If they're hostile a great route to go is say, "well that's no way to treat a guest! Give me a tour!" Enthusiasm helps ease any awkward situation.

Posted by Trill Clinton If they're hostile a great route to go is say, "well that's no way to treat a guest! Give me a tour!" Enthusiasm helps ease any awkward situation.

Next time you're in Camden you might want to try using that upbeat approach with a wolfpack. How many lumps would you like with your tea?

Police are definitely able to get into that prison easily, just a heads up.

Posted by Piecat I carry a pack of cigs and sometimes snacks to give to hobos/random people we meet. I don't smoke myself, but it tends to diffuse potentially hostile encounters.

Thank you for that idea, I really appreciate it. I just might start doing that now. I don't know if this is rude to say, but since I'm female and explore alone I've always been scared of running into situations that could become hostile, or scary for me. That idea though, could really help me feel confident and safe in a sense to feel the person out energetically while I offer them something, or make small talk if they approach me.

Posted by KannibalKandy Thank you for that idea, I really appreciate it. I just might start doing that now. I don't know if this is rude to say, but since I'm female and explore alone I've always been scared of running into situations that could become hostile, or scary for me. That idea though, could really help me feel confident and safe in a sense to feel the person out energetically while I offer them something, or make small talk if they approach me.

*shakes head* Never offer a would be mugger anything.
It's a sign of weakness and vulnerability.
A woman who smokes is traditionally a sign of a fast or promiscuous woman.

Worse the act of offering anything ties up your hand(s) and attention. Your eyes need to be on his hands, body, and face in that order.
Distance is to your benefit; it increases your options. Closing it for any reason puts in you in a more vulnerable position.
You close distance to attack, not prevent it.

Although I've seen this tactic work well for some, I'm against it in principal and from a tactical prospective. There some people I don't need or want to be "friends" with.
There's no quick and dirty solution that covers every situation.
Part of being street smart is being observant at all times and the ability to react fluidly and correctly to what's there. NEVER follow what an attacker expects you to do; throwing off their game plan can stop an attack before it happens especially with amateurs.

Posted by blackhawk *shakes head* Never offer a would be mugger anything. It's a sign of weakness and vulnerability. A woman who smokes is traditionally a sign of a fast or promiscuous woman. Worse the act of offering anything ties up your hand(s) and attention. Your eyes need to be on his hands, body, and face in that order. Distance is to your benefit; it increases your options. Closing it for any reason puts in you in a more vulnerable position. You close distance to attack, not prevent it. Although I've seen this tactic work well for some, I'm against it in principal and from a tactical prospective. There some people I don't need or want to be "friends" with. There's no quick and dirty solution that covers every situation. Part of being street smart is being observant at all times and the ability to react fluidly and correctly to what's there. NEVER follow what an attacker expects you to do; throwing off their game plan can stop an attack before it happens especially with amateurs.

*sighs* I wish I explained this a little better because I feel like I sounded stupid when I posted my reply. And that's not to say I don't appreciate your advice and help because I really do, thank you for the insight.

Someone else messaged me about this and I had to explain it a little better because I get the impress that I didn't explain well at ALL.

So the scenario I was playing out in my head went like this:
I notice someone else in the building (scrapper, hobo, etc. that AREN'T authorities or Urbex) and I'm trying to avoid them by leaving the location while I'm by myself. As I'm leaving they notice me, and THEY notice that I'm female. They start talking to me, approaching me as I'm leaving and I want to avoid conflict, attack, etc. My thought would be to make small talk, take out a pack of cigarettes, offer it to them by tossing it to them (but now that I think of it, it IS starting to sound stupid. Something I would yell at a fucking idiot in a horror movie.) Ok, my scenario is done because it sounds really idiotic to ME now.

Now my question is, what happens if they start approaching me, and I say "I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave now," they continue to approach me, and I take out my knife and continue to say that "I'm armed, I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave"?

---

I've never come across anyone on my travels yet, but it does cross my thoughts.

