I have a thing for knots. I love that knots are so versatile. I guess all those years of teaching knot tying to Boy Scouts helped me to appreciate rope and knots.
One of my favorite knots has always been the monkey fist. I’ve had one hanging from my hiking staff for many years.
The Monkey Fist is named because it looks like a small bunched up fist or paw. The knot originally was used by merchant mariners. Sailors of the 1800’s used the monkey fist (a knot tied around a small weight) as a method of throwing rope lines from ship to ship and ship to shore. The weight on the line made it easier to throw.
The first knots, also known as sailor knots, began as a bolt, a rock, or something that had weight. It is placed inside the knot when the knot is tied.
The Monkey fist began to be used as a hand-to-hand weapon, when the sailors were on shore. Also called slungshot they were commonly used as melee weapons by sailors embroiled in street and tavern fights. The use of the monkey's fist as slungshot became common in the street gang subcultures of the 19th century.
I’ve always liked using one on a key chain because you can make some that are easy to use as a weapon but doesn’t look like one. What I want is one that is at least 6 inches long to extend my reach about 8 inches with the keys. Make sure it is built well like a monkey fist with paracord. A strap with a snap may not hold up to being used as a weapon. If you end up using your key chain as a weapon and it breaks, even if you were successful in defending yourself you left all your keys on the ground if you had to leave quickly. If you need keys to a vehicle or building to take yourself out of the fight, you may not have them.
It is entirely possible that an impact weapon is all you need based on your unique values, risk profile and life-situation to dramatically improve your personal safety. You may decide to carry such a device as a training tool, as part of your concealed carry decision-making process. A good-quality, high-lumen, metal flashlight about five inches long can be carried in a belt holster, clipped to your pocket or in your purse with complete security and few legal hassles. If you're thinking about getting a legally concealed handgun as a defense tool but are not sure about it, get a defensive flashlight first and start practicing daily carry. See what it, and threat awareness, does for your confidence level.
The Monkey fist has made a comeback in the last few years. It has worked it's way into everyday life. We have easy access to paracord and this has given new life to the monkey fist. Type "Monkey Fist" into a search engine and you get a whole lot of how to’s of making a monkey fist. Monkey fist fans are making them everywhere. Monkey fists are one of the top items to make out of para cord.
It remains my opinion that avoiding risky areas, having enough ego-strength to ignore insults and forgetting about teaching good manners to strangers will create a threat exposure so small that no weapon will ever be required. The really bizarre thing about less-than-lethal weapons is that they may be illegal to carry in your state or city, even if you have a permit to carry a concealed firearm, so check your laws carefully. If questioned, do not describe these tools as weapons to law enforcement.
You can also use the paracord for emergency or survival purposes and another bonus is that you’ll never lose your keys since the Monkey Fist makes them easier to keep track of.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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