Kubatons/Koppo Sticks/Pocket Sticks

[SimpleIsGood229]

Howdy y'all,

Who here carries a kubaton or similar pocket stick? If so, what do you carry? I know Mini Maglites are popular for this purpose. Anyway, I'm weighing my options, as I'm in the market for a kubaton/koppo/pocket stick.

I'm actually considering cutting down a ''sharpening'' steel to five inches, or so, and putting on a keychain. The diameter is almost perfect, the end would already be tapered a bit, plus, I'd have a means of touching up my EDC knives without having to carry an actual sharpener.

What are y'all's thoughts?

Thanks!

[Monocrom]

I prefer to use my lights as improvised kubatons. Maglite will never admit it, but the original Mini-Mags were specifically designed to be used as kubatons. (That's why a stock Mini-Mag is great for that purpose. It's not just a coincidence).

Besides the various joint manipulations, another good technique is to use a kubaton or light as a hammer-fist enhancer; with the bezel or bottom of the kubaton expending below the fist.

The nice thing about lights is that they come in handy as lights as well. They also wouldn't look out of place being dumped into a Screener's bowl at an airport or courthouse. An actual kubaton will stand out. A koppo stick might make it through, but doubtful. A flashlight isn't even likely to raise an eyebrow. Especially if it is the ubiquitous Mini-Mag model.

[cyberspyder]

Inova X1 as a kubotan.

[Dr. Snubnose]

I have a variety of Kubotans and I'm a certified Instructor in it's methods...Flashlights work fine as do all the inexpensive Aircraft Aluminum Kubotans out there. I also like a plain piece of Acrylic with a hole drilled thru one end for the keychain slip ring , it looks less like a Kubotan.....more like a key chain and is light weight, doubles as a magnifier and works just as good as any Kubotan...Doc:D
BTW FWIW Kubotan is the correct spelling for this item.

[Marion David Poff]

I use the BM Pen.

I also use the Cold Steel Sharkie.

[redyps04]

I actually just found out yesterday about the Batonlite from Streamlite. It's a kubaton that's a flashlight instead of a flashlight that acts as a kubaton.

http://www.theledlight.com/batonlite.html

Does anybody have one of these that would care to give us thier opinions?

[RazorSharp86]

I also am a Kubotan practitioner. My favourite Kubo is Cold Steel's Ti-Lite.
I've got the smaller, Titanium version, and trust me, this baby can do some major damage if need be.

[cyberspyder]

I have a variety of Kubotans and I'm a certified Instructor in it's methods...Flashlights work fine as do all the inexpensive Aircraft Aluminum Kubotans out there. I also like a plain piece of Acrylic with a hole drilled thru one end for the keychain slip ring , it looks less like a Kubotan.....more like a key chain and is light weight, doubles as a magnifier and works just as good as any Kubotan...Doc:D
BTW FWIW Kubotan is the correct spelling for this item.

Have you used Jeff's polymer kubotans? I have one, and they are tough...

http://www.alphainnovationsselfdefense.com/docs/products_kubaton.htm

[stonyman]

I happen to be admirer of kubotans and pocket stick and anything of the like. I currently am carrying a custom kubaton I had custom made by a guy here in Fl. It is nothing fancy, just a hair under 8 inches, 7/8 inches round tapered on both ends with a lanyard running through an end. I got for the purposes of splitting the difference between a knife and gun. I get to pick and choose how effective the outcome.;) I will try to link a pic later............if not do not hold it against me.:confused:

[cyberspyder]

The one I like most is DJ's Phantera:

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7154/dsc01435rj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://www.americankami.com/stick.html

[SimpleIsGood229]

Ooo, that's nice. What are they made of? His site doesn't say.


I have a variety of Kubotans and I'm a certified Instructor in it's methods...Flashlights work fine as do all the inexpensive Aircraft Aluminum Kubotans out there. I also like a plain piece of Acrylic with a hole drilled thru one end for the keychain slip ring , it looks less like a Kubotan.....more like a key chain and is light weight, doubles as a magnifier and works just as good as any Kubotan...Doc:D
BTW FWIW Kubotan is the correct spelling for this item.
Thanks, Doc. Note taken.

