thanks to low tech combat for this
The
5 Best Improvised Weapons in the World
WHAT IMPROVISED WEAPON IS
BEST?Improvised Weapons can be a great
equaliser.They can be acquired at short notice.Improvised
Weapons can prevent the need to carry an actual weapon, which legally is very
good.They can be just as effective as actual weapons.But
not all Improvised Weapons are created equal.In this article, I will
be having a look at what makes a good Improvised Weapon, what makes a bad one,
the benefits of Improvised Weapons and then finish by highlighting the 5 Best
Improvised Weapons in the world for today's day and age. A modest
aim.Let's get into it.Many people talk about
how good improvised weapons are. A lot of the time though, what a person
recommends as a good improvised weapon, is often a poor one. There are a number
of things an improvised weapon should be.An improvised weapon
should:
be a benign item that is not automatically viewed as a weapon
be strong enough for its purpose
be better than an unarmed option
have a use outside of a weapon
be able to be used quickly
This list is not exhaustive. But already, it rules out some potential
improvised weapons. Let's have a look at what we want.
It Should be
Benign
For an item to be used as an improvised weapon, it should be able to be
carried by a person (or be close to an area where conflict is likely to occur),
without drawing attention to it being a weapon. If an attacker can see an items
potential for use as a weapon, they may quickly mentally develop counters in the
event it is used. They may even desire to use it themselves.
If it is benign, they do not consider it. They cannot be prepared for it.
If they do not consider it, we can harness the element of surprise when
we bring it to bear. The element of surprise is a massive advantage to whoever
holds it.
Strong Enough for its
Purpose
An item may look to be good as an improvised weapon, but consider for a
moment the forces that it will be required to sustain. It will be used at a time
where our very life may be at risk. It needs to be strong enough to be used at
full power against a hard object. Of course, you can expect it to be slightly
damaged, but it should not immediately cave in, break or shatter.
If you would hesitate to use the possible improvised weapon against a wall
or heavy bag, it probably isn't suitable to be one of the 5 best improvised
weapons in the world.
Better Than an Unarmed
Option
This kind of sounds obvious, but an improvised weapon needs to be better
than an unarmed option. Consider a good unarmed option. This would be an attempt
at a knockout, perhaps by using an open palm strike to the chin. This is a solid
strike to a well known and effective knock out zone. An improvised weapon needs
to offer advantages beyond this unarmed possibility. If an improvised weapon
cannot achieve this, it is not one of the best 5 improvised weapons. Perhaps it
is not a good improvised weapon at all.
An improvised weapon could offer any number of advantages. It could offer
us a reach advantage. This is very good, especially if the attacker is armed. It
could offer an impact advantage. It may offer a more solid and less forgiving
striking surface and/or weight. It may be completely unexpected and provide the
element of surprise. It may offer us a sharp edge for us to cut or stab if we
need to. It may be able to be used as a shield, which would be especially useful
in an armed attack.
A good improvised weapon should offer us a clear advantage over a good
unarmed response, otherwise we should just use the unarmed response.
Useful Not as a
Weapon
An improvised weapon should have another use, not as a weapon. If it
doesn't, it is probably just a weapon. A knuckleduster is not an improvised
weapon. A folding concealed knife is not an improvised weapon. A balisong is not
an improvised weapon (no, it is not a 'letter opener'). These are weapons.
If you carry one of these or use one, it wil be considered as a single
purpose weapon. An improvised weapon is more innocent. This will be explained
further, below.
Quick to
Deploy
An improvised weapon needs to be able to be used, when needed. It should
not take long to get and deploy. A car jack (or its handle) may be a good
weapon, but it will be in the boot. If you keep it on the passenger seat it may
raise some questions by the police if you do use it. It can seem premeditated.
And you cannot really walk around carrying a car jack. This limits its utility.
Although in a home garage it would be fine.
If it needs to be carried in your backpack, it is not really up to being a
top 5 improvised weapon. It will take too long to get by the time you may
realise you need it. So any good improvised weapon needs to be quick at hand
and/or quick to deploy. This area can be massaged...
A Bad Improvised
Weapon
Besides the points raised previously, a bad improvised weapon may maim an
attacker, but will it stop them?
