SJM listen to me as i know a little about this subject .... kubatons, asps, knives, sticks, dog leads etc etc etc are all close quarter weapons and unless you are trained to use them they are just about useless to you ... the point is to keep your assailant at a safe distance not allow him to get close enough where he can harm you or remove your intended protective weapon and use it against you .... look take a knife for example .. some nutter wants to drag you into a bush and dry bumb you ... you pull out knife try to use it nutter takes it off you and thinks f**k this she might recognise