[cyberspyder]

And now, the specs on the Phanteras and what they come with:

.75 diameter MDS Nylon 6/6.

Overall lengths available will be 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches.

Lanyard lengths will be 36 inches.

Lanyard end (the Butt) available with either a Grip Cut (facets to enhance grippyness) or Crenellations (five stabby teeth that ring the end of the stick - like a castle turret).

A genuine AR-15 sized Phantom flash suppressor on the Prow (the business end). Your choice of 4 or 5 prongs.

Your choice of finish on the crush washer (the metal ring you see between the flash suppressor and the body of the stick). Available finishes are polished, patina, or EVOL black. If you don't specify a finish, it'll come EVOL black.

Flash suppressors are attached in the following manner: The stick body is drilled and threaded, and an 1/8 inch diameter hole is drilled perpendicular to the shaft. A 1/2 inch diameter by 2 inch long stainless steel threaded rod with matching 1/8 inch diameter hole drilled in it is coated with 2 ton epoxy and screwed into the stick body until the 1/8 inch diameter holes line up between it and the stick shaft. Once the epoxy has cured, an 1/8 inch diameter by .75 inch long steel roll pin is driven through the holes, locking the stainless steel rod in place. It ain't commin' out. This is about as bomb-proof an attachment system as I have been able to come up with. The flash suppressor is then screwed down onto the threaded rod.

Your choice of either 2 ton epoxy, threadlocker, or wrench tight to secure the flash suppressor (hint: you may want to be able to remove it when new, even crazier things come out in the future ). If not specified, it'l come threadlocked.

Each stick will have a length of Thru-Stick-Grip. 1 inch on the 4 inch OAL sticks, 2 inches on all the others.

Cheers, Brendan

[SimpleIsGood229]

Ahh, okay. Thanks, Brendan.

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: I carry a sharkie marker with the marking sanded off. :spyder:

[stoneman]

Those look awesome! I really like the way the paracord is worked through the handle:)

[gandalfe]

As an alternative to the traditional Kubiton, I would suggest a design produced by James Keating, designer of the Chinook.It's a nasty little device that works very effectively. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r173/gandalfe_photo/IMG_0108.jpg It comes in many colors and dosen't look like a weapon.

[jzmtl]

I have no idea how to use a kubotan but I modded a gerber diamond sharpener a while ago, I suppose it can be used as such.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1878/dscn1078jf8.jpg


As an alternative to the traditional Kubiton, I would suggest a design produced by James Keating, designer of the Chinook.It's a nasty little device that works very effectively.It comes in many colors and dosen't look like a weapon.

I was gona get one, but then I wondered if the cops here can use the brass knuckle law to get me in trouble.

[cyberspyder]

As an alternative to the traditional Kubiton, I would suggest a design produced by James Keating, designer of the Chinook.It's a nasty little device that works very effectively. http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r173/gandalfe_photo/IMG_0108.jpg It comes in many colors and dosen't look like a weapon.

Stinger ;)

[AUXCOM]

I wish this was real........

[cyberspyder]

That actually looks a bit painful if stuck on a hard surface...the knurling would hurt your hands alot.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Have you used Jeff's polymer kubotans? I have one, and they are tough...

http://www.alphainnovationsselfdefense.com/docs/products_kubaton.htm

yep I have some, but I really like when there is some weight behind them....don't get me wrong Jeff's polymers work fine, specially with pain compliance techniques and they are ultra-lite making carry a pleasure...Let me show you a Kubotan that is the prize of my collection:
It is a really special custom kubotan made by Elite Kubotans of UK, gifted to me by fellow forum member Stonyman (thanks bro) A one off, one of a kind,Stainless Steel Kubotan. Quite Impressive, an awesome Kubotan...If you ask me a Work of ArtThis baby is real heavy and the damage it can do is something else, unlike any Kubotan I have ever seen..I used it at my last Kubotan workshop and my students were not happy at all.... Here is a link to six pics of it in my photo gallery over at Ironpitt Forum check it out....http://www.ironpitt.com/gallery/browse/DragonTiger/One_of_a_kind_Kubotan