One commonly espoused improvised weapon is a set of car keys. I have
even mentioned these on this site before, some time ago. Sure, they may have
their benefits. They are harder than knuckles when held appropriately. But do
they offer knock out power? Or will they just cut up an attackers face? That is
my concern with them. You get blood all over you from some crim who has what
blood born diseases? AND it doesn't really stop them? This is an example of an
improvised weapon not being as efficient as an unarmed option.Wouldn't
an unarmed knock out blow to the chin be more effective at stopping an attacker?
Yes, keys may instil some confidence to fight back. That is really the main
benefit of the use of keys as a weapon. For a weak defender, it may even provide
more damage than what they could deliver unarmed. So that is an option for them,
but overall, they are an average improvised weapon. And there are better options
than keys.
Another bad improvised weapon is one the user cannot use
effectively. If you cannot use an improvised weapon well, it will likely be
largely ineffective. It may even be taken off you and used against you. If you
identify a good improvised weapon (some will be listed below), learn how to use
it. Consider one to three moves and practise them again and again. Know where it
will be, know how to go for it and know how to utilise it. Spend time thinking
about its deployment. Think about legal consequences.A bad improvised
weapon will just break as you crash it over an attackers head or even break as
you begin the swing. Do not annoy the attacker with an ineffective improvised
weapon. You will just make the attacker more committed and determined in his
attack when he realises you are attempting to fight back with a weapon of some
sort. He will likely go further with his attack. There are times when an
uncommitted attacker will flee but don't chance your luck by assuming that will
be the case.
A bad improvised weapon will not be there when you need it. You may not
need an improvised weapon on you all the time, 24/7. Think ahead for the high
risk times and places. At those times, you need to be able to have access to
one. No matter how good you think your crowbar is, you will not be able to take
it to the shops.There is a time and place for many improvised
weapons.
The BIG Benefit of
Improvised Weapons
The biggest benefit with using improvised weapons is that in the eyes of
the law, you were not using an actual weapon. You did not use a knife or baton.
There was no apparent pre-meditation or preparation for using a weapon. You did
not pre arm yourself.
Considering the law is so important.
If you need to use force in a real self defence situation, a great
equaliser is a weapon. It is the "street tough's" number one rule of a street
fight. Grab anything you can, and hit them with it. A weapon is such an
equaliser, especially if the attacker has a weapon or there are multiple
attackers.
But using a weapon you had secreted on your body, in the eyes of a court or
jury will be much harder to justify self defence than if you just used some item
you happened to have nearby in desperation. This also applies for home
invasions.
Can you see the difference here?
This is why an improvised weapon must have another benign use.Also
consider that using any weapon, even if it is improvised, is using more force
than an unarmed attacker is using. Unless they are much bigger than you, they
have a weapon, they are kicking your ass or there are more than one, or you are
female and they are male, it is not recommended to use an improvised weapon, or
even any weapon. Just another legal consideration.
Considering all of the above, the following include short and long range,
cheap and pricy, for home defence and defence when out and about as well as when
travelling. A good spread of requirements.
What are the 5 Best
Improvised Weapons in the World?
5. A pocket of loose
change
LOOSE
CHANGE
This is a simple and basic projectile weapon. A bunch of loose change
thrown really hard straight at an attacker will likely trigger a flinch in them.
Just get the change out and throw it really hard. An alternative would be a
suitably small rock or rocks. Anything small and with weight. To conserve ammo,
throw the coins one or two at a time.
Benefits:
Extra long distance
Projectile weapon
Delay an advance
Multiple volleys can be used
Surprise an attacker
Used to regain the initiative and launch into follow up attacks if required,
or escape
Enable space to manoeuvre
Provides time to call out for help, gain attention of third parties, deter
willingness for attacker to continue etc.
Quick to get to, especially if it is a mugging type attack, hand in pocket
etc.
Can be used to buy coffee, fill parking meter
Disadvantages:
You need to have a pocketful of loose change
You may not be a good thrower and miss entirely
May only get one throw
Unlikely to deter a committed attacker
4. A Backpack
BACKPACK AS
SHIELD
A backpack (or other suitable bag), can be used as an excellent shield. A
backpack can quickly be swung around and held up in front of the body acting as
a modern day shield. It can even be held by one arm leaving the other free to
use a weapon or fend or whatever.
