12 Best Self-Defense Weapons for Men in 2024, According to an Expert
Best Overall Self-Defense Weapon GearLight 2-Pack S1000 LED Flashlights High Lumens Pros Jagged edges for striking if needed Includes strobe effect for blinding to get away Can carry anywhere Just $20 for two Doubles with practical everyday use Cons Best suited for use at night or in dark places A tactical flashlight is the most
Pros
- Jagged edges for striking if needed
- Includes strobe effect for blinding to get away
- Can carry anywhere
- Just $20 for two
- Doubles with practical everyday use
Cons
- Best suited for use at night or in dark places
A tactical flashlight is the most underrated self-defense weapon you could own. The high brightness levels and different flickering or flashing settings are smart ways to inhibit the vision of an attacker without even having to physically attack them back. Tactical flashlights often have jagged edges, which can be used to strike directly at an attacker.
A tactical flashlight is Corwin’s favorite option out of everything on this list. “When I am out at night or early morning, I carry a small tactical flashlight in my hand,” says Corwin. “They’re inexpensive, can be held single-handed, and can be used to change the dynamics of an attack by flashing the light into the attacker’s eyes—thus, causing them to momentarily shut their eyes or turn their head.
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| Size | 6.1″ x 1.57″ x 1.57″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.12 oz |
Pros
- Can carry with you anywhere
- Works as a rugged everyday pen
- Special designed end that’s capable of puncturing soft targets
Cons
- A little expensive considering it could get lost easily
Made from precision-machined aluminum and outfitted with ink that’s suitable for writing in outdoor conditions, this tactical pen has the ability to work as a solid everyday pen. As for self-defense? The design on the end of the pen is intentionally crafted to be used to jab and break away when in close quarters with an attacker. An EDC item like this that can double as an instrument you just naturally have on you is a simple option for those not looking to carry anything unnecessary or bring unwanted attention to themselves.
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| Size | 8.25” x 3.25” x 1.75” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2 oz |
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Pros
- Secret knife holder
- Works as a money clip and wallet that holds up to five cards
- Strong steel design for the knife
Cons
- Can’t carry the knife into areas with security
Knives are one of the first weapons that come to mind for self-defense, but they can often be dangerous to the user if they don’t know how to properly wield one. Being that you understand the threat of a knife being turned back against you, this unique money clip with a hidden blade could prove to be a smart tool to carry for self-defense. What’s nice is if you are anticipating going through secured areas, like TSA, you can leave the small blade attachment at home and just use this wallet to carry your cash and up to five cards.
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| Size | 1.6” x 3.6” x 0.3” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.9 oz |
Pros
- Incognito design that’s easy to carry
- Smart attachment feature that immediately starts alarm
- Strobe light is bright and alarm reaches 130 decibels
- A good gift idea to give to family members and friends
Cons
- No striking function on device
She’s Birdie was founded by women who wanted to create a better personal safety device. The Original Personal Safety Alarm comes in a stylish design that can clip onto a backpack or keys for easy carry. When there’s a threat, all you have to do is pull on the device and watch as it breaks away from its top ring. Then, an alarm that reaches a screaming 130 decibels will go off and the strobe light on the front will activate. What’s great is when you want to reset the alarm, all you have to do is clip the device back into its key holder. This is a smart device that can be used to ward off an attacker before they even get close.
| Size | 3.7″ x 1.25″ x 0.6″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | .08 oz |
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Pros
- Affordable for a top-of-the-line pocket knife
- Multiple blade shape options
- One-hand open function
- Durable and built for a lifetime
Cons
- Cannot take everywhere
- Some may not be comfortable carrying a knife
- Could be taken and used against you
- Should train to use a knife if carrying for safety purposes
Every guy should own a decent pocket knife. The CRKT Pilar is widely regarded as one of the best pocket knives available. The Pilar III features a smooth easy-opening that can even be done one-handed thanks to an aptly-placed thumb slot. The D2 steel blade will retain its edge and the frame lock secures the blade in place when opened. If you prefer an even smaller profile (and different blade style), you can check out the Pilar.
Pros
- Affordable price point for the combination package
- Effective one-two punch if used properly
Cons
- Need to properly train so you understand how to use the devices
- Can’t carry a taser into a secured area
- Could be used against you
Sabre is a well-known name in the world of self-defense products. This duo set of pepper spray and a stun gun is all you need to protect yourself at a safe distance from any potential attacker. The pepper spray has a 10-foot range and contains a UV-marking dye to help police catch the assailant, should they try to run away.
