Defense umbrellas are only one of the main unique self defense weapons we carry here at BUDK, but they can be among the most discreet and practical as long as you know what you’re working with. This short guide should cover some of the big questions.

A defense umbrella could be many things. For instance, it could be a weighted umbrella that is used as a striking implement to deter attacks. For our purposes, however, it is a real, functional umbrella that conceals a blade in the shaft. Defense umbrellas may have blades with one or two edges, or they may have an unedged blade that is only useful for thrusting maneuvers. The blade is fully concealed when not in use and typically locks via a button mechanism, or else the handle of the umbrella is threaded and must be unscrewed to draw the blade.

Defense umbrellas can specifically be practical self defense weapons for two very important reasons: they are practical as umbrellas, and they are highly discreet. The value of the first case should be self-evident. As for the latter, a defense umbrella can be carried in places where other self defense weapons would be prohibited, and even if not, where they would draw undue attention to themselves.

Yes, many defense umbrellas are fully functional as umbrellas and can provide relief against both sun and rain. Some of them even sport fairly robust construction that makes them even more practical than “regular” umbrellas.

If a defense umbrella is battle ready and made with a blade and general construction that renders it suitable for live cutting practice, you can do so. However, there are some things to keep in mind. One, many defense umbrellas are made with very thin, flexible blades. While they can be used for cutting targets, they will not be as effective as swords with larger, heavier blades that are designed for slashing. Two, your defense umbrella should only be used to cut suitable targets. Some targets are safe and effective for cutting with a sword and many are not. Some good ones include fruits and vegetables, cardboard targets, rolled mats, and filled water bottles (milk jugs are particularly effective for this). Anything that is hard, like stone, brick or other masonry, hard wood, or very hard plastics, should not be struck.

Another is that you should be cognizant, at least generally, of the steel alloy from which your umbrella’s sword blade is made. If it is a stainless steel alloy, you don’t need to worry too much about the chemistry of the target, but if it is a high-carbon, non-stainless alloy, then you should be very fastidious about cleaning it after cutting fruits and vegetables. This is because most fruits and vegetables are highly acidic and acid will react rapidly with non-stainless steel, forming a patina or else etching or damaging the finish. On top of that, cutting acidic targets with a non-stainless blade can incur accelerated rust and corrosion.

It is also important that you know how to care for your sword umbrella, especially if you draw and use it from time to time. First, if you do use it for live cutting practice, make sure you are fastidious about keeping the blade clean. Every time you use it you should clean and dry it before putting it away. As has already been stated, if you use the blade to cut acidic targets like fruits and vegetables, you should be very meticulous about wiping the blade off after every few minutes, as leaving the juices on the blade can damage the finish very rapidly. Regardless of what you cut with your defense umbrella, never sheath the blade wet. Even if you have a sword umbrella with a stainless blade, putting it away wet is asking for spots of rust and corrosion to form on the blade. This is critically important, especially if you use your sword umbrella as an actual umbrella, which will necessitate, of course, that it gets wet. Just make sure you are careful about keeping the blade dry, even if you use the umbrella in the rain.

On that note, it is also a good habit to get into to periodically oil the blade. Whether you use the blade or not, every few months you should draw it, allow any moisture that’s trapped in the sheath to evaporate, and then apply either a drop or two of oil to both sides of the blade, evenly distributing it so as to prevent rust and corrosion. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to store your defense umbrella in a location where it will be protected against high humidity, since humidity causes rust.

In the market for a new defense umbrella? Check out what’s online here and if you have any questions before you buy, get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.