From my experience at the various college/university campuses I have been at where I have seen the policy regarding weapons, usually fixed blade is out the window in a dorm. Campus villages may be different since they have kitchens and you can't exactly cook without a knife. So here is a breakdown of what is available to the average student in a dorm
Pen/Pencil, ruler:
- Impact weapon, only good for inflicting pain for temporary immobilization (I say temporary cause depending on pain threshold YMMV. one second tops). Pressure points such as solar plexus, neck, throat, armpit, various points on the arms, sciatic nerve and groin. If you seriously want to go this route it is doable but have some serious stuff you can do after you hit one of the above points so a martial art would be a must
Text books:
- Only good if you have them in your hand and they can be used as distraction to get away. Science books are more likely to incapacitate than the literature, english, and art books I have had. My pathophysiology would be great at this point, probably weighs around 10-15 pounds... If the books are in the backpack best chance would be ditch the pack and run or throw the pack at the aggressor. If you are physically able the bag may be used as a shield if the aggressor has melee weapon of some sort i.e. the above mentioned ball peen hammer
Folding knife:
- Note: ONLY USE ONE AS A LAST RESORT!!! Most of my examples above use delay tactics to escape from a situation. The pen to a solar plexus followed by a simple Judo type throw or a knee to the face will distract them long enough for you to get away. Otherwise if you plan on carrying a knife, get some basic instruction on how to use the darn thing instead of trying to swing it around. Knives if used correctly can be used against that guy with a baseball bat or tire iron or ball peen hammer and most of the time you will come out on top. (most of the time since not everything is determined by skill in a fight, lots of dumb luck) Remember, the point is to get away unharmed. If you escape, you win.
Broom stick:
- This is a good one. I have a 1.5 ft segment i can carry in my backpack and no one can see it. Granted I don't need one but the only unfair fight is one you lose and I don't plan on losing. Take your broom and if it has a wood handle you can saw a little off the end and it will still be long enough to use as a broom. You can carry the sawed off part through metal detectors if there are any on campus (like the library, my laptop sets that one off everytime
). If you take the broom head off at night the resulting stick gives you a longer reach and with proper training you can take on most aggressors.
These are some examples. Again, the point that I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH is that you get away unharmed. Get training if you feel the need or have not had any. Most college campuses are safe if you stay inside at night and lock your door while you are in your room.
