So would you say then that kubatons are not considered like a brass knuckle under state law then?
Personally, I don't believe they're like knuckles, especially if/when used for manipulation/compliance (pressure points, joint locks, etc...). Some don't agree.
Good tip about the pharmaceutical pens, when you see them like that in the picture, they hold up pretty well in size against the purpose made kubatons. Do you think they weigh about the same?
Yes.
In the picture you mentioned a, “koppo & yawara” I've heard of yawara's before, but figured they were basically the same thing as kubatons. Is that what a traditional kubaton made out of wood is called? Also, I have never heard of a koppo before, how is it different?
Basically, Yawaras were around before Kubotans and they tend to be a little bigger. Many are tapered or shaped/molded for a better grip.
Koppos are sort of a modification by adding string to secure the either a yawara or a kubotan to a couple of your fingers. For some, better control when striking/thrusting and locking techniques.
Oh also you said that you have made your own kubatons. How do you make them and what materials do you use?
Fastest & easiest way is with wood. Just go to the hardware store and by a wood dowel rod. From that, you can make several kubo sticks. What's great about this is that you can cut them specifically for your hand width, leaving about a 1/2" protruding out of each side of hand/fist. Can also cut from a plastic rod. Can also choose from the 5/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" diameters. Again, whatever you feel most comfortable with. Very inexpensive. Just sand the edges a little, drill a hole if for a keyring, good to go. Once you get some experience making your own, you can shell out for nicer/harder woods.
There's at least one ebay seller than makes some nice ones, like the yawara in the pic. I got that one on ebay. Also, do a google for "cooley sticks". Very nice work.
Also, because you helped me on the questions I had about the municipal codes in Placentia, would a kubaton fall under the “bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm” definition or would it be considered a non-lethal alternative? I've heard some people say that a kubaton can be used lethally, is this true?
First, I don't believe it would apply if used
only for defense, and it's not used excessively (excessive force), imo. I believe most types of hand/palm sticks are non-lethal.
That said, just about anything can be used to inflict "grievous bodily harm” and can be "used lethally". Hey, attack someone with a sharp pencil and stab him/her in the eye or throat, you could be looking at all sorts of serious charges, imo. Simply put, it all depends on how you use it, imo.
Do you know of any good resources, books, websites or charts showing the strike points? I've seen a few videos on youtube of kubaton demonstrations (which was pretty impressive given the small size) but probably not enough to know proper technique if ever needed to use in a self defense role.
As soon as I get a chance, I'll PM/email you. When you reply, I'll attach a couple of PDFs to you.
so the attendant circumstance rule is only for criminals?
Basically, attendant circumstance is something that may be considered when one is facing charges, I believe. If someone's being charged with assault and/or battery, attendant circumstances might come into play. But, if it's clearly self-defense and you're not the one being arrested/charged, attendant circumstances would not apply to you, imo. In other words, if you're not being arrested, I don't believe there would be any attendant circumstances where you're concerned, can't have attendant circumstances if there's no case, so to speak (in my non-lawyer opinion).
For me, yes.
More so, stuff like this:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Stainless-Steel-Benchmade--2835
And-
http://www.elishewitzknives.com/Pens_Detail_Available_TacticalPen.asp
The end/tip on this one ain't too bad (not a sharp pointy spike), but those bevels (teeth) are a prob for me. Some pens have sharper stuff.
Check this stuff out, pens & kubos. Extreme!
http://www.americankami.com/impact.html
Nice work, though. Pretty. Just wouldn't carry them. There are some pens & kubos out there with outright spikes at the end. Big no-no, imo.
Something like this would be better, imo. Rounded ends. Practical.
http://www.countycomm.com/pen 3 large.JPG
since the glassbreaker could be used in an emergency situation like a car crash and your trapped in the car, I wonder, do you think there would be a problem keeping one of these in a car but not carrying it with you?
Well, for that use, there are much better emergency tools I'd recommend. More practical/reliable. Some nice inexpensive options out there.