This is a decent, legal key fob to carry for self protection, but you really have to know where to strike  and have the calmness under stress to strike accurately. Hitting most parts of the body with this plastic item will not stop anyone; but hitting certain parts may give you a diversion to run away. I took off a star because no self defense instructor worth their salt EVER suggests using Kubotan keys as a whip, even the heavier duty version included with this item. Maybe Sensei Tak Kubota can make it work, but serious self defense instructors will tell students to completely avoid the Kubotan key whipping, unless they really want to get stomped  it just doesnt work. Another legal option to this item is a Zebra stainless steel pen, or other metal pen which does not look weaponized. Or just use your thumb and/or fingers  they cant be taken away and used against you.