For What it is worth Keating's Stinger is a nice device but it could never replace a Kubotan...It is a good pocket tool for those schooled in Boxing or those who like to punch a lot...These Stingers were really invented to give an extra umphh to your punch...lets face it if you are taking by surprise during an attack you might have taken a good many strikes from your opponent to your body or head...this can zap a lot of your energy and at this point in the confrontation you are playing catch up with drained power. This is where the stinger shines, it will maximize your striking power when you might need it the most...I do carry one in the outer coat pocket from time to time...Just some things to consider....Doc:D

[gandalfe]

If I enter areas that need a little SD, I usually carry a Stinger and a Chinook.James Keating designed the Chinook as a Kubiton style weapon used for striking with the pommel end of the knife.Keating lives just a few miles to the south of where I live, and told me he is a firm believer in non-lethal self defense.That big heavy Chinook hits a lot harder than a Stinger when the blade is closed.It's built that way on purpose.:spyder:

[224477]

Great Kubotan Doc.
I have checked the other pics on I-pitt too, and it was lovely to see your EDC package :D

I have a couple of kubotans, the greatest pieces came from you my friend, the acrylic one too, which won a lot of looks during the kubotan session we had on the Kali workshop time back.
Couple of steel pens that work fine as well.
Most of the time I carry a thick steel pen, I even carry that on plane, once I was stopped by the sec. officer to view my leather jacket when it came out of the scanner and he was curious about the pen, but due to the size, I suppose he expected the pen to be the one capable of shooting a 25ACP, as I showed him there is no ammo or blade inside, he was happy to let me go.
During my normal time I carry the 16 ASP airweight, a Xmas gift from a close friend, which can be used as a kubotan when closed.
Basically, with the knowledge, you can use almost everything in a way you would use the K-tan.

[Monocrom]

Which company makes the pen that you use?

[224477]

Which company makes the pen that you use?

The funny thing is, thats not any special, it was an advertisement gift pen distributed by Camel cigs. But its quite heavy and the full metal/steel.

The important thing is the take pens which are steel from inside as well, not any cheap plastic.

[Monocrom]

The funny thing is, thats not any special, it was an advertisement gift pen distributed by Camel cigs. But its quite heavy and the full metal/steel.

The important thing is the take pens which are steel from inside as well, not any cheap plastic.

Thanks for the response.

[Marion David Poff]

I mentioned them, and here they are, in my EDC.

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo258/jean0mars/DSCN2205.jpg

[stonyman]

Hello folks,

I do not know if this will come up or not, but below you can see picks of my "BIG TITANIUM KUBOTAN". It is the last two pics at the bottom of the page and the first pick on the following page. This is from the makers site. He goes by the name of lcranston on edcforums.com.

http://s89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/lcranston/?start=220

[spyderskin]

HERE ARE TWO GREAT ONES
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o24/tatteddragon/Picture143-1.jpg

[Shenmue728]

I also am a Kubotan practitioner. My favourite Kubo is Cold Steel's Ti-Lite.
I've got the smaller, Titanium version, and trust me, this baby can do some major damage if need be.

Thats what i have too. the way it feels closed in the hand is why i like it for SD purposes. Need to get that darn clip fixed though...

If i had my way i'd have one of those collapsable police batons on me but no go in sunny cali :rolleyes:

[euhero987]

This is very interesting. I'm new to this. Where can I get kubotans?

[Blerv]

The legal thing is up to interpretation once the dust settles.

I would prefer a sturdy flashlight to a kubotan or even tactical pen. If it's strike bezel looks like something from a Klingon training camp maybe not. :p

[Dr. Snubnose]

This is very interesting. I'm new to this. Where can I get kubotans?

