What do you think is the best weapon for every day self-defense?

1. 56

   Schattenreichposted 14 years ago

   What weapon would you choose to carry with you? A knife, a gun, a batan? Pepper Spray?

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   1. 61

      paradigmsearchposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      .
      I just give them a great, big smile…
      .
      

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   2. 77

      psycheskinnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Caution, company and an assertive attitude.

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   3. 55

      leebertteaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      This will pretty much stop anything from doing you harm, and do so at a safe distance.

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   4. 76

      Inspired to writeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Awareness

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      1. 58

         Druid Dudeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Knowledge And awareness

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   5. 60

      qwarkposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      A General dynamics F-16!
      It's a dangerous world out there!   :
      Qwark

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2. 93

   Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

   Super-vigilant awareness.

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3. 0

   Onusonusposted 14 years ago

   

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4. 70

   Beth100posted 14 years ago

   Awareness of yourself and your surroundings at all times.  Proactive thinking is the best.

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   1. 52

      gkrooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, Beth.  The mind is the key weapon.  Think the way the enemy does not.

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      1. 52

         gkrooposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I found that you can maneuvre more if you stay silent keeping the mind still.  The enemy's mind is agitated.

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5. 0

   PrettyPantherposted 14 years ago

   I agree that awareness is the best weapon.  Second to that, learning self-defense is the most useful.  A knife, gun, or pepper spray can be turned against you; your knowledge of self-defense cannot.

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   1. 59

      jmveloposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Learning self defense is indeed a good way to keep yourself safe. However, if your knowledge of self defense leads to overconfidence on your part, than I believe that can be used against you.

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      1. 60

         Marcus Teagueposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         This isn't entirely true. In self defense, your opponent is almost always an uneducated, mindless street thug who's acting out of desperation or anger. They are never toe-to-toe masters of fighting like martial art opponents who are going to examine you.
         
         Simply standing up to a criminal is often enough to get them to back down. If they don't believe you have what it takes, hitting them hard enough somewhere will be. Women who are raped are never fighters or they never fight hard enough.
         
         In other words, criminals are always going to prey on who they think is weak. Showing overconfidence lets them know that you believe you have what it takes to take them on, and if they believe you (they usually do), they won't prey on you.

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         1. 74

            Reality Bytesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            
            
            This is just SO wrong!

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6. 91

   akirchnerposted 14 years ago

   Totally agree - and not putting yourself in situations where you are at risk!
   
   I carry a malamute with me when I walk as it kind of frightens me if I walk alone in parks, etc.  I am not sure that Griffin would actually protect me per se but I think he might frighten someone by his size and his considerable howling/barking at unknown people! I also carry a cell phone in my pocket so it is not visible and I also carry my keys in my hand with the keys pointing out - and do other self-preservation things. 
   
   I don't believe in 'weapons' per se but then again, I've never been attacked but I try and be 'street smart' in all things and try not to expose myself to situations where I would be in danger because I'm a woman - and I'm old(er).

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7. 60

   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   ..yes...awareness and words help...glad i don't feel the need to carry a weapon...

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8. 63

   Daniel Carterposted 14 years ago

   A can of pepper spray can do wonders, irregardless of battle training. Forget the other weapons. Too many legalities you don't want to be involved in.

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      SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      ...well?...how'd it go tonight...good I hope!

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9. 77

   mythbusterposted 14 years ago

   I've been reading up on kubotans and these seems like good self defense devices that might be very effective for targetting pressure points and giving a defender time to escape an attacker. The devices are like extremely small batons and a person/defender can probably keep control of these devices so they're not used against the defender. From what I've been learing, a person should have a good knowledge of self defense techniques and just use the kubotan to quickly strike the attacker then run away or strike the attacker to cause a release of grip so the defender can run away.

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   1. 0

      kimberlyslyricsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      

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10. 0

    girly_girl09posted 14 years ago

    The best advice I ever heard was to "think like a predator". I take a lot of criminal justice classes and have learned way too much about the minds of criminals to not be hyper-vigilant and observant of my surroundings. I really want to get a gun, but I haven't yet. I want to be an attorney someday, and I'll definitely get a gun to keep in my bedside table at night. Maybe keep one locked in a drawer in my office, too.
    
    Right now, I carry police-grade mace, with is thankfully legal in my state (not all states, a bummer when traveling!). I've also taken a self-defense course (please take one - you can find them free almost anywhere!)
    
