It doesn't matter if what you are carrying is legal or not. What matters is how you use what you have. A pillow isn't something you would think of as a weapon but if used to suffocate someone it will be seen as such by the courts. I wasn't trying to encourage anyone to use a pen as a weapon, what needs to be done is get familiar with your local laws. This way you know what you are legally able to do in self defense. Many states have different views on what "reasonable force" is. In some states it's legal to use deadly force to eject an intruder from your home but in many it will land you in prison, regardless of what you used to execute your actions. What is considered excessive force in your state? What are the justifications for deadly force in your state and how are those justifications defined? In some states you are justified in defending your self if someone verbally threatens you and shows physical intent to carry out the threat (shoving, poking a finger in your chest or other aggressive physical actions but not necessarily striking). In other states they must physically attack you first. Know what your legal actions are before you start carrying ANYTHING with the intent of using it for self defense.

Very valid point laf7773

A handgun.

"There are two types of people in this world: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig."

youd have to be a complete dodohead to actually attempt to defend yourself with a pen, you are on a MARTIAL ARTS board you know, use what god gave you.

That IS the point...a complete MAist should (ideally) be able to use whatever tool s/he has at hand.

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youd have to be a complete dodohead to actually attempt to defend yourself with a pen, you are on a MARTIAL ARTS board you know, use what god gave you.

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sigh ...

But Harlan, he does have an entire year of Shotokan and 3 years of boxing under his belt. I'm sure he knows quite well what he is talking about.

I mean who are we? What do we know? I know i'm certainly oblivious to any form of legitimate martial arts or the needs of successful self defense.

ok parad, think of a blade, sharp at the front, and the side. Meaning they can either slash in any direction, or stab. Now think of a pen. A pens sharp end is the top, meaning the only movement you could do would be a thrust. Making it incredibly predictable, unless you can somehow manage to cut me with the side of the pen. You would be totally predictable, and would get annihalated. Face it man, its a silly idea. Oh yes i just looked up your objects, which all happen to be sharp at all points and specificlly designed with combat in mind.

Well, until someone with some knowledge comes on (not me...I'm a beginner)...I'd like to point out that blades are often illegal...and so out of the scope of this thread topic.

'K.I.S.S.' It's about preferences....like empty hand MA...not one thing works equally well for everybody. The tessan, I think was pointed out for a reason: it is also a matter of....class...and degree of MA proficiency.