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Post by unistat76 on Apr 5, 2021 2:02:04 GMT
I'd also like to say that the old saw, "Don't go to stupid places at stupid times with stupid people and do stupid things" is pretty accurate.
Our chances of being involved in violent crime drop enormously if we aren't involved in criminal activities. I believe in self defense like I believe in a fire extinguisher in my kitchen. If I need it, nothing else will do, but the likely hood of needing it is very low.
As a non-LEO, I have the luxury of beating feet in *most* hairy situations. That is my preference, all things being equal.
Of course, that discretion is subject to many circumstances, too many to list.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 3:50:26 GMT
oklegal.onenet.net/oklegal-cgi/get_statute?99/Title.21/21-1272.htmlI was surprised to learn just now that Oklahoma has more pointless weapon laws than my state of Washington. Like no teflon-coated bullets or no carrying pistols over .45 caliber. My first thought was the good old felon special of percussion cap revolvers, because that's the most effective weapon you're allowed to buy with your record. But the above law prohibits carrying those even though they aren't firearms by law. My honest advice would be to keep muzzleloaders and swords at home, and carry pepper spray and possibly a cane or other impact weapon out and about. It is what it is. The world of stickfighting martial arts is its own adventure. How do you think a convicted felon who uses a sword in a public altercation will be viewed by the local authorities when they investigate an alleged incident of brandishing or assault? Sounds like an uphill battle for you. I don't mean to be unkind, but the perception will matter almost as much as the statute. Yes. The legal implications are well known to me. We have the same issue in situations like that in our own homes. It really sucks for those of us who are rehabilitated and just want the same measure of protection as the thugs who do not care to change.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 3:56:26 GMT
Well, personal protection really. Having made an extremely bad choice some years ago, firearms are out of the bloody question. However, in reality the point is moot at this time as I am now serving time on paper. I cannot even have one at my home. And for some reason, Oklahoma does not allow parolees or probationaries, like me now, to even defend ourselves. I just want to know for when that time ends. If I live to see it. So, having made a critically bad choice some years ago, and served what I assume was hard prison time, you want to openly carry a sword (if you even can) when you are off parole/probation because you currently are not even allowed to own a sword while still on parole/probation? I would venture that your bad choices in life are not behind you yet. I suggest you move to a place where know one knows you, keep your head down, obey the law and live in a manner that there is a very low statistical probability you wont need to defend yourself. Whatever you did has resulted in society deciding YOU can not be trusted with weapons! That is easier said than done as I am on paper time (probation) and have cancer and am being treated at a good place. I have considered, but for me to get my probation transferred, I would need permission from Oklahoma DOCC and the receiving state, a job and a place to live waiting for me where I go.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 3:59:36 GMT
I can understand a felon wanting to look into options for personal protection. I don't have a problem with that, everyone - even felons - should have a right to defend themselves. I think your best bet is going to be mace/pepper spray. Non-lethal. I'm not sure you're allowed to own a sword even on your own property. Haven't looked up Oklahoma laws. I think lethal blades are a bad idea though, given your situation, even if they are legal. Because if you use it, they'll go after you. They might go after you if you don't use it. No win scenario. Kitchen knives at home might be your only option - they can't prevent you from cooking. My choice would be mace in public. Baseball bat at home. --edit-- I am not a lawyer. I don't know anything better than you do. Just trying to help with my limited knowledge. My POs permit me to keep my folding knife at home that I owned before my arrest. They feel it is no more dangerous than a kitchen knife, but I cannot carry it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 4:02:20 GMT
From the perspective of someone living in a country with very strict weapons laws, this conversation is pretty eye-opening. I do know though, human nature being what it is, that openly carrying a sword in public will probably attract more trouble than it would repel. And carrying a weapon, especially in public, opens the possibility, no matter how slight, that you'll use it through some misunderstanding or perceived slight. I'll leave the rest to Shakespeare, who knew a thing or two about how people think and act: Thou art like one of those fellows that, when he enters the confines of a tavern, claps me his sword upon the table and says “God send me no need of thee!” and, by the operation of the second cup, draws it on the drawer when indeed there is no need. The quote sort of illustrates what can happen in situations where tempers are hot and weapons are to hand. Not saying the OP is himself hotheaded or anything but carrying a sword 'just in case' can easily be the very catalyst for a situation you wanted to avoid in the first place. I will admit that I used to be a hot head. But I never got violent especially with a weapon.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 4:07:30 GMT
Be careful guys, BE VERY CAREFUL. We are not here to judge. Thanks for the help. I do not feel judged by any of the comments here. I feel their concern for me possibly getting in trouble and it is very plausible. My PO and the officer who arrested me gave me those warnings because they know that I made a bad choice, but am not a criminal at heart. They even helped to encourage me when I was ready to give up and get sent back to prison. With them and my parents, I would have given up. Yes, I have respect and admiration for the detective who arrested me. I did what I did and he did his job. I cannot blame him.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 4:09:23 GMT
If the goal is generalized personal body protection from physical and legal threats, the first port of call should be Pepper Spray. Guns, swords and knives all have the problem that to be the most effective means grave injury or death to your opponent, which will at the least draw the eye of the law. Pepperspray, while not magic, can turn the tide or discourage someone further, while also being something that can be deployed early and aggressively without as much worry of a complex police investigation into an assault or murder. Followed up with a bat or stick that again can discourage the attacker into pain or unconsciousness in a manner that is less likely to be due to massive blood loss, though potentially still deadly, can be both effective and more likely to be seen by law enforcement as clearly defensive tools. (Bonus, PepperSpray is effective on most aggressive animals.) Additionally swords and knives aren’t insta-kill weapons, that’s really only in movies. In the heat of things a sword might not actually do as much protecting as you might think. There are real accounts of people slashed up like a Hellraiser cenobite still putting up a serious fight. A few jabs from a sword may eventually be deadly but in the short run may also be less effective at protecting you than strikes from a bat. I am not sure that pepper spray is legal for felons to have in Oklahoma. I know that me being on probation it is a violation of the probation rules.
