Wondering how to pick a self-defense tool? Use the APE test; Accessible, Practical, and Effective. A self-defense tool that is good enough for you or your loved ones must meet all three of these criteria before being selected as your tool of choice.
Accessible—is the tool something that can be carried with you all the time. On your keychain, in your purse or pocket is accessible. If you have to keep it in your glove compartment or at home in a drawer, it is not accessible and is not considered a useful self-defense tool.
Effective—Will the tool instantly re-direct the attack on you to self-preservation of the defender? An effective self-defense tool incapacitates an attacker long enough to allow you to escape. Strikes to the eyes, scratches to the skin, impacts on sensitive body points…anything that can do this, should be considered.
