An attacker is going to attack without a warning. The best defense is awareness.

Here's one I'm surprised he didn't mention. Let's say you're attacked while you're fishing. You could grab one of the fish you've caught and use it as a weapon. Smack your attacker across the face with it. He'll never see it coming. While using a spiny fish, like a catfish, is most effective, even a trout is better than nothing. And the best part is that very few checkpoints will stop you from passing through with a fish. Just make sure it's not an endangered species.

The face he makes when striking is priceless 😂🤣

Excellent video! Years ago in my college days I volunteered on the ambulance division at the local volunteer fire department. I often worked with an older, more experianced nurse who ALWAYS had a large pair of locking kelly clamps with her. She told me that when she worked in a Boston area hospital, she had an appartment accross the street. There was a tunnel under the street connecting the hospital and the appartments, with a security station manned by police at the hospital end. One night when she neared the appartment end of the tunnel a drunk male accosted her. She was able to pull out those clamps and lock them down on his nasal septum. The center part of your nose! Any time he tried to move she would twist them! She led him, by his nose, back down to the security office. She said he was in tears begging the police to handcuff him and "just get her away from me". She said even if you just get a fold of skin, and lock em up, most people will be more interested in getting the dang things off than paying attention to you running far, far away. If you are not familiar with kelly clamps you probably won't be able to release them quickly. Makes for a VERY effective improvised weapon. I have an autolocking carabiner on the left shoulder strap of my edc pack. A co-worker asked me why. I took it off and explained how you may need it to help with a rope rescue. Maybe even to save yourself. He just looked at me. Then I added, as I slipped it over my hand, besides brass knuckles are illegal, carabiners aren't!!! then I brought my hand down on his leg, sorta gentle like. At that point he smiled, shook his head and said something along the lines of "sneaky bastard" Thanks again for the work you put in on these videos.

Real Simple- Carry extra sock (on foot) through checkpoint- nobody cares. (as long as you don't try to hide anything in extra sock!!!) Carry Change through checkpoint Nobody cares. Once on other side of checkpoint, assemble weapon in bathroom stall to be carried in advance. I've been doing it in airports since they came out with TSA. It's even more effective if you use sever rolls worth of pre-rolled quarters (which double for vending machine spending, etc.) because the weight is more center-mass than loose change. This is the reason, by the way, they don't allow inmates in prisons to posses change at any time.

I love how you include your bloopers. We all need reminders that everyone makes mistakes. Everyone should be able to laugh at themselves.

The Sensible Prepper channel has had some great videos lately. Keep em coming Sootch!

Rolled up magazine. The tighter, the better!

16:38 - surely I'm not the only one who got an immature little giggle out of that comment?

I watch John at Active Self Protection daily! Love what can be learned there! I learn a ton from you as well! Thanks for sharing what you know!

I got robbed at gun point with a 45 mag pistol upside my head in 1985 in our grooming shop in Houston. I have never been unarmed in one way or another ever since. I always have a 10" curved scissor on me at all times. Plus, pocket knife and other sharp every day items always within reach. I'm 62 don't mess with me or my animals! I'm not paranoid, I am aware of my surroundings at all times and I'm confident in my skill sets to do what I need to do when I need to do it.

Dude, just wanna say great content. This day in time, people really need to be aware of how dangerous just every day things can be and you show not only what might happen but ways you can deal with it. And that seriously could save a life. I've trained in MMA and could throw down with some serious dudes but I would never want to have to rely on my hands if my life is on the line, though it's great to know I can. So far as a self defense tool, a good paracord and safety clip can do some damage. But the an equally essential ability is being able to notice weapons around you every day. Go into home depot or hobby lobby, or anywhere and just look at things and try to figure where they'd belong, and how much damage they could do. Ever been slapped in the face with a stapler? Things like that are EVERYWHERE and they're not just weapons you could defend yourself with but weapons someone else could potentially use against you.

Great video man! I love the active self protection channel. A lot of lessons to be learned from watching his channel. Keep up the good work brother!

I love my Key-Bar! The security crews at my local NHL arena always take a close look at it, and then ask me where they can get one! Thanks for your informative video.

I keep a carabiner on my keyring. Slide my fingers through and use it like brass knuckles. I've carried it through security at the courthouse a couple times without issue.

Awesome video. Was just training a friend about the concept of EDC and how common pieces of your EDC system can help you defend yourself across various environments and situations. Sending this video her way to spread the wealth of knowledge you provide. Thanks as always; so much respective and appreciation for what you do, Sootch.

The belt was always one that interested me since I saw it on a movie once. However, I have noticed that the belt holders on pants are done in a way to prevent you from pulling the belt out too quickly. As a result, you'll spend more time wrapped up in yourself trying to undo and pull it out than you will attacking anyone with it.