Benefits:
Can be used as a shield
Can leave other hand free to use a weapon (such as No. 5, 3 or 2)
Can slow down and/or confuse/delay an attacker
Unexpected use, can put attacker off
Can be swung or used as a weapon, primarily to create distance to
facilitate manoeuvre
Can freely carry around out in public
Quick to use
Can leave lying in house at strategic locations for home defence
Can carry around your stuff, handsfree
Disadvantages:
Limited use as an offensive weapon, no stopping power
May not always have
Can flail around, be hard to control
Can be too heavy to hold up if carrying heavy/numerous items
3. A Drink
BOTTLE OF
DRINK
A bottle of drink (glass or plastic), a hot coffee, a can of soft drink,
glass of soft drink etc. can all be used as excellent improvised weapons. These
are cheap and you can have one anywhere. They can be used a number of
ways.
Benefits:
Can carry a drink almost anywhere
Very benign, common
Half filled or more in a bottle with lid on can be used as an impact weapon
Hot fluid can be used to scald
Cold fluid can be used to distract/cause flinch/harness element of surprise
and regain initiative
Cheap disposable item
Various drink types are available everywhere
Full unopened can is a solid impact weapon, especially when thrusted
straight out
An Aluminium Can can cut when scrunched up and twisted and the sides split
Half full or more bottles and cans as well as glasses can be thrown as
projectiles
Drinks can provide sustenance
Disadvantages:
Limited range advantage, unless thrown
Limited hard, solid surface except unopened can
Scalding from hot coffee gets one shot
Broken glass can injure self
Almost empty plastic bottles offer limited advantages over unarmed strikes
2. A Maglight Torch
MAGLIGHT
TORCH
My Maglight torch is an excellent, solid impact weapon with bonus light
that can be used tactically as well. I have had one for years and it will always
feature in my home defence strategy.
Benefits:
Solid weight
Good to use as an impact weapon
Very Strong
Used for offense and defence/blocking
Common household item in event of blackouts etc.
At night, can turn light on in attackers face for further effect, even set
up a strike
Excellent for home invasion situations
Offers some range beyond unarmed
Good for striking weapons or weapon bearing arms/hands
Lots of systems that formally teach stick of similar length so can gain
proficiency
Can be used to provide light when it is dark out
Disadvantages:
Difficult to have at hand in public places, no bags, cannot get into bag in
time etc.
Many situations would be unable to have
Need room to swing
Learn more about the Maglight HERE.
1. Unbreakable
Umbrella
UNBREAKABLE
UMBRELLA
I have had my Unbreakable
Umbrella for a couple of years now. I got the knobbed end rather than the
crook, curvy end. I find it easier to hold and wield. This umbrella is perhaps
the ultimate improvised weapon as you can take it anywhere you want to go. You
just need to get over the fact you are carrying an umbrella around, they can be
kind of dorky to some. Good for home defence, travelling and when out and
about.
Benefits:
Excellent long range, can strike weapons or weapons bearing arms, hands etc.
Can swing out wide extending with one arm or can be held close with two
hands and thrusted
Can use to keep attacker away, enabling time to call for help
Can keep multiple attackers at bay, at least for some time
Can be used in stabbing/thrusting motion to strike with the tip
Can be used as impact weapon
Common benign item
Can be taken even on aircraft
Used for offence and defence/blocking
Can be carried in public places
VERY strong
There are lots of systems that teach stick fighting of similar lengths to
the umbrella so you can gain proficiency
Can keep rain off you and a friend
Disadvantages:
Can be odd on bright sunny days
Some can feel awkward carrying around an umbrella
Can be cumbersome to carry around at first
Can be seen as 'uncool'
Learn more about the unbreakable umbrella HERE.
