.png)
Years ago, Lay's potato chips coined a phrase that many would come to recognize and never forget - "Betcha can't eat just one!" The advertising slogan referenced the addictive nature of potato chips and the unlikelihood that anyone would be satisfied with just one. The implication, of course, was that the taste of these chips would keep anyone from putting them down. They were so good that the consumer should just plan on indulgence. This advertising slogan, while self-complementary for Lay's, was also a warning.
I wish someone had given me that same warning when I began searching for self-defense solutions. First, I tried knives. I bought one pocket knife that I absolutely loved. That one knife quickly multiplied to a collection of almost ten, including swords, a machete, a throwing knife, and even a couple of Ninja stars. It was like an addiction. The more I learned about them, the more I appreciated them. I admired the craftsmanship. I had fun practicing with them. I even admired some so much that I purchased only for the sake of collection.
When I ventured into the world of firearms, I was excited to purchase what I thought at one time would be my one and only gun. I researched and rented the Glock 43 for weeks before actually making the purchase. I bought accessories for the gun and signed up for classes only to realize, eventually, that I may not have purchased the perfect gun for me. It was bittersweet. I absolutely adored my little Glock but realized there were other options. My Glock was not the best at everything. Even more, there was no such thing as THE perfect gun. Diversity in firearms became my reality. Some were more fun to shoot than others. Then, there was an option for home defense. I chose yet another option for marksmanship training... and yet another for travel. Then, I caught "the bug" - I actually wanted a couple just because I admired the workmanship.
It didn't take long to realize that guns are like shoes. While it certainly wouldn't kill anyone to wear the same pair of shoes every day, for any given purpose, it's highly unlikely and frankly, inefficient. Different types of shoes are used for different purposes. One wouldn't wear the same pair of footwear to go fishing that they'd wear to a formal dinner. Firearms or any other self-defense solution are the same way. Different tools serve different functions. And some simply look good!
Just as one's shoe collection likely spans just one or two sizes, self-defense solutions may be narrowed down based on preference, skill, physicality, environment, and a number of other factors. Yet and still, variety will likely exist.
Whether you choose a self-defense strategy with knives, pepper spray, stun guns, firearms, physical training, or an assortment, be prepared to eventually adopt a variety of tools to have at your disposal, depending on need and function. Once you begin training and actually start having a little fun with your practice regimen... Well, "Betcha can't buy just one!"