The Rise of Less-Lethal

The Rise of Less-Lethal

Self Defense Without Compromise

Metsubushi
Examples of a "Metsubushi," an ancient pepper powder weapon from Japan.

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. 

Less-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 less-lethal dating back to ancient China:

Ancient China
Ancient China
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Ground cayenne pepper is carried in rice paper and thrown into the face of enemies.
1600s
1600s
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Military forces in Japan use a “Metsubushi” by placing ground pepper in a box, then blowing the powder in an opponent's face.
1756
1756
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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.
1912
1912
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Tear gas is used for the first time on a crowd in Paris.
1920s
1920s
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U.S. Military conducts research on tear gas and develops prototypes for police use.
1962
1962
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Peter Hoernecke creates an aerosol spray in Stuttgart, Germany that incorporates active agents for self defense.
1964
1964
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Alan Litman of Pittsburgh submits a patent for a spray can, nozzle, and chemical agent designed to incapacitate without killing or maiming.
1969
1969
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American inventor Jack Cover develops the first stun gun.
1980
1980
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U.S. Postal carriers begin to carry pepper spray to protect themselves against animals.
1987
1987
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The FBI endorses pepper spray as an allowed chemical solution for agents to carry.
1991
1991
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Pepper spray is accepted by state and local law enforcement officers. Many police departments issue pepper spray to officers.
1990's - 2019
1990's - 2019
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Pepper spray gains traction as a non lethal defense tool for civilians.
2020
2020
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HERO™ Defense Systems releases the first in their line of powerful less-lethal defense tools: HERO™ 2020.
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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 less-lethal defense products around so you and your loved ones can live confidently and safely.

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