Something important to remember here is that a weapon is an added bonus but don't focus so much on your artificial weapon that you forget you have your natural weapons.
But don't forget that the purse/handbag itself can be used as a weapon. Mike ------- Indeed, good point. I liked CKD's comment about a friend keeping her belongings in her pockets, and a lead weight in her bag. 1/ She gets some weight training carrying the bag. 2/ She can whack someone in the face with it if necessary. 3/ If someone runs off with her bag, they'll be easier to catch cos they're weighted down. EUREKA! That's it! I'll invent the Lead handbag, make me million and invite you guys round for a drunken binge at me mansion. I'm off to the patents office, see ya!
Actually along those lines, I've got a long trench-coat into the edge lining of which I'm sewing chain links. Since they're seperate it doesn't actually make any extra noise, and it does make it so much fun to fight with. Well, so far I've only practiced, but I'll start wearing it again once I'm finished.