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You are here: Home / Defense / Weapons / 9 Weapons (Besides Guns) That Could Save Your Life

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9 Weapons (Besides Guns) That Could Save Your Life

By Alan 49 Comments ✓ This post may contain affiliate links*

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9 Weapons (Besides Guns) That Could Save Your LifeIf the grid goes down, the ability to defend oneself will be invaluable. In fact, the importance of self-defense will be right up there with food and water. Of course, a firearm is the most effective way to defend yourself from an attacker, but that might not always be possible. For example, if you find yourself in a place where firearms aren’t allowed.

The purpose of this article is to teach you about the many other types of weapons you can use to defend yourself. You can carry most of these anywhere without drawing any unwanted attention, yet they’re effective enough to take down almost anyone.

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Here are 9 weapons that could save your life:

1. Knife

We’ll start with the most obvious weapon: the knife. Knives are everywhere, and almost everyone has at least a couple of them, whether they’re Swiss Army knives or big fixed bladed K-bars. Granted, while a K-bar or similar type knife is likely to draw attention to you, a simple folding tactical knife can be kept nicely concealed in your pocket and can be equally as effective.

A knife can be even more deadly than a gun in close quarters. For self defense, opt for a durable folding knife that can be opened quickly and has a serrated blade with an ergonomic grip.

2. Pepper Spray

Since this stuff is strong enough to be used as a defense against bears, you can bet it will be effective against any human. The inflammatory effect of pepper spray causes eyes to swell and close, making it impossible for the attacker to see anything.

It’s also very cost efficient at only $10 to $15 per canister. That’s a small price to pay for a device that causes extreme irritation to the assailant’s eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Nonetheless, pepper spray does have some serious cons. When you spray a blast onto the face of an attacker, it’s possible that some of it could get on you as well. This is bad for people with respiratory problems. Furthermore, the chemicals in pepper spray typically can’t stand extreme hot or cold temperatures, weakening its effectiveness.

It also doesn’t work as well in the wind or rain, and could backfire if there’s a strong gust of wind in your face. While you should have pepper spray in your self defense arsenal, you’d be wise to carry an additional defensive item as well.

3. Stun Gun

Many stun guns don’t look like traditional guns so they shouldn’t draw too much attention. Still, you’d be wise to keep your stun gun adequately concealed. A stun gun is not only a non-lethal self defense weapon, it’s a great alternative to pepper spray since it will even work in the wind or rain.

The mere jolting sound that stun guns produce may be enough to scare away attackers. But even if it isn’t, the thousands of volts of electricity certainly will.

4. Cane

A cane is one of the most efficient defensive items on this list. It gives you plenty of reach, hits hard, and it’s far less intimidating (at first) than a baseball bat. Select a cane that won’t break easily and has a heavy handle; hardwood canes with rubber-type handles are usually your best bet.

Just remember that if you plan on using a cane for self-defense, you better look like you have a limp since you’ll look very suspicious if you don’t.

5. Umbrella

An umbrella is a great alternative to the cane and can be just as deadly, but only if you use an umbrella that isn’t fragile. Many umbrellas can break easily if used in a fight, so stick to umbrellas that were build for self-defense purposes like the one in the link. It’s lightweight and made out of fiberglass that hits as hard as a steel pipe.

Of course, you can only use an umbrella when it’s raining or wet outside since you’d look pretty suspicious carrying one around on a sunny day.

6. Belt

A belt is another ubiquitous item that can be converted into a powerful self-defense weapon. For this, you’ll want a wide leather belt with a heavy metal buckle. A belt will give you plenty of reach and the buckle can inflict a lot of damage if you swing hard enough. A belt could also be used to strangle an assailant or tie them up after you’ve apprehended them, tripling its practicality.

7. Tactical Pen

A tactical pen is an item that’s equally at home in your EDC as it is in your survival kit. Any pen can be used as a weapon (look no further than the Bourne films), but a tactical pen is even better. There should be at least an inch of the pen sticking out from your fist in order for it to be effective as you punch holes in your assailant.

8. Scarf

Wait a minute, a scarf? Yes, that’s right. While the scarf is one of the most unlikely self-defense weapons, it can also be one of the most fatal if you know what you’re doing. You can use a scarf as a makeshift garrote or a strangling weapon.

If you’re still skeptical, keep in mind that the French Foreign Legion carry scarves as part of their equipment and have been known to use them as garrotes on tactical missions. The only downside to a scar is that they’re meant for cold weather, so you might look silly wearing one in warm weather.

