Brightnorm - good idea. So here goes.
I walk past a underpass of a 8 lane highway sometimes really late at night or really early in the morning. My brother was attacked once there, my friend was attacked there, a family friend was attacked there. I expected my time would come sooner or later. The attacks to family and friends were in the past 4 years. Its not a bad neighborhood but some of these kids have these ideas of walking around in groups and starting trouble. The cops also didn't do their job well, so the precinct was revamped and the attacks and groups of kids seemed to disappear recently (past year, saw FBI cars around too, probably the cause for the precinct to get whipped into shape.)
I first carried a folding knife and practiced a lot with it (Gerber Gator.) I could flick it open with one hand and assume a fighting stance. I soon realized that this wasn't a good idea. The idea of being prosecuted for manslaughter/murder was not something that appealed to me.
So I looked into OC and SHU ratings. Fox Labs OC spray rated at 5.3 million (advertised) is the highest on the market. Most I see are 2 million heat units. I saw one for sale on this forum's B/S/T forum and went ahead and purchased it. Being questionable of the effects of it. I ended up with some of this stuff on my face. NOT FUN! It burnt for a while, but the intense portion of the event lasted roughly 30 minutes. Vision was blurred for a while too. So if you are into it, spray yourself. You'll soon learn the effects of OC FAST. Reminds me of boot camp when my Drill Instructor said "Everything you did, Drill Instructors have done." Two years later looking back upon it, the drill instructors did everything we did, only faster and better. I then read up on drill instructor school, and gained a whole new respect for drill instructors. Anyway I got some on my hand and got it onto my face. If that was wiping it onto my face, a spray must SUCK! I do stupid things sometimes but I am not stupid enough to take on a full spray on recreational time. Wiping it on face took me out, a spray must be worse. Plus I was expecting it so my mindset was there to lessen the pain. Imagine not expecting it...
I purchased the heavy stream model because it can get windy and a finely sprayed cone can back fire and cause more harm than good. I routinely carry it in my jacket pocket. I would have it out and in my hand to protect myself just in case whenever I walk into a place that is either dangerous or just doesn't feel right. Whats the point of having the OC spray in a purse or inside a "deep" inside a pocket with other stuff. If I even do have it in my jacket pocket I can have it out and ready in a flash because it is on my strong hand side (right) and it the pocket is closest to my right hand. Reach in grab, pull out, and spray. There is more than enough for 5 seconds of full spray stream. Thats more than enough to spray in a left to right pattern and cover the attacker or attackers faces.
The effects, I never saw two fairly large guys drop to the ground and cry in a high wail voice so fast before. It may have been my reaction, but most of it was the Fox spray. Here was the situation.
I come back from school (I dorm there) and its 3:30 in the morning. I get off the train and walk to my house (like a 10-15 minute walk) and as I near the underpass I see some suspicious looking guys approach me. Suspicious? I define that as talking to each other and eye balling me. I am not a big guy, I come in at 5'6 and 145-150 pounds. I as usual have my OC out and hidden in my hand (Fox Labs OC 5.3 stream 2 ounce.) One of the approaches me and says where is you're wallet? (distance arms length, about 3 feet, the other guy was another 3 feet and to the left of the question asker.) They were what I call large, at least 6 feet tall and 200+ pounds. I quickly and without hesitation sprayed down the first guy and pushed him to the ground and engaged the second guy who was already coming at me. He was reaching for his blade in the process. He did not achieve to get his blade out before he was sprayed and went to the ground hard. All this happened with me shouting "Get on the ground, stay down" and being swift, violent, and in motion. I walked (ok ran) away and continued my business as usual. I went home, un packed my back pack (visualize about 30 pounds stuffed into a North Face Big Shot), took a shower, and went to sleep.
I am glad they only had a blade and not a gun. I am thankful I am still alive today.
My SF E2e remained in my pocket during that incident. The underpass got new lights so I didn't find a need for it. An open hand to the temple is also safer than jabbing an E2e into it. I don't understand someone with an E2D and using it without and training. Surefire should make it mandatory to attend a class on tactical impact devices when someone gets an E2D. If an average joe/jane bought an E2D and didn't have any prior training it using it, I don't think they'll be very effective.
The OC is more logical than having a knife. There is no direct contact. If I had my knife in that situation I don't think I'll be here talking about it. You'd of seen me on the news and I would be locked up. I am NOT a martial arts master but a knife with the right training and mindset is deadly. My life or your life. I will take your life before you will take mine. There are laws though so I stopped the knife carrying and stick with OC. My liability is less being there is no blood to draw and the attackers will not die only suffer through heck for a short time period.
Check local laws first, I haven't but I think a small 2 ounce can of OC is acceptable when I see these self defense sprays being sold in stores.
Sitting here typing this had me thinking, getting you're wife/girlfriend or yourself some OC, use it wisely. Don't keep it stashed deep inside a pocket or purse with other things. Also carry it always. I carry mine more often than not. I remember the quote "When you need it most, you don't have it." so I try to at least EDC it. Whats the use of OC to you if you are walking alone in a dangerous place and you come under attack and the OC is sitting at home, in the car, or inside a purse?
Practice, practice, and practice some more. Get a few cans of OC and attend some classes on usage if you can find them. Get in shape physically and mentally. I hate to run but I do it anyway and mix it once and a while by running the track and during every second lap get down a do a few push-ups, a few sit-ups, and the countless other exercises. It sure as heck wore me out after 12 laps and 6 exercises.
Anyway back to topic at hand.
Test you're OC spray. I shake mine up at least once a week. It becomes second nature.
Also know how to use it. It is simple to use but with the right mindset and techniques of spraying and moving it becomes extremely effective.
Jason
