What Self Defense Weapons Are Legal to Carry in Washington State – A Guide to Washington Self Defense Laws image 1

A Guide to Self-Defense Weapons Legal in Washington State

What Self Defense Weapons Are Legal to Carry in Washington State – A Guide to Washington Self Defense Laws image 0

If you live in Washington and are concerned about personal safety, you may be wondering what types of self-defense weapons you can carry to protect yourself within the confines of the law. From my experience providing self-defense training, I know many people feel unsure about their options. In this article, I’ll outline the weapons you can legally possess for self-defense purposes in Washington, along with some tips on responsible usage.

Pepper Spray

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One of the most commonly carried self-defense weapons in Washington is pepper spray. Also known as OC spray (from its main active ingredient oleoresin capsicum), pepper spray works by irritating the eyes and respiratory system to temporarily disorient an attacker. As long as the pepper spray contains 10% or less OC, it is legal for anyone 18 or older to purchase and carry it for self-defense in our state.

When using pepper spray, it’s important to only deploy it when absolutely necessary for protection and avoid overspray that could affect bystanders. Make sure to know how to operate the spray and practice with an inert training model first. And always keep in mind that pepper spray may not stop a serious threat – it works best against opportunistic crimes of momentary impulse.

Stun Guns

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Stun guns, also sometimes called personal protection devices (PPDs), are non-lethal electric weapons that deliver an incapacitating shock. In Washington, stun guns not exceeding Watts and with fixed cartridge containers are legal to own and carry for self-defense at age 18 or older. However, despite their legality, stun guns have limitations – the prongs must make contact with skin to work, and thick clothing can insulate an assailant from the shock.

Additionally, there are scenarios where stun guns may escalate a situation, such as if the attacker is intoxicated or mentally unstable. As with any weapon, responsible handling and situational awareness are key. Keep the stun gun concealed until needed and know how to safely operate and maintain it.

Knives

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Fixed-blade or folding knives fall into a legal gray area for self-defense in Washington. Any knife may be considered a “dangerous weapon” if brandished or used to threaten harm. However, folding knives with blades under are legal to openly carry for non-aggressive purposes like preparedness or work. When it comes to defense, non-locking folding knives less than 3 inches long are typically deemed acceptable.

The risks of using a knife in a confrontation should give anyone pause. A received training, knowing vulnerable areas to target, and having pepper spray, a stun gun, or empty-hand skills as a first resort are preferable options. Overall, avoiding dangerous interactions is the surest path to safety.

Baseball Bats and Clubs

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Improvised impact weapons like baseball bats, clubs, and clubs are legal to own but may cross the line into brandishing or assault if used offensively rather than defensively. As with knives, there is a risk of escalating a conflict or facing legal issues depending on the circumstances. Unless trained in their use, such weapons are not recommended for self-protection.

Firearms

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Washington does allow its residents to carry firearms openly or concealed with the appropriate license. However, guns require intensive safety training, storage considerations, legal liability, and present lethal force that cannot be taken back once deployed. For most people, they are not practical or proportionate for everyday personal protection.

Unless you are a experienced shooter who has passed both classroom and firing range components of a concealed carry course, I would advise exploring the non-lethal options discussed above before considering a handgun for self-defense.

Empty-Hand Techniques

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The most versatile and widely applicable self-defense tool you have is your own body through training in empty-hand skills like judo, karate, boxing, or rape prevention seminars. While not a “weapon,” techniques for controlling an attacker’s movement, creating distance, and basic strikes can be very effective – especially if paired with situational awareness and de-escalation tactics.

No weapon or technique is a substitute for awareness, avoidance of risky behavior, and using judgment to escape a violent situation peacefully if possible. But empty-hand skills have the benefit of being legal to practice anywhere, and like pepper spray, stun guns or knives used non-aggressively, do not present an automatic lethal assumption the way a firearm does.

Additional Tips

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  1. Know the laws. Research what is legal to own and limits on where you can carry items for protection in Washington.
  2. Train regularly. Whether with empty-hands, a weapon, or both, keep skills sharp with routine practice. Muscle memory is important if you ever need to react instinctively.
  3. Get certified instruction. Consider taking a real self-defense or weapons handling course from a certified instructor rather than learning on your own.
  4. De-escalate whenever possible. Try to avoid or exit dangerous situations peacefully through posture, body language and communication before using any weapon becomes necessary.

In the end, while weapons provide a means to protect yourself as a last resort, situational awareness, avoidance of risk, verbal judo and empty-hand skills will serve you better on most day-to-day occasions. Staying safe is as much about knowledge and judgment as it is about weaponry. I hope this overview of legal self-defense options in Washington was helpful!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Staying safe out there, folks!

Legal Self Defense Weapons in Washington State

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Weapon Type Restrictions Permit Needed
Pepper spray Must be 10% or less oleoresin capsicum No
Stun guns Prohibited in WA state N/A
Knives Fixed blade knives must be less than 3 inches No
Batons Prohibited in WA state N/A
Firearms Concealed pistol license required to carry concealed Yes, for concealed carry

FAQ

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  1. What types of pepper spray are legal in Washington?

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    Basically, pepper sprays that contain no more than 1% oleoresin capsicum (OC) are permitted. Some pepper gels and sprays also appear to be fine as long as they are not labeled as being in the “police strength” range. Keep in mind some cities and towns may have additional local restrictions though.

  2. Are batons or self-defense keychains legal?

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    Kinda sorta. Regular ole stick-shaped batons are generally a no-no. However, certain collapsible batons may be okay depending on the jurisdiction. As for self-defense keychains, the ones with just keys are permitted but anything with more than that could potentially get you in trouble. I’d say play it safe and leave flashy weapons like that at home.

  3. What about stun guns and tasers?

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    Despite some of the tasers and stun guns being pretty awesome in my opinion, those are a definite no under Washington law. Only law enforcement are allowed to use or carry electric stun devices. I remember my buddy Chad getting busted with a stun gun back in the day. Not a fun situation.

  4. Are pocket knives legal for self-defense?

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    Pocket knives with blades 3 inches long or less are permitted statewide. However, you’re supposed to have a non-combative purpose for carrying them rather than just self-defense alone. I guess the question is, if someone attacks you with a crowbar, would a little knife really help much? Maybe just run away instead!

  5. What weapons are completely banned?

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    Weapons like switchblades, throwing stars, nunchucks and the like are prohibited. Firearms also have strict regulations. But is an awesome looking sword cane with a hidden blade really that dangerous? I say live a little on the wild side! Just joking, playing it safe is usually best policy when it comes to the law.

  6. Are there any self-defense options I can carry anywhere?

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    Basically your safest bet is a good ol’ Keychain pepper spray or perhaps an alarm on your keyring that’s super loud. Those should be permissible in most public places. Another choice is learning some self-defense techniques or taking a martial arts class. At the end of the day, true self-defense comes down to awareness, avoidance and having quick reflexes when trouble arises.