Over the past years on GLP i have seen may threads on weapon choices. So I figure I would go over some of the basics.

1. Training - Regardless of the weapon be proficient with it.
2. Safety - Know the safety with the weapons you have, see rule 1.

OK now that we have covered that lets start.

There are many weapons out there and many are like yours. Each weapon has a purpose. Some have multiple uses. When choosing a weapon remember what it is for. Is it hunting, defense, both? A kitchen knife is great, but how long does it take to break the blade in a fight. Can a Kershaw slice a tomato? So how do you choose which weapon is right for you?

Melee

Baseball bats, golf clubs, kitchen knifes, tree limb, frying pan. These are all what I refer to as improvised weapons. Good in a crunch, but not really the best. No real skill required but better than nothing.

Fighting knifes, batons, pepper spray, stun guns, again baseball bats. These are proper weapons and legal in most states. Check you local laws.

A melee weapon, or a weapon that is used in hand to hand combat is a must. To be honest one is not really better than another, use what you are comfortable with. Pepper spray is a great item to have for example, but not the best choice to use in an enclosed area.

You need an up close and personal weapon, a knife, baton, or both. So how do you choose? Reality is personal choice. Knifes are a varied as firearms. Long blade, short blade, fixed, folding, serrated. Choose a knife that best fits you and what you plan to use it for. In this case protection. You will want something that has a sturdy blade so it does not break easily, not to flexible either, length is also important,but check your laws on what you can have legally. A good knife can go a long way. Worth spending the money on a good one. Yes you can have more than one, even advised.