You always have such top of the line stuff, up to and including the"Gold Toe" socks!

It's really funny that you posted this because I have been thinking about this concept a lot these past few weeks. In fact this evening I made a mental plan in my head for which items in my grocery cart would be the most useful if someone tried to rob the cashier. Keep calm and improvise on!

I used to open the pick on my swiss army knife and put it between my ring finger and middle finger. It allowed me to punch through a T-shirt, and would really puncture flesh well. To this day it's my prefered "improvised" weapon.

I just want to Thank you for all you do for us Sootch.

When traveling and going through checkpoints always carry a self addressed pre-stamped envelope to put items in that don’t pass muster. Learned this from Deviant Olam.

You should have mentioned blinding an attacker with the light.

I walk with a cane due to suffering from 5 different types of arthritis in all my joints, especially in my knees. Tried the standard aluminum canes, didn't care for it... Anyhow, I found a heavy wooden cane at an antique store for about $3 (One of those wooden shepherds canes they sell at feed/farm supply stores for directing livestock. Usually sell for $12). I added a heavy duty 1" cane tip (look for the ones that are made of heavy rubber, with a metal washer, that the cane tip rests on. Puts a nice heavy impact point at the tip). Then, I took 2 1" strips of heavy harness leather to the inner and outer curve and glued them in place, to reinforce the crook of the cane and to make the crook a better size for my hands. And finally, I took Paracord and wove it over the leather from about 1 inch from the tip of the crook to about 1/3 of the way down the shaft, for a better grip. Makes a good self defense cane, and it's pretty discreet. I have carried it through court houses, post offices with no issues. Have even handed it to the operator at the metal detector, or x-ray machine, and they just hand it back to me with a "Have a nice Day, Sir...". A good cane/ walking stick is just one of those things that just doesn't set off any alarms, especially if you walk with a limp. Yes, showing you suffer from a disability can make you a target. Just don't make it easy for them...

I think the best rule ever is never publicly discus what you would do or can to. If you ever use deadly force; every post you ever made concerning deadly force will be brought up in a court of law. Premeditation means training.

G'day Don, Great vid, as usual! I did all the courses way back when in uniform and still the best advice if you're out gunned or 'un-gunned' or knifeless is to create a diversion and run away. Being an old crock now, I can't run anywhere so I use a walking sticks. Cold Steel has a few useful ones. I also make them from fallen Tasmanian hardwoods. Even younger folk can use them as a fashion statement. There are several good KZfaq vids on how to effectively use a walking or hiking stick as a defensive tool. Walking sticks are internationally TSA friendly and they can get you wheelchair assistance in big airports where you've got a long way to walk between connecting flights. Never use a sword stick because they get put through the x-ray check in. Also, a big key ring with lots of keys attached to a swivel belt clip, like Maxpedition sell, is a great improvised 'monkey fist' when you can't take your monkey fist with you. Going fishing. Got fishing kit in the vehicle... a simple fish or marlin spike for putting a big fish out of its misery makes an excellent and devastating defense tool when knives are a no no. And finally, a LEO model Fisher space pen is just as effective as a tactical pen and it isn't. It will never be confiscated. Cheers, hopes this helps. BH

No way i'm wasting my coffee :)

Just saw your video on self defense tools. Very informative and handy info. Never can be too careful on the streets, especially against the bad guys. Kudos n keep providing more videos. Thanks.

Great video, I'm slowly working my girlfriend into the self defence/prepper mindset and often reference your videos to support my points. Im planning on buying her a spyderco dragonfly to EDC, but she got her firearms license so thats a start!

OMG!!! U must have had soooo much fun making this video! Another great video Sootch!!!! Out takes are hilarious!!!

The best video on improvised weapons ever. Thanks for the awesome video bud.

Great video as always Sootch! Here in the UK we have a ton of restrictions on what we can carry legally. I carry my keys on a neck lanyard, I could get quite a swing on them to increase my range. It would hurt!

I have used a climbing karabiner to pop a on the train once that tried messing with me and the other passengers. On a lighter note my advice to any ladies watching this don't be afraid to channel your inner Ruth Buzzi, and swing that purse when need be. 😀

I think the intro to this one is the funniest i've seen you do. LOL watching you take out those dummies LOL. Thanks for the info Sootch

Love watching all of your vids on both channels. Keep up the great work.

great video! there are great old books on improvised weapons both edc and household items

Putting keys on your fist hurts you more than your opponent. You can't hit as hard either. Blunt force is much more effective than some keys. No serious person with martial arts training is going to recommend using your keys.

Good video. Honestly, I think that fighting back is more than most attackers would be ready for.