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Post by Adventurer'sBlade on Apr 5, 2021 4:46:38 GMT
It would appear, then, that you have very few options. Probably none for public carry. Sounds like you have health issues, otherwise I would just suggest BJJ or something. Maybe crossbows.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 5, 2021 11:16:42 GMT
It sounds to me like you are pretty much down to a hefty walking stick. I have always promoted, first and foremost, LEGAL ownership of weapons. That includes types of weapons allowed by law, and also personal possession as allowed through circumstances. In your case, the options are very limited, but there are still options. I would suggest a dedicated self defense cane from Cane Masters canemasters.com/ or get yourself a hefty walking stick made from winged elm, blackthorn (AKA a shillelagh), or white oak. Make sure it is of such a design that it doesn't appear threatening so no skulls, hammer heads, axe heads, etc. Even the most uptight legal system couldn't possibly fault a cancer patient for having a walking stick. I have many walking sticks and canes. It's a whole other hobby! I enjoy walking the woods and keeping my eye out for that "perfect" branch or root that I can take home, dry out, carve, and finish into a unique work of art. Perhaps you can find both personal security and peace of mind by making your own walking sticks.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Apr 5, 2021 13:05:12 GMT
As Rufus pointed out and I suggested early in this thread a cane and my preference is from canemasters.com. They work. I’ve had several ‘discussions’ with dogs, both of two legged and four legged variety, and found a cane to add much weight to my argument. They have never failed me but that is no guarantee I’ll come out on top the next time but I never leave home without one. Cane Masters makes a good product but in my opinion have pretty much priced themselves out of business although the company appears to be growing. I’ve had mine for a number of years before they got so greedy. Many I bought as seconds and reworked. Many are designed for combat and to take the novice’s money. It’s not necessary to have those teeth nor a nasty horn (I think they have since modified those names), etc. I do like the horn reduced but not necessarily pointed and would suggest at least one set of grooves that being near the crook. I’ve found them most beneficial during this pandemic as some alcohol gels offered in the stores in order to enter are slippery. For about a year now the cane I’m carrying was a second that I modified by sharpening the horn and putting eyes on it making the horn/crook into a bird’s head with a long beak. This one came varnished which the alcohols and disinfectants removed saving me the trouble. I much prefer an oil finish, but don’t fall for their tung oil finish. They’ve added a palm rest since I got mine which I would not have if they gave it to me. Cane Masters canes meet the international definition of a cane so can be carried anywhere by anyone by law as they are considered a medical device. Be careful with walking sticks as such because they do not qualify. In fact a walking stick with a weighted head is considered a weapon and are not covered by the cane law. Not only they are illegal in some areas, they’ll put you away just for walking down the street with one in some places. I believe NYC is one. Buy yourself a Cane Maters and learn to use it. Above all don’t represent it as a weapon and start bragging with such remarks that you know a half dozen ways to kill with it as it will then be considered a weapon and not be covered by law. Cane Masters offers many CDs on the use and have videos on YouTube for free. In my case I got a martial artist, in fact he had represented us during the Olympics with karate, and was interest in the bo and the Filipino school. I would carry my lap top with a CD to the gym and we’d go over some of the moves, him with his bo or escrima sticks and me with a cane. I learned a lot.
