When we think of EDC weapons, there are a few that are the most common, such as firearms and knives. However, there are actually 5 categories for EDC weapons that are worth considering when looking at your personal protection needs.

1. Firearms

Of course, the most common option for EDC weapons remains the firearm. There are several solutions on the market to help you find an everyday carry firearm to fit your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer a wheel spun barrel or a preloaded magazine, there are tons of handguns in various sizes and capacities for everyday carrying needs.

2. Knives

Another EDC weapon you are probably rather familiar with is that of the tactical knife. While a knife isn’t necessarily classified as a weapon but rather a multipurpose tool, there is no denying that it can be a great tool for self-defense. The key to this area of weapons is to find something that works for your everyday lifestyle. For instance, choosing a large blade over 3 inches in length will probably be too bulky and obvious for every day carrying needs. For this option, a better bet is to choose a folding knife with an easy access release. You want something you can open and access with one hand in case of an attack. There are tons of knives on the market to fill this need. It is important to note that unlike firearms, knives will not be marked as self-defense items, but they are by default. Keep this in mind when looking at knives and remember you need something somewhat small and portable to steer you in the right direction.

3. Stun Guns and Tasers

Another option with less lethal force than a firearm or a tactical knife is a taser. These are a great way to shock an attacker, so you can make a clean getaway from the situation. Since a taser is designed to be held in one hand as part of the overall operation, it is small and compact for an easy addition to your self-defense kit while on the go. You should keep in mind that for this tool that you will need proper training in order to make this an effective option. With tasers, the electrodes are shot like projectiles and must make contact with and, more importantly, penetrate the skin of your attacker to render them incapacitated. If you miss the shot due to a lack of training, you have used your one shot at defense and that’s it. A better bet would be stun guns which do not use the same type of electroshock methods to achieve results. The reason people prefer tasers over stunners is that you can shoot a taster from a greater distance whereas with a stun gun, you are usually up close and personal with the assailant. However, stun guns are easier to use and can be used multiple times in a row as opposed to the one-shot operation of a taser which is helpful in an attack scenario. Stun guns are available in a range of voltages to find one to suit you.

4. Sprays

Another non-lethal option for adding some easy to use EDC weapons to your collection, this category is a common choice for those looking for something that will let you ward off an attacker yet doesn’t carry the responsibility of deadly force with it. The first option for this type of item is mace. Mace will leave an attacker in pain which will cause their eyes to water, throat to burn, and a painful choking sensation. While mace is a great means of protection, pepper spray is even better. Pepper spray is more effective and more painful which can make an attacker incapacitated. Pepper spray is an incendiary chemical which causes similar effects as mace but on a more intense level. Pepper spray causes immediate reactions such as trouble breathing, temporary blindness, painful burning sensation, and nausea. The effects are also felt longer than mace sometimes for up to 2 hours. Pepper spray ensures your attacker will be out of commission until law enforcement arrives. Again, much like tasers, it is important to note that it wouldn’t hurt to take some training to work with this powerful EDC item prior to ever needing to utilize it.

5. Disguised Items

This category consists of items designed for self-defense which look just like regular everyday items. For instance, there are keychains designed to look like regular keychains that actually are intended for use as a weapon. A kubotan is a pocket stick usually placed on a keychain ring that looks like a regular keychain of an icicle-shaped design, but it is heavy and sharp pointed to use against an attacker. There are also pens which are designed for this similar purpose with a weighted body and a sharp tip to use for self-defense purposes. Tactical flashlights are another good weapon in an unexpected way. Flashlights on your keychain or in your pocket can be used to shine light at an assailant as he advances to help detect him and blind him, so you can either run or form an attack plan. Flashlights can also be used to strike an assailant if it is a high-quality flashlight with some weight to it.