Self-Defense Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Pepper Sprays, Folding Knives), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global self defense products market size was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2019 to 2025. Growing incidences of civil unrest across the globe is the major factor driving the global market. Apart from civil tensions, recreational activities such as camping and hunting also contribute to the demand for self-defense weapons.

Moreover, the availability of various types of convenient personal safety products from the manufacturer’s end is also helping the market to gain prominent acceptance among consumers. Manufacturers are also focusing on developing compact products integrated with more than one feature.

For instance, Gerber Auto Knife is a fully automatic equipped tool made of stainless steel designed with an oversized release button for easy use. Gerber offers folding Tanto Knives equipped with torch lights. Such integrations will further enhance the capabilities and functioning of the folding knives, which, in turn, will favor the market growth.

Hunting is considered to be one of the most common outdoor activities among Americans, which, in turn, is driving the demand for folding knives to serve the purpose of self-defense, along with other tasks. In 2016, about 11.5 million enthusiasts aged 16 years and above participated in hunting activities in the U.S.

Due to its compact size and folding feature with a blade lock, these knives form an essential tool for the hunters. These knives render various purposes such as skinning animals and other hunting activities. The need for self-defense and survival among hunting enthusiasts is expected to contribute to the demand for folding knives, thereby fueling the growth of the global market.

Product Insights

Folding knives accounted for the largest share of 71.2% in 2018. Due to the introduction of folding knives, the product has undergone various modifications with respect to utility features, designs, raw materials used for the blades, knife structures, and suitable applications. The benefit of versatile applications equipped with a compact-sized tool has been driving the demand for folding knives among consumers.

Accommodating multiple tools and features to a simple folding knife has been the main focus of the manufacturers to serve the consumers’ varying needs. For instance, The James Brand offers a modernized folding knife, Elko that is designed with a titanium handle that also serves the purpose of a keyring. The Elko is equipped with a razor-thin 1.79-inch point blade that opens with a nail nick. The attached keyring point also pairs as a screwdriver and a light pry tool in a pinch as an added utility.

Pepper sprays have been recording prominent sales and are expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. They are gaining increasing traction in the global market owing to growing acceptance among women as a convenient self-defense product. For instance, Unisafe Technologies, a popular spray manufacturer, has witnessed a 200% surge in sales, driven majorly by the demand generated among women.

Distribution Channel Insights

Based on the distribution channel, sporting goods stores accounted for the largest share of more than 55.0% in 2018. Easy availability, along with legal authorization of selling these products, is a key factor helping this distribution channel to gain acceptance among the consumers.

Online distribution of these products is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. Due to the growing population of tech-savvy people and the popularity of online shopping, manufacturers are resorting to convenient methods of distribution to reach out to the large customer base. Third-party retailers such as Amazon.com, PepperEyes.com, Flipkart, and Xboom Utilities are some of the common suppliers of personal defense products.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest share of 30.0% in 2018. The majority of the demand is generated by U.S. consumers using folding knives, pepper sprays, and stun guns. The rapid increase in investments in research and development of less harmful self-defense weapons for civilians is expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, growing crime rates in Canada are resulting in government laws undergoing significant modifications, which, in turn, is expected to widen the scope of the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.4% from 2019 to 2025. The market is majorly driven by the increasing penetration of these products in India. Due to the growing scenario of civil unrest in countries such as India, China, and Japan, the market is expected to witness an upsurge in demand over the next few years.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key operating players operating in the global market are Victorinox; Unisafe Technologies; GERBER GEAR; SABRE Security Equipment Corporation; Mace Security International, Inc.; Axon Entereprise Inc.; Salt Supply Company; and Self Defense Weapons. The companies are focusing on developing new products with the integration of multiple utility tools with an aim to meet the customer’s convenience in performing indoor and outdoor activities, along with self-defense purposes.

For instance, Buck knives Inc. manufactures folding knives that are suitable for heavy-duty applications. The company also develops pocket and folding tactical and hunting knives to serve the purpose of related activities such as self-defense and survival. Moreover, companies are focusing on developing advanced blade locks for the safety of the users. For instance, SOG Knives emphasizes on the manufacturing of folding knives with advanced locking mechanisms such as liner, piston, cam locks, and others.

Self-Defense Products Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global self defense products market report on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Pepper Sprays

  • Folding Knives

  • Tactical Gloves

  • Stun Guns

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • Retail Outlets

  • Sporting Goods Stores

  • Online 

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2025)

  • North America

    •  The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Italy

    •  France

  • Asia Pacific

    • India

    •  China

  • Central & South America

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)