The handheld stun gun delivers a painful 1.250 µC (micro coulombs) charge to help defend against an attacker, which the brand says produces intolerable pain. Using a taser on someone is no small task and if you go this route, we recommend taking instruction of some kind on how to deploy it properly. The brand provides training videos and safety tips for these more-aggressive devices
| Size | 8.31” x 3.46” x 1.65” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.4 oz |
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Pros
- Great for traveling and use at home
- Smart design that keeps door lock tight
- Simple to install and use
Cons
- Device could be moot point if door is busted out from the frame
If you travel often, this is a must-have. This portable door lock installs in seconds without tools and can be used in hotel rooms, apartments, and AirBnBs. It works with most inward-swinging doors and adjusts to fit doors of different thickness. The Addalock essentially creates a second lock for the door and uninstalls just as quick as it is to install it. This adds security, and peace of mind, for anywhere that someone else may have the keys.
| Size | 5.8” x 3.5” x 0.7” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.2 oz |
Pros
- Can be used to deliver swinging blows to an attacker
- Rubber grip on handle provides sure grip
- Doubles as use for checking tire pressure
Cons
- Not ideal for carrying around. Should only store in car or at home
Keeping a self-defense weapon in your car, as opposed to carrying it on you at all times, is a smart method for always making sure you have something near to you. This hickory stick works as a tire thumper, producing a sound that will let you know if your car’s tires are properly aired. At the same time, this stick can be used as a baton to block an attacker’s advances and to also deliver some blows back in return
| Size | 17.72” x 1.46” x 1.3” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.3 oz |
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Pros
- Fits on your keychain
- Still a well-built knife despite the size
- All Things Scraper on the end is a pry tool, screwdriver, and scraper
- Not a massive blade that could intimidate users
Cons
- Could be taken and used against you
If carrying around a regular-sized pocket knife isn’t your thing, then let us recommend this smaller keychain option from The James Brand. While the Elko is 2.6 in when shut, the blade itself is just under 2 in—much larger than other blades on micro knives like this. This minimalist knife is still built to premium standards and is a good incognito choice.
Pros
- Under $10
- Can attach to a belt loop
- Effective if sprayed properly
Cons
- Want to properly train so you understand how to use the spray
- Can’t bring into secured areas
- Could be taken and used against you
If you’d rather just opt for pepper spray, Sabre’s pepper spray is used and trusted by law enforcement. The 3-in-1 formula contains Sabre’s maximum strength pepper spray, as well as military-grade tear gas (which heightens the burn of pepper spray), and UV marking dye for suspect identification.
When choosing to carry pepper spray, it’s important to note a few things. First, it needs to go directly into an attacker’s eyes, or else it won’t be as effective. Sabre’s extended range allows for a 10-foot stream, so this can be deployed from a safe distance. Second, if used in a confined indoor area, you would be accidentally spraying yourself in the process. Finally, if an attacker’s pain is subdued, pepper spray might not be effective. “Drugs and alcohol use by an attacker may lead to them not even feeling pepper spray,” says Corwin.
Instruction on carrying and using pepper spray is recommended. Corwin notes that he needed to take a multi-hour certification to carry it. Sabre also provides safety tips and training videos for making sure you know how to use the product.
| Size | 1″ x 1″ x 4″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2 oz |
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Pros
- Small enough to store on key ring or keep in car glove box
- Easy to hold in hand and use for punching
Cons
- Larger than a normal key
This unassuming defense key looks like just another key, but the pointed tip and ergonomic handle can turn this small object into a strike weapon in a pinch. While the handle provides a secure grip between your fingers, it is bigger than a regular key. For those may who already walk to their vehicle with a key in between their fingers (an old self-defense tactic), this gives you a dedicated tool to rely on for that technique.
| Size | 3.57” x 1.85” x 0.39” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 oz |
Pros
- Can carry on a key ring
- Blasts an impressive 120 decibels
- Extremely lightweight
- Works as a dog whistle, too
- Good for camping and hiking
Cons
- Can get lost if not attached to key ring
A loud safety whistle is another way you can ward off potential threats from humans and animals. This emergency titanium whistle blasts a piercing 120 decibels and is small enough to hook on your key ring. It weighs a lofty 0.14 ounces. It can create the opportunity to surprise an attacker before they strike and create a noise that attracts attention from others in the area, serving a two-fold purpose. The TiWhistle can even be used as a dog training whistle.
| Size | 3.74” x 2.52” x 0.55” |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.14 oz |
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Meet the Expert
Michael Corwin is a former private investigator for 30+ years where he conducted witness interviews for civil plaintiffs and criminal defense cases in places like South Central LA and Albuquerque, NM. “My work involved walking up, unannounced, to a total stranger’s home, knocking on the door, introducing myself, and then interviewing them about some deeply stressful events they witnessed—including homicides,” says Corwin.
For the past 10 years, Corwin has taught personal safety and workplace violence prevention to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies (including probation officers, court staff, administrators, judges, and the staff of a United States Senator).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Carry a Gun for Self-Defense?
It’s true a gun is one type of self-defense weapon that can keep you safe, but unless you are properly trained to operate one the risk of carrying a gun outweighs the actual safety it could provide. “In all reality, firearms are really not that great as a self-defense weapon,” says Corwin. “You can’t take them into many places and they are easier to disarm and use against you than a knife; plus, bullets that miss their target can easily strike an innocent bystander or your loved one.”
Should I Train for Self-Defense?
Corwin, who teaches self-defense classes, recommends all individuals should learn at least basic de-escalation skills in order to engage with potential threats without physical contact and get out of a situation safely. Basic self-defense training, and certainly martial arts training, is another recommendation from Corwin. “Add in some basic self-defense—elbows, knees, palm strikes, palm pass blocks, etc.—and you become the self-defense weapon that works
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