This guy!! Love it! The coffee and the cane killed me! But serious.. it works!

Yes!! We need to be alert no matter where we are. Be ready, be safe!! thanks buddy for your channel.

Thank you for these videos that are very helpful and that you should not miss. A greeting from Barcelona (Spain). A greeting.

love this video!! heres a helpful travel weapon, when i fly i always keep a roll of quarters to increase punching power some tactical pens and flashlights dont pass airport security. no one can question a roll of quarters

You can use a rolled up magazine and jab them with the end as it's absolutely solid when rolled

Some guy approached me out of the bushes one night when I walked around the corner. He surprised me and was drunk so naturally as a woman I was on edge. I had my torch on my hip (weapons aren’t allowed in aus) and I put my hand on it right away till I had a sense of his intentions. 500lumins to his eyes gives me an advantage. He just wanted me to call his phone, so drunk he lost it in the bushes. Kept my distance and as soon as he found it he offered me $10. I was already getting On my way, so no thanks see ya.

Good video! A lot of people dont think about these items. One additional comment is I added a paracord lanyard to my steel water bottle. This gives me a little more reach and gets the bottle moving much faster.

A modern led flashlight of over 20$ should blind an attacker at night with a quick burst, you may be able to easily escape without risking a court appearance or an unexpected escalation. I tested this with a 800lumen flashlight, my friend flashed me once in the dark and he was able to remain hidden from me for about 2 minutes while standing directly in front of me. Were I a real attacker he could have struck me easily in my weapon hand or disarmed me and ran. The blinding is effective multiple times. Bright lights will still work in daylight and it’s worth the flash in the eyes before an attack if there is space to do so.

Nobody questions the standard Mini Maglite AA. It's great as a Kubuton, but with the innocuous factory lanyard it makes a great flail weapon.

A hoodie filled with a bottle of lotion or whatever in the pockets (preferably zipped up) and using that as a whip or a nunchaku seems like a nice idea.

:-) typical sootch00: 1 music 2 scary story 3 demonstration of items 4 music 5 fail compilation\jokes

If I HAD to be on the receiving end of any of these attacks from Sootch, I'd have to choose the small pack "Who's Your Daddy?" option just so I could get a good laugh after the initial strike. That's good stuff!

Take care of your health and fitness level too! Having effective objects is cool and helpful, but being solid and mobile physically is important too!

I've seen a folding cane for the blind or visually impaired used to good effect. Now my vision is not that bad yet but I've considered buying one.

love this segment matey. It's so funny but informative. Cheers mate.

Everywhere I go I search for a weapon should one be needed. The cup of tea or coffee is my favourite,always handy. At a cafe I frequent a stone with the table number lies in the middle of the table. I always ensure that stone is within easy reach. A simple weapon,but often ignored. S plate,broken against the table edge,makes a good blade. Knives and forks,and spoons,are useful. Even if your plate is full of food,that can be used as a throwing weapon if necessary,giving you the chance to draw something better. With a bit of warning the pepper pot can be unscrewed and the contents thrown. In the UK we have to tread very carefully nowadays because the Law has become unpredictable where self defence is concerned. Better to think ahead as much as possible,and spot possible ambush sites. My favourite weapon years ago was a starting pistol,firing blanks,never out of my reach,but never needed. Today especially I would carry another if necessary. Lot of noise,but nothing fatal. I enjoyed this video. Tough life for the dummy!

Excellent, excellent video! Very useful and realistic. Thank you for all the ideas!!!

Very good - as all your videos are. Just a thought - with a multi-tool, IF you have time to swing it open, the pointed pliers will provide a stronger application of impact!

Great video! Absolutely enjoyed this video immensely! Well done!

Good video Don. What other preps did you bring on the cruise? There are very few videos out there that cover cruise preps.

So, TO SUMMARIZE: * By using pointy object, concentrate more force in one point, so less mass is required to damage tissues. * By using objects with large suface area, shield yourself. * By using objects with high mass, absorb impact. * By using soft or bouncy items, also absorb impact. Improvize.

Great videos here. Excellent production quality and material. No loud, distracting background music.

This was by far the best video you have made. Very informative and hilarious

We stress so much with the kids about doing enough to injure an eye or sensitive area to run away and find an adult. So proud of the little ones for getting their own EDC folding but LOCKING knives this summer.

A large steel Quick Link can be handy to have. Just have it attached to your bag like a carabiner or in your pocket. You can use it like brass knuckles around your hand, throw it in a sock, or link it onto your belt for quick self defense weapons. Another weapon to have would be a pepper spray pen.

congrats on 300.000 subs sootch keep up the good work

One thing that can be used for self-defense is a ring. Especially the large ones, or with diamonds or roughly cut stones. Those will tear flesh pretty effectively.

