Top 10 Choices for Non-Lethal Self-Defense
By: Dwayne Surgill
Non-lethal self-defense weapons are gaining in popularity among men, women, and the elderly. Not everyone is comfortable packing a loaded gun. Non-lethal weapons provide the added security of giving the carrier something that can assist them if their life depends on it while not having to worry about special gun permits, firearms training, and the necessary safety precautions and considerations that come along with concealed carry. This article is not intended to be my advice… only my attempt to offer some good options for those interested in non-lethal options. Here are my top 10 picks for what I believe are reasonable, non-lethal, self-defense weapons that truly could be helpful if defensive action is required.
1. SABRE Police Strength Self Defense Spray
I do not recommend that you try out your self-defense spray on yourself. Take my word for it… the stuff works! Many years ago as an inquisitive, and not so intelligent teenager, I took it upon myself to experiment with some self-defense spray. I will save you the long story but let’s just suffice it to say… I am a firm believer in self-defense spray as a very effective means of non-lethal self-defense!
SABRE Police Strength Self Defense Spray checks all the boxes one would hope when looking for an effective non-lethal option for self-defense. The SABRE name comes with thousands of positive online reviews from actual satisfied customers. If that is not enough, it should also be noted that many law enforcement agencies use that brand exclusively.
SABRE Police Strength Self Defense Spray boasts a 10 foot range and carries up to 35 bursts of the potent concoction all in a compact canister that can be carried in a purse, pocket or clipped on a belt with the easy access belt clip. This spray is advertised as containing both max strength pepper spray as well as CS tear gas. The SABRE Spray also has added UV marking dye for assistance in positively identifying a suspect who has been sprayed. SABRE Spray also is stated to have a four year shelf life and comes in at a very low price, making a new purchase every four years no concern at all.
This Spray is at the top of my list for several reasons. A self-defense device such as this is no limited to battery life, such as a stun gun or Taser. The spray is very debilitating as it causes multiple problems for the assailant all as the same time… difficulty breathing, intense pain, and difficulty or inability to see. One could argue that it is possible to push through the pain of a not so well placed stab or stun devise but it is hard to ignore something that is acting on and disabling multiple senses all at once. It also lasts! A stun or a stab is limited and if the non-lethal device is taken from the individual attempting to defend themselves, the item loses its effectiveness. A spray on the other hand sticks on the assailant and lasts. Just breathing in the fumes can be enough to make one run in the other direction. As far as non-lethal options go, SABRE Spray is a hard one to beat.
PROS: Does not require physical contact with the assailant. Acts on/against various senses and is not necessarily dependent on perfect aim or placement of spray stream. Very discreet. Affordable. Long shelf life before needing replaced.
CONS: Aim and response time are a factor in effective use. Will likely also affect the user due to the spray being in the air.
2. Mace Brand Self Defense Pepper Spray Gun
This item comes in at number two because it is not as compact or discreet as the SABRE Spray discussed above. But if discreet is not a concern, the Mace Self Defense Spray Gun is most certainly a great choice as your new non-lethal means of defense.
The Mace Brand Self Defense Pepper Spray Gun contains a potent pepper spray which causes respiratory distress, coughing, impaired vision and an intense burning sensation. This spray also contains a UV dye for assisting in positively identifying an assailant. The Mace Pepper Spray Gun is two components: a “gun” and a pepper spray cartridge. The gun houses a replaceable pepper spray cartridge and also includes an LED light that can assist in the use of the spray or simply as a flashlight. The light can also be set to “strobe” mode to distract a potential threat!
The Mace “gun” has an integrated picatinny rail for attaching other tactical items such as red dots or flashlights if one so desires. The spray is advertised to have a 20’ range and the package includes a practice water cartridge to allow the user to safely practice with their “gun” without using the actual pepper spray.
PROS: Does not require physical contact with the assailant. Acts on/against various senses and is not necessarily dependent on perfect aim or placement of spray stream. Long shelf life before needing replaced.
CONS: Not as discreet as other spray options. Somewhat bulky. Aim and response time are a factor in effective use. Will likely also affect the user due to the spray being in the air.
3. VIPERTEK VTS-880 Stun Gun
If you read about the topic very much at all, you will see that stun guns are not without controversy. Companies make various claims about voltage or amperage and throw out all kinds of really high numbers that often don’t reflect reality. Placement of the business end of the stun gun can impact its effectiveness (arm as opposed to the neck of an assailant) and can make the difference between a painful experience or a debilitating one. The VIPERTEK Stun Gun beats out the other items on my list because one could say the same thing about their placement as well… knife to the arm vs knife to the neck of the assailant. All in all… a stun gun is a quick and effective non-lethal option for everyday carry.
