I was just wondering if they ACTUALLY work... It seems a bit far-fetched that a bit of key flailing and pokes with a stick will stop a determined mugger...  Do any of you guys have any experience with them? I just spotted them on ebay for around 5 dollars each, so I don't know if I should get this or an Angus Mushroom and Swiss at McDonalds- It's a hard choice.

They have gone in and out of fashion in police work several times over the years.    For use as a striking weapon against bony areas, they can focus the impact and cause a lot of pain.  However, in the heat of a fight, especially where alcohol or drugs are involved... Pain doesn't seem to have much effect.
I can testify personally... Trying to get an alcohol-addled suspect into my patrol car one time, the individual was kicking the car door.  I had one of these devices, and whacked the fellow sharply on the ankle...Something that normally is intensely painful.....    No effect at all.

The other use is in "pain-compliance" situations where pressure is applied against a nerve plexus or "pressure point".   This is normally to get the suspect to move or let go of something.

I don't have any great faith in the things.

When I was younger I often carried a kubaton until on vacation in NY city I was bording a boat to see Ellis Island (My great grand parents came that way) and as the metal detctor beeped the gaurd said this was an ilegal weapon and that it was to be confiscated and destroyed   . So I remained a somewhat defenceless 10 year old (with only 3 years of MA expierence) for the remainder of the vacation.

I do not carry one, as Bigkahuna said a flashlite as well as a dogchew, screw driver, or a pen will serve the job just as well and woundn't be considered a "weapon" either

As far as effectiveness goes a kubaton is near indestructable and will crush in a skull if needed but it won't do anything if you can't even carry it (legally)(I also never saw how effective the keys to the eyes would be) . As opposed to a pen which has the ability to puncture soft tisue (neck,eyes, etc.) and can be carried legaly so it can also be used as a lethal weapon. Though if your local goverment allows it carry a gun or knife instead.    

picklepie159 wrote on Nov 30^th, 2010 at 12:33am:


OK. It probably is a bit late but still allow me to put my 2 cents in.
I would go for the burger.
And as far as the Kubotan, by itself- useless. It offer very few advantages and has numerous and very serious draw-backs.
If you want more info and/or details, let me know.