Knife laws in NY

[TOM1960]

Instead of pepper spray how about one of those compressed gas air horns? (example - http://preparedness.com/safesoundlarge.html)

Probably as distracting as pepper spray, might even get you a cop when YOU want one, and no DA would dream of bringing charges.

How about "disturbing the peace"? When all else fails, the cops will definitely hit you with that one if they want to be dickheads. It is right up there with "loitering".

 

[Grey_Lens]

At least no one has ever served more than thirty years for disturbing the peace.

 

[Sonny]

Pepper spray is nearly worthless for self defence except under optimal circumstances:

A non-locking blade is nearly worthless for self defense:

I can't think of any situation where I would deploy pepper spray BEFORE a knife, so pepper may never be used during the engagement. Pepper spray at best is a deterrent. It MIGHT buy you a few seconds to get away. Since a knife if the primary, and possibly the only one of the two that may be used in any given engagement a locking folder is the way to go.

"Pepper spray (from a nyc pharmacy with the form filled out) and a non-locking blade under 4 inches (for use as a tool) is all you and I (knifeknuts and gearjunkies) need to feel comfortable in NYC (from the thugs AND police...)."

If you re-read what I wrote (as shown above), I wrote that the non-locking blade is to be used as a TOOL. I never advocated using it for self-defense. Hell, re-read my post and it shows I even advocated firearms (with carry lic) over using a locking or non-lock knife for self-defense.

Also, I respectfully disagree with your thoughts on the effectiveness of pepper spray for self-defense. I had my girlfriend spray me outside from 5 feet away as a test. The simple fact is this: The pain was indeed great and I could fight it off (being the mean mf'er that I am)...but only if that was all there was to it.

I found that the additional effect of NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE AT ALL totally stopped me from pursuing my girlfriend in our test.

Imho, that is the single greatest reason why pepper spray is so very effective.

That being said, I do realize the limitations of it (must hit the face), and by realizing the pros/cons, and assessing a situation one can adjust accordingly ie. use a handgun instead, escape/evasion (fanciness for getting the hell out of there), and/or deploying quickly without announcement etc.

Be smart:

Stay out of certain situations, know the limits of a self-defense item, and get a carry lic (there seems to be less taboo about shooting someone in self-defense with a registered firearm vs a non-registered knife of any kind...legal or otherwise).

 

[tom19176]

I will say one thing about pepper spray- it works more often than not. It works well to stop groups fighting, and on most persons. When it has been sprayed and you are then attempting to cuff someone, the residue in the air will casue you to be short of breath while you are still fighting the suspect ( been there many times, especailly when there is a female officer involved who let the can loose to control the suspect).