Household items that double as defence

[Plymtom]

Humans are equipped with weapons at birth. They are called fists. If you have ever been hit by one belonging to an adult male, you would understand just how powerful a blow can be. "God created man, but Samuel Colt made them equal" - Samuel Colt

You got me thinking with that one again Firstly I've been really lucky rarely in over half a century of life and younger than 20 when last had any trouble which came to blows ( nothing I had started) I thought yeah fists can be painful, our family have been looking at self defense training and techniques realizing we need to work on that, no matter what you have to bring to the fight should it come to you, you have to be prepared to use it and suitably trained, which brings me to the famous Sam Colt Quote.. I like it, yet being me I have issues when I think about it, firstly I'm not into god nor the creation thing, and secondly when Sam did what he did (and I'm glad he did) you were only ever equals in theory if both were similarly armed and similarly capable, some of the era practiced, they became feared and respected, depending upon who or what they were, they were the best and the worst of humanity, but the gun is here and here it should stay.
We intend to get some foam/rubber imitation weapons to train with for disarming/self defending techniques, the time has passed for simply not wanting to be a victim, and have the skills to deliver a "proportionate response" if attacked, a lack of skills could all too easily lead to raising the game and the danger too quickly, like everything as we progress we realize it is more about having real options than a cast iron plan.

[SoCal92057]

Humans are equipped with weapons at birth. They are called fists. If you have ever been hit by one belonging to an adult male, you would understand just how powerful a blow can be. "God created man, but Samuel Colt made them equal" - Samuel Colt

You got me thinking with that one again Firstly I've been really lucky rarely in over half a century of life and younger than 20 when last had any trouble which came to blows ( nothing I had started) I thought yeah fists can be painful, our family have been looking at self defense training and techniques realizing we need to work on that, no matter what you have to bring to the fight should it come to you, you have to be prepared to use it and suitably trained, which brings me to the famous Sam Colt Quote.. I like it, yet being me I have issues when I think about it, firstly I'm not into god nor the creation thing, and secondly when Sam did what he did (and I'm glad he did) you were only ever equals in theory if both were similarly armed and similarly capable, some of the era practiced, they became feared and respected, depending upon who or what they were, they were the best and the worst of humanity, but the gun is here and here it should stay.
We intend to get some foam/rubber imitation weapons to train with for disarming/self defending techniques, the time has passed for simply not wanting to be a victim, and have the skills to deliver a "proportionate response" if attacked, a lack of skills could all too easily lead to raising the game and the danger too quickly, like everything as we progress we realize it is more about having real options than a cast iron plan.

I think you have over thought the Colt quote. First, it is not about your belief in a deity. The quote was used in advertising to sell Colt firearms by conveying the message that the largest bad guy could be stopped by a small victim. Second, there is no reason to assume that an armed attacker, whatever the weapon used, will be any more or less capable than you in the use of that weapon. Depending upon the laws, you may work to achieve whatever level of proficiency you desire. Most of the criminal element will retreat when they encounter strong and credible resistance. Other than a drug induced crazy or mental defective, there is no advantage to a criminal continuing the attack if there is a chance he may lose and go to jail or end up dead. Better for the criminal to retreat and look for a victim who is less able to defend themselves.

[Plymtom]

I think you have over thought the Colt quote

Guilty It's a sound bite that I like every time I hear it, then I think and look what happens I think we all have mental images of the bad gunslinger form westerns, where the truth is things were not like that all the time and that the gun was as it remains more important to have as a peace keeper, certainly in your country, without them to coin a phrase you all might as well "assume the position".
My main lesson learnt from all this self defense talk is simply that we need to practice techniques and not be too scared by our own laws, indeed we are probably less likely to cross the line of what is "appropriate force" when dealing with an attacker ( or even an intruder standing Their ground rather than running) if as police/soldier do, we practice safely, if as many believe times are going to get tougher, desperate people doing criminal deeds to the hoards of defenseless victims will be more common place, all our items to hand may prove of use to any of us, but we need to know more than that they are there, we need to have some "muscle memory" type thing to get to the defensive stance and ready to act if needs be, that attacker is probably for the most part depending on the element of surprise and shock, met with anything but that could turn the tables and save your life.

[IfInDoubt]

The thing that bothers me about having items which could be used as weapons is that once inside, the other guy could grab one and use it as a weapon....