9. Car Keys

Last but certainly not least, you can also use your car keys as a self-defense weapon. Assuming your keys are non-folding (and most are), then you can use them as a push dagger. While they’re not as sharp as an actual dagger, they can still inflict some serious damage if you use them hard enough, especially if you’re pumped up with adrenaline.

Better yet, you can get a keychain self-defense tool like the one in the link. these are sharp enough to really hurt someone, even through their clothes.

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Comments

  1. HalfFast Prepper says

    November 23, 2020 at 11:07 am

    An make sure ya got some ammo, otherwise just get ya stick
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDIu2_0RSmE

    Theys lots a other things you can use. .. a rock works purty good too. Here’s my list
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiVFljQWaYw&t=1s

    Reply
  2. NP DUNCAN ADAM says

    November 22, 2020 at 10:00 pm

    Unfortunately or fortunately there is one instance where any adult regardless of criminal record is allowed to buy a firearm in America as Cap and Ball and or muzzle loaders require no paperwork to purchase however some shops will walk you to the cash register with it.
    A cap and ball pistol such as the Remington Army Model 1758 fires a 44caliber ball that is loaded with 34 grains of powder into the front of the cylinder and can be stored loaded for years as long as no dampness is allowed near it the gun cannot be fired until a cap is pot on the cylinder nipple then you have a very accurate lethal weapon out to 100 yards.
    Major point to note each loaded cylinder must be covered with Bore Butter or some type of fat this prevents all the cylinders being set off at the first drop of the hammer when sparks are all over the place it also helps with lubrication.
    They take forever to load and set up their own smoke screen when operated but that ball or mini-ball when fired packs a hell of a punch and are fun loud devastating.
    one more important mote DO NOT USE SMOKELESS POWDER only black powder learn be safe have fun.

    Reply
  3. Gunass says

    November 22, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    Shoot attackers then evade another attack.

    Reply
  4. Dave from San Antonio says

    November 22, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    The single biggest obstacle in self-defense, regardless of what you are going to use, is your mind set. If you are not mentally prepared to defend yourself, your loved ones, etc. and do what it takes to survive, you are in for a bad and possibly fatal experience. You are going to have to go all out and fight…like the ‘third’ monkey trying to get on Noah’s Ark. If you train for self-defense…train your mind, too and not just the body. Visualize exactly what you are doing and why.

    Reply
  5. MIc says

    November 5, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    The Article is talking about a grid down, (SHTF scenario). So forget about what is legal or not legal.
    Survival is the thing that matters.
    Now in talking about knives the author says “…while a K-bar or similar type knife is likely to draw attention to you,…”, which is exactly what you want.
    A big knife like that, says; ” I am a big, bad, SOB, so don’t mess with me or I’ll kill ya.”
    Criminals like soft, unarmed targets, so your “concealed pocket knife”, will make them think you are unarmed, and an easy target.
    This applies to the cane also. You look injured and unarmed, thus an easy target.

    I would prefer not to be attacked, rather than to be attacked and have to fight them off.
    Sure some people will give you a wide berth or fearful looks, but who cares in a SHTF scenario.
    You are not there to win a popularity contest.

    Perception and psychological warfare will go a long way in keeping you safe. That is number 1 on the list!
    Being Confident and carrying a mean looking,(ie dangerous looking) weapon, will go a long way in keeping you safe.
    Because not many people are going to want to test you, to find out how dangerous you really are.

    But if you look unarmed or scared, you will be dead meat.
    A “conceal weapon” is a good backup to your primary weapon, but the primary one should be both visible and look mean,(all guns look mean or dangerous ).
    Better to scare them off than to fight them off and risk injury or death, as there will be limited medical help available.

    Reply
    • Del says

      March 26, 2020 at 7:29 am

      That’s if they don’t grab the weapon off you and use it on you like what frequently happens in South Africa.

      Reply
    • Mari Limbough says

      November 22, 2020 at 11:34 am

      H r so right,tho u still need to carry some of the other items…the ones u have r good at.like if have more than one attacker at once

      Reply
  6. gcaverly says

    November 5, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Great suggestions. Remember Macgyver. Remember his response to Lisa when she asked how do you do this stuff. His response was the stuff is already there. I just find a different way to use it. Adapt and adopt different ways to use common items in your ability to defend yourself. The true ingredients of creativity in survival.