Do a search on the web for them euhero, They can be had for a few bucks in different styles and colors with key ring attachments. Like already mentioned for about $7.99 you can pick up a Mini-Mag Flashlight at any Home-Depot or Dept, or sporting goods store. A wooden dowel from the hardware store will work just as well and can be bought for pennies. Last Year Stonyman sent me some Concrete Re-bar Steel that was coated...they works really well...Good luck in your search, they are out there and they are plentiful and they are inexpensive, so you'll probably end up getting a few different ones in different styles, this way you can determine which kind will best suit your needs....or anything else your mind can dream up that's 6" or longer that you can get your fingers around and form a fist...that will work just as good as well....Doc:)

Just became aware that the old link to some of my Kubotan pics are not easily seen so I'll post some pics up now so you can see some different varieties.
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/cust01.jpg The is the all steel Kubotan that Stonyman Gifted me the one off:

http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/11-28-09_0808.jpg
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/11-28-09_0812.jpg

[Blerv]

Just wanted to throw this out there.

http://neawhips.com/KeychainKubotan.aspx

Steve at Noreast whips makes a great whip and his kubotans looks very cool. Like all his stuff you can customize it to your heart's content. I'm just a happy shopper, not a sales rep. :p

[2cha]

Don't have any ability with kubatons other than willingness to be mean, but my "dog walker" and bedside friend is Surefire E2D

[DCDesigns]

I have a wood lathe (actually, several...). Do yall think there would be a market for custom turned kubatons? I was thinking of using cocobolo or ironwood. Anything that is ultra dense and hard, yet still interesting to look at. I might experiment with a couple profiles and see what I come up with. If I have any success, I'll post pics.

[skatenut]

How about Ti kubatons?

[2cha]

I have a wood lathe (actually, several...). Do yall think there would be a market for custom turned kubatons? I was thinking of using cocobolo or ironwood. Anything that is ultra dense and hard, yet still interesting to look at. I might experiment with a couple profiles and see what I come up with. If I have any success, I'll post pics.

There was a guy selling little billies on bladeforums. He turned the top to fit inside diameter of a pipe. They sold quickly. I think he called them thunder sticks.

In PA anyway, clubs, saps, etc., etc., are a big no, no. A Kubaton could arguably fall in the general category with wrong cop, wrong prosecutor, wrong judge.

[Milkman]

I have a wood lathe (actually, several...). Do yall think there would be a market for custom turned kubatons? I was thinking of using cocobolo or ironwood. Anything that is ultra dense and hard, yet still interesting to look at. I might experiment with a couple profiles and see what I come up with. If I have any success, I'll post pics.

I do know of a guy who makes custom kubotans. He runs http://www.cooleysticks.com/. I can't say he's cornered the market, as I'm not completely sure the extent of the market.

You might have a harder time finding customers than you would making products for the customers.

[razorsharp]

what a coincidence , I made one today lol.

[Dr. Snubnose]

I have a wood lathe (actually, several...). Do yall think there would be a market for custom turned kubatons? I was thinking of using cocobolo or ironwood. Anything that is ultra dense and hard, yet still interesting to look at. I might experiment with a couple profiles and see what I come up with. If I have any success, I'll post pics.

I for one would be interested to see what you come up with....Doc:)
PM sent

[stonyman]

Ditto.....I would like to see what you came up with........Cooley makes some good stuff. I have one of his 11 inch yawara sticks made out of cocobolo.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Ditto.....I would like to see what you came up with........Cooley makes some good stuff. I have one of his 11 inch yawara sticks made out of cocobolo.

Doesn't surprise me one bit John... LOL, you probably have 15 kubotans cut out of Moses's Staff as well.....Doc:p

[Blerv]

That Cooley site was very impressive. Thanks :)

[jeep45238]

I carry an armadillo - great for keeping the keys in your pocket too.

http://www.laruetactical.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_detail/p1011962.jpg

Tail goes out, head into my hand, index finger laying at the top of the middle arch. Draws blood, delivers a lot of force pretty easily, and next to impossible to remove from your hands.

[Dr. Snubnose]

I carry an armadillo - great for keeping the keys in your pocket too.

http://www.laruetactical.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_detail/p1011962.jpg

Tail goes out, head into my hand, index finger laying at the top of the middle arch. Draws blood, delivers a lot of force pretty easily, and next to impossible to remove from your hands.

