I get a lot of calls from people who are worried about self-defense. While it is always easy to recommend that someone obtain a concealed carry permit and keep a gun, for some folks this is not practicable or even lawful. I should also mention that Backdoor Survival has an international readership, which means that some of our readers reside in nations where owning a handgun is restricted, prohibited, or prohibitively expensive for the general public.
While I've published numerous articles about firearms in the past, I've never given keychain defensive devices the attention they deserve. This page contains only a few of the products that caught my attention while studying what was available. I've tried to include a selection of well-known manufacturers, such as CRKT, that I know stand behind their products.
These are personal protection tools, and while I don't believe you need to spend a lot of money to get something decent, I also don't feel comfortable recommending goods that are clearly just generic feel-good devices to you. To put it another way, this is not an area where one should not exercise caution.
Unless your keychain self-defense item is electric or a spray, your strength and agility will influence how well the weapon operates in a self-defense situation. While this might be said about practically any weapon, it is especially true when it comes to something small that is used to hit, pummelled, or stab. Understanding ability levels is crucial to selecting the best defensive weapons. Don't be tricked into thinking you should buy something just because it looks hip or is marketed as the latest and greatest. Select the appropriate weapon for your needs.
In most circumstances, something that is small and on your keychain will be overlooked. Some buildings or businesses prohibit employees from bringing anything into the workplace, including a pocket knife. This greatly restricts what can be utilised for self-defense in the event of an emergency. People who work in these circumstances should learn how to defend themselves with common household things and look for devices that are inconspicuous, such as key chain defence weapons.
Never assume that just because something isn't considered lethal that it can't kill you. Using any weapon has a risk. Some persons may experience cardiac problems as a result of using tasers. Someone may have a more severe reaction or allergy to pepper spray. Any jabbing or punching with sufficient force might also result in death. It's more accurate to state "less lethal" than "non-lethal."
1. Glowiny Kubaton Keychain Aluminum Tactical Kubotan Keyring
I included these because they are both effective and affordable, making them ideal for defence and even improvised armament in the event of a SHTF situation. These are a little pointed, so while they are subtle in certain aspects, they do stick out when viewed as a complete. I like how the form is designed with grooves for your fingers so you don't lose your weapon when you need it the most.
2. Yoogo – Self Defense Keychain
This device has a more enigmatic appearance. The normal individual will not automatically assume that this keychain is a weapon. For those with the strength to use it, this is a decent punching aid. If you travel somewhere with a stringent no-weapons policy, this is unlikely to be confiscated. For individuals who travel frequently, it is also TSA friendly. You might not be able to get something like the kubaton described previously due to security concerns.
3. Mace Brand Mini KeyGuard Keychain Pepper Spray Pen
For some, a keychain mace is a good option. With the exception of where it says Mace on the cap, this small canister is fairly unobtrusive. If it were up to me, I'd cover it with black duct tape.
This is also name-brand merchandise at a reasonable price.
4. Lipstick Taser Pepper Spray Keychain Self Defense Kit
At first, the description of this kit had me perplexed. I was under the impression that the pepper spray was stored in the same tube as the taser. That isn't the case at all. This set includes a taser in the shape of a lipstick tube and a small can of pepper spray. One is unobtrusive, whereas the other is not. I don't see how the taser might be attached to a keychain. The pepper spray is not particularly subtle, but you can disguise it by concealing it in a compact case.
As a result, this budget-friendly set includes a keychain pepper spray and a compact, unobtrusive taser for your purse.
5. Guard Dog Security Hornet 2 World’s Smallest Stun Gun Keychain with 120 dB Alarm & LED Flashlight
This keychain gizmo does a little bit of everything. Not only do you get a stun gun with a stealthy appearance, but you also get a really loud alarm to utilise. It's always useful to have a flashlight on hand. This is a low-cost alternative that doesn't stand out. It's truly incredible how little this is.
It also comes with a holster to protect it from everyday wear and tear.
6. CRKT Williams Defense Key
With this bigger key for self-defense, CRKT makes it simple. This is truly blending in with your keychain now! The key's head is meant to provide greater grip, and the key's overall construction provides a lot of potential damage. This is a highly dangerous key if you have even average strength.
7. SOG Flint Survival & Defense Tool Safety Whistle, Fire Starter, Glass Breaker
SOG creates some interesting products. My initial thought would be a flashlight or a pen if I saw this at first look. The truth is that SOG has designed a kubaton with a built-in glass breaker, firestarter, and whistle. I've had my hand on the end of a glass breaker before, and it's not fun. This is one choice for a key chain self-defense weapon if you want inconspicuous protection with some extra capabilities.
8. Odowalker Self Defense Keychain Kubaton Solid Key Chain
This is a strong kubaton with a sharp tip. Finger grooves on this solid stainless steel spike provide a nonslip grip. Don't get me wrong: any metal will have some slipping, but the grooves can only accommodate so much.
The disadvantage is that it is quite large and will stick out quite a bit. That's not something you're going to put in your pocket. I propose attaching it to your keys so you can simply remove it because there will be occasions when you won't be able to have anything so large on your keys.
There's nothing wrong with having a variety of protection options. If I'm out and about, I usually have many on me, but what I have depends on the regulations and social environment.
Because keys are the one thing that most people have on them all of the time and are required to remember, having a self-defense weapon tied to the keychain ensures that they have a weapon on them more frequently than not.
