How many of you carry weapons?

[adacas]

I had a friend robbed at gunpoint at the college parking lot in broad daylight. When I think about it anytime here is a good time to be carrying. I remember when i went to Fresno State a known rapist was seen at the campus and even the campus cops told them they should be in groups or carrying a weapon of some sort. Gang violence tends to get bad right before winter comes in and then they split for awhile. Everyone was paranoid. I can understand overdoing it but I don't feel that I have crossed the line. At least not yet anyways.

[Lazylycanthrope]

I don't personally carry weapons, but I could easily see disguising a Kusari-fundo, or manriki-gusari as belts. If i feel the need to carry a weapon I will most likely find a weapon that I can conceal farily easily. and at least make it look viable. (E.g no shuriken in my pockets, and a lame excuse on my lips "Honestly officer I didn't know that it was a weapon!")

[Apoth]

I don't think that anyone who carries a single blade is really overdoing it. The guys who carry six or seven blades? Well, I think that might be going a bit far and it may also be illegal (I don't feel like doing anymore legal research or I might actually find out if it is). The only time I think you can overdo it is when you lower the bar for when you would use the weapon. In another post someone said essentially that if someone took them to the ground they would gut the guy. IMO, that's overdoing it. If you're carrying it on the off-chance you'll need it, I won't fault you for it, I just choose the other way.

[kruzada]

I do ofcourse carry weapons, however most of what I carry might not even be considered a weapon to most law enforcement professionals.

Whenever I have found myself in a situation that might warrant using a weapon, i.e; multiple attackers, armed assailants, I have always had my weapon on hand (not in a bag or in my pocket) and I always keep it out of plain site until absolutely necessary.

Fortunately, I have been able to avoid any actual confrontations through avoidance, intimidation and/or de-escalating the situation verbally.

I also have no desire to spend any time in prison, or harm someone unnecessarily. I do make every effort possible to prevent a physical confrontation, but if I have no choice I will atleast always have a weapon on hand. That doesn't mean I have to use it lethaly but I always view my weapon as a back up should the confrontation ever turn life-threatening.

For example it is possible to use a tactical folder as a weapon without extending the blade. You can use it as a dulo-dulo in a one on one fight. If multiple attackers jump in (carrying weapons of their own) you may opt to extend the blade, or you may not, but at least the weapon is already in your hand and not in your hip pocket, or in a bag or jacket that you threw to the ground.

There are other options to the knife, you just have to be creative. As my brother has said, "The best weapon is the one you can carry with you all the time."

[Apoth]

Just out of curiousity, what's a "dulo-dulo"? I've never heard that term before.

Also, you said you carry alot of weapons that may not be considered weapons by law enforcement. Could you give me some examples?

[kruzada]

"dulo-dulo" is a short stick usually made of kamagong or a carabao's horn that is pointed on both ends. Some are straight and others may actually be arched like a horn. I have had Police officers and bouncers take a close look at it and hand it back to me, not knowing what to make of it.

I also carry a short stick made of hardwood (no wrap on either end) that is 8 inches in length that I bought in Mexico that is actually used to strike a drum. Japanese Taiko drummers use something similar.

I carry a rolled up a martial arts magazine that is tightly wound, fastened with a single rubber band, all of the time when walking around the city at night.

These are all easy to use (for a FMA practitioner) and conceal for self defense ofcourse.

I also have a tactical folder that I can use in tandem with these weapons like Espada Y Daga.

There are others that I will not mention because I don't want to give any questionable individuals new ideas.

[adacas]

any stick that is like 6 inches or shorter will never be considered a weapon unless it is sharpened at the ends then you may have has some scrutiny. also I have seen a couple of wushu practitioners carry steel fans. they can hurt pretty bad when hit with them.

[eXcessiveForce]

don't believe that a shorter than 6 inches will not be considered a weapon. Try walking onto a plane in the US with one. Generally call kubotans they are not being confiscated by police and even doormen. Usually they just take it. But if you try to get on a plane with it you are subject to arrest. It is list on the TSA's website of banned items.

[Apoth]

My Kempo instructor usually carries a yawarra with him, but when he flies, as you said, he can't. Instead, he sharpens three pencils nice and sharp and stuffs them into his breast pocket.

My arnis instructors actually carry pens. They are just about the thickest, most durable pens I've ever seen and are heavy as hell. Great for being used as a yawarra.

[one sword]

Hey Apoth,

I live in TN, thank you for the legal clarification.

I do carry when: I am walking alone, I have family with me(that I would want to protect before myself), in the wilderness or the city, and whenever I generally feel threatened.

I do not carry when: I am going to be drinking, I am going to be around other people drinking, or in any place that a weapon is prohibited. If it comes down to it I am not afraid to go into a fight unarmed if I have to. It sucks when someone else has a bottle in his hand and you have jack to extend your range, but still, that is why I train hard.

If I do choose to carry a weapon while drinling(some parties and bars can be unexpectedly dangerous and randomly violent), I choose to carry a roll of nickels wrapped in electric tape. This is not illegal like brass knuckles, it only costs two dollars, and it will knock someone the h3!! out.

I don't carry mostly because I don't want to kill anyone, and that is what knives are for. Apoth's news statistics were right. The FBI says the same thing. Nearly all people who are killed in muggings tried to fight back. Most stabbings happen during domestic disputes.

If I ever saw someone threaten the life of my family or a dear friend then that person would not be healthy for long. A handicap or worse would be their gift.

Carrying a weapon is a good idea in a lot of situations, but as always it is how one uses the tool that creates its usefullness.

[adacas]

Yeah thanks for clearing that up with the airplane thing. My sister got into trouble when she brought a pair of those little scissors that clip on your keychain to the airport. Then my uncle got in trouble for taking his measuring tape on board with him. Its funny that you mention pens because I have a heavy duty titanium metal one and it could be pretty handy as both a weapon and a tool for getting chicks numbers.

[eXcessiveForce]

hell they let people take heavy cains on planes still. So learn to walk with a convincing limp, Carry a couple bics I always though it would be nice to jam that into someones eye and break it off. A pencil is good too.

[one sword]

Here is legal tip for legal weapons carry(this could be hearsay). Thanks to the American Disabilities Act, you may carry a cane without being questioned about the reason you must walk with it. Even through an airport security checkpoint. It has to fit into a certain criteria. No straight sticks with wrapped handles. I'm not sure about all the details, but you can check it out, along with some evil combat-canes run a search for canemasters.

[grimel]

Originally posted by one sword


If I do choose to carry a weapon while drinling(some parties and bars can be unexpectedly dangerous and randomly violent), I choose to carry a roll of nickels wrapped in electric tape. This is not illegal like brass knuckles, it only costs two dollars, and it will knock someone the h3!! out.

First, stay out of the Red Dog Saloon. Second, have you whacked anyone with the nickels? It'll be awfully hard to explain to a LEO/DA just why the nickels were wrapped in electrical tape.

Now, if you are a mechanic, a sparkplug socket works. If not, a mini mag light is just about the same size as a kubaton.

[eXcessiveForce]

roll of quarters is better.