[Gregster]

Originally Posted by Come Again?

those things get all bent out of shape once you hit something really hard with them, and then after that if your trying to straighten it back up FORGET IT. you might not even be able to open/close it anymore

That would be the result of a) accident or b) unintended technique. If you're striking with anything other than the ****l ball on the end, either in a quick whipping motion, a short/fast rapping hit (like on the skull or collarbone) or a jabbing, fencing motion to the solar plexus, you're deploying it all wrong.

If you're using it like a cudgel, you're bound to screw it up.

[peregrine]

Originally Posted by Gregster

You sure about that?

Cop/lawyer: "Why did you have a 12" screwdriver sitting in the passenger door of your car?"
You: "Obviously, in case I...you know...had to tighten up some screws while I'm driving."

a screwdriver is easilly dismissed as opposed to a knife/baton/bat/gun

[KOU In3]

On the screwdriver: I've never had one in the car for any type of self-defense purposes but I have had one present in the driver's door sill area (map pocket) for legitimate use in a number of vehicles so I'd agree that it would be easily dismissed.

On the baton bending/getting warped: Look at it this way. If you end up with it bent, ruined, or not collapsing anymore because you used it to defend yourself, then big deal. You're out a $70 baton. Sounds like money well spent to keep your person intact and your wallet with you.

As to actually carrying one though, personally I think it would be hard to justify it as anything other than a concealed weapon and I'd look for alternatives that are less likely to land me in legal trouble if deployed.

Just my $0.02 though.

[aries]

Originally Posted by Come Again?

those things get all bent out of shape once you hit something really hard with them, and then after that if your trying to straighten it back up FORGET IT. you might not even be able to open/close it anymore

Yeah but not against its intended target a human being unless its wolverine or fedor

[Urban]

Originally Posted by antant

Additionally, pepper spray is by FAR the best self defense weapon you can have. Spray and run for help.

+1 for pepper spray... That shit fucking HURTS! if you have never been pepper sprayed before you have no idea just how much pain that little can can induce.

[peregrine]

my gf told me of this guy in her class at college who has a baton/pepper spray and knife on his belt.

[#1can]

Originally Posted by Gregster

If you're striking with anything other than the ****l ball on the end, either in a quick whipping motion, a short/fast rapping hit (like on the skull or collarbone) or a jabbing, fencing motion to the solar plexus, you're deploying it all wrong.

i've only played around with these things a little bit, and it was a while ago, but wouldn't a "jabbing, fencing motion" collapse the baton?

[Gregster]

Originally Posted by #1can

i've only played around with these things a little bit, and it was a while ago, but wouldn't a "jabbing, fencing motion" collapse the baton?

Not if you extend the baton with some authori-tah when bringing it to bear. You can jab a person in the solar plexus or throat good and hard, no problem. I've dented 2x4 fence posts practicing that maneuver.

If you open in correctly, collapsing it back involves holding it tip-down and ramming it with a smooth, forceful motion onto a hard surface, preferably paved.

[Gregster]

Originally Posted by peregrine

my gf told me of this guy in her class at college who has a baton/pepper spray and knife on his belt.

Does he have a sign around his neck that says "moody, friendless loner?"

[Gregster]

Originally Posted by Urban

+1 for pepper spray... That shit fucking HURTS! if you have never been pepper sprayed before you have no idea just how much pain that little can can induce.

I've not been pepper-sprayed. I've gotten a number of good whiffs of CS and CN teargas during my time in the Corps; it sucked 100 kinds of ass, and I've heard from people who've supposedly been hit by both that compared to breathing capsacin, teargas is breath freshener.

So I've no desire to catch a facefull of that shit.