting weapons (like throwing stars and straight-edged razors), but only if you intend to use those weapons illegally.
 
jeepnik said:
I've seen a number of knee rollers that have canes attached. I assume the users intend to use the cane for short hops or just relocating from the roller to a chair.

this give you an idea.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513480794992350937/
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That gives me some ideas. Need to go to the hardware store.

JShirley said:
Kimber makes an unusual choice: a 2-shot pepper dispenser. It has the advantage of firing further than pepper spray, and is less likely to blow back on the user.
John
Click to expand...
I had thought about that, but didn't like the bulk. Made more for either use by the front door or a purse.
 
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