Got to watch out for tweakers. They can behave like a rabid fox. Had a close encounter once while scouting. He came running towards the window screaming, came out the door, slammed it shut and came charging. I ran the fuck outta there.

Posted by KannibalKandy Now my question is, what happens if they start approaching me, and I say "I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave now," they continue to approach me, and I take out my knife and continue to say that "I'm armed, I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave"? I've never come across anyone on my travels yet, but it does cross my thoughts.

There are no stupid Qs if you don't know the answers.
Avoid contact when possible.
I would maybe nod in recognition and keep walking. Break into a jog if they are still walking towards you. Muggers will cross a street while paralleling you on the other side. Most times jogging away breaks their game plan.
If they persist you have a problem. Keep thinking and looking for better options... and run.

I'm more confrontation if it gets to that point. I've told panhandlers politely to go, then "Go, get out of here", to "Get the fuck out of here, now". At that point they have 2 choices. I try to show them they're in for a rough ride if they stay first with body language and verbally. This works well for me, but I didn't learn it overnight. There are many interconnected pieces you need to learn, some from experience. Confidence is part of it but not all. It's ok to be afraid but try not to show it. Being angry is a more useful emotion than fear sometimes... muggers piss me off.

Never show a knife unless you intend to use it. Know how to use it.
Carry a quality fighting knife with a locking blade if for self defense.
Expect to get cut even if you win.
Pepper spray maybe a better option for you. If you carry try a small amount in your eyes just like cops in training do; know what to expect if you get back sprayed

If a place doesn't seem safe, it probably isn't.
Avoid places were the homeless live; that is their home.

Posted by KannibalKandy *sighs* I wish I explained this a little better because I feel like I sounded stupid when I posted my reply. And that's not to say I don't appreciate your advice and help because I really do, thank you for the insight. Someone else messaged me about this and I had to explain it a little better because I get the impress that I didn't explain well at ALL. So the scenario I was playing out in my head went like this: I notice someone else in the building (scrapper, hobo, etc. that AREN'T authorities or Urbex) and I'm trying to avoid them by leaving the location while I'm by myself. As I'm leaving they notice me, and THEY notice that I'm female. They start talking to me, approaching me as I'm leaving and I want to avoid conflict, attack, etc. My thought would be to make small talk, take out a pack of cigarettes, offer it to them by tossing it to them (but now that I think of it, it IS starting to sound stupid. Something I would yell at a fucking idiot in a horror movie.) Ok, my scenario is done because it sounds really idiotic to ME now. Now my question is, what happens if they start approaching me, and I say "I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave now," they continue to approach me, and I take out my knife and continue to say that "I'm armed, I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave"? I've never come across anyone on my travels yet, but it does cross my thoughts.

just run talking just gives them more chance to catch you...or explore with a guy my size kind of helps

Posted by KannibalKandy *sighs* I wish I explained this a little better because I feel like I sounded stupid when I posted my reply. And that's not to say I don't appreciate your advice and help because I really do, thank you for the insight. Someone else messaged me about this and I had to explain it a little better because I get the impress that I didn't explain well at ALL. So the scenario I was playing out in my head went like this: I notice someone else in the building (scrapper, hobo, etc. that AREN'T authorities or Urbex) and I'm trying to avoid them by leaving the location while I'm by myself. As I'm leaving they notice me, and THEY notice that I'm female. They start talking to me, approaching me as I'm leaving and I want to avoid conflict, attack, etc. My thought would be to make small talk, take out a pack of cigarettes, offer it to them by tossing it to them (but now that I think of it, it IS starting to sound stupid. Something I would yell at a fucking idiot in a horror movie.) Ok, my scenario is done because it sounds really idiotic to ME now. Now my question is, what happens if they start approaching me, and I say "I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave now," they continue to approach me, and I take out my knife and continue to say that "I'm armed, I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave"? I've never come across anyone on my travels yet, but it does cross my thoughts.

