How do you carry your pepper spray?

[ford.304]

I'm looking at carrying pepper spray, and all of the canisters I've seen seem designed to go on your keychain. I hate having heavy crap on my keychain.

I also would prefer to not be rummaging in my pocket for something in a self defense scenario. My pockets are already full enough with my keys, phone, flashlight, and folding knife in them.

I've found kydex holsters, but the ones I've seen are all OWB and seem aimed at cops. Does anyone make a comfortable IWB carrier for one? I've seen some that at least have a clip.

How do you carry it?

[Up1911Fan]

I generally only carry it in my jacket pocket when walking my dogs. FWIW i've found that a Blade-Tech light pouch for a Surefire Fury fit's my 2oz can of Fox really well. I personally wouldn't want to carry it IWB.

[TR675]

I use an ASP key defender.

Yeah, it junks up your keychain, but I usually put the key defender in my waistband and carry it that way. Easy to access, keeps it out of my pockets.

[Clay]

As far as OC goes, I never recommend anything smaller than the 2 oz. cans, and while they carry fine in a jacket or cargo pocket, they aren't very handy when wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I've seen some pretty cool kydex holsters for them, but they seem to be hard to come by when I go to pick one up. The only small OC spray that I've tried that works okay is the Spitfire by Sabre. Nice fog pattern for getting someone off of you in a hurry, but no distance at all, and the plastic tends to break apart when banged around on your keys.

The 2-3 oz. canisters of Sabre Red, FOX labs 5.3, DPS, and Cold Steel's Inferno are the way to go for something really useful. It's a lot like pistols - when you get down to something really small and easy to carry with no effort, you end up with something pretty lousy for it's intended purpose.

http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/DPS-2-oz-and-4-oz-Pepper-Sprays-p-1-c-551.html

http://www.policesupplyonline.com/foxlama3copt1.html

http://www.coldsteel.com/Inferno-Pepper-Spray.aspx

http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/StoreFront

[nalesq]

I have carried the Sabre Spitfire on my keychain for many years. I actually like having it attached to my keys, because it allows me to simply hold it in my hand, immediately ready to use, without frightening or even attracting the notice of Muggles, while, say, pumping gas or walking across a parking lot.

[Rich]

I don't carry it anymore . but I use to carry a can in my back pocket .

It came in handy or so I thought when walking home at night and having a dog nipping at my heals. I sprayed it several times and it had no effect.

[ford.304]

I have carried the Sabre Spitfire on my keychain for many years. I actually like having it attached to my keys, because it allows me to simply hold it in my hand, immediately ready to use, without frightening or even attracting the notice of Muggles, while, say, pumping gas or walking across a parking lot.

That's exactly why I'm looking for a holster of some sort. I'd like to be able to access it quickly without scaring the Muggles. Also, while my employee handbook is vague enough I don't think I'd get in trouble for *having* it, they'd probably be less than happy if I had it happily hanging off my belt in plain sight.

I was planning on using one of the Sabre canisters.

[Clay]

If you are only worried about two-legged critters, the Spitfire may be your best bet in a not so friendly office environment.

[Chuck Haggard]

I don't carry it anymore . but I use to carry a can in my back pocket .

It came in handy or so I thought when walking home at night and having a dog nipping at my heals. I sprayed it several times and it had no effect.

Having seen dozens of effective OC uses against mean dogs I am going to guess that "OC sucks" isn't the issue here.

[Clay]

I've used OC probably over fifty times on dogs over the last thirteen years in my current job, and all with good effect when I did my part - use it early, and use enough - same as with people. It's not Thor's hammer, but it is a great option to have and fills the gap between hands and guns better than anything readily and legally available.

[Hatchetman]

I use an older model Comp-Tac spray holder for the Fox pepper spray I carry. It's served me well for quite a few years:

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=34

[Up1911Fan]

I've never seen that CompTac carrier, thanks for posting.

[ford.304]

I use an older model Comp-Tac spray holder for the Fox pepper spray I carry. It's served me well for quite a few years:

http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=34

That looks like a nice little carrier.