The VIPERTEK VTS-880 Stun Gun comes recommended by thousands of positive online reviews. VIPERTEK boasts the ability to cause loss of balance or muscle control with the delivery of a shock for three to five consecutive seconds and, at a minimum, causes intense pain with only a one second shock. They recommend placement of the electrodes on the shoulders, hips, thighs, buttocks or below the rib cage.
The VIPERTEK VTS-880 is compact, measuring 2”x7/8”x4”, and includes a rechargeable battery with an advertised life of one month once initially charged for 6 to 8 hours. The VIPERTEK only has to be recharged for 1-2 hours once every month to maintain its effectiveness. It has an easy access on/off switch and a red light to indicate when the stun gun is armed. A LED flashlight is also included as an added bonus feature to make the VIPERTEK useful even when not needing to use in a self-defense situation. This unit is also available in various color options.
PROS: Stun guns are painful, distracting, and can be immobilizing if placed correctly. Compact and discreet. Can easily be carried in a pocket, handbag, or purse. Affordable.
CONS: Requires contact with the assailant. Must be recharged. Has a chance of only causing pain and not completely disabling an attacker. As with any electronic device, it has a small chance of failure to function.
4. Kershaw Cinder Pocket Knife
The Kershaw Cinder Pocket Knife could potentially be a lethal weapon if the cut is placed in the right area… or I suppose I should say “wrong” area if you are really concerned about being non-lethal. But the Kershaw’s 1.4 inch blade is not exactly the most effective choice if lethal is your intent… that is why this knife made it on my list.
The Kershaw Cinder is super compact and includes a lanyard/keychain hole. It is a tiny 2.6 inches when closed and only 4 inches when the blade is open. It has a safety lock to securely lock the blade when open. Kershaw backs this little knife with a limited warranty for the lifetime of the original owner but, all the right parts or made of steel, so one would suspect warranty would not be in issue. The Kershaw Cinder is very inexpensive and comes highly recommended according to online reviews.
A knife is super useful for many other reasons other than self-defense… opening boxes, opening mail, cutting string, trimming stems… and the Cinder has a bottle opener too! The Kershaw Cinder Pocket Knife is a great choice as a useful self-defense weapon and for other activities one is more likely to find themselves involved in.
PROS: Compact, discreet, and affordable. Various uses.
CONS: Could potentially cause a lethal injury. Effectiveness is limited to the ability of the user and the placement of the weapon on the assailant.
5. WEREWOLVES Paracord Knife Bracelet
For those not intimidated by the option of considering a small knife as their “non-lethal” option, the WEREWOLVES Paracord Knife Bracelet is a practical choice. The bracelet is made from tactical EDC paracord which is woven from seven-core parachute rope. WEREWOLVES has fashioned the paracord into an attractive bracelet to be worn on the wrist that latches by what appears to be an oversized clasp. The clasp actually contains a short knife blade!
The WEREWOLVES Paracord Knife Bracelet is advertised as most comfortably fitting those with wrists measuring 5.5 to 6.5 inch wrists. It is available in multiple color options and the metal components are indicated as being corrosion resistant and anti-aging. This knife bracelet would be a wearable option for either men or women and has a respectable number of positive online reviews.
PROS: Compact and affordable. Can simply be used as a nice looking bracelet. Paracord could be used if needed in an emergency situation.
CONS: Knife could potentially cause a lethal injury. Effectiveness is limited to the ability of the user and the placement of the weapon on the assailant.
6. ANKAKA Tactical Pen
The ANKAKA Tactical Pen is a unique item that is most certainly not going to typically result in a lethal encounter. Its wins out the number 6 spot for its ability to not only act as a reasonable non-lethal defense weapon but also offers several other options that are very reasonable for use on a daily basis.
The ANKAKA Tactical Pen is made from aircraft aluminum and is pretty much made to be a blunt force jabbing or stabbing devise. It is about as long as a typical ink pen and, despite being slightly thicker than the average pen, it could still be discreetly carried in one’s pocket, clipped on a belt, or hidden in a purse or handbag. In addition to being made with a slightly pointed, blunt end for use in defensive situations, the ANKAKA Tactical Pen actually is a usable ink pen that accepts standard refills.
The ANKAKA Tactical Pen contains a flashlight, bottle opener, screw driver, and hexagonal wrench. The gift box comes with 5 ink refills for your new pen and 6 batteries to power the flashlight. This multi-use pen has an impressive number of positive online reviews and is very affordable.
PROS: Offers various uses. Discreet and affordable.
CONS: Effective use is limited to the ability of the user. Since the product does nothing other than jab or stab without having any type of cutting edge, placement when used as a defensive weapon is vital for its effectiveness.