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Post by mrbadexample on Apr 5, 2021 13:25:06 GMT
As Rufus pointed out and I suggested early in this thread a cane and my preference is from canemasters.com. They work. I’ve had several ‘discussions’ with dogs, both of two legged and four legged variety, and found a cane to add much weight to my argument. They have never failed me but that is no guarantee I’ll come out on top the next time but I never leave home without one. Cane Masters makes a good product but in my opinion have pretty much priced themselves out of business although the company appears to be growing. I’ve had mine for a number of years before they got so greedy. Many I bought as seconds and reworked. Many are designed for combat and to take the novice’s money. It’s not necessary to have those teeth nor a nasty horn (I think they have since modified those names), etc. I do like the horn reduced but not necessarily pointed and would suggest at least one set of grooves that being near the crook. I’ve found them most beneficial during this pandemic as some alcohol gels offered in the stores in order to enter are slippery. For about a year now the cane I’m carrying was a second that I modified by sharpening the horn and putting eyes on it making the horn/crook into a bird’s head with a long beak. This one came varnished which the alcohols and disinfectants removed saving me the trouble. I much prefer an oil finish, but don’t fall for their tung oil finish. They’ve added a palm rest since I got mine which I would not have if they gave it to me. Cane Masters canes meet the international definition of a cane so can be carried anywhere by anyone by law as they are considered a medical device. Be careful with walking sticks as such because they do not qualify. In fact a walking stick with a weighted head is considered a weapon and are not covered by the cane law. Not only they are illegal in some areas, they’ll put you away just for walking down the street with one in some places. I believe NYC is one. Buy yourself a Cane Maters and learn to use it. Above all don’t represent it as a weapon and start bragging with such remarks that you know a half dozen ways to kill with it as it will then be considered a weapon and not be covered by law. Cane Masters offers many CDs on the use and have videos on YouTube for free. In my case I got a martial artist, in fact he had represented us during the Olympics with karate, and was interest in the bo and the Filipino school. I would carry my lap top with a CD to the gym and we’d go over some of the moves, him with his bo or escrima sticks and me with a cane. I learned a lot. This is excellent advice. I’m sure Cane Masters is good stuff, but I have no personal experience. What I can second is the use of a crook cane. I’ve spoken with friends in law enforcement on the topic, and they agree that a crook cane will pass anywhere as long as you are not brandishing it or engaging in other, similarly ill-advised behavior. I work in a school so I make a big effort to comply with the letter of the law on weapons, even when my back is out. Purpleheart Armory is another good source. Their hickory canes are very sturdy.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 5, 2021 13:27:32 GMT
I have several "T" handle canes that I regularly travel with internationally and never once did I have an issue with any security or private citizens. The "T" handle is effective as a hook and a hammer for self defense.
More important than the design is the material. A reinforced synthetic resin is probably best, but I personally don't like the artificial look. Traditional hardwoods are a good choice with Hickory and Oak being most available and affordable. I have a walking stick made from the root of a winged Elm and it's super tough. Winged Elm is what they make hockey sticks from, but it's limited in it's availability. Other decorative woods like twisted or diamond willow make adequate canes and walking sticks, but aren't strong enough for defensive purposes.
Look up "bartitsu" and get some ideas how canes can be used for defense.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 14:05:24 GMT
Jeez. Not even mace? Didn't know that. A cane sounds like the only option.
“What the hell are we supposed to use, man? Harsh language?”
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Post by mrbadexample on Apr 5, 2021 14:21:30 GMT
Ok, I’m taking this way off topic, but it’s worth it. The aliens reference reminded me.
The actress who played Vasquez recently opened a bespoke bra shop for large busted women about half a mile from my house. I’ve had to do a lot of cognitive reconciliation for that to make sense.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 5, 2021 14:49:49 GMT
I’ve had to do a lot of cognitive reconciliation for that to make sense. Makes sense to me.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 5, 2021 15:22:23 GMT
Ok, I’m taking this way off topic, but it’s worth it. The aliens reference reminded me. The actress who played Vasquez recently opened a bespoke bra shop for large busted women about half a mile from my house. I’ve had to do a lot of cognitive reconciliation for that to make sense. Vazquez is never off topic no matter the discussion.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Apr 5, 2021 15:42:29 GMT
You wouldn't be that dirty old man I keep hearing about?
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Post by mrbadexample on Apr 5, 2021 15:43:01 GMT
Ok, I’m taking this way off topic, but it’s worth it. The aliens reference reminded me. The actress who played Vasquez recently opened a bespoke bra shop for large busted women about half a mile from my house. I’ve had to do a lot of cognitive reconciliation for that to make sense. Vazquez is never off topic no matter the discussion. Agreed. Stay frosty.
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Post by RufusScorpius on Apr 5, 2021 17:10:24 GMT
You wouldn't be that dirty old man I keep hearing about? Who you calling "old"
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Post by paulmuaddib on Apr 5, 2021 17:19:59 GMT
Ok, I’m taking this way off topic, but it’s worth it. The aliens reference reminded me. The actress who played Vasquez recently opened a bespoke bra shop for large busted women about half a mile from my house. I’ve had to do a lot of cognitive reconciliation for that to make sense. But have you done any cognitive reconnaissance?
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