How would you use these improvised weapons? You could use some for
at home, some for when you go out at night, some for travelling, some for during
the day, some for commuting etc. Think of a way to layer the use of improvised
weapons.So there we have it. The 5 Best Improvised Weapons in the whole
entire world.\
thanks again to low tech combat for this
http://www.lowtechcombat.com/2012/01/5-best-improvised-weapons-in-world.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lowtechcombat%2FWHwU+%28Low+Tech+Combat%29&utm_content=FaceBook
The
5 Best Improvised Weapons in the World
WHAT IMPROVISED WEAPON IS
BEST?Improvised Weapons can be a great
equaliser.They can be acquired at short notice.Improvised
Weapons can prevent the need to carry an actual weapon, which legally is very
good.They can be just as effective as actual weapons.But
not all Improvised Weapons are created equal.In this article, I will
be having a look at what makes a good Improvised Weapon, what makes a bad one,
the benefits of Improvised Weapons and then finish by highlighting the 5 Best
Improvised Weapons in the world for today's day and age. A modest
aim.Let's get into it.Many people talk about
how good improvised weapons are. A lot of the time though, what a person
recommends as a good improvised weapon, is often a poor one. There are a number
of things an improvised weapon should be.An improvised weapon
should:
be a benign item that is not automatically viewed as a weapon
be strong enough for its purpose
be better than an unarmed option
have a use outside of a weapon
be able to be used quickly
This list is not exhaustive. But already, it rules out some potential
improvised weapons. Let's have a look at what we want.
It Should be
Benign
For an item to be used as an improvised weapon, it should be able to be
carried by a person (or be close to an area where conflict is likely to occur),
without drawing attention to it being a weapon. If an attacker can see an items
potential for use as a weapon, they may quickly mentally develop counters in the
event it is used. They may even desire to use it themselves.
If it is benign, they do not consider it. They cannot be prepared for it.
If they do not consider it, we can harness the element of surprise when
we bring it to bear. The element of surprise is a massive advantage to whoever
holds it.
Strong Enough for its
Purpose
An item may look to be good as an improvised weapon, but consider for a
moment the forces that it will be required to sustain. It will be used at a time
where our very life may be at risk. It needs to be strong enough to be used at
full power against a hard object. Of course, you can expect it to be slightly
damaged, but it should not immediately cave in, break or shatter.
If you would hesitate to use the possible improvised weapon against a wall
or heavy bag, it probably isn't suitable to be one of the 5 best improvised
weapons in the world.
Better Than an Unarmed
Option
This kind of sounds obvious, but an improvised weapon needs to be better
than an unarmed option. Consider a good unarmed option. This would be an attempt
at a knockout, perhaps by using an open palm strike to the chin. This is a solid
strike to a well known and effective knock out zone. An improvised weapon needs
to offer advantages beyond this unarmed possibility. If an improvised weapon
cannot achieve this, it is not one of the best 5 improvised weapons. Perhaps it
is not a good improvised weapon at all.
An improvised weapon could offer any number of advantages. It could offer
us a reach advantage. This is very good, especially if the attacker is armed. It
could offer an impact advantage. It may offer a more solid and less forgiving
striking surface and/or weight. It may be completely unexpected and provide the
element of surprise. It may offer us a sharp edge for us to cut or stab if we
need to. It may be able to be used as a shield, which would be especially useful
in an armed attack.
A good improvised weapon should offer us a clear advantage over a good
unarmed response, otherwise we should just use the unarmed response.
Useful Not as a
Weapon
An improvised weapon should have another use, not as a weapon. If it
doesn't, it is probably just a weapon. A knuckleduster is not an improvised
weapon. A folding concealed knife is not an improvised weapon. A balisong is not
an improvised weapon (no, it is not a 'letter opener'). These are weapons.
If you carry one of these or use one, it wil be considered as a single
purpose weapon. An improvised weapon is more innocent. This will be explained
further, below.
Quick to
Deploy
An improvised weapon needs to be able to be used, when needed. It should
not take long to get and deploy. A car jack (or its handle) may be a good
weapon, but it will be in the boot. If you keep it on the passenger seat it may
raise some questions by the police if you do use it. It can seem premeditated.
And you cannot really walk around carrying a car jack. This limits its utility.
Although in a home garage it would be fine.
If it needs to be carried in your backpack, it is not really up to being a
top 5 improvised weapon. It will take too long to get by the time you may
realise you need it. So any good improvised weapon needs to be quick at hand
and/or quick to deploy. This area can be massaged...
A Bad Improvised
Weapon
Besides the points raised previously, a bad improvised weapon may maim an
attacker, but will it stop them?
