Non-Firearm Self Defense

I do a good bit of traveling and am going to Panama (the country) in a couple weeks and have recently been thinking about some defense tactics and tools that do not involve a gun. When I am without a gun, I usually carry a 4" fixed blade knife and have it as accessible as possible but still concealed or a 2 1/2 inch neck knife. I've considered buying a 500 + lumen tactial light, but would it blind or daze someone in the daylight? Also considered a taser, but am not sure if they can be carried in check baggage on a plane or in/out of the country without jumping through hoops, same for pepper spray.

Short of avoiding sketchy places and being alert and aware of your surroundings, is there anything else I should check into? Do you guys carry anything when you absolutely cant carry a gun, if so, what?

Just realized this probably shouldn't go in Firearms Discussion, but don't know the appropriate place for it. Feel free to move the topic.

I would suggest getting one of the tactical pens. You can carry it anywhere and it can be used for both lethal and non lethal striking or used as a tool for choking someone if you grasp it by both ends.

spmwheels wrote:I would suggest getting one of the tactical pens. You can carry it anywhere and it can be used for both lethal and non lethal striking or used as a tool for choking someone if you grasp it by both ends.

I'd suggest this as well. Maybe find a place to take martial arts classes of some sort?

500 lumen light would be good. I have a 190 lumen light on my pistol and it is bright enough to make you flinch. It won't knock them over, but at least it will give you an additional second to use your new pen!

A tool is just that, it does nothing by itself, instructions on how to use a tool, be it knife, pen, rolled up newspaper or hands is what you should look into.

it would be really cool if we could all pool our money and get Bram Frank to do a MSGO knife class

I have seen some of those self defense walking canes. Sure it would make it through customs. I carry a kubatan (short piece of wood - $10). I have had been asked about it a couple of times but I tell them it is easier for me to get to my keys out of my pocket (which it is). Tell them I have arthritis as the reason I have it. I do not know how to use it very well but know people who can use it to strike pressure points. The keys on the end are very good to strike across someones eyes especially if you can momentarially with your light. Above all, keep your head on a swivel and make sure your group knows to stay together. (Only guys I ever saw get into a squeeze had broken off from others in the ports we pulled into back in the Navy days).
Ya'll have fun and bring me a T-shirt.

I am in a martial arts class that is taught by a friend of mine we are in the process right now of changing locations but if anyone here would be interested in joining let me know and I will ask the instructor and get you the information to join.

sidroski wrote:I have seen some of those self defense walking canes. .

back in my MA days i saw this 100lb soaking wet 80 year old korean fella man handle six of us with a cane like we wasnt even there.. granted he was a hapkido grand master.... but still lol. This was my second time getting my ace handed to me by a old korean fella. Promised myself i will never step foot in a ring or spar with another Korean!!

I would suggest learning some pain compliance holds and pressure points. No weapons needed.

However, once you get to your location, make or buy yourself a throw away weapon to use while there then leave when coming home - stick, cane, kubaton, pen, rolled newspaper...etc.

Carry a can of Country whoop ass with you.