Woman Says Many People Hold Keys For Self-Defense Wrong, Teaches The Right Way Interview
In recent days, the internet has been actively discussing women’s safety when they’re walking home alone in a shady neighborhood. Bored Panda has already covered some of the stories arising from these discussions, like 6 tips for men to help women feel safer in public, this hand signal indicating you’re in danger, and this viral response to Sarah Everard’s murder.
Well, this TikToker joined the conversation by sharing how to properly pull off the key self-defense technique in light of the many people who were sharing how they rely on it.
More Info: TikTok Pt. 1 | TikTok Pt. 2
No doubt you have heard of a self defense technique whereby you hold keys in your fist between the fingers
Image credits: @faesfx
TikTok user and make-up artist Fae (@faesfx), with whom Bored Panda got in touch, has recently shared a video about the right way of defending yourself with a set of keys in your hand.
For those wondering, this technique involves a person holding a key (or a set of keys) in their hands to be used as a weapon against a potential attacker who might sneak up from behind.
Now, some people were told to hold the keys between their fingers, extending outward, similarly to how Wolverine from the X-Men has his claws facing outward.
Well, this TikToker explains that, though a prevalent method, it might end up hurting you
Image credits: @faesfx
However, Fae explained that this way is only kinda effective, if at all, depending on the situation. If it is effective, it’s only so for one punch, as the keys will likely end up bending backward in your hands and possibly hurting you.
Also, there’s a chance that the attacker will sneak up from behind, making it impossible to land a hit with the keys at all, as seen in the TikTok video.
You see, when you punch the attacker, the keys might bend upward and hurt your hand
Image credits: @faesfx
However, she suggested switching up the way you hold the keys. Instead of doing the Wolverine, she says it’s better to take your longest key and clench it in your fist—like you would normally hold a stick. Fae called this the “hammer” method. This way, you will then be able to ensure the key’s stability, all the while also retaining reachability.
The TikToker also exemplifies how holding the key in this position works—if someone was to sneak up from behind, the victim would be able to extend their arms to stab them in the leg, or if they’re lucky, in the more sensitive areas of the attacker.
Instead, she suggests using what she calls the ‘hammer’ method
Image credits: @faesfx
Fae cannot recall where she learned this tactic, or how she ended up relearning it—“I don’t know where that came from or who first told me but from what I gather it is the norm for people to be told this.” However, it was only natural for her to speak about the right way when she saw some people doing it wrongly.
Since then, the video went viral on TikTok, garnering over 2.2 million views with over 530,000 likes and 17,000 shares. Many people found this bit of advice very useful, though also pointing out they wished it was never even a necessity in the first place.
If you simply clench up a key in your hand as shown below, it won’t wobble and be more effective
Image credits: @faesfx
Others also one-upped the self-defense hack by suggesting using a different key than the one they would need to enter their car or home, like an old unused key. You know, because you’re gonna need it and if it gets somehow stuck in the attacker and he flees, well… you know the rest.
As you might have figured, both Fae and her friend Charly were surprised the video took off: “We’re definitely surprised, a little bit annoyed with myself for not checking if I used the same hold on her, but I thought it would be seen by 100 people max. So, even though the information is there. The demonstration on the first video is unfortunately terrible. My lovely model Charly is feeling the same way, happy for all the positive comments, but regretting we didn’t carry out the demonstration properly.”
Fae also shows this in action with the help of her friend Charly
Image credits: @faesfx
The now-viral TikToker also posted a follow-up video, thanking viewers and also encouraging people to not use things like knives or chemicals, especially in countries that forbid their use. And we can’t stress this enough because the point of this tactic is to increase your chances of fleeing, not to seriously hurt the attacker:
“The thing to remember is you aren’t settling in to fight your attacker, you are doing what you can to get away, the second you are free to run, you run.” If you continue, the attacker might overwhelm you in the end, or there might be legal repercussions for the victim as well.
Keep in mind that this tactic shouldn’t be used with knives or similar weapons—the point is to give yourself a chance to escape, not seriously hurt the attacker
Image credits: @faesfx
In the second video, Fae elaborated on the key technique by showing another possible hold that an attacker might assume and how the same trick might help. You can see her actually getting a tad bit hurt when her friend overshoots the pretend stab.
She also pointed out that if this was real life, the victim would quite likely be kicking and screaming, kicking the head back in hopes of seriously hurting the attacker.
