Without those signs I might otherwise worry that something bad could happen to me or my family.
Of course, Im kidding.
Those signs are the stupidest human contrivance since the European pay toilet.
Gun-free zones offer a false sense of security as they are only adhered to by law-abiding citizens and do not prevent criminal behavior. Image: Adobe Stock/MATTHEW
They are the New Coke of the policy world.
However, Im just a normal guy.
Im sure the rocket scientists behind those signs are way more insightful than am I.
Just because you are on one of these doesn’t mean you must be completely defenseless. Image: Isaac Struna
Ever-Ready
Every time I am not asleep or in the shower, Im armed wherever its legal.
Im kind of a skinny guy.
The addition of a firearm gives me a chance to defend myself against a range of dangerous threats.
Each of these common everyday objects can be effectively weaponized in a crisis. Take a look at your surroundings and see what you might be able to use.
Part of it is mindset.
Convincing yourself youre not a victim goes a long way toward insulating against victimization.
The other piece is to be mindful of your surroundings.
A sturdy writing pen (below) can be as effective as a specially designed defensive tool (top). In addition to stabbing, they can be used for joint locks and pressure point manipulation like aKubotan.
The most capable survival tool ever imagined is perched atop your shoulders.
We need only exercise that tool to help keep ourselves and our families safe come what may.
Lots of readily available benign stuff can be transformed into weapons if you know where to look.
If you’re on an airplane, you can ask for the can when the flight attendant brings you a soda. You get more to drink, and the empty can makes a serviceable weapon in a pinch.
Simply appreciate the rules when in restrictive environments, and make unconventional applications of conventional objects.
Most of it turns on physics.
Pressure equals force per unit area.
The Barranti Life Changer is a sturdy leather coin holder that snaps over your belt. It packs ten bucks’ worth of quarters.
Thats not just a good idea; thats the law.
Your typical frail grandmother might not be able to strike very hard.
In non-permissive environments, the key is usually to focus your efforts down as small as possible.
Go for the eyes.
Likewise, a writing pen or similar skinny implement when deftly wielded makes a fine stabbing tool.
There are even robust dual-use writing instruments designed with these applications in mind.
These weapons might not be capable of killing, but taking life is never the point.
The mission is to dissuade bad behavior.
No matter where youre traveling, youll always need money.
However, slip these rascals into a pouch, and you have a handy, readily-accessible weapon.
When you need it just grab and go.
My favorite is theBarranti Life Changer.It even has an awesome name.
Commercial airplanes provide their own unique challenges.
By definition, everybody on board has gone through security, but we all know how that goes.
An aluminum beverage can makes a decent cutting weapon.
The corners are simply brutal.
Ruminations
The best fight is always the one you dont have.
Keep your head on a swivel, mind your temper, fastidiously avoid trouble and live defensively.
Criminals are most often bottom-feeding scavengers.
Keep yourself scarier, and they will usually seek easier pickings elsewhere.
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