Salt and sand are not as reliable... Any wind and you risk your own vision. Bit anything from a belt scarf or even the change can be used. It's more intent. And confidence. A want to be predator will run. More than one person? Let alone a few people... They don't want to play and go seeking weaker prey.
A simple hammer is savage. Screwdriver? Stick? Folding knife...
Agreed! I won't live somewhere though where I'm disarmed of my firearms. No thanks. :( I prefer to have the best hand held equalizer and force multiplier I can get. ha ha
Sometimes violence is the only way to deal with the situation and having some expensive option is great but unless it's right there? It isn't worth much. But the willingness to face and dish back at the moment? Well that's priceless.
And more than one person working together can do some huge damage. And always the couples that train to be prepared stay safer...