OK.

I live within walking distance of my school, and there are often functions there at night. Whenever I walk at night, I carry a personal alrm (as metioned in another post on this forum) and a telescopic baton with me. It seems to be just an extendable, flexible spring, but it is EASILY capable of breaking a knee/collar bone/ego!

I carry it because:
- I live in south africa <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
- I often walk the five minute journey alone (I know that it is not the cleverest thing to do)
- the baton has a longer reach than a knife
- It easily fits unnoticably in my blazer pocker
- i have had basic lessons in it's use as a self-defense weapon, and I know it's limitations/uses.

What do you guys carry for self-defence in and urban or outdoor environment? I usually make a walking stick when I begin a hike, so I guess that could also count as a self-defense weapon, in addition to a few knives.