Legal Self Defense Weapons

Legality is often a difficult thing to pin down, especially when it comes to self defense. Legality is usually complicated with people’s feelings, past experiences, personal bias, political leanings, and of course most importantly the cost of someone’s lawyer.

These factors can often outweigh the facts of the actual event which occurred. How does this have to do with the question “what are legal self defense weapons?” The fact is it has lot to do with it. A legal self defense weapon can be used in an illegal way, or in a way that someone thinks or can prove in court was an illegal way.

This makes it very difficult to decide what a legal self defense weapon is. In the most simplistic terms you can call a local law enforcement agency to find out what is legal in your state and county. Just because you see a cool self defense toy online doesn’t mean it will be legal in your area. Most companies will not ship a self defense weapon to you if it is illegal in your state, but this does not account for differences based on the county you live in.

The real answer to the legal self defense weapons question is determined by how you use the weapon. You are responsible for the weapons you carry and how you use them. You have to be smart about this stuff.

By far your best bet is to carry pepper spray, unless you live in a state where it is regulated (you can carry pepper spray in most of these states, but there are certain regulations and requirements). The states where pepper spray is regulated are New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and Washington D.C.

The benefit of pepper spray is that it is primarily a defense weapon and does little damage. Most other self defense weapons cause more severe damage to a person making them more legally risky. When was the last time you heard about a guy going on a pepper spray attacking spree? Pepper spray is just not an offensive weapon, but it makes a great defensive weapon.

Many people like to carry a folding knife for self defense. This is a great option because most folding knives with blades under 3 inches long are okay (in most states) as long as the blade is not locking. This is not true in every state. If you are not sure about your state simply call a local police station. But in general pocket knives and folding knives are considered legal self defense weapons as long as they aren’t longer than 3 inches long.

Another great weapon which is generally unregulated is the kubotan. This weapon is a short aluminum dowel that is usually attached to your keys with a key ring. They are usually about 5 ½ inches long. They are used in the fist like a roll of quarters to harden the fist. They can also be used to jab sensitive areas or used to create leverage points for joint locks. Kubotans are considered legal self defense weapons in most jurisdiction (there are always exception so ask to be safe).

Other legal self defense weapons include improvised weapons which are not regulated by law. However if you are taken to court over the use of a self defense weapon that is not regulated you will still be at the mercy of the court.

The key to legal self defense weapons is the manner in which the weapon is used. In general to stay within the law you are only allowed to use the force necessary to end the threat to yourself. Any force beyond this can be considered an assault on the attacker.

If you own any of my instructional self defense DVDs you know that this is in general the philosophy of most self defense programs. When it comes down to it your goal in any conflict is to stop the threat and get out of the situation as soon as possible. The longer you stay in a conflict or a fight the greater the chance of getting hurt yourself.

The same rule of thumb applies to using legal self defense weapons. Use the weapon until the person is no longer a threat then leave the situation. This will usually keep you within the bounds of the law.

While we are on the topic it is important to understand what you are willing to fight for. If someone is trying to take your wallet and is carrying a weapon or is threatening you with serious violence which you cannot avoid by simply running, give that person your wallet. The amount of money the average person carries on a regular basis in not worth the risk of a fight. You can easily go to jail if you shoot or stab a person who was trying to take your wallet.

Deciding what you are willing to use violent force over is a personal issue which I cannot and don’t want to make for you. My only point in discussion this is to encourage you to make that decision before you are thrown into a violent situation.

I hope this has been helpful if you are trying to decide what weapon to carry or when you should use it. If you have any experience with legal self defense weapons please leave a comment below and share with everyone.

P.S. I am not a lawyer. My comments above are based on common sense and my own understanding of self defense law. I am not giving anyone legal advice. If you have any questions over what constitutes legal force or questions about legal self defense weapons please contact your local police or sheriff’s department.