One commonly espoused improvised weapon is a set of car keys. I have
even mentioned these on this site before, some time ago. Sure, they may have
their benefits. They are harder than knuckles when held appropriately. But do
they offer knock out power? Or will they just cut up an attackers face? That is
my concern with them. You get blood all over you from some crim who has what
blood born diseases? AND it doesn't really stop them? This is an example of an
improvised weapon not being as efficient as an unarmed option.Wouldn't
an unarmed knock out blow to the chin be more effective at stopping an attacker?
Yes, keys may instil some confidence to fight back. That is really the main
benefit of the use of keys as a weapon. For a weak defender, it may even provide
more damage than what they could deliver unarmed. So that is an option for them,
but overall, they are an average improvised weapon. And there are better options
than keys.
Another bad improvised weapon is one the user cannot use
effectively. If you cannot use an improvised weapon well, it will likely be
largely ineffective. It may even be taken off you and used against you. If you
identify a good improvised weapon (some will be listed below), learn how to use
it. Consider one to three moves and practise them again and again. Know where it
will be, know how to go for it and know how to utilise it. Spend time thinking
about its deployment. Think about legal consequences.A bad improvised
weapon will just break as you crash it over an attackers head or even break as
you begin the swing. Do not annoy the attacker with an ineffective improvised
weapon. You will just make the attacker more committed and determined in his
attack when he realises you are attempting to fight back with a weapon of some
sort. He will likely go further with his attack. There are times when an
uncommitted attacker will flee but don't chance your luck by assuming that will
be the case.
A bad improvised weapon will not be there when you need it. You may not
need an improvised weapon on you all the time, 24/7. Think ahead for the high
risk times and places. At those times, you need to be able to have access to
one. No matter how good you think your crowbar is, you will not be able to take
it to the shops.There is a time and place for many improvised
weapons.
The BIG Benefit of
Improvised Weapons
The biggest benefit with using improvised weapons is that in the eyes of
the law, you were not using an actual weapon. You did not use a knife or baton.
There was no apparent pre-meditation or preparation for using a weapon. You did
not pre arm yourself.
Considering the law is so important.
If you need to use force in a real self defence situation, a great
equaliser is a weapon. It is the "street tough's" number one rule of a street
fight. Grab anything you can, and hit them with it. A weapon is such an
equaliser, especially if the attacker has a weapon or there are multiple
attackers.
But using a weapon you had secreted on your body, in the eyes of a court or
jury will be much harder to justify self defence than if you just used some item
you happened to have nearby in desperation. This also applies for home
invasions.
Can you see the difference here?
This is why an improvised weapon must have another benign use.Also
consider that using any weapon, even if it is improvised, is using more force
than an unarmed attacker is using. Unless they are much bigger than you, they
have a weapon, they are kicking your ass or there are more than one, or you are
female and they are male, it is not recommended to use an improvised weapon, or
even any weapon. Just another legal consideration.
Considering all of the above, the following include short and long range,
cheap and pricy, for home defence and defence when out and about as well as when
travelling. A good spread of requirements.
What are the 5 Best
Improvised Weapons in the World?
5. A pocket of loose
change
LOOSE
CHANGE
This is a simple and basic projectile weapon. A bunch of loose change
thrown really hard straight at an attacker will likely trigger a flinch in them.
Just get the change out and throw it really hard. An alternative would be a
suitably small rock or rocks. Anything small and with weight. To conserve ammo,
throw the coins one or two at a time.
Benefits:
Extra long distance
Projectile weapon
Delay an advance
Multiple volleys can be used
Surprise an attacker
Used to regain the initiative and launch into follow up attacks if required,
or escape
Enable space to manoeuvre
Provides time to call out for help, gain attention of third parties, deter
willingness for attacker to continue etc.
Quick to get to, especially if it is a mugging type attack, hand in pocket
etc.
Can be used to buy coffee, fill parking meter
Disadvantages:
You need to have a pocketful of loose change
You may not be a good thrower and miss entirely
May only get one throw
Unlikely to deter a committed attacker
4. A Backpack
BACKPACK AS
SHIELD
A backpack (or other suitable bag), can be used as an excellent shield. A
backpack can quickly be swung around and held up in front of the body acting as
a modern day shield. It can even be held by one arm leaving the other free to
use a weapon or fend or whatever.