That's cute..."Is that an Armadillo in pocket or are you just happy to see me...Kinda Thingy....LOL Doc:p

[jeep45238]

Works great for pop tops, twist tops, and cans. Solid 1/4" or so aluminum to boot :D


And No Doc - I'm not happy to see you. :p

[stonyman]

Doc, you know me all to well!!! Hahaha!.....:D

[DCDesigns]

Ok, so I always have wood scraps laying around, and after I saw this thread, I figured Id turn a little piece of Cocobolo I had into a Kubaton. Cocobolo is a great wood for this, its really light, yet REALLY HARD.

Doc- Thanks a ton for the info and pictures, it helped a ton! I think this first prototype might not be ideal for all grips, I look forward to your feedback.

Ok This:

http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/Lowcountryburl/DSC08563.jpg
(note the M4 GB next to my M2 small skew chisel. Man I wish I could combine these tools :p. Id pay a ton for a M4 skew. I love HSS)

Is now this:
http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/Lowcountryburl/DSC08568.jpg
http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/Lowcountryburl/DSC08569.jpg
http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/dd460/Lowcountryburl/DSC08567.jpg

I took a page out of spyderco's book and made the coves angled inward away from the the palm on both sides for a kind of Bi-directional grip. The length is 5.82" width .73" at center of palm swell. I departed from traditional profiles somewhat by going back up in diameter to .77" towards the end to help with weapon retention. -Doc, this might need to be de-emphasized a bit to help with speed between grips. Both ends taper, with the strike end ending in a blunted truncated cone for use on pressure points, and to focus force on a smaller area. The bevels around the hole are hand carved with my Dragonfly 2. Had to use a :spyder: to make it relevant!
This is just a quick prototype, I imagine the palm swell will need to be minimized as well as the width of the ends.

What do yall think? any critiques?

[Dr. Snubnose]

Nice work DC, that cocobolo sure is pretty...The palm swell could even be larger....and the point could be a tad more pointy...but damn good for a first attempt for sure...Here is a pic of one I designed with a forum member here "TH232" Will is his name....you can see in the pic that the palm swell is quite large, but still worked well in grip changes.....
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/Render_103.jpg
Doc:D
PS: All that is missing from that baby is the Spyderco Logo in 3D right dab smack in the middle...LOL

[2cha]

Beautiful!!! I love your follow through. Awesome.

[DCDesigns]

Thanks yall! It was a fun little project. The great thing about a wood lathe is any profile is possible as long as you hold the tools steady. Doc, thats an interesting design, looks pretty easy to make too. I will continue experimenting with scraps until I find a profile that will work best. Thanks! -DC

[amok_nok]

Here are some of the ones I make. they have a quick carry - access system something most palm type sticks don't have. heres a vieo of how it works and some pics...
http://youtu.be/mwjqh7_KCu0
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/amok_hodges/DSCF0047.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/amok_hodges/DSCN0637-1.jpg

[Dr. Snubnose]

Ay Nok!...How are you?...Question for my favorite wooden knife maker...how thick is the Kubotan pictured at the top?....Send my regards to Randy....Doc:D

[amok_nok]

Hi Doc the are about a half inch thick x 1"wide they fill you hand nicely one end sharpened to a wedge edge.
Glad you like my Hawks Doc only trouble with them is they are allot of work and time to make not something you would want to pay for twenty of them to give away at a seminar.

[NYRich]

I don't own a Kubotan, but have considered purchasing one. Unfortunately, I know of nobody offering actual training in its use in my area. Without knowing how to use it properly, it's just one more thing to carry.

There are books on the subject, but I tend to doubt their usefulness. As with any form of self-defense, there is no substitute for training with someone who really knows what he's doing.

Pretty much any hard object can be used as the proverbial "blunt instrument". I already carry a flashlight that would serve the purpose if it came down to that. In any encounter close enough to use a flashlight/Kubotan, having the skill set to make the most of it is at least as important as what you have in your hand.