If you’re lucky, you might end up hitting not just the leg, but also some more delicate parts
Image credits: @faesfx
“In the UK, we have an issue with knife crime and it is illegal to carry,” explained Fae. “Unfortunately, there are strict laws over here with regards to self defence tools, there are very few things that can be used without being classed as an offensive weapon (Prevention of Crime Act 1953 details what is classed as an offensive weapon) so if you don’t have a longer key you can use the smaller house key in the similar position, it might not be as effective but in the moment it is all about doing what you can to get away from your attacker, not to seriously harm them.”
Check out the original and follow up videos below
@faesfxStay safe ##fyp ##saraheverard ##reclaimthesestreets♬ original sound – Hevs
@faesfxBe mindful of what is legal in your country. Model @charlymarion12 ##reclaimthesestreets ##fyp ##saraheverard♬ original sound – Hevs
What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any tips on how to effectively fend off an attacker in public? Let us know in the comment section below!
I'd like to know why it's illegal in the UK to carry pepper spray. This would be a really good means of self-defence. I can't help thinking this law was made by men.
I'm a man and I agree with your comment completely.
Requiem, I read this more as expressing his opinion that women have a right to defend themselves. I don't have an issue with someone trying to be an ally.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Being Male doesnt make you an expert on any of this. Being someone whos trained in violent martial arts like Taijutsu gives someone an opinion on this.
Maybe because they can just as easily be used on the victim as well sadly. There are self defence sprays that are legal. Also very loud personal alarms.
I know lots of friends who for this reason always carry a small bottle of either spray deodorant or hairspray which is legal and will still halt someone coming at you when sprayed in their eyes. I'm a wheelchair user so feel even more vulnerable and always have spray deodorant in the bag below my knees on my wheelchair that I can access in seconds if I feel threatened.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Ive been sprayed in high school with hairspray and just tasted bad, kids are shitty sometimes
not sure for the UK. But it just got banned in Denmark after it have been legal for a few years. Surprise surprise pepper spray have been used to attack people with. You know kind of handy to pacify the person you attack.
Pepper spray may be illegal, but you can buy empty small spray bottles and fill with bleach watered down a bit with vinegar and curry powder and tabasco sauce. Spray that into his eyes and face instead.
Pepper spray is often quite innefective, especially if your assailant is on drugs. Same with tasers. That kubotan-style key, tho, is another story. That is one of best weapons most people have around, and you can openly carry it ready to use, too.
Thank you. Finally,s omeone admits what I've known in real life.
I've learnt something new. Thanks. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan]
I mean, the UK just passed a law where peaceful protest will land you 10 years in prison, whilst a rapist gets 5. All this after a peaceful protest after the death of Sarah to a MALE. POLICE. OFFICER. What does that tell you? Btw, if you're in the UK, I can't suggest Eveaid highly enough. https://www.vestguard.co.uk/eveaid-personal-defence-spray.html
Sorry, but just to clarify it has not passed into law. The Bill has passed it's Second Reading and will now be debated, examined by a select group of MPs and may/may not be amended. The Third Reading the Bill is again debated and there is a vote. If the Government has a majority, the Bill is then passed to the House of Lords. The Lords then have the power to amend or reject a Bill. The contentious part of this Bill is where it gives the police new powers to tackle disruptive peaceful protests. Many believe this should be removed from The Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. There are campaigns and petitions for any who wish to take part. Sorry, but it's important to note that we're not there yet. I second your suggestion of EveAid wholeheartedly though.
In the UK the maximum sentence for rape, attempted rape and assault by penetration is life imprisonment, not 5 years. The 10 year part you refer to is 'could get up to' and is specific to criminal damage of memorials. The part of the Bill that is currently causing concerns relates to 'disruptive' peaceful protest. The proposed law includes an offence of "intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance". This is designed to stop people occupying public spaces, hanging off bridges, gluing themselves to windows, or employing other protest tactics to make themselves both seen and heard. This is due to frustrations felt by police chiefs that they could not do more to lessen the impact of Extinction Rebellion demonstrations in 2019 on the lives of citizens going about their lawful business. I think there are things wrong with this Bill but we are at the starting stage and amendments will hopefully be made to tackle the concerns felt by MPs and the public.
Lucas and Dilly who've replied to your comment sound like loyal Tory followers. A bill following a course like this is very likely to become law. There's a large majority of Tories in the commons, Tory Lords are constantly being created, so it's just a matter of time. As for the sentencing on rape vs demonstrating, has anyone looked a the conviction and sentencing rates for rape and sexual assault? They're scandalously low.
its illegal in canada as well. law enforcement have to be blasted in the face with it and than deal with an attacker while in pain an blinded. You as a civilian will never feel it. In Canada you can buy BEAR Spray and it sucks harder than what law enforcement uses. its being used on wild angry animals; if you are found with it on you - you Say its for Dogs and wildlife - admitting you have a weapon for use agaisnt humans is a crime.