Blade-tech makes one, too. http://shop.blade-tech.com/product_info.php?products_id=704

But I think i like the price and design a little better on comp-tac's. At least, looking at the picture.

[Mr_White]

I carry my OC in my pants pocket. Here's my thinking: OC is something I am more likely to have the opportunity to use when there is a little time to see a situation coming from at least a few yards away. With a little bit of distance, where he has to first get closer to reach me, there is hopefully no big risk to a hand getting down to my waist area and going into a pocket to retrieve the OC. Without that distance, I don't think it's time for OC, I think it's time for empty hands in a fence-type position. Especially empty hands that can stay up high and protect my head from incoming strikes I am in range of, rather than diving down into my pocket, opening half my head to punches. KTFO could easily result from dropping a hand low within the range of punches. I think OC goes better with a situation that allows preemptive access of the tool than a situation that only allows reactive access. Hence I'm fine with it in my pocket.

[Chuck Haggard]

I carry my OC in my pants pocket. Here's my thinking: OC is something I am more likely to have the opportunity to use when there is a little time to see a situation coming from at least a few yards away. With a little bit of distance, where he has to first get closer to reach me, there is hopefully no big risk to a hand getting down to my waist area and going into a pocket to retrieve the OC. Without that distance, I don't think it's time for OC, I think it's time for empty hands in a fence-type position. Especially empty hands that can stay up high and protect my head from incoming strikes I am in range of, rather than diving down into my pocket, opening half my head to punches. KTFO could easily result from dropping a hand low within the range of punches. I think OC goes better with a situation that allows preemptive access of the tool than a situation that only allows reactive access. Hence I'm fine with it in my pocket.

Excellent analysis.

[ford.304]

I carry my OC in my pants pocket. Here's my thinking: OC is something I am more likely to have the opportunity to use when there is a little time to see a situation coming from at least a few yards away. With a little bit of distance, where he has to first get closer to reach me, there is hopefully no big risk to a hand getting down to my waist area and going into a pocket to retrieve the OC. Without that distance, I don't think it's time for OC, I think it's time for empty hands in a fence-type position. Especially empty hands that can stay up high and protect my head from incoming strikes I am in range of, rather than diving down into my pocket, opening half my head to punches. KTFO could easily result from dropping a hand low within the range of punches. I think OC goes better with a situation that allows preemptive access of the tool than a situation that only allows reactive access. Hence I'm fine with it in my pocket.

Solid point.

Maybe the answer is a dork-belt carrier for my phone instead. Between phone, wallet, keys, flashlight, and folding knife... I'm kind of all out of pockets. OC canisters are definitely on the larger side of that list, which was why I was thinking of using a holster for that rather than the rest of it.

[45dotACP]

I carry my OC in my pants pocket. Here's my thinking: OC is something I am more likely to have the opportunity to use when there is a little time to see a situation coming from at least a few yards away. With a little bit of distance, where he has to first get closer to reach me, there is hopefully no big risk to a hand getting down to my waist area and going into a pocket to retrieve the OC. Without that distance, I don't think it's time for OC, I think it's time for empty hands in a fence-type position. Especially empty hands that can stay up high and protect my head from incoming strikes I am in range of, rather than diving down into my pocket, opening half my head to punches. KTFO could easily result from dropping a hand low within the range of punches. I think OC goes better with a situation that allows preemptive access of the tool than a situation that only allows reactive access. Hence I'm fine with it in my pocket.

Excellent analysis as usual OAK. There is a time and a place for grabbing your tools (phrasing, I'm sorry, I have no better way to say that), and it is frequently not while you're gripfighting (or even fistfighting) It's a distraction and leaves you vulnerable to a shot to the head, overhook, or underhook of some sort and then a takedown, KTFO, or attack to the arms, depending on where you are.

I'm a big fan of keychain options. Pepper spray and a kubotan are both nice because they are more innocuous to access during a verbal altercation without the problem escalating too much. If some guy is screaming at me, I can take out my keys and say "Listen buddy, I'm just gonna go to my car ok?" and I've not only attempted to defuse the situation by announcing intent to walk away, but I've also got access to something that can tip the scale in my favor if my assailant decides to go hands on.