    Reply
  7. JConrad says

    May 7, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    Actually, an umbrella is great for shade on a sunny day.

    Reply
  8. Candyman says

    January 3, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Hammer, tools, broom stick, sling shoot, bean shooter, saw blades, wife purse, having multiple people at your place during the shtf, just use your imagination you’ll think of something

    Reply
    • Keri k says

      November 22, 2020 at 10:05 am

      Exactly!!

      Reply
  9. Thebigdaddyo says

    December 23, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    The best defense is a gun my choice is a .45 wheel gun. But in line with this article at home I have a fixed blade innocuously hidden within three steps anywhere in the house. A policeman’s maglite is next to every door-way, as is a fire-extinguisher (sprayed in someones face is a great diversion, as well as putting out fires.) In every car on the floorboard is either a long metal shank framers hammer or another policeman’s maglite, or in one – two very large rocks. (You can always explain the hammer as a tool used for this or that and left in the car and the rock, well, you were collecting it) Of course, my daily walk around back-pack has a folding Sparco, a fixed 4-inch knife, a Leatherman and a roll of quarters. SO basically, either at home or on the road, I will either cut you up or beat the hell out of you if I don’t put a hole in you.

    Reply
    • Sierra Dawn Burtch says

      November 22, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      I would not want to mess with you when SHTF ! big daddyo.

      Reply
  10. Survivor says

    June 4, 2018 at 10:22 am

    Survival is not for the faint hearted.
    Be prepared to use whatever weapons you have at your disposal to protect yourself against an attacker.
    Fight dirty because your attacker is definitely going to.
    Broken beer bottles make excellent improvised weapons.
    So do bricks, pipes and chains.
    Following the law is not going to save save you from an attack.

    Reply
    • Aiden King says

      January 6, 2021 at 8:29 am

      I’m 14 and I can win a fight with a feather. I’m not worried about fighting dirty

      Reply
  11. Thomas Johns says

    February 10, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    Some good ideas, and yes anything could potentially become a lethal weapon. The scarf as a garotte is a good idea. My edc, besides my pocket knife is a large cotton bandana. I wrap $5 in quarters in one corner and keep if slightly hanging from my pocket with the quarters in my pocket. The quarters can be used as a cudgel to smack an attacker as well as keeping it from falling out of your pocket. It is a multiple purpose tool as it can be used as an emergency bandage or tourniquete or just to mop the sweat from your brow.

    Reply
  12. Clifford Ishii says

    November 14, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    Have and carry a Jo staff if you can’t have a gun.

    Reply
  13. RAY MCKENDRY says

    September 17, 2017 at 5:05 pm

    Well I also welcome this discussion because law and order has broken down as we have left the old moorings that we had in society and we have to have something other than alarm systems in our yards and homes. The home invaders do not pay any attention to them whatever at 2 or 3am! We all have a right to defend ourselves and government agencies, police and neighbours will probably not be able to get to you in time to save you. So I say, all the best to those who have practical advice as to how we can appropriately defend our loved ones and ourselves in the event of a violent attack.

    Reply
  14. Isabella says

    July 8, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    Okay, some of us live in place like most countries of europe where having a gun is not a option. Walking with a knife in your purse is reason for arrest. How do you make you house save . How to barricade? How to have something that really doesn’t look like a weapon but still can be off help?

    Reply
    • Todd says

      January 25, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      For barricading your home, there’s kits for entry doors that make it virtually impossible to kick it in, of course unless it’s a hollow core. Motion lights sometimes are enough to scare someone away at night, just make sure they’re really bright. A flashlight with a strobe feature can briefly disorient an attacker or home invader, especially if it’s the green laser base. Idk if pepper spray is legal or not where you live, but one with a strong enough compound will stop an attacker for a great deal of time. I recommend learning even basic hand to hand self defense, especially if you’re a female. There’s plenty of options or ideas, but if you never train or plan, all of them are useless anyways. If you need any more ideas or have questions, feel free to ask away.

      Reply
      • Bria Lapoint says

        December 24, 2018 at 7:14 am

        Cane swords, if they are allowed in Europe. Or take a martial arts class.

        Reply
      • Jerry says

        November 23, 2020 at 5:02 pm

        Bear spray, it will stop a grizzlie ! And legal to carry in Bear country.