7. Kaiyuan Dynasty Hand Held Aluminum Keychain
The Kaiyuan Dynasty Aluminum Keychain is a great option for those desiring a compact self-defense item that is not dependent on the life of spray or batteries while not delivering the possible “lethal” potential that could come with a small knife. This item is basically an aluminum shaft with a point. This would be used to jab or press into an assailant to cause pain and discomfort.
The Kaiyuan Dynasty Aluminum Keychain is compact, measuring 5.5 inches long and weighing only 1.4 ounces. It is intended to attach to your keys but could also be carried by itself in a pocket or purse/handbag.
I suppose the creative individual could find some other uses for this devise but its intent seems to be quite limited. It is, however, very inexpensive and comes with two “keychains” (black and argent)… maybe one for the keys and one for the handbag or car. The Kaiyuan Dynasty Aluminum Keychain has a respectable number of positive online reviews.
PROS: Somewhat discreet. Affordable. Comes in a two pack.
CONS: Very limited use for anything other than a defensive item. Effective use is limited to the ability of the user. Since the product does nothing other than jab or stab without having any type of cutting edge, placement when used as a defensive weapon is vital for its effectiveness.
8. Williams Defense Key
Similar to the Kaiyaun Keychain, the Williams Defense Key is intended to be used as a jabbing or stabbing devise but does not have a sharp blade that would intentionally cut. It is tiny… measuring in at only 3.57 inches long, 1.85 inches wide, and a slender .39 inches thick much like a key! The Williams Defense Key is made to be threaded on a keychain along with your keys but could also be placed on a lanyard or keychain by itself or simply carried by itself in a pocket, purse, or handbag. I would have to think it could be easily lost if not attached to something more substantial however due to its small size.
The Williams Defense Key has a handle for gripping effectively when used as a defensive device and its tip also serves as a Phillips head screwdriver. This items has a one year limited warranty and also has a respectable number of positive online reviews.
PROS: Very discreet. Affordable. Can be used as a screwdriver. Very easily carried as a keychain or concealed in a pocket, purse, or handbag.
CONS: Limited use. Very small which most likely makes it a little more difficult to grab and hold as compared to a slightly larger keychain type defensive item. Effective use is limited to the ability of the user. Since the product does nothing other than jab or stab without having any type of cutting edge, placement when used as a defensive weapon is vital for its effectiveness.
9. Guard Dog Security Stun Gun, Flashlight, and Glass Breaker
The Guard Dog Security Stun Gun, Flashlight, and Glass Breaker is an interesting item to say the least. It’s not compact or discreet… measuring in at 18.75 inches long. It does seem to be useful and worthy of mention, however, for various reasons.
The Guard Dog looks like a nightstick but is advertised as a stun gun and indicated as not being intended as a blunt force weapon. I’m sure it could do the job it required though! When used as advertised, it boasts an advertised 7.5 million volts of power delivered on an end that is made from aircraft aluminum and reportedly capable of being capable as a glass breaking device. It looks like a head knocker to me but… sure, we will go with glass breaker.
In addition to its stunning and glass breaking abilities, the Guard Dog Security Stun Gun is a functional 260 lumen flashlight which produces a white light beam to light up the dark or shine in the face of attackers. It is a little pricier than other items on the list but has various uses and is backed by a good amount of positive online reviews.
PROS: It is a stun gun so all the benefits of a stun gun apply. Could be used as a type of club although not recommended by the manufacturer. Has a flashlight.
CONS: Stun gun limited to battery life. Requires contact with the assailant. Long and not easily concealed. Not reasonable for personal carry… unless you carry in a large purse or bag/backpack.
10. KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm
The KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm is absolutely a non-lethal defensive choice, as it is a personal alarm and not meant to be used for striking or harming an assailant… other than possibly hurting their ears. I included it on the list because some individuals may not want to cause any type of harm but are very interested in causing distraction while alerting others that they are in need of assistance. This would also be a viable options for those who feel they are not capable of causing any type of harm even if they had a weapon due to their size or physical limitations.
The KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm produces 140db of sound with the simple push of a button and can last up to 50 minutes with continuous use.
*140db is comparable to a gun shot or fireworks and would be louder than a jackhammer or a jet plane engine. The KOSIN is powered by three AG13/LR44 batteries and is advertised to last for one year before the owner should consider changing the batteries.
The KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm measures in at 1.7”x.7”x2.7” and includes an attached keychain. It could easily be carried in a pocket, handbag or purse. The KOSIN comes in a three pack, includes an LED light, and is very affordable.
PROS: Affordable. Definitely non-lethal. Compact and easy to carry and conceal. Has a flashlight.
CONS: Definitely non-lethal… not a weapon at all. Dependent on battery life. Electronic devices are always susceptible to mechanical failure. Dependent on others responding to provide assistance or on the chance that the assailant is deterred by the very loud noise. Has the potential to be accidentally turned on.