Unless you leave your doors and windows flapping in the breeze one would have to assume that the scrote you find poking around your house in the middle of the night already has a pry bar. screwdriver, jemmy, crowbar, hammer or the most evil of evil a knife, that would be my REASONABLE assumption anyway. So as I set about him/them with an antique mahogany Edwardian cat sculpture and bind him with some lamp flex I am pretty sure that in the aftermath at least one of those items WOULD be found in his possession.

[Holomon]

Just my tuppence worth, but a long time ago I was taught a very simple rule; "Any form of confrontation or fight is not a sport, it's not for you to be honourable and fight fair. The idea is to put the opponent down in the fastest possible way and with the minimum of damage to yourself."
With that in mind, I'd never use my fists in a situation like this - I'm the big male in my family, and my hands have all these wonderful tendons and bones that are surprisingly easy to damage or break. Why the hell would I risk punching some numpty, possibly breaking something and therefore reducing how useful I am in looking after the rest of the group? I'll take whatever I can get and use it however I can to make sure an aggressor either goes away or stays down until restrained with the minimum of harm to me.
So yes, I too have a variety of tools in positions around the house that are handy for day to day use, but would also be within reach if something were to happen and my life or my loved ones lives were in danger.

[SooBee]

The phrase that legally suits most unpleasant scenarios is "Minimum force necessary". It became something of a mantra in my army days as the era of "Smash 'em into the ground" was sadly passing and we were having to learn to be nice to nasty people. I learned the trick of putting a table between me and the weapon bearing miscreant in a good pub brawl and also the full use of a barstool as a shield/weapon (depending on which end you pointed at the enemy). There is very little that can't be used as a weapon...just try to avoid Overkill. In most situations guns and knives are Overkill so be careful.

[Plymtom]

There is very little that can't be used as a weapon...just try to avoid Overkill. In most situations guns and knives are Overkill so be careful.

Agreed and asides from knives to hand in the kitchen and displayed (sheathed) on the walls in some rooms everything "overkill" is not to hand even bows/crossbow's arrows and bolts are locked up.

[SoCal92057]

Just my tuppence worth, but a long time ago I was taught a very simple rule; "Any form of confrontation or fight is not a sport, it's not for you to be honourable and fight fair. The idea is to put the opponent down in the fastest possible way and with the minimum of damage to yourself."
With that in mind, I'd never use my fists in a situation like this - I'm the big male in my family, and my hands have all these wonderful tendons and bones that are surprisingly easy to damage or break. Why the hell would I risk punching some numpty, possibly breaking something and therefore reducing how useful I am in looking after the rest of the group? I'll take whatever I can get and use it however I can to make sure an aggressor either goes away or stays down until restrained with the minimum of harm to me.
So yes, I too have a variety of tools in positions around the house that are handy for day to day use, but would also be within reach if something were to happen and my life or my loved ones lives were in danger.

Agreed. Never use your fists when something else is available more suited to ending the confrontation quickly and with you the victor. At the time of a physical confrontation your body/mind will go into an adrenaline fueled survival mode and not care about the niceties of the law. The old expression, "it is better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6," applies here. Remember, when a physical confrontation begins you do not know if you are fighting for your life or not. End the confrontation quickly either by intimidation or force. Your opponent does not care about the niceties of law.

[SoCal92057]

Hi,

Thought I'd give my 2 pence on this thread. I study Krav Maga in which we practice using everyday objects as improvised weapons. So great list, remember the world is your oyster or rather think one mind, any weapon!

Having said that as far as using any of your improv weapons in a non WROL situation, it is a crime to deliberately store a weapon or an item intended to be used as such with a view to using it (even in defence). Believe it or not, hiding a baseball bat under your bed could be construed as a premeditated assault. Be careful. I have a friend who is a serving officer and his advise to another friend who kept a baseball bat in his car was to carry a baseball glove also, so he could say he carried it for genuine use. It all so bizarre I can hardly stand it but it's true.

Love this country.

Sorry to be pedantic , but I would Nick you for having a bat and a glove , tell me how you could play with out a ball ??? Remember if you have a story make sure it's full proof . Sorry

A pity that in a western country you need an excuse for the possession of a bat and glove in your car. Even more pitiful is that many accept this presumption of illegal intent as being reasonable. I am surprised there is not a prohibition on having hands as they may be turned into fists. "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin

[Stasher]

Back on track, when walking alone at night in a town/city I always have my car keys inbetween my fingers as a defence