Anything and Everything Pepper Spray

Here is some more information on pepper spray that might help you decide what to buy and how to buy it.

Wilbur Lincoln Scoville was born in 1865 and died in 1942. During his accomplished life he was awarded several honors such as The Ebert Prize which recongnizes authors that produce the best report of an original investigation of a medicinal substance, and The Remington Honor Medal, the APhA's top award. His best know achievement is however his work on the famous "Scoville Organoleptic Test." In short, this test is used to measure the hotness of a chili pepper.

Peppers from the Capsicum Genus, contain a little known chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that stimulates nerve endings on the skin and reeks havoc on the mucous membranes also know as the eyes and facial regions. This spicy chemical is what is used to make pepper sprays and other types of self defense sprays. One little spray to the eyes and down you go.

Using Scoville Heat Units (SHU), scientists measure the hotness of all types of peppers and heat generating foods. Several peppers included in this scale are Jalapenos, chili peppers, chipotle peppers and ever green bell peppers. Bell peppers are at the bottom of the list with a Scoville Heat Score of 0.

The hottest pepper in the world however, is the Naga Jolokia. This pepper is stated as having anywhere between 855,000-1,050,000 SHU, the fourth hottest substance in the world just a hair behind actual pepper sprays. The hottest substance in the world is pure capsaicin which is the chemical derived from such peppers. Second in line is the various types of man made capsaicin and finally as mentioned above we have number three with pepper spray. Pepper sprays are used in conjunction with various types of self defense weapons. Police use them for law enforcement purposes and civilians use pepper spray for personal protective use. SO you can see why it might be important for the pepper spray to be as hot a possible in order to provide maximum effectiveness.

Several different factors change the SHU a pepper has such as soil, climate, species, and seed lineage. The humidity in the air has a drastic effect on how hot a pepper is especially in the habanero pepper. It is basic common sense that the more humidity and heat is in the air the hotter the pepper will be. The soil and obviously the species has an effect also.

Often times as promotional and advertising campaigns, hot sauce companies apply the Scoville Scale on their products.

When considering certain types of self defense products and situations I always get asked the same question over and over again. What type of self defense weapon should I carry for everyday safety? For example, if you find yourself in the mist of danger and need a quick self defense product, pepper spray is the way to go. Also depending on the situation you can use a stun gun or stun baton. The best though, in my opinion, is a martial art. I studied Hapkiyudo at a local martial arts academy and it proved even more beneficial than I had ever imagined. They way they teach you to use your body and the techniques you use to take down an opponent are extraordinary.

Hapkiyudo is a self made martial art that consists of both Judo and Hapkido. Put them together and BAM!, you have Hapkiyudo. Using both the leverage of Judo and the Grappling techniques of Hapkido I was able to protect myself during several situations I otherwise would have lost. Ironically enough I don't go out looking for a fight but it just so happened that I needed every skill I was taught just weeks after my training. It was almost like someone was giving me a test. Either way, I do love my self defense products but having a general idea of how your body works and the many ways you can take down an attacker is priceless.

The one thing however that needs to be remembered is that if you plan on ever taking any type of self defense class make sure your in it for the long haul. You are not just going to join a class and learn everything in a few short weeks. That was the exact reason I always asked myself why it took so long to receive a black belt in most martial arts. It was actually the little things in class that were a lot tougher than I thought. The little things, like how to properly fall and how to stand when being approached by an attacker. Who would have thought that you needed to fall a certain way when knocked on the ground?

Either way you look at it, when choosing your self defense remember to always be aware, and be prepared. Even if you carry a little pepper spray make sure you know how to use it. Preparation is the key in any situation.

Don´t Stick Your Hand Way Out When Firing

What is important not to do when using pepper spray? Never thrust your shooting hand out in front of you towards the assailant. He or she may react quickly and hit your hand aside or grab it! As you shoot, back up and continue backing up away from the assailant. This gives you a little more time and draws the assailant into the pepper spray. Good training.

Shout STOP When You Use Pepper Spray

Should I say anything when I use my pepper spray? Shouting "STOP" creates a slight diversion. Raising your arm outstretched toward the assailant may cause his immediate attention to be focused on that hand, not the one with the pepper spray. This gives you time to shoot the spray before the assailant can react.

Keep Your Eyes Open When Firing Pepper Spray

What are mistakes that I don´t want to make when I use pepper spray? Don´t ever shut your eyes! You may have to correct your aim slightly. You should shoot the spray for 2 to 3 seconds, neither a short squirt nor a long drenching. After shooting your pepper spray, the assailant will normally stop within seconds, blinded and virtually helpless due to uncontrollable coughing spasms. Once the assailant disables, stop spraying. Continue backing and concentrate on getting away!

Other Pepper Spray Technique Tips

What are wome other good pepper spray technique tips? If someone is attempting to attack you, always move off the line of force before spraying. Deliver the pepper spray by in a few short bursts of a second or so each in an "X" or "Z" pattern. You cannot always count on your target staying still and spraying in a pattern will help you hit the target. Then get out of there, and once you are safe, contact the police and report the attack. You want your description of the attack to be the first one they hear.

Practice is the Best Pepper Spray Technique

Do I need to practice using my pepper spray? It is vital that you give some thought in advance to how you will carry your pepper spray canister. Consider carrying the device in the same place whenever possible. That way, you won´t have to think, "where is it today?" in the heat of the moment. Try various carrying methods and practice drawing the weapon. Make sure you can draw your pepper spray quickly from wherever you´re keeping it. Good, accessible locations include inside a pants pocket, especially for the models with a clip.

Basic Pepper Spray Shooting Technique

What is a basic pepper spray shooting technique? When you´re ready to shoot the pepper spray, go into a slight crouch with your weight evenly balanced on both feet, if you have the chance. Thrust your non-shooting hand straight out in front of you. At the same time, shout "STOP" as loud as you can. As you´re doing this raise your shooting hand with the pepper spray to eye level approximately 6 inches in front of your chin, aim over your outstretched arm and hand, and shoot toward the assailant´s face and head area.

Timing Your Pepper Spray is So Important

Is timing important when using pepper spray? There´s much more to using pepper spray than point and shoot! Remember, don´t raise, point, and shoot the spray until you´re ready to fire. Wait until the assailant is in range and you know the spray will hit him full in the face area and incapacitate him! The objective is to surprise him or her before they can have a chance to react or think.

OK so here we are. I know that there are like a million different articles on this squidoo page...but I really want you to have anything and everything pepper spray when you come here. So check out this bad boy.

What Is Pepper Spray and How To Use It!