    Awareness is key and remember - "think like a predator!" I see women all the time and think "omg...what walking targets".
    
    For example, if I am walking to my car at night, I will walk in the middle of the parking lot (well-lit), instead of on the sidewalks, near trees and other places where someone could hide or pull me into. I actively scan the shrubs and parking lot for any movement.
    
    My new car doesn't have keyless entry (which I HATE!!!!), so I always have my keys ready before I even set foot outside. When carrying my keys, I make a fist with one key sticking out between my fingers which would make a fairly nice weapon if someone attacked me.
    
    If I have to walk in a really sketchy area, I take off my grandmother's engagement ring and slip that into my bra. That way, it won't shine like a beacon to mug me and if someone takes my purse or asks for my jewelry they (hopefully) won't find it.
    
    And, when I'm in really sketchy areas, I will also hold my pepper spray in one hand, open, with my finger on the trigger. Pepper spray or even a gun can give people a false sense of protection - it can take a while to fumble through your purse to find it and spray it at your attacker.
    
    I may sound paranoid, but I've sat through way too many criminal justice lectures to know what goes on out there. It is better to be over prepared when it comes to protecting yourself.
    
    
    geez....maybe I should have written a hub on this, instead!

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11. 74

    raisingmeposted 14 years ago

    Knowledge!

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12. 59

    drvosjecaposted 14 years ago

    Hi
    
    I bumped up in to theme... Im Taekwondo master and my opinion would be that best wepon is if you can se your hed and have a quick legs to run away... 

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13. 59

    metalguyposted 14 years ago

    Your hands are your best weapons if you have the belief how to use them properly.But,we have got so immersed in town-life we don't give importance to them.

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14. 67

    alternate poetposted 14 years ago

    Either get over your deep paranoia - or if your society really requires that you go around armed then change your society - or move.

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15. 87

    Polly Cposted 14 years ago

    I reckon probably learning some kind of martial art is the best method of self defence, though fortunately I have never felt in danger personally. Mind you, it's still a good skill to know, just in case.
    
    It is illegal to carry knives, guns and pepper spray here in the UK. Some women have rape alarms though, which give off an extremely loud and high pitched sound.

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    1. 67

       alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Anything that can make a lot of noise is good - along with the ability to run. 
       
       Everything else is just a comforter to allay the fear of fear itself - any self respecting attacker will be able to take your weapon off you, lots of noise and running works best every time.

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    2. 56

       Schattenreichposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Polly and alternate poet... I really like your posts.....
       
       1) Yes, weapons might be illegal in some areas. Even across the US you have different rules for different states. The carrier is responsible for ensuring legality. If you get too dependent on any one weapon you might not only get tempted to break the law but also be extra vulnerable if you suddenly have to leave your "tool" behind.
       2) Yes, every weapon can be used against you. Pepper spray, knives, you name it. Furthermore you might expose yourself to risks many for instance casual knife carriers in my experience are very unaware off. Did you know that while carrying a knive in most parts of the US might be legal, if you get into a situation where the police shows up and you hold your knife visibly to the officers approaching the scene, they have the permission to shoot you on sight? A knife is considered a deadly weapon. You with a knife out within 21 feet can be and will be considered a leathal threat... whether you are the bad guy or good guy.
       3) Pepper spray: Note: pepper spray is a pressurized spray that unless tested has a great likelihood of failure. You have to test it at least once a month and it only has about 7-10 applications (most of them anyways). Note: pepper spray cannot be used in closed quarters without risking spraying yourself (i.e. elevators, bedroom, and hallway) Note: a lot of folks are rather resilient against the impact. In the US soldiers, police officers, fireman and several other groups are purposefully exposed to such and stronger agents to build resistance to them. These people will not be held of significantly by a personal pepper spray. And guess what... now you made them really mad!
       
       All this being said, at my martial arts school we teach women self-defense. One advice we give our students is something that caught my attention in your posts..... Alarms... noise.
       
       We recommend women to carry a loud sports whistle! (My next article will include a note on this on the Defend-Yourself Hub).
       