[Michael Janich]

Because I travel so much, purpose-designed Kubotans are a no-go. TSA knows what they are. As such, I go with a light (currently a SureFire Aviator) and a Tuff-Writer pen (Operator). I have beat the snot out of the Tuff-Writer stuff and love it. The owner, Jack Roman, also trains very actively, which I respect. Many pen makers are just that. If you don't use them, you don't know how to make them as good as they can be.

Stay safe,

Mike

[2cha]

Hmm, those Tuffwriter's look fine. And, made right here in the good 'ole US of A. Hmm,...

[224477]

Mike are you able to travel internationally with the Tuff ? I mean flights.

The Tuff stays always a pointy metal object that might act as a weapon, in their eyes.

I carry a Schrade pen too, but would not try to get it lost on an intl flight, therefore I have other low profile stuff that stand in for ocassions like that.

Thanks for your feedback. :)

[Dr. Snubnose]

I don't own a Kubotan, but have considered purchasing one. Unfortunately, I know of nobody offering actual training in its use in my area. Without knowing how to use it properly, it's just one more thing to carry.

There are books on the subject, but I tend to doubt their usefulness. As with any form of self-defense, there is no substitute for training with someone who really knows what he's doing.

Pretty much any hard object can be used as the proverbial "blunt instrument". I already carry a flashlight that would serve the purpose if it came down to that. In any encounter close enough to use a flashlight/Kubotan, having the skill set to make the most of it is at least as important as what you have in your hand.

Ay NY Rich,
Not for nothing but I offer training in the Kubaton in not only workshop form at least once a year but also private instruction in it's use...Pm me for further info If you are serious about learning...Doc:)

[NYRich]

Doc,

Just sent you a PM.

[amok_nok]

Some of you might like to see this Randy just designed this for me it is and impact Kubaton - palm stick- improvised weapon training tool. It has a well rounded padded end to practice striking and a hard dull point on the other end for pressure point and pain compliance training. Can't say I've ever seen a training tool like it. Great for instructors that do allot of self defense classes.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h66/amok_hodges/DSCF0105.jpg

[metalhed]

While not a kubotan, still an nice tool to have
http://thuglight.com/

[Dr. Snubnose]

Just found this one, gonna drop the hammer on it for $59 smackroos.
What is it?....It's called a "Jin Gang Wu" Little history: Jin Gang was a Buddhist Deity, sometimes known in India as "Vajrapani" worshiped by Chinese Temple Monks for protection against evil. This piece is an old antique made from Bronze, (got some weight to it huh!) You could call this an early type of Kubotan as it is a fist held weapon used the same way a Shin Bo (Japanese Small stick) or Kashinubo (Very small stick) or the Chinese Judges Pens which were a solid piece of steel 12" with triangular blade tips on each end that were dipped in poison during battle.
Thought you guy might like to see a Kubotan with some umpff behind it. A newbie to my collection of fist held weapons...Enjoy!....Doc:D
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/KGrHqZg4E3uEYdsHbBOJpmlLsow0_3.jpg

[chuck_roxas45]

Just found this one, gonna drop the hammer on it for $59 smackroos.
What is it?....It's called a "Jin Gang Wu" Little history: Jin Gang was a Buddhist Deity, sometimes known in India as "Vajrapani" worshiped by Chinese Temple Monks for protection against evil. This piece is an old antique made from Bronze, (got some weight to it huh!) You could call this an early type of Kubotan as it is a fist held weapon used the same way a Shin Bo (Japanese Small stick) or Kashinubo (Very small stick) or the Chinese Judges Pens which were a solid piece of steel 12" with triangular blade tips on each end that were dipped in poison during battle.
Thought you guy might like to see a Kubotan with some umpff behind it. A newbie to my collection of fist held weapons...Enjoy!....Doc:D
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af33/DrSnubnose/KGrHqZg4E3uEYdsHbBOJpmlLsow0_3.jpg

Looks like a bong, Doc. :D

[DCDesigns]

I wish this was real........

what is it? that actually looks like a physical product... is it a c-feit?