The Pen Is Mightier...Than The Best Self Defense Weapon?

Don't overlook the value of improvised self defense weapons especially something like a pen.  I have a purpose made machined aluminum pen that had a pointed end and a blunt impact end.  It would be highly effective in targeting just about anything, but especially eyes, throat, groin.  These cost about $80-to over $100 retail...luckily, I won mine at a shooting school last month!  It has been my flying companion on a couple trips since.

You don't need an expensive pen though, just a sturdy one that fills your hand and can stand up to some abuse.  A Sharpie will work.  Cold Steel makes a "Sharkie" pen that is cheap.  You can look for metal "drug rep" pens on ebay.  These are large, sturdy pens made by pharmaceutical companies for advertising...it may have a herpes medication written on it...but they work!

If you have to use it to protect yourself, just grip it tightly in your fist and target whatever vulnerable anatomy is available.  A sturdy pen will help you fracture ribs...a standard pen is best targeted at soft parts or it will break (expect it to break after a strike or 2 anyway).