« Back to Blog

The Rise of Non-Lethal

March 27, 2020

The Rise of Non-Lethal

Self Defense Without Compromise

Since humans could hold sticks, mankind has defended itself with a wide variety of weaponry throughout history. These days many choose a firearm. While a valid option, guns aren’t always the best choice. Some areas don’t allow people to own or carry guns, or prohibit them from entering certain places. Even when a firearm is used legally users can face legal, financial, and social repercussions. Lastly, lethal force is a drastic measure that doesn’t fit every situation. Clearly firearms are not always the best choice for self-defense.

Non-lethal protection has been slowly gaining traction as a viable alternative for a modern world. But these kinds of defense options aren’t new. Pepper based weaponry goes back centuries. Check out how people have been using non-lethal dating back to ancient China:

Ground cayenne pepper is carried in rice paper and thrown into the face of enemies.

Military forces in Japan use a “Metsubushi” by placing ground pepper in a box, then blowing the powder in an opponent's face.

Unfortunately, pepper powder is used in a torture known as the “Derby’s Dose.” The punishment involved beating slaves, then rubbing salt, pickle juice, lime juice, and pepper powder into their wounds.

Tear gas is used for the first time on a crowd in Paris.

U.S. Military conducts research on tear gas and develops prototypes for police use.

Peter Hoernecke creates an aerosol spray in Stuttgart, Germany that incorporates active agents for self defense.

Alan Litman of Pittsburgh submits a patent for a spray can, nozzle, and chemical agent designed to incapacitate without killing or maiming.

American inventor Jack Cover develops the first stun gun.

U.S. Postal carriers begin to carry pepper spray to protect themselves against animals.

The FBI endorses pepper spray as an allowed chemical solution for agents to carry.

Pepper spray is accepted by state and local law enforcement officers. Many police departments issue pepper spray to officers.

Pepper spray gains traction as a non lethal defense tool for civilians.

HERO™ Defense Systems releases the first in their line of powerful non-lethal defense tools: HERO™ 2020.

Pepper based defense has come a long way. And HERO™ 2020 is the next step forward. We’ve combined the best features in the industry to create a user friendly, powerful defense tool designed for concealment. It even won Product of The Year at Shot Show 2020! What an honor! We strive to provide the most reliable and effective non-lethal defense products around so you and your loved ones can live confidently and safely.

Get Updates

Want to know the latest? Sign up below to get the latest news about HERO.

« Back to Blog