As a Canadian, I often find myself surprised by differences in permissiveness of self-defence tools between America and Canada. Our nations are strong allies, we have served together in countless conflicts and continue to support one another in matters of security. You will not, however, find a Torontonian carrying a concealed handgun (legally) on the street, however. It’s neither legal nor part of the social fabric of our society. That said, there are still dangers out there and need for a small self-defence tool, especially non-lethal self-defence, is still evident.

When I stumbled across Tactikey, I was intrigued by it’s ingenuity. The ‘ol “keys in your hand” trick was something taught to women (traditionally) to defend themselves against an assailant. It’s a good concept but hitting someone with your keys hurts you both. The plusses, however, are that they are always with you (accessible), hidden (concealed self-defence tool for surprise), legal (as an alternative to mace/pepper spray, stun gun or blade/firearm) and an effective force multiplier in a self-defence situation. The best self-defence tools are the ones you have with you and are accessible. Tactikey can be taken anywhere and best of all, it still allows your key to function.

Unlike the purpose build weapons mentioned above, Tactikey can be handled and readied without passing the threshold of use. For instance, if you pull a gun or knife, you have already committed to it’s use through presentation and upped the ante on the engagement. With a key, it’s difficult to aggravate a situation (if presented smartly). The added bonus being that even in less-permissive environments and public locations, it is unlikely to cause anyone to look twice at it. If you pull your keys out on a subway, you’ll be ignored. Try that with a knife or a baton.

The product itself is a small (1 x 1.75 x 0.5 in), lightweight (6.5 g) and strong (TPE 110 Composite material) designed to ergonomically accept a standard Kwikset house key (more variants in development) and gives it a platform to use as an impact weapon.  This design is helpful in reducing injury to the defender’s hand while allowing the transference of force through the key point to the assailant’s soft tissues. The key itself can be modified as a blank (sharpened or not), a bump key or a regular use key with the latter two variants to be invisible to anyone suspicious of it’s intended secondary use.

It also comes in a variety of colours, Blaze Orange, Ultra Violet, O.D. Green and Carbon Black. It’s ergonomic feel also contributes to positive control when preparing it in your pocket or even trying to open your front door in the dark. You’ll always know which way to hold your key if positioned properly for your lock.

The best part of the Tactikey is it’s ability to travel. I have carried it into court rooms, police stations, secure airport environments, transit systems, airplanes, restaurants, beaches and even under water. It can always be there and you’ll always have a method to defend yourself with. As an inexpensive addition to one’s Every-Day Carry (EDC), it’s hard not to pick one up.

You can read the review of the Tactikey by True North Tradecraft on their website here: https://truenorthtradecraft.ca/?p=675

Boris is the Owner and Training Director of True North Tradecraft, a Toronto-based security consultancy company specializing in personal security, counter-custody and urban survival (Security & Resiliency Tradecraft from a Canadian perspective).

He joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) in 1998 and has served in a Light Infantry Regiment, the Intelligence Branch and continues to serve in the Military Police. On the Civilian side, Boris was a Customs Officer for 5 years, serving on a special enforcement unit prior to moving to Transport Canada, Security & Emergency Preparedness as an Inspector dealing with various Marine & Aviation security and National security issues. You can find him and information regarding classes at www.truenorthtradecraft.ca , or through his social media @truenorthtradecraft . He lives in Toronto, Canada.

True North Tradecraft is an authorized Canadian distributor for the Tactikey. Follow True North Tradecraft on Instagram