EDC Non-Lethal Self Defense Items Other than a Gun
First, your non-lethal self-defense weapons should be simple to use, lightweight, legal to carry, and above all be effective.
Essentially anything can be used as a weapon and keep in mind any weapon can be lethal. A blow to the head using a rock, a punch to the face, or a stab with a pen, or even a shock from a Taser can be lethal. The weapons and methods described would be considered, under normal circumstances, non-lethal by definition.
Stun Gun
Some states and local municipalities regulate the sale and possession of stun guns or Taser and a few states ban them outright, illegal to possess in other words. Generally, they are legal to posses in states that do not have specific regulations, if for self-defense purposes. In some cases you may be required to purchases one…
Grip one in your fist as if you were going to pound on a door.
Tactical Pen
A heavy metal pen can be used to stab any part of a body. Usually they are sold as tactical pens, but any pen for that matter would work to some extent. Metal is of course sturdier, and metal is recommend for self-defense purposes. With metal you have greater impact and penetration.
Other Items
A purse, satchel, or briefcase can be swung at an assailant, and while they may not do much physical harm, the distraction may be enough to allow you to escape.
Your car keys can be used by slipping a key between your fingers as you make a fist. This gives you a metal object for stabbing/punching the hands, head, or face.
As stated earlier essentially anything can be used to defend yourself, but the best case scenario is to always have an item on your person that can be used. You probably would not find too many rocks or pieces of two by fours lying around a store’s parking lot late at night, so you do need something close at…