Only thing worse than bear spray is wasp spray, I think?
but here's the question have you ever gotten it in your eyes?(i have, i was essentially blinded for a minute or two.
Well the idea is you spray it in the attacker's face so you can get away.
I guess then offenders will go out armed with pepper spray so you'll just be sprayed in the face first by the attacker?
This comment has been deleted.
And for attack
Because it's better for attack than defense. If you attack someone with pepper spray they are likely to be taken be surprise and rendered helpless; great for muggings and sex attacks.
@Requiem you don't know how to read or what? Martin is agreeing with Kate about the PEPPER SPRAY LAW!!!!!
it is no need to be a pepper spray, you can use any sh*ty cheap deodorant or when camping/travelling with car, use anti-wasp spray
This comment has been deleted.
Australia too.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
A s**t head comes at you, you fumble in your purse or bag or jacket pocket for your spray and adjust it to NOT blast you or some other direction; hes already disarmed you and assaulted you. Now a s**t head has OC spray, to use on others (super easy for s**t heads in Canada to acquire it legally even)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Dont be an idiot, are alll women innocent perfect angels and have never been charged with murder? everyone has the capacity for bad things when pushed to certain limits. Pepper spray is illegal because the UK has to have special police just to have armed police. NO one gets to have guns and even knives have become a problem there.
Got to love that in 2021 we are still needing to tell women how to defend themselves in case they are attacked. I have yet to see such an article directed to men. Wonder why that is......
Men can also be attacked, harassment/assault/kidnappings/rape can happen to men as well, it isn't limited to only women, no offense!
Vera you make an extremely good point but not every single woman whom this has happened to has everyone push them away and I'm sure not every man has never been blamed, there are so many people with so many experiences it doesn't just nail down to two scenarios. It is sad how anybody has to worry about stuff like this though. Thank you for being polite.
Men are twice as likely to be attacked and more lively to be murdered, although admittedly by other men rather than women.
This comment has been deleted.
And to men, it's always "You're a strong person, man up".
Or an article teaching men how to not be creeps and predators, and how to not join in with the other guys harassing women, even though you think they’re wrong. And how to teach upcoming generations of boys and men to not have the idea of being creeps and predators even cross their minds. Lastly, how to teach society as a whole to f*****g STOP blaming the victims. As for any men who decide to bitch about what I just said, compare the stats on male on female sex crimes to those for male on male or female on male. The differences in prevalence for all three—-and exactly which gender is committing the overwhelming majority of these crimes—-will make your jaws drop. Hopefully it’ll also open your eyes and minds to what women have to go through.
you mean an article directed at men, asking them not to attack women...
Awesome tips. Really great.
I'd like to know why it's illegal in the UK to carry pepper spray. This would be a really good means of self-defence. I can't help thinking this law was made by men.
I'm a man and I agree with your comment completely.
Requiem, I read this more as expressing his opinion that women have a right to defend themselves. I don't have an issue with someone trying to be an ally.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Being Male doesnt make you an expert on any of this. Being someone whos trained in violent martial arts like Taijutsu gives someone an opinion on this.
Maybe because they can just as easily be used on the victim as well sadly. There are self defence sprays that are legal. Also very loud personal alarms.
I know lots of friends who for this reason always carry a small bottle of either spray deodorant or hairspray which is legal and will still halt someone coming at you when sprayed in their eyes. I'm a wheelchair user so feel even more vulnerable and always have spray deodorant in the bag below my knees on my wheelchair that I can access in seconds if I feel threatened.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Ive been sprayed in high school with hairspray and just tasted bad, kids are shitty sometimes
not sure for the UK. But it just got banned in Denmark after it have been legal for a few years. Surprise surprise pepper spray have been used to attack people with. You know kind of handy to pacify the person you attack.
Pepper spray may be illegal, but you can buy empty small spray bottles and fill with bleach watered down a bit with vinegar and curry powder and tabasco sauce. Spray that into his eyes and face instead.
Pepper spray is often quite innefective, especially if your assailant is on drugs. Same with tasers. That kubotan-style key, tho, is another story. That is one of best weapons most people have around, and you can openly carry it ready to use, too.
Thank you. Finally,s omeone admits what I've known in real life.
