The best self-defense tool is that one you’ve got in your hand when you need it. It should also be discrete and easily carried.
Pocket knives and batons are excellent, but they often stick out like a sore thumb; however, holding keys in your hand arouses minimal suspicion.
Read on to see the best options for your needs and learn why these are great self-defense tools.
Check The Legality of Your Keychain!
The state of the law around any self-defense tool can be confusing, frustrating, and altogether infuriating.
Even in gun-toting states like Texas, certain self-defense keychains can be illegal.
Check with your locality before you purchase one and get busted for it.
Seven Self-Defense Keychain Options
Munio Kubaton Keychain
The Munio is a straightforward choice for folks who want a tool that doesn’t look like a tool.
It has a good ergonomic shape and advertises itself as being safer than pepper spray and tasers.
Geared and marketed towards women, its colorful design allows this keychain to “hide in the open” and easily matches whatever style and color combination you want.
Pros
Appealing design means you can display it openly- Feels nice in the palm of your hand
- Includes an ebook on self-defense using the tool
Cons
- Small size makes it difficult for large-handed users to operate
- Flashy and colorful design can stand out for more conservative individuals
Sabre Red Pepper Spray Keychain
This is an incredibly well-reviewed and effective pepper spray keychain tool.
Sabre is a well-known and well-respected brand so you can be sure your spray is going to work when you need it. Several reviews mention its successful deployment in some scary situations.
The canister feels good in the hand with a quick-release mechanism to allow for speedy use in an emergency. Unlike the other options on our list, this self-defense weapon can be deployed from up to 10 feet keeping you a safe distance from your assailant.
Pros
- Big stopping power with maximum strength pepper spray
- Nice ergonomic design
- Used by Police forces across the US so you can be sure of its quality
Cons
- Larger option than some others on the list
- Check the expiry date on the spray regularly, it only lasts for 4 years
Street Smart Spike Keychain
The design I’m most familiar with is also one of those that’ll get confiscated at airports and other public venues.
That’s probably on account of the two piercing spikes on the thing; put this tool between your knuckles and strike an assailant, and they will take off running.
This is one of the more dangerous keychains to use for self-defense, and its uses are limited compared to others on this list.
Pros
- Single designed use makes this keychain extremely effective in its one method of use
- Decent size (almost 6” long) allows it to fit most hands well
- Good quality construction not likely to dent or ding from bumps and scratches
Cons
- Designed for one type of attack makes it more situational to use
- Paint chips and wears easily
- Most likely illegal and will be confiscated at the door of clubs, venues, airports, and other
CJESLNA Self-Defense Weapon Keychain
Love this straightforward design, but it, unfortunately, has the word “weapon” right there in the name of it.
Legalities aside, I have to suggest this keychain because of how darn effective it is. It also includes a handy-dandy whistle for alerting people to your presence or for finding someone in the crowd.
Pros
- Good size to fit in most hands
- Straightforward design allows for practically instinctive use
- Included whistle can be useful in and out of self-defense scenarios
Cons
- It will likely be confiscated at airports, etc.
- Stands out blatantly on most keychains
Kubaton Keychain
Like the CJESLNA above, the Kubaton keychain possesses a straightforward design but has no pointed end. You’re less likely to feel like a vampire hunter with the Kubaton on your keyring.
It is made of light aluminum that is strong and resistant to damage, and the less aggressive look makes this a better option for the conservative-minded.
Pros
- Intuitive design
- Less obviously a self-defense tool
- Light and strong design
Cons
- Seems to be “rushed” out of facility, complete with minor machining faults and chipped paint
- Still a bit large for some users
CRKT Defense Keychain
This one definitely is going to pass unnoticed as a self-defense tool. It looks more like a spare key, but boy, is it effective.
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Like the Munio above, this tool is discrete and offers multiple methods of use. There’s really no wrong way to use this on your keyring, and it also doubles as a handy Philips head screwdriver.
Pros
- Very nondescript design
- Can be used in many methods/styles
- Durable design
Cons
- Quite large
Titanium Triangle Keychain Tool
Constructed from titanium, this handy tool has multiple purposes outside of strict self-defense.
It can be used as a glass-breaker or as a “titanium worry stone,” as one reviewer uses it. The titanium construction promises it will outlast any other in a SHTF scenario.
Pros
- Relatively non-descript
- Durable construction
- Multiple uses beyond self-defense
Cons
- Varying reviews of finished machining quality (sharp edges, scuffs, etc)
- Smaller than most reviewers expected
Keychains for Self-Defense?
While not the ideal tool, it is better than nothing. These tools arouse little attention, are a breeze to carry and are easy to use.
Discrete and Easy to Carry
The no-frills design makes the keychain blend right in. Few people would look twice at any of these designs or suspect they are anything more than decoration.
Other defense options on your belt can bring unwanted attention, but a keychain is hardly noticeable.
Chances are you’ve got keys to carry around with you day to day. Adding a small tool like the ones listed above blends right in.
Simple Design and Ease of Use
Most keychains are of very simple construction, usually a solid piece of metal that fits in your hand.
Others will have larger projectiles or features for defending themselves, but as a rule, they are nondescript and self-explanatory to use.
That means that with minimal practice, you can become proficient in using this basic tool in a self-defense scenario.
I’m Sold, But How Do You Use It?
It really is a simple process, but a good video demonstration always helps visualize what to do. The video below is for a specific brand of these tools, but the quick and clear demonstration it offers is universal.
There you have it.
You can use your keychain as a striking object by itself or as a handle to strike with the keys attached to it.
I like that second method for striking an opponent in the eyes, but I’d be hesitant doing it in the real world; what if you lose an important key in the process and can’t get to a safe location?
Think strategically and situationally when using these tools, and always remember to practice with the tool before you rely on it. It’s foolish to rely on something you’ve never practiced with.
Recommended Reading – A Quick and Dirty Guide To Self Defense
Bonus Method!
Let’s say you’re caught somewhere without your weapon, but you’ve got your keys in hand.
You are still in luck and can defend yourself, but do not do the old “knuckle duster,” Wolverine thing where you stick keys between your fingers to scratch and fight. Chances are you’re going to cut your hands up more than you effectively defend yourself.
Hold your keys in one clump and “stab” with them.
It ain’t glamorous, but it’ll work.
Finishing Things Off
I love that keychains are intuitive, readily accessible, and provide multiple methods of use. They should be a solid option for every serious devotee of self defense.
But that doesn’t mean anything if you don’t practice with them, drill with them, and develop a solid foundation of use. Read over the options and purchase a few to see what works for you.
Your life might not depend on it, but then again, it might.
gun does better