In addition to my recent fascination with forms of stick fighting, I came across the kubotan (arguably a very small stick). I know these little devices have been around for years, but I never really paid them much mind until recently. I thought about buying one, then I realized I could simply make one. It's not only cheaper that way, but made to my own personal specifications. It's just a little over 5.5 inches (140 mm) long, 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide, made from steel (versus the cheap aluminum ones I've seen online).

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That looks really cool. Good job!

Looks good.  What did you start out with? 

Bill Skinner wrote on Aug 10^th, 2020 at 7:22pm:

Looks good.  What did you start out with?

Just an inexpensive piece of cold rolled steel from a DIY store (Menards). Nothing fancy. A bit of grinding to smooth the ends and add the grooves in the middle, and a hole drilled for the key ring. Then about an hour wrapped in a vinegar-soaked rag to give it a slight patina.

I confess that I really like the look.  And that you did a very good job.

Hopefully, you'll never have to actually use it. 

Remember the Prayer of St Stoopit. 

Don't go to Stoopit places with Stoopit people and do Stoopit things.  Amen

Bill Skinner wrote on Aug 12^th, 2020 at 4:12pm:

Don't go to Stoopit places with Stoopit people and do Stoopit things.  Amen

I like that.  ;D

I'm quite confident in my ability to avoid trouble. I've been able to avoid an altercation thus far in my life.

And thanks everyone for the compliments on the build itself. I definitely like the idea of making stuff like this more than I like the idea of actually having to use it. I'm a creator, not a destroyer.  :P

But if the need should arise...    *goes into aggressive spider monkey mode*  :madmonkey:

I think I shall attempt to make another kubotan as a weekend project. Not that I need a second one, necessarily (though it doesn't hurt). I just want to know that I can replicate the process and end result, as I am quite satisfied how the first turned out.

So I've continued making these things, experimenting with differing grip shapes. Now I've made a plain one (no grooves) with a piece of para cord attached, inspired by the "koppo stick" design. So far I really like the feel of it, and the better weapon retention with the placement of the cord.

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Koppo stick in hand.

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Nice!

Found a nice pen on ebay, works as a kubaton & can be switched to kinda push-nuck. Pic1 of2

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Pic2 of2

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