Pepper Spray vs. Mace?

[Buddhagirl]

It occured to me the other day while running that I carry absolutely nothing for safety.  I don't even have a set of keys on me in case I need to poke someone in the eye. 

For the most part, I run on well lit streets up and down the beach and in my neighborhood. However, I've been running into a lot of homeless/shady people on my runs. 

I started looking around on line and have no idea what to buy. It needs to be something that I can carry in my hands and have ready to use just in case.

Pepper spray?  Mace?  (I honestly don't know the difference between these two.)  Small knife or something? (Is it legal to carry a knife?)

I'm not a weapony type of girl, but I sure as hell would use one if necessary.

[Brian Fein]

just go buy a sniper rifle and get it over with!




I don't think pepper spray cuts it anymore, you need a taser.

[JVides]

Blowtorch...definitely a blowtorch.

Honestly, I don't know.  I know mace and pepper spray hurt (second hand accounts, mind you), but you want something that will nearly incapacitate an attacker.  I don't know that mace would do more than really, really sting.

[Brian Fein]

if someone has the balls to attack you, kick him in the nuts.

I'm normally not an advocate of nut-kicking, but attackers deserve it.  Just aim for the part between the legs, kick and haul ass.

[Dave Gray]

A knife is a really, really bad idea.

1st off - mace is a spray first, ask questions later kind of thing...since there's no permanent damage.
Stabbing someone is a pretty big deal.

Plus, the odds of you getting overpowed and someone taking your knife is high.  ...a small stab wound sucks, I'm sure, but it's not always incapacitating (which is the goal to protect your safety).  Pepper spray in the eyes makes you not be able to function or see, so it clears you up to run away.

[Phishfan]

Pepper spray is better than mace. Without even getting hit directly with the spray it can choke you up. Knives are legal to carry, but depending on where you go (I doubt you are going into any businesses during your run) the size of the knife can make a difference.

[JVides]

I'm normally not an advocate of nut-kicking, but attackers deserve it.  Just aim for the part between the legs, kick and haul ass

There are juicier targets.  Kneecap either straight on or from the side.  Snap that baby.  Guy will limp for life.

Throat.

Side of neck (jugular)

Temple

Nose in a hard, upward motion

[Buddhagirl]

Good point about the spray first ask questions later thing.

I'll probably look for pepper spray.

It's not like I'm off in desolate areas. I'm runnng up Las Olas, A1A, or Sunrise for the most part.  Maybe some neighborhood running.  

Just lately it seems I'm always running across some homeless dudes. They're everywhere around here.  I'm surprised that people that own million dollar houses are willing to put up with it.

The other day, I was running up Las Olas (this is when I noticed that I didn't even have anything), and a guy was peeing in these people's front yard. Right out in the open.  He was laughing like he was insane.

Just kind of made me think about what would happen if he tried to grab me or something like that.

Edited to add:  I like the idea of kicking in the nuts.  Always effective and since these are well traveled streets, it's probalby teh best way to go.  Someone would see all of that commotion.

[Philly Fin Fan]

I'd advise against a knife. Remember, to hurt someone with a knife, you need to get pretty close to them (at least an arms length, so you can reach them). Most pepper sprays or mace can be used from about 5 feet away.

I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but when you had a problem with a "stalker" from a nearby construction site, I posted a story about my wife having a stalker once. We talked to a buddy of mine who is a cop and he said pepper spray was the best thing for her to carry.

[Buddhagirl]

Pepper spray it is then.

Until I figure out how to make some sort of weapon using either my iPod and /or my heart rate monitor. 

[Fau Teixeira]

how about hair spray and a lighter ?

[BeefStewert]

I've heard there are some pepper sprays that will mark the person as well.  It sprays some chemical that will glow under a black light and can't be washed off for a week.  Pretty damn cool for identifying a person that attacked you.

[Buddhagirl]

A lot of states, Maine included, have very strict laws on using mace and PS.  Be careful on this one, spraying someone could lead you to a downward spiral, financially.

I'd send you the pepper spray we use in the army, which is really condensed CS gas - but I'm afraid you'd kill someone.  :)  Every MP has to take a dose in the grill before they allow us to carry it, I literally felt the effects for weeks.  To this day there are smells that make me think of it.

The bottom line - think twice before hitting someone with either.

Hopefully, I'll never have to use it. It just occured to me that if something happens, I have nothing but my bare hands, and that ain't shit.

[MaineDolFan]

Try learning a form of martial arts.  I've studied my whole life, I have always felt comfortable with my ability to defend myself with my body only.  Plus it's a great workout and amazing for mental balance.

[Sunstroke]

Practice saying "WORST CASE OF HERPES IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND!" while spraying saliva in the direction of your would-be attacker. You'll be amazed how quickly they go away...