        Reply
    • Bria Lapoint says

      December 24, 2018 at 7:06 am

      Cane sword are lovely. I dont know if Europe allows those. I know some states in the US are somewhat strict on weapons too. If all else fails, buy a DVD on martial arts and learn it.

      Reply
      • Dutch says

        November 22, 2020 at 3:05 pm

        Martial Arts…… A fantastic suggestion. I have been studying for over 10 years. I’m a 2nd Dan Black belt. Not to say I know everything because clearly that’s not the case. I will forever be a student of the arts. Getting my Black belt was just the beginning. So many people talk of defending themselves and go immediately to the hand gun. I always say that eventually you are going to run out of bullets and then where will you be? Wherever I go I seem to run into other martial artists. Maybe it’s just my luck or advocating for the arts. Many times you can study with them for little or no cost. Why not train? Someone spoke of a cane as self defense. Excellent idea, it’s the only legal weapon that you can fly with, especially if you have an old football injury that flames up around travel time. Martial arts can introduce you to knife, stick, staff, sword, cane, tomahawk and a bunch of weapons and most importantly how to use them. I will still advise to get firearms training but know what to do if it doesn’t go bang.

        Reply
    • Candyman says

      January 3, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      If they want in they’re going to get in. A car can go through the single story houses. Even if your door is blocked. Pepper spray. Or make your own in a small spray bottle. (crushed chili peppers jalapeno anything you’ll find like ghost peppers and everything imaginable crush them up put them in some hot water let them sit for a while in a glass mason jar and then straighten it and then put into the small spray bottle). Hard wood cane. Make it where you can put keys, coins or something in the handle or even a small chain to wrap around the handle. Coin rolls in a sock double sock it. If you know how to fight make yourself some gloves with metal knockles like coins or so on top paint them the color of the gloves.

      Reply
    • Gabrielle Paz says

      January 9, 2019 at 10:12 am

      Also, a big dog that won’t bark at nothing is a great deterrent. I had one, and boy, was he good. When he barked, the neighbors paid attention. He wasn’t a gossip like the others in the neighborhood.

      Reply
    • Anon says

      July 5, 2019 at 6:51 am

      When countries no longer allow having a gun or knife to protect yourself, it is time to leave that country.

      Reply
    • LaVoris Stinchcomb says

      November 22, 2020 at 9:26 am

      Antifa uses lasers to blind people. Might look into that.

      Reply
  15. Montana Jack says

    June 8, 2017 at 12:00 am

    The author had me until he said “if you find yourself in a place where firearms aren’t allowed.” Really?
    After a grid-down situation, when life becomes cheap and people will kill you for a can of food, you’re going to be concerned about gun-free zones?

    And to all you geniuses who plan on carrying only a knife, baseball bat or some kind of spray, good luck with that. Two-legged apex predators are going to be armed with short, medium and long-range firearms. They’re going to pick you off before you know what hit you. I plan to be equally armed to protect my family, community, and myself.

    Reply
    • Bria Lapoint says

      December 24, 2018 at 7:13 am

      There are states and places where guns are considered illegal. Nevermind that making firearms illegal is against the bill of rights (or the constitution dont hate, its been a long time since i looked at both, but i know its one of the two) Also, other countries have banned guns, some banned all guns and some only certain types.

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        December 27, 2018 at 5:47 pm

        Always remember, the attackers won’t be worried about following the law. It seems that there are deliberate events involving gun shooting that sure seems that they were constructed and delivered to turn people against the right to bear arms and protect themselves, or others. All countries need to wake up and each citizen needs to realize what these bans actually mean for all involved.

        Reply
      • Anon says

        July 5, 2019 at 6:54 am

        After banning guns, tyranny soon follows.

        Reply
    • Mic says

      November 22, 2020 at 10:19 am

      Exactly correct. Now if you live where they don’t allow you to have guns or knives legally, Moving away to a gun friendly area is a great idea, if you can do so,
      If not, then you must decide what is more important, your life or their laws?

      If it is illegal, then the weapon would not be for EDC use or carry, You would store it away and it would only be unpacked after things got where there was no Rule of Law in operation.

      This is where the author mixes up his concepts. After SHTF, anything goes, but for EDC carry in normal times, you should try to conform to the law, at least when out in public.