I'm confident I can use my bare hands against an untrained attacker, but MMA gyms are everywhere now, and I never assume my attackers will be untrained, thus having a can of OC is almost a must for me. Also because i'm frequently unarmed because of my work and because the city of Chicago doesn't allow guns in a lot of places.

Now the only question is:

Do you put pepper spray on your burrito? I like it spicy, but not like UGHHH spicy. :D

[Street Survival]

When you care enough to only deploy the best ;-) use Fox.

[Chuck Haggard]

When you care enough to only deploy the best ;-) use Fox.

Having been sprayed with Fox, I have to respectfully disagree. Although it is hyped as 5.3 million SHUs, I have found it is no hotter feeling than many other OC products, which makes sense since it's major capsaicinoid content is rather middle of the road.

The consistently hottest OC I've been hit with has been the Saber Red products.

OC spray manufacturing is very uncontrolled and almost completely unregulated, lots of crappy OC being made and sold, and lots of hype.

[ST911]

Having been sprayed with Fox, I have to respectfully disagree. Although it is hyped as 5.3 million SHUs, I have found it is no hotter feeling than many other OC products, which makes sense since it's major capsaicinoid content is rather middle of the road.

The consistently hottest OC I've been hit with has been the Saber Red products.

OC spray manufacturing is very uncontrolled and almost completely unregulated, lots of crappy OC being made and sold, and lots of hype.

Been sprayed dozens of times, with a variety of products. I find there's a point at which the immediate effects of all of them seem to max out, and anything special about them seems to add only to the downhill side and decon time.

[808sheriff]

Asp Palm defender or key defender on keys

[ScotchMan]

I noticed in a recent class that Chris Fry had OC stored horizontally around 3:00 OWB. I didn't get a super close look, but one way I can think of would be carrying a small can with a pocket clip stuck into a belt loop. I haven't tried this myself though.

[FresnoRob]

I carry a keychain version but not on my keys just in my pocket. I don't want to weight on my keys. Just want it handy.

[cclaxton]

I second the use of the Comp-Tac Belt Clip type: http://www.comp-tac.com/pepper-spray-and-holders/pepper-spray-combo-belt-clip-10492
I don't have to take my belt off to take it off. I like the spray canisters that have the flip-top rather than the twist unlock type....protects better against accidental discharge and easier to use in an emergency. I use the Fox, but I will look into the one Chuck recommends.

Cody

[ST911]

This is GTG, but uses some real estate on the belt. JOX horizontal carrier.
http://www.joxloaderpouches.com/Horizontal-OC-Pouch.html

[JDM]

This is GTG, but uses some real estate on the belt. JOX horizontal carrier.
http://www.joxloaderpouches.com/Horizontal-OC-Pouch.html

That thing is looks awesome.

[Up1911Fan]

This is GTG, but uses some real estate on the belt. JOX horizontal carrier.
http://www.joxloaderpouches.com/Horizontal-OC-Pouch.html

Have you used one? Wondering how concealable and secure it is?

[RevolverRob]

In the pocket of my jacket or hoodie while walking. Or in my hand while walking at night alone. Or stashed in the back pocket of my jeans while walking.

When stationary/not moving for awhile? In my messenger bag.

Most of the scenarios involve pre-emptive use of spray, which means you can have some time to access it. In my own world view, the use of spray at work might involve combative people in the classroom, in which case my bag is always within arms reach. The use of spray might also involve assault while seated in the car, I stick my canister in the cup holder then.The other scenarios are deployment on public tranist or deployment on the street. In which case in jacket pocket or hoodie pocket, essentially in hand but concealed works great. If it's summer and during the day, I stash it in the back pocket of my jeans.

-Rob

[ST911]

Have you used one? Wondering how concealable and secure it is?

Yes, I have one. It's concealable and secure, and gives a clean draw. Can be worn L/R side without modification.

[Dropkick]

The use of spray might also involve assault while seated in the car, I stick my canister in the cup holder then.

I like having a little bit of velcro on the can and then some in the door handle. It keeps it in place and immediately accessible.
(Also note the med kit wrapped in a bandanna in the door pocket.)

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14182810733_b4871baa4d_o.jpg