I loved all the responses I got from you all about carrying a weapon and pepper spray specifically! I really enjoy your emails.

In fact, I’m adding a part 4: Improvised Weapons to this topic since you sent me some great ideas. Besides, I love the idea of using everyday objects for some impromptu self-defense.

Before we jump into discussing knives, I had one reader send in an experience about actually using pepper spray to fight off an attacker from a wheelchair! I’m inspired by stories like this where someone is able to defend themselves effectively, despite any disadvantages.

Here’s Terry’s story:

“Hi! I live in a wheelchair, having lost my left leg to an infection. A major Major bummer since I’m a nurse, and dealing with infections is my stock and trade. 

Anyway, I have had to use pepper spray and I had quite good effects. I was out at dusk, returning home from Walmart, and a couple of the homeless folks came up to walk with me. Some do, to protect – it is Oklahoma – and some come over because they know I don’t give money, but I will buy them a meal.  

In this case, though, the girl just came to say hi and the guy to cause trouble. I already knew which way the wind was blowing – good street craft. I carry my can on a leather holder attached to my key chain, which I keep close, as the keys are also weapons.

When he made a pass at my purse, I let him have it. Didn’t feel guilty, because she and I had already warned him I’d do it. Five minutes later when the cops arrived, his eyes were still closed and tearing.

The police hauled him off, and when he was released next day they drove him to a town waaaayyyyyy west of us and told him to keep heading west. Haven’t seen him since.”

Kudos to this reader for warning the man and trying to defuse the situation, but ultimately fighting back and staying safe.

Should you carry a knife for self-defense?

Pros:

• Inexpensive.
• Small and easy to keep with you.
• Can deter an attack by pulling it out.
• Not always lethal.
• A handy tool to have for everyday needs.

Cons:

• Can be lethal. Can also cause pain, bleeding and/or severe injuries to an attacker which can be shocking if you’re not prepared.
• Requires skill and practice.
• Have to be close to the attacker to use.
• Might be slow to deploy without practice (if it’s buried in the bottom of your purse).
• As with all weapons, it can be used against you.
• Can be illegal depending on your location and the type of knife

So what should you do if you’d like to carry a knife for self-defense?

First, read up on the laws in your area before purchasing a knife and learn what is legal and what isn’t.

#1 rule about weapons: Practice before you actually need it!!

Before using a knife to defend yourself, I would recommend the following:

• Buy a knife that is legal and fits your hand well. It should have a clip to keep it easily accessible and be easy for you to quickly open. Practice pulling it out and opening it until you are very familiar with the motions.
• Take a class taught by someone specifically geared to teach about fighting with a knife. Call local martial art schools or companies geared to teach defensive tactics.
• Make sure the training includes practice with a rubber knife and opponents simulating attacks until you’re able to react without having to stop and think.
• When you feel ready, actually practice stabbing the knife into an appropriate simulation – like a piece of meat. You can wrap it in old clothing, leave the bone in, etc., to get a feel for what it might be like before you’re in a real situation. Start slow and carefully, practicing both slashes and stabs. A common danger is for your hand to slip down onto the blade, cutting your own fingers, when the knife makes contact and slows. Learning all this in a controlled environment will help considerably in a real-life situation.
• Finally, mentally prepare yourself to use a knife by running through possible scenarios in your mind and make sure you’re ready to follow through. If you’re not, it might be better to leave the knife at home, rather than freeze and risk it being taken from you.

Let me know if I missed anything!

And if any of you have used a knife in an altercation before, how did it go? Good or bad? I’d love to hear from you.

Stay safe out there!

______________________ 

Misty’s Writing Update:

I got quite a few informative suggestions about weapon use, many of which I’ll be mentioning when I discuss improvised weapons – keep the ideas coming!

One reader, Janet, even mentioned that, with the right training my character, Rita, could go up against a gun completely unarmed.

Turns out that if the attacker is close enough with the gun, she’s right! I know a handful of techniques to use against close-in gun attacks and am keeping an eye out for a good spot to write that into the story. Thanks, Janet!

My character, Rita, has already used her sticks to save a fellow survivor, and is now at the point in the story where she’s wondering just how far she’s willing as society falls down around her. I love that part!

Once again, Steph and I write a bit too much and are now scrambling to make sure we can fit everything in before we hit the end of Book 1. Lots of cutting and pasting going on in our outline for Book 1 and some plot lines are getting sent ahead to Book 2.

We just have so many fun ideas and really enjoy brainstorming them back and forth until we come up with exciting stuff.

Good thing we’re both pretty easy-going people and flexible, so it’ll all result in an exciting read.

Happy reading this week,

— Misty 🙂