Stumped by the legality of Kubotans in Canada? In Canada, carrying any tool for self-defense against another person is a no. Yet, if you carry these same tools without that intent, you're in the clear (read more about the legalities here).
I've gathered the best kubotan alternatives for self-defense, with the right intent, are legal to carry in Canada.
5 Best Kubotan Alternatives For Self-Defense
Carrying dog spray to use against dogs (and only dogs) is legal. SABRE is one of the most reliable brands out there.
Personal Safety alarms are useful for college students, joggers, the elderly and individuals walking alone, offering an immediate alert in unsafe situations. These portable, easy-to-use devices have a loud siren they emit to scare off aggressors and alert nearby people.
Personal safety alarms often come with features like:
Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
A loud siren, typically around 130 decibels to emit a high-pitched shriek.
LED lights for increased visibility and to shine in someone's eyes.
Easy activation mechanisms, such as a pull-pin or push-button operation.
Keychain or clip attachments for easy access.
Want to feel like James Bond? Tactical pens are multipurpose tools built for both writing and self-defense. They're often built with sturdy materials like aluminum and have features like glass breakers, DNA catchers, or even small blades.
Here are some benefits:
Self-Defense: Provides a secretive way to carry a self-defense tool.
Multipurpose: Besides writing, a tactical pen can be used to break glass, cut through materials, or be used as a close-quarter defense tool.
Portability: Easily carried in a pocket or purse.
You feel like a spy.
At a glance, security umbrellas look like regular umbrellas which makes them a discreet self-defense tool. Security umbrellas, also known as self-defense umbrellas, are actually a dual-purpose tool - they are a discreet self-defense tool as well as a regular umbrella.
The pointy tip and handle of a security umbrella are reinforced to make them effective striking tools.
Self-defense keychains are compact and discreet set of tools that you can clip onto your handbag or pocket. Whether it's a sharp pointed end, a loud alarm, or a dog spray, these keychains offer various means to deter or fend off attackers, buying crucial time to escape and seek help.
Can I Defend Myself With A Kubotan? Ultimate Guide
In Canada, the law doesn't explicitly allow the use of a Kubotan or any self-defense tool. However, whether or not you get in trouble with the law is dependent on the circumstances.
In a scenario where you are assaulted and you happen to have a self-defense tool and use it against an assailant, its legality hinges on many factors such as what tool you used. Was it a prohibited weapon like a firearm or was it kubotan? Why were you carrying this specific item in the first place if not for self-defense? Did you use reasonable force? The adage, "you can't bring a knife to a gun fight," illustrates this principle well.
A judge would consider the specifics of the threat and the level of "force" employed by the attacker.
For a more comprehensive understanding of Canada's self-defense laws, you may refer to this guide.
Read my full guide on self-defense tools you can carry here.
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