Concealed Carry Defensive Non-Firearm Aid

[MineralMan]

For those who would like a defensive edge, but eschew firearms, here's an alternative to consider. Remember, you never know when you may need to check out a rock for scientific reasons, so it serves a dual purpose. Note, a lightweight, quick release sheath with belt loop is also avaiable. I recommend the 22 oz. model:

[Not Ruth]

1. That is a weapon and has no place in legitimate protest

[MineralMan]

2. It's a geologist's tool.

I suppose it could serve as a weapon, if necessary, though. But, it's a tool.

[Not Ruth]

4. It is a weapon

Just like a cooking tool (knife) or lumberjack tool (axe) would be

[HAB911]

6. Rock picks don't kill people

you know the rest..............

[Not Ruth]

7. Baseball bats are toys

[MineralMan]

9. Are they? Not really.

They're sports equipment. Anyone can carry one at any time. There's an older guy in my neighborhood who always carries one when he walks his dog. I asked why once. He explained that a large dog once rushed out from a yard and attacked his Jack Russell terrier, so he started carrying that baseball bat, just in case. Smart man.

There's another guy I encounter from time to time who carries a 5-iron, for the same reason. I don't think he's planning to practice his swing while walking the dog, somehow.

[Not Ruth]

10. They were not allowed at the Women's March

[MineralMan]

11. That was up to the organizers, I suppose.

Or, in some cases, a jurisdiction might limit items carried by demonstrators. In the DC area, signs on sticks are often not allowed. In Charlottesville, however, some people on the alt-right nazi side were carrying firearms, so I don't guess such restrictions were in place there. Some people were beaten with sticks, as well.

Every situation is different, really. Everyone should consider his or her safety and come to such situations prepared for the situation that exists, I believe.

[MineralMan]

8. I have only used a rock pick to examine rocks in the field.

One time, however, when I was in the back country out in the Arizona desert, a couple of guys started heading in my direction. They didn't really look like they belonged there, and I was just a little worried about my safety. So, I removed my rock pick from its sheath and picked up a rock I could examine with it.

Oddly enough, the two guys found another direction to take. Perhaps they noticed the tool I had in my hand and thought better of their plans. Who can say?

[Angry Dragon]

3. I have that exact same model

[MineralMan]

5. Yup. I have one, too.

It always went with me into the field, and got used often.

[HeartachesNhangovers]

12. Every state has weapon restriction laws that

usually include a catch-all for objects that can cause harm. Even if the law doesn't seem to cover a specific item, police don't have any qualms about arresting people and letting the court system figure out what to do with them. I think the rock hammer at a protest is an invitation to being arrested, charged (and possibly convicted!).

[Not Ruth]

13. Antifa figured out that bicycle locks would fly under the radar, but a pointy hammer......

[sarisataka]

14. I avoid situations or places with a high likelihood of violence

In part because I will often be carrying a firearm for self-defense. IMO it would be irresponsible to introduce a deadly weapon into such a volatile environment.

[Not Ruth]

15. Great photo essay about what happens when all parties involved choose to bring defensive aids

The word that you are looking for is escalation.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4415112/Berkeley-protests-pro-anti-Trump-clashes.html

[panader0]

16. Bear repellent: This stuff can take down several big guys at once.