When evaluating hypothetical responses to dangerous situations, it’s hard to know what will be an effective means of self-defense. There’s the classic “lawnmower” move – throwing an elbow in the face of your attacker; or the key-between-the-fingers technique for improved punching. But of course no carefully-practiced move is guaranteed, which is why three women in San Francisco have designed the Subtle Safety Ring. Amanda Knox, Sara Shaughnessy and Kim Hoffmann met while pursuing graduate degrees from Stanford in Design and Mechanical Engineering. A few years ago, they founded Redstart Design and began producing jewelry.
The Subtle Safety Ring is made of sterling silver with stainless steel rivets. It is comprised of three pieces that can stack on a single finger or rotate outwards and fit individually onto three consecutive fingers, readying your fist for any shady encounter. The pointed edges offer better injury-promising armor than mace or pepper spray, and have the dual appeal of being a stylish accessory.
The young design company has already achieved great success, with the inclusion of their Subtle Safety Ring in the upcoming MOMA exhibit Safe: Design Takes on Risk opening October 16 and showing through January 2. With revenue from sales of this piece as well as their other two lines and customized wedding bands, Redstart plans to develop electromechanical jewelry that will respond to external stimuli. This is approaching sci-fi-caliber intelligent design; prepare yourself for jewelry with a mind of its own.
Link: Redstart Design via: BusinessWeek
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why stop there?
here are some more ideas
http://datacenter.ap.org/wdc/fbiweapons.pdf
There is only one problem with this. If you punch someone while wearing these rings you’re likely to break your own fingers since the bands would be so thin.
I think that the problem here is that this would be illegal in most US states. Also since most states would rather you be a victim you would probably end up in prison for using them on some choirboy that “wasn’t really trying to rape you”.
Let’s say Mr Rapist grabs me, should I try and defend myself using this ring, or not? If I use the ring and hit him, I might just possibly buy myself a few seconds in order to escape, but I might hurt my fingers, or, I could choose not risk hurting my fingers and let him attack me…hmmm. As a rape survivor I can state without a doubt that bones heal much quicker than a wounded soul.
If you were to actually use this on a guy while he was trying to rape you, wouldn’t it just make matters worse? I mean, I’m probably incapable of defending myself against most grown men, and I’d be afraid that using this would only serve to further infuriate my attacker.
[...] For the MOMA’s recent exhibition, SAFE: Design Takes on Risk, French born designer Philippe Million created this galvanized steel utility barrier to be a little more inviting than the standard variety; it may prevent passage, but it also offers a place to rest. SAFE: Design Takes on Risk explored our need for safety through a collection of contemporary designs that addressed physical protection, emergency preparedness and access to information. We mentioned this exhibition last year when we showcased the Subtle Safety Ring. We live in a dangerous world, but fear is no reason to abandon innovation — good design and a little humor are key elements of personal comfort. [...]
Rings or no rings always fight back, don’t for one second think that an attacker will be nicer to you because you allowed them to attack you without fighting back. Fight to survive….and hurting your hand is worth it if you can get away.