(June 13, 2016 at 5:02 pm)mlmooney89 Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 4:55 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: I've never felt the need to carry a weapn for self-defense. Then again, I'm not female. Sad fact of life, criminals profile too.

It is horrible to feel like you need to walk next to a man just to feel safe. Before summer I would end up at the gym after dark and I wouldn't even know certain guys but I felt like I had seen them enough that I kinda felt like I could trust them. If one of them wasn't there I wouldn't be able to enjoy my workout and would either leave early or work with my headphones out and watching all the mirrors.

I won't lie, I understand that intellectually, but have never felt that vicserally.

Living in rough neighborhoods in SoCal, I kept my head on a swivel, always checking six, but if and when a potential threat arose, simply my maleness let the other know that I may well decide to fight it out, and that was a fact in my favor.

That assumption doesn't hold true in the criminal mind, I think, when it comes to women -- they're viewed as easier targets.

(June 13, 2016 at 5:26 pm)Losty Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 4:55 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: I've never felt the need to carry a weapn for self-defense. Then again, I'm not female. Sad fact of life, criminals profile too.

I used to carry pepper spray but now just nothing.

That's also Illegal here.

My country sucks.

(June 13, 2016 at 5:26 pm)Losty Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 4:55 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote: I've never felt the need to carry a weapn for self-defense. Then again, I'm not female. Sad fact of life, criminals profile too.

I used to carry pepper spray but now just nothing.

My wits are my best weapon, and you'd have to bash my head in to disarm me.

It's gotten me through a half-a-century.

(June 13, 2016 at 5:28 pm)Bella Morte Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 5:26 pm)Losty Wrote: I used to carry pepper spray but now just nothing.

That's also Illegal here.

My country sucks.

Cross Bows?
Ball Peen Hammers with long handle? (that you should be able to carry in public)
Paint ball guns with frozen ammo?
Wrist rocket with ball bearings?
Bean Bag gun?

(June 13, 2016 at 5:43 pm)mh.brewer Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 5:28 pm)Bella Morte Wrote: That's also Illegal here.

My country sucks.

Cross Bows?
Ball Peen Hammers with long handle? (that you should be able to carry in public)
Paint ball guns with frozen ammo?
Wrist rocket with ball bearings?
Bean Bag gun?

They're all classed as offensive weapons if used for the purpose of harming another person, whether it be in self defense or not. Obviously a tradesman could carry the hammer, but using it in self defense is going to get you in a shit ton of trouble.

Crossbows you can buy (no restrictions on purchase if you're eighteen or over) but again you can't use them in defense or carry them in the open out in public. You would be expected to carry them in a bag or your car, same with the paintball gun if travelling to competitions or whatever.

I have several knives and a couple of katanas on display throughout the house.

The katanas are SHARP.

(June 13, 2016 at 5:48 pm)Bella Morte Wrote: They're all classed as offensive weapons if used for the purpose of harming another person, whether it be in self defense or not. Obviously a tradesman could carry the hammer, but using it in self defense is going to get you in a shit ton of trouble.

Crossbows you can buy (no restrictions on purchase if you're eighteen or over) but again you can't use them in defense or carry them in the open out in public. You would be expected to carry them in a bag or your car, same with the paintball gun if travelling to competitions or whatever.

What if the harm is defensive? Would the use still result in charges?

(June 13, 2016 at 6:19 pm)Thumpalumpacus Wrote:

(June 13, 2016 at 5:48 pm)Bella Morte Wrote: They're all classed as offensive weapons if used for the purpose of harming another person, whether it be in self defense or not. Obviously a tradesman could carry the hammer, but using it in self defense is going to get you in a shit ton of trouble.

Crossbows you can buy (no restrictions on purchase if you're eighteen or over) but again you can't use them in defense or carry them in the open out in public. You would be expected to carry them in a bag or your car, same with the paintball gun if travelling to competitions or whatever.

What if the harm is defensive? Would the use still result in charges?

Most likely, yes.

Although I suppose it would depend entirely on the situation.

Well, you can always carry your head, and give 'em a Glasgow kiss.

I feel like I would be so paranoid I might end up going insane if I lived in the UK. To be afraid to even defend yourself is just wrong...