       The whistle allows for several things:
       1) It cannot be used against you (well I suppose you could get wacked over the head with it... but you get my point.)
       2) You can put it in your mouth and blow while having your hands free. Example: you are getting attacked in a parking lot. You cannot retreat to the safety of a building; Do you know where to go? A woman in heels outrunning an athletic attacker? Think about it. Get under a parked car! You can cling to the underside of the car with all your might while blowing the living hell out of the whistle. It will be extremely difficult for anyone to grab you and pull you out. You can hold on with your hands and still kick with your legs in case someone tries to grab you. You will win a lot of time in this situation and can get a lot of attention using the whistle or any similar alarm. Awareness and knowledge goes a long way.
       
       I really liked your posts! Thank you! Polly I am curious about the rape alarm you mentioned. I think that is a great idea. I would like to look some more into this. Do you have any further resources about how this is used/approached/encouraged in the UK?
       
       Regard!

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    3. 84

       CMHypnoposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Trouble is that as nobody in the Uk takes any notice of car alarms or house alarms going off, so would anyone respond to a rape alarm? We seem to be developing into a walk on by society unfortunately.

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16. 0

    wademcmasterposted 14 years ago

    I'd vote the pepper spray for legal reasons.  BUt more than that, training to handle a knife attack would be the most valuable, chance of successfully dealing with a gun unarmed are really slim, a knife is pretty slim too, but possible.

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17. 0

    SwampDonkeyposted 14 years ago

    I just show them my large phallus!....well......I Am a Donkey!!! 

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18. 74

    Reality Bytesposted 14 years ago

    For self- defense I believe a blade is the best weapon.  Every time your attacker strikes, cut them.  Eventually they will stop hitting you or they will bleed out.

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19. 60

    ediggityposted 14 years ago

    Nun Chucks.

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20. 92

    Alison Grahamposted 14 years ago

    I think I must have led a very sheltered life, judging by the comments in this thread.  Where I live, everyone smiles, everyone speaks to each other, young people may be a bit loud from time to time, but are good natured and friendly.  I count my blessings and think that the only thing I need to use for my defence in my town is a sharp pair of eyes when crossing the road.

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21. 77

    sabrebIadeposted 14 years ago

    A lot of people don't know Bruce Lee himself carried a gun.
    He owned a M1911 pistol and a .38 revolver.
    Lee himself said that no matter how fast you are, you can't be faster than someone pulling a trigger.

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22. 71

    maven101posted 14 years ago

    Your brain...

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23. 52

    ocbillposted 14 years ago

    stun/taser gun

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24. 80

    Michael Adams1959posted 14 years ago

    If it is a pistol, it does need to be at least a 9 mil. no smaller, you want knock down power with your gun, I carry a 9 or 40 cal or 357. Depends on day what I am wearing and going.

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    1. 60

       SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       ...don't mean to be naive..but you carry a gun with you all the time? seriously or you're j/k?...i hope it is j/k.....

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       1. 80

          Michael Adams1959posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I do have it with me most all the time. whether that is actually on me or in my vehicle, never look to have to use it, don't want to ever use it, though I did have to get it out once at an atm, but yes I do have it and no I never want to have to use it. I do have a blast going and popping off 50-100 rounds on targets, but seriously there are areas here that I have to go into and will not go without protection

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       2. 61

          readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          It doesn’t make much sense to own a firearm for personal protection and then leave it at home.
          
          “Excuse me Mr. Perpetrator can you wait right here while I run home and get my gun?”
          
          “I promise I’ll be right back, I swear.”
          
          “No I won’t Call the Cops”
          
          “You just wait here with your knife and I’ll be right back”

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    2. 67

       alternate poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I hope this is ironic - or do you really mean that you go out every day happy in the knowledge that you are prepared to kill another human being?

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       1. 58

          Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I believe him. According to his profile:
          
          "I am sold out to Jesus Christ my Saviour. Iam "compelled" to go out and preach the Gospel. I am currently in the Dayton, Ohio area, starting an evangelism ministry teaching churches to "GO YE" into all the world. "

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25. 71

    lorlie6posted 14 years ago

    Come on writers...the PEN!  ~And of course my mouth~

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26. 73

    earnestshubposted 14 years ago

    A large container of common sense.

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27. 69

    denden mangubatposted 14 years ago

    praying to God

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28. 63

    USMCwifey09posted 14 years ago

    Krav Maga.

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29. 60

    si newsposted 14 years ago

    understanding

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30. 74

    LeanManposted 14 years ago

    You don't need to carry a weapon, unless you are an expert in using it then there is a very good chance that it could be used back on you..
    
