I had devoted many years of my life to studying the various aspects of improvised, hidden, and primitive weaponry. I had learned a great deal, yet was still unable to think of a viable non-firearm projectile weapon suitable for everyday carry.

Throwing stars were unlawful and required specially designed pouches to eliminate the possibility of snagging on the lining of one’s pockets. Chakrum bracelets and steel "throwing cards" are not specifically prohibited by law, but would definitely be construed as dangerous weapons. Throwing knives and spikes could not be relied upon to actually stick in one’s target under unpredictable combat conditions, nor could Chinese darts (which use a streamer or tassel for stability). Steel ball bearings proved much too heavy and bulky to properly conceal or carry comfortably. Darts tended to be rather fragile, and could easily penetrate their pouch if fallen upon. Circular saw blades tended to be too large to properly conceal — and even if you were to fashion a pouch for a few small ones, there is no way you could ever convince a policeman that you intended to use them for legitimate purposes. Gravel and coins were good for distracting an opponent at point blank range, but proved nearly useless versus an adversary twenty feet away. And miniaturized blowguns are worthless as well as stupid. Then, almost by chance, I discovered the "hurtful disks of pain."

While browsing through one of the better hardware stores, I came across a display of bulk nuts, bolts, and washers. The largest galvanized steel washers were approximately 3" in diameter (with a 1" diameter hole), 1/4" thick, and weighed about a fifth of a pound each! I spent several minutes sorting through the bin until I’d selected three without any rough edges (or other obvious defects) — my purchase totaled only eighty cents! For less than a buck, I was able to obtain a trio of heavy washers which would prove far superior, in many ways, to the chintzy wafer-thin throwing stars commonly found at flea markets and novelty stores.

After constructing a target from several layers of corrugated cardboard, I found that I could repeatedly stick the unsharpened disks in an area the size of a saucer from over thirty feet away. Furthermore, the heavy disks (when thrown forcefully) would easily penetrate plasterboard or stick in a piece of pinewood. They can easily match the accuracy and damage potential of most throwing stars without benefit of points or sharp edges! This means that, not only will they neither poke your finger or snag your pockets, but they are completely legal to possess — and might even be overlooked in the event of a police search (even if they were suspected of being possessed with the intent to utilize them as weaponry, it is unlikely that the charge would be upheld in the courts). After spending only a half-hour a day (for several weeks) practicing, this simple and aerodynamic weapon is easily mastered. If a thin cord (like paracord or nylon string) is attached, a disk may be thrown and retrieved, or swung like a flail.

Not only can the disks be thrown (in a variety of ways — though I’ve found that tossing single disks overhand seems to work best), but they can also serve as metal knuckle extensions or fistloads. By inserting one’s thumb through the centerhole (to the knuckle), the disk can be firmly grasped so the outer edge can be used to strike with (uppercuts, downward blows, and inwardly hooking strikes seem to work best). By inserting the index finger through the centerhole (to the second knuckle), and pinching the middle finger against the disk to secure it, the outer edge can again be used to strike with (jabs and inwardly hooking blows seem to work best). By grasping the disk within the hand so that all four fingers are folded over it (pressing it into the mound at the base of the thumb) it will add substantial power to a leopard punch (although one could easily crush one’s fingers if impact is made with a solid object). By grasping the disk with one’s fingertips so that it is held securely in the hand with the edge extending below the heel of the palm, the edge can be used to great effect in delivering crushing blows to an opponent’s skull from above.