As a Martial Arts and tactical instructor I am frequently asked about the best tool to carry for self-defense. My answer: “what you’re most proficient with!” There are tons of pros and cons to a wide variety of self-defense tools, not to mention proper licensing for several options. But no matter what medium you use to protect yourself, you must be very comfortable utilizing that tool in a variety of situations under all kinds of different stress. Once you have proper deployment form, which can be a very technical skill, you need around 3000 to 5000 repetitions with excellent form to develop the muscle memory to deploy without conscious thought. So while I cannot recommend the “perfect“ self-defense tool for your individual needs for your environment, no matter what you carry, make sure you are properly trained and proficient with that tool. This applies but is not limited to: firearms, knives, pepper spray, palm sticks, Kubotan, or even just being able to engage in hand to hand combat. And don’t forget physical skill sets are perishable skill sets, never let your training sink into atrophy. Be prepared, take your personal security into your own hands and stay safe out there.