I'd say the #1 tool used to defend yourself is your brain.

Watched for the first time today, some good advice in there thanks. I have got a blue laser pen that I take with me if going somewhere dodgy. It can light cigarettes and burns from a distance. One quick shine in the eyes from a distance is all it will take to more than deter someone.

i got a large metal bottle opener and sharpened the end by the handle. the head fits on a key chain. works great

thanks for the ideas

Sootch after watching this I think it's safe to say that our real number one self defense tool is our minds.

nice video man. I like the sock idea, but it made me laugh. because I can imagine a couple guys going down a dark alley and one of them stops and says, " hold on man I gotta take off my sock and put my change and keys on it" XD I like it sootch keep it up man.

Two tricks from my 5 years in the Philippines: 1. A fellow EX-pat used to carry a few select rocks in his pocket. If he had the need to use the projectiles, they would blend in nicely with the surroundings once on the ground. 2: I have a medium sized padlock on a short plastic coated wireline. It matches one at home and I have the key for those locks in my pocket. The lock goes in the lower pocket of my cargo style shorts and most of the the cable is in the upper pocket for handy access. A fellow has to lock up his ride ya know! I am also blessed with a beautiful wife who had time at the rage with her Dad growing up. She now carries his .45ACP or occasionally her Dad's Beretta 9mm. Lord, I feel safe when I am out with that woman. Note that only Filipino citizens may own and carry firearms here.

One of the long ribbon type key lanyards makes a very good mace .

Excellent...and I carry a Churchill crown piece for morale, so good call there.

zebra pens great for writing and self defense. Also a roll of quarters in the hand.

Fishermen will appreciate this, a 1 ounce sinker, 24" of heavy string with a large knot on one end. In a road rage or daily carry situation you'll do damage swinging it and hitting anywhere. Good part, if you're stopped by cops, simply pull string from sinker hole. Viola, two innocent items in your pocket or in car. Probably get thru a tsa checkpoint. Imagine if a passenger had this during 9-11.

Great video. Also fill that sock or bandana with rocks. One more, tie a bandana around a large master lock and tuck it in your back pocket. Totally legal and very effective. Always enjoy your vids!!

Flaslight also has one nonclose and great close contat advantage - proper beam. It blinds instanly.

Oh no! Sootch is out of coffee! Reminds me of the old adage, anything is a weapon if you swing it right. Great video Sootch!

Enjoyed another one. Thank you.

Have you ever gotten salt in your eyes? Have a couple packets of salt from a fast food place in your pocket. Pinch-twist it open in one hand and toss the salt at the attacker's eyes. Even if it's in the form of a fake punch. Might buy you time to get out of there.

The coins can be kept in one of those suade type string tie bag. your sock idea made me think of that. But the bums i deal with at work do keep money in a sock.

Situational awareness to your surroundings is the big key to staying alive. A gun is hardly any good if your hit in the head with a hammer. Be proactive instead of reactive. Reactive is usually too late because your more than likely toast already after the fact.

Awesome video. Please make this on going as you get more ideas.

I was not expecting the water bottle outtake. I nearly spit out my drink! 😂 Seriously, Thank you for this video!

In regards to the sock and coins. I'd just take an older sock (making sure it has no holes), fill it with coins and carry it around in a EDC bag. Saves time from having to remove your sock and fill it.

ty sootch. great video !!

A favourite of our in the UK is to get a decent sized newspaper, roll it up tight long ways and fold it over, hold the lose ends and beat the shit of of them with the solid folded end. Very effective :D :D You should try it brother ;) Looks like you were enjoying this way too much lmao

you have the best reviews and informative videos..you're hilarious...lol...great ideas..

Great video! I was laughing every time you got that aggressive look on your face. I don't know why but it struck me as being funny.

Excellent video!!

Gotta love sooches humor! haha!

I would love to see a video introducing your family and if you have any pets !! Thanks

You forgot about shinning the flashlight in the eyes of a night attacker. It can blind then allowing you to either attack them without them seeing it come by or it can give you a momment to run away or both.

Very cool Video!

the small and slim fcopper lashlight can also be used by grabbing it inside your fist and simply punch somebody.. you could also use a AA battery for that matter, same principle... you basically fill the natural gap that forms inside your hand when you close fist (same reason why boxing gloves have that padded line on the palm)

I love the walking stick where the old guy "beat off" the attacker. LOL

I carried a long umbrella while working security in Australia.... you can't even have pepper spray there, let alone a knife.

Skeletool has locking blade and is super easy to grip if you had time to deploy the blade

Lots of great ideas. What is the make and model of the small fixed blade with leather sheath?