    Use your brain - don't get in situations where you put your self in danger.
    
    If you do end up in a situation where you are threatened noise is the best defense, but don't shout "help", people will be scarred to come to your aid - SHOUT "FIRE", everyone will come!!!

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31. 78

    Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

    I wear a big, two-handed sword on my back at all times and I wear a viking helmet with one of the horns broken off so that would-be attackers know that I am a veteran of many battles.

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       lorlie6posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       God, Shades, what an image-what with your avatar and all.  Do you even put that beer down?

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32. 58

    saddlerider1posted 14 years ago

    My bare hands and if that don't work then my compact pistol tucked nicely strapped to my ankle:0)

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33. 80

    camloposted 14 years ago

    I'd choose a pump gun ...
    
    No, I've never actually needed a weapon, other than my mouth.

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34. 71

    waynetposted 14 years ago

    My arse, deadliest weapon after a dodgy curry, gas and turtles heads fly at projectile speeds!!

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    1. 80

       camloposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       That would definitely be better than even a pump gun ...

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       1. 62

          luvpassionposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          F-22 Raptor
          
          

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          1. 55

             leebertteaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             You forgot the pic!
             
             

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          2. 61

             readytoescapeposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             That one's kinda tough to fit in your purse,
             
             But I like the way you're thinkin!

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35. 61

    readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

    The best self-defense is keeping a wary eye on your surroundings and the people in it, for added security,
    
    I like a .45 Auto in a quick release holster. It tends to keep all situations from escalating to injury and/or death for all those around…..other then the attacker.
    
    Oh and for those of you that only like to keep their gun locked up, like in a drawer, when was the last time you went out carrying your dresser?
    
    Just a thought.

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36. 69

    Bill Manningposted 14 years ago

    Being broke and ugly is the best defense, since nobody would bother you!

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    1. 59

       Dave Barnettposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       two guys, Smith and Wesson. Works every time.

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37. 0

    Surabhi Kauraposted 14 years ago

    For self defense, the biggest weapon is patience and forebearing and ofcourse non-violence.

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38. 81

    SilentReedposted 14 years ago

    I take my chance out in the streets. Better than being home alone at night with a neurotic wife. :-)

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39. 0

    mtsi1098posted 14 years ago

    sarcasm

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40. 60

    Gypsy48posted 14 years ago

    Awareness and confidence

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41. 82

    timorousposted 14 years ago

    Humour, sarcasm, talking gibberish.  Confuse your opponent until they think you're absolutely nuts.

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    1. 61

       Alya roseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Lol^_^my cousin tried it once and it actually worked...for a couple of seconds lol.

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42. 60

    Zebedee353posted 14 years ago

    I think the best weapon is having proper training and being confident in your ability to use what you have been trained on. That could be hand to hand, weapons (such as firearms etc.)or simply knowing how to defuse a confrontational situation.

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43. 60

    ripplesposted 14 years ago

    It is not much practical to carry gun or sword always.
    Fingers are the best weapon when used accurately on pressure points.
    If you dont agree with me, consider a woman pushing her fingers suddenly and forcefully into the eyes of a villan.
    In kalarippayattu(traditional martial art of kerala), there are tricks to make a person unconscious by pointing your forefinger at his marmam(vital points in human body). Knowing some tricks will help a lot.  Though making different parts of your body like elbows and knees as strong weapons is possible they need good practice

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44. 60

    grayvitaliyposted 14 years ago

    your head... it`s really useful to avoid sh*t instead of getting into it

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45. 59

    logic,commonsenseposted 14 years ago

    doan tase me bro!

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46. 0

    klarawieckposted 14 years ago

    SARCASM!

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47. 61

    Devanniposted 14 years ago

    Commonsense, and confidence.

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48. 59

    logic,commonsenseposted 14 years ago

    don't forget Logic!

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49. 60

    wildorangeflowerposted 14 years ago

    RUN< just RUN

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50. 52

    jcalesposted 14 years ago

    Statistics show there is more fear from a knife than a gun. A gun is quick with pain, but a knife is prolonged pain and the thought is extreme anxiety. I think a taser gun is good though. You don't really hurt them they are just disabled. I'd rather evade the situation than be in it as you get older and wiser.

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