You Are Never Defenseless

I would rather not feel obliged to write this essay. But a young woman who was raped was demeaned and degraded by a know-it-all politician,  a woman who actually knew nothing about the circumstances, on TV. She was trying to explain that a concealed carry permit would have allowed her to protect herself with a gun. She was ripped by the liberal gun hater that was not there, but thought she still knew best.

This is for all women. You don't need a gun to defend yourself. In cities where women are most in danger, it is often impossible to get a CCP or even a gun. So, what are the alternatives. Your best alternative is a knife. Not just any knife. You must keep it legal. A folding knife with a blade less than three inches will cover that. No switch blades allowed. The cheap ones are useless, and they are all illegal except for law enforcement and military. It must open with one hand and lock open. Usually by means of a stud mounted on the blade that you can move with your thumb. It does not have to be super expensive but must be good quality. I can recommend the Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Mini-Covert Fast as a good example. I own one. It is flat and light. Both the blade and grip are black, so it is inconspicuous.  It holds an edge and is easy to use.

If you carry a knife don't just drop it in your pocket or purse and forget it. Make sure that you can grab it in an instant. Especially in the dark. Practice opening it so that it becomes second nature. If you are in questionable circumstances have it in your hand. Open! Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Never, ever, threaten with it. If you are in danger use it. Without thought, without remorse, without hesitation. It may save your life. In my humble opinion, up close and personal, a knife is better than a gun. If it is difficult to open get someone that knows knives to adjust it for you. If you don't know how to sharpen it, have that same person show you.

So, if you are one of those folks that doesn't recognize good advice and don't think they need a weapon, what then. Car keys can be effective. Hold them tightly in your hand with the longest key protruding through your fingers. If attacked go for the eyes. Don't hesitate. It may save your life. Never hesitate when defending yourself. Revert to that lizard brain and become an animal. Use any thing you have, including your teeth. Bite hard and rip. Clamp on as hard as you can and use your muscles and you weight to do all the damage you can. Better your attacker in the hospital than you.

I used to do a lot of flying. Of course you weren't allowed to have weapons on a plane. I was never on a plane without weapons. Take a look at a Cross pen and pencil set. The original Cross Pens. They are metal. Shaped like a nail and very strong. Fold a handkerchief into a pad. Put that in the palm of your hand to cushion the end of the pen. Then let it stick out between you fingers. You can do a lot of damage to an attacker.

I was getting on a plane coming home from Ireland one time. There was a young woman ahead of me in line who had a rather intriguing way of holding her hair in place. She had two, what looked like fat wooden knitting needles about eight inches long crossed through a bun. I kept an eye on her all the flight. I think she was someone that felt a need to carry weapons that didn't look like weapons. Those big fat needles were good personal protection.

There are many other things that can be used as weapons in a pinch. For instance the edge of a credit card can cut like a razor if you know how. Back in the old days, women carried hat pins. Most young women in that era thought of their hatpin as their back up weapon. If you don't know what a hat pin is, Google it. But, always, if it is you or them, make sure it is them. Never, ever be a victim. Never, ever let some one take control of your body.

My final point, unless you are ripping some creeps throat out with your teeth, scream. Long and loud. But always attack. Take away the initiative. I don't know if this will help anyone. I hope it does. If anyone reads this and wants to reprint it in their own blog or newsletter, please feel free. I have daughters so I worry as do all parents. Stay safe.