Benefits:
Can be used as a shield
Can leave other hand free to use a weapon (such as No. 5, 3 or 2)
Can slow down and/or confuse/delay an attacker
Unexpected use, can put attacker off
Can be swung or used as a weapon, primarily to create distance to
facilitate manoeuvre
Can freely carry around out in public
Quick to use
Can leave lying in house at strategic locations for home defence
Can carry around your stuff, handsfree
Disadvantages:
Limited use as an offensive weapon, no stopping power
May not always have
Can flail around, be hard to control
Can be too heavy to hold up if carrying heavy/numerous items
3. A Drink
BOTTLE OF
DRINK
A bottle of drink (glass or plastic), a hot coffee, a can of soft drink,
glass of soft drink etc. can all be used as excellent improvised weapons. These
are cheap and you can have one anywhere. They can be used a number of
ways.
Benefits:
Can carry a drink almost anywhere
Very benign, common
Half filled or more in a bottle with lid on can be used as an impact weapon
Hot fluid can be used to scald
Cold fluid can be used to distract/cause flinch/harness element of surprise
and regain initiative
Cheap disposable item
Various drink types are available everywhere
Full unopened can is a solid impact weapon, especially when thrusted
straight out
An Aluminium Can can cut when scrunched up and twisted and the sides split
Half full or more bottles and cans as well as glasses can be thrown as
projectiles
Drinks can provide sustenance
Disadvantages:
Limited range advantage, unless thrown
Limited hard, solid surface except unopened can
Scalding from hot coffee gets one shot
Broken glass can injure self
Almost empty plastic bottles offer limited advantages over unarmed strikes
2. A Maglight Torch
MAGLIGHT
TORCH
My Maglight torch is an excellent, solid impact weapon with bonus light
that can be used tactically as well. I have had one for years and it will always
feature in my home defence strategy.
Benefits:
Solid weight
Good to use as an impact weapon
Very Strong
Used for offense and defence/blocking
Common household item in event of blackouts etc.
At night, can turn light on in attackers face for further effect, even set
up a strike
Excellent for home invasion situations
Offers some range beyond unarmed
Good for striking weapons or weapon bearing arms/hands
Lots of systems that formally teach stick of similar length so can gain
proficiency
Can be used to provide light when it is dark out
Disadvantages:
Difficult to have at hand in public places, no bags, cannot get into bag in
time etc.
Many situations would be unable to have
Need room to swing
Learn more about the Maglight HERE.
1. Unbreakable
Umbrella
UNBREAKABLE
UMBRELLA
I have had my Unbreakable
Umbrella for a couple of years now. I got the knobbed end rather than the
crook, curvy end. I find it easier to hold and wield. This umbrella is perhaps
the ultimate improvised weapon as you can take it anywhere you want to go. You
just need to get over the fact you are carrying an umbrella around, they can be
kind of dorky to some. Good for home defence, travelling and when out and
about.
Benefits:
Excellent long range, can strike weapons or weapons bearing arms, hands etc.
Can swing out wide extending with one arm or can be held close with two
hands and thrusted
Can use to keep attacker away, enabling time to call for help
Can keep multiple attackers at bay, at least for some time
Can be used in stabbing/thrusting motion to strike with the tip
Can be used as impact weapon
Common benign item
Can be taken even on aircraft
Used for offence and defence/blocking
Can be carried in public places
VERY strong
There are lots of systems that teach stick fighting of similar lengths to
the umbrella so you can gain proficiency
Can keep rain off you and a friend
Disadvantages:
Can be odd on bright sunny days
Some can feel awkward carrying around an umbrella
Can be cumbersome to carry around at first
Can be seen as 'uncool'
Learn more about the unbreakable umbrella HERE.
How would you use these improvised weapons? You could use some for
at home, some for when you go out at night, some for travelling, some for during
the day, some for commuting etc. Think of a way to layer the use of improvised
weapons.So there we have it. The 5 Best Improvised Weapons in the whole
entire world.\
thanks again to low tech combat for this
http://www.lowtechcombat.com/2012/01/5-best-improvised-weapons-in-world.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lowtechcombat%2FWHwU+%28Low+Tech+Combat%29&utm_content=FaceBook