      Reply
  16. rick burkeen says

    March 8, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    I sometimes wonder if people who are so against guns have had their gun rights revoked for a criminal charge or deemed unstable. It would seem the first thought a person in that situation would have is “If I can’t have a gun, I don’t want anyone to have a gun.” And, I would add, that is fairly logical thinking, since you are now at an immediate and severe disadvantage.

    Reply
    • murter says

      November 6, 2019 at 11:41 am

      rick burkeen; your comment is illogical. Ppl who are banned from having guns are more likely to access them illegally (deviant or criminal mindsets and not logical thinkers). They aren’t likely thinking about others having guns. Anyway the ppl who are against guns are not a threat- if they won’t possess guns they won’t be using them against you.

      Reply
  17. Patrick says

    November 13, 2016 at 12:06 am

    Also,a knife can be used with the right training to not be lethal and help a soft target hold off an attacker as she is retreating and screaming for help. But be prepared to use a lethal cavity thrust[s] [stab] as the attacker rushes and grabs on to her as a final defense. I myself would prefer a knife over any of these other options as you can still fight with the knife even held on the ground under your attacker.

    Reply
    • Dutch says

      November 22, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      Why would you train to not be lethal with a bladed weapon? We’re talking about a SHTF situation . They will show no mercy. No one pulls out a weapon and doesn’t intend to use it If you intend on scaring someone, that will get you killed.

      Reply
  18. SP says

    September 5, 2016 at 10:32 am

    Check your local laws, having #1, 2 or 3 on your person or even owning one can be illegal in some states.

    I found it odd that I could conceal carry a gun in MA, but stun guns and pepper spray were illegal.

    Also, the “personal protection” pepper spray that you buy is not the same as the “bear-stop” pepper spray. Different concentrations/potency. Bear pepper spray will likely stop a human assailant, but human pepper spray likely will not stop a bear (just giving yourself some seasoning for the bear).

    Almost all of these weapons require you to be danger-close to what is attacking you, so you better also learn some sort of self defense/martial arts where you are the weapon.

    Reply
    • SP says

      September 5, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Also, don’t believe the TV shows/movies when it comes to stun guns, there are a fair # of people that have little to no reaction to getting stunned (especially if they are on drugs), they don’t necessarily fall down every time and almost never go unconscious.

      The “stun effect” only happens while both electrodes are touching the person and you are pulling the trigger sending electricity into them. As soon as you break that connection or stop pulling the trigger, the effect immediately ends and you have a pissed off person that has immediate control of their body again.

      Reply
  19. Juanita says

    January 15, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    It can be googled. There are canes that do double duty as they are also stun guns.

    Reply
  20. Victoria Klingonsmit says

    December 31, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    Try wasp spray as a substitute for pepper spray.

    Reply
    • Cheryl says

      November 19, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      A can of wasp spray is so big. Have you ever seen a small can of spray?

      Reply
    • J L Smith says

      January 5, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Wasp spray is not to be used on humans. It can be fatal to a human, and YOU will end up in jail. Pepper spray will not work on some people, and definitely will not work on an assailant wearing glasses.

      I ask myself, what do the police carry? Their lives are on the line everyday, and their primary defense weapon is a gun. They also do carry other less lethal weapons for various reasons, such as animal attacks, etc. but the average citizen, having no radio, and no back up, needs to be able to reliably stop an attacker before they can kill or maim said citizen. None of the items listed will do that. By all means, have several items handy with which to defend yourself, but, in the end, the best fight is the one you avoid in the first place.

      Reply
      • Johninokla says

        July 25, 2018 at 4:27 am

        Are you really worried about what happens to someone attacking you or would you rather get out of the situation alive yourself? I’d rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

        Reply
        • Steve says

          July 18, 2020 at 12:38 pm

          Absolutely correct! I’ll take my chances with normal people any day!

          Reply
  21. Aaron StClair says

    December 23, 2015 at 11:46 pm

    Gee, anything could be used as an weapon. Better start banning them forks and spoons!

    Reply
  22. Buddys Discounts says

    December 23, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Not bad, but Wasp Spray is recommended more then pepper spray since it has a longer range

    Reply
    • Rccky says

      August 27, 2019 at 10:59 am

      Wasp spray last time i read the label or even smelled it while being spraying has a hi contents of ether witch is very flammable.

      Reply
      • owlspot says

        November 5, 2019 at 3:02 pm

        So, don’t use it when you use your stun gun or you will set fire to your assailant. new York City cops found out the hard way that pepper spray + stun gun = Perp Flambe’

        Reply

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