I've learnt something new. Thanks. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan]
I mean, the UK just passed a law where peaceful protest will land you 10 years in prison, whilst a rapist gets 5. All this after a peaceful protest after the death of Sarah to a MALE. POLICE. OFFICER. What does that tell you? Btw, if you're in the UK, I can't suggest Eveaid highly enough. https://www.vestguard.co.uk/eveaid-personal-defence-spray.html
Sorry, but just to clarify it has not passed into law. The Bill has passed it's Second Reading and will now be debated, examined by a select group of MPs and may/may not be amended. The Third Reading the Bill is again debated and there is a vote. If the Government has a majority, the Bill is then passed to the House of Lords. The Lords then have the power to amend or reject a Bill. The contentious part of this Bill is where it gives the police new powers to tackle disruptive peaceful protests. Many believe this should be removed from The Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. There are campaigns and petitions for any who wish to take part. Sorry, but it's important to note that we're not there yet. I second your suggestion of EveAid wholeheartedly though.
In the UK the maximum sentence for rape, attempted rape and assault by penetration is life imprisonment, not 5 years. The 10 year part you refer to is 'could get up to' and is specific to criminal damage of memorials. The part of the Bill that is currently causing concerns relates to 'disruptive' peaceful protest. The proposed law includes an offence of "intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance". This is designed to stop people occupying public spaces, hanging off bridges, gluing themselves to windows, or employing other protest tactics to make themselves both seen and heard. This is due to frustrations felt by police chiefs that they could not do more to lessen the impact of Extinction Rebellion demonstrations in 2019 on the lives of citizens going about their lawful business. I think there are things wrong with this Bill but we are at the starting stage and amendments will hopefully be made to tackle the concerns felt by MPs and the public.
Lucas and Dilly who've replied to your comment sound like loyal Tory followers. A bill following a course like this is very likely to become law. There's a large majority of Tories in the commons, Tory Lords are constantly being created, so it's just a matter of time. As for the sentencing on rape vs demonstrating, has anyone looked a the conviction and sentencing rates for rape and sexual assault? They're scandalously low.
its illegal in canada as well. law enforcement have to be blasted in the face with it and than deal with an attacker while in pain an blinded. You as a civilian will never feel it. In Canada you can buy BEAR Spray and it sucks harder than what law enforcement uses. its being used on wild angry animals; if you are found with it on you - you Say its for Dogs and wildlife - admitting you have a weapon for use agaisnt humans is a crime.
Only thing worse than bear spray is wasp spray, I think?
but here's the question have you ever gotten it in your eyes?(i have, i was essentially blinded for a minute or two.
Well the idea is you spray it in the attacker's face so you can get away.
I guess then offenders will go out armed with pepper spray so you'll just be sprayed in the face first by the attacker?
This comment has been deleted.
And for attack
Because it's better for attack than defense. If you attack someone with pepper spray they are likely to be taken be surprise and rendered helpless; great for muggings and sex attacks.
@Requiem you don't know how to read or what? Martin is agreeing with Kate about the PEPPER SPRAY LAW!!!!!
it is no need to be a pepper spray, you can use any sh*ty cheap deodorant or when camping/travelling with car, use anti-wasp spray
This comment has been deleted.
Australia too.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
A s**t head comes at you, you fumble in your purse or bag or jacket pocket for your spray and adjust it to NOT blast you or some other direction; hes already disarmed you and assaulted you. Now a s**t head has OC spray, to use on others (super easy for s**t heads in Canada to acquire it legally even)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Dont be an idiot, are alll women innocent perfect angels and have never been charged with murder? everyone has the capacity for bad things when pushed to certain limits. Pepper spray is illegal because the UK has to have special police just to have armed police. NO one gets to have guns and even knives have become a problem there.
Got to love that in 2021 we are still needing to tell women how to defend themselves in case they are attacked. I have yet to see such an article directed to men. Wonder why that is......
Men can also be attacked, harassment/assault/kidnappings/rape can happen to men as well, it isn't limited to only women, no offense!
Vera you make an extremely good point but not every single woman whom this has happened to has everyone push them away and I'm sure not every man has never been blamed, there are so many people with so many experiences it doesn't just nail down to two scenarios. It is sad how anybody has to worry about stuff like this though. Thank you for being polite.
Men are twice as likely to be attacked and more lively to be murdered, although admittedly by other men rather than women.
This comment has been deleted.
And to men, it's always "You're a strong person, man up".
Or an article teaching men how to not be creeps and predators, and how to not join in with the other guys harassing women, even though you think they’re wrong. And how to teach upcoming generations of boys and men to not have the idea of being creeps and predators even cross their minds. Lastly, how to teach society as a whole to f*****g STOP blaming the victims. As for any men who decide to bitch about what I just said, compare the stats on male on female sex crimes to those for male on male or female on male. The differences in prevalence for all three—-and exactly which gender is committing the overwhelming majority of these crimes—-will make your jaws drop. Hopefully it’ll also open your eyes and minds to what women have to go through.
you mean an article directed at men, asking them not to attack women...
Awesome tips. Really great.