Blackhawk has done a pretty good job explaining it just remember almost anyone in this kind of scenario who was planning or pondering some kind of hostile acts against you has usually rehearsed in their head how they think that's going to go. It is very important for you to not let this go according to their plan. Doing something unexpected can be effective but the really the most effective thing you can do is to avoid having them get close enough to you to enact any plan they may be considering.

Also the scenario that you described about being approached by someone in an abandoned building with unclear intentions has been uncomfortable the few times it's happened to me and I'm a fairly big guy.

i agree with capt dont let them get too close ever....i encountered teens at one big building at night but not street people or squaters, but i have worked the door so many years in bad areas that i am use to them, plus i fought pro in mma heavyweight so i dont usually get bothered but you never know, sometimes they could be armed

Posted by blackhawk There are no stupid Qs if you don't know the answers. Avoid contact when possible. I would maybe nod in recognition and keep walking. Break into a jog if they are still walking towards you. Muggers will cross a street while paralleling you on the other side. Most times jogging away breaks their game plan. If they persist you have a problem. Keep thinking and looking for better options... and run. I'm more confrontation if it gets to that point. I've told panhandlers politely to go, then "Go, get out of here", to "Get the fuck out of here, now". At that point they have 2 choices. I try to show them they're in for a rough ride if they stay first with body language and verbally. This works well for me, but I didn't learn it overnight. There are many interconnected pieces you need to learn, some from experience. Confidence is part of it but not all. It's ok to be afraid but try not to show it. Being angry is a more useful emotion than fear sometimes... muggers piss me off. Never show a knife unless you intend to use it. Know how to use it. Carry a quality fighting knife with a locking blade if for self defense. Expect to get cut even if you win. Pepper spray maybe a better option for you. If you carry try a small amount in your eyes just like cops in training do; know what to expect if you get back sprayed If a place doesn't seem safe, it probably isn't. Avoid places were the homeless live; that is their home.

To you blackhawk, and to everyone else that has responded to me, I can't say how much I appreciate the support. I've always wanted to be an Urbex, and my plan has never really been to explore alone, but it's very helpful to me to get advice and tips for exploring alone, and to know what to expect for the times I might have to explore alone until I can find a band of Urbex to explore with. I will take everything I've read here, and what I read in the forums to heart and I will continue to ask questions if I have any. Thank you all!

Stay quiet, stay hidden, have something sharp/heavy/goes click bang handy but greet them with a smile. I've run into other explorers with my flashlight pointed at their face & my other hand on my Cold Steel American Lawman & they were still friendly. I also ran into a few homeless but they bugged out as soon as they caught wind of me (people say I look like a cop). Most people, including junkies just want to be left alone & go about their business but if they're up to some real nefarious $h1t then they'll go out of their way to get you out of there. Owners/caretakers can be friendly if you meet them on the outside but if you're already in there (especially if there was recent trouble) then you may have an issue.

Only time I've had trouble was on a semi-active military base that had NYPD & DHS presence and they basically just busted my chops & since I wasn't inside or had anything illegal/stolen on me, they let me go. This wasn't a rent-a-cop $10 an hour part time security, this was real deal can lock me up & send my ass to jail State Police or DHS(NYPD has no jurisdiction there outside of their training center), I couldn't make out the uniform since I was being blinded by a Maglight & distracted by the AR15/M4

What do you do?
Shel Silverstein - You're Always Welcome at Our House
https://m.youtube....atch?v=7rgk3VMHzeQ

Dollars and smokes are good for train kids/homeless/hobos. However, watch them if they leave. Some are paid with money/food for alerting someone that you're there.

I honestly don't trust anyone I meet at an explore that did not come with me unless I recognize them.

Posted by KannibalKandy My plan has never really been to explore alone, but it's very helpful to me to get advice and tips for exploring alone, and to know what to expect for the times I might have to explore alone until I can find a band of Urbex to explore with. I will take everything I've read here, and what I read in the forums to heart and I will continue to ask questions if I have any. Thank you all!

You're right, it can take a while to find folks to explore with. Kudos for getting out there and doing it though, a lot of people can't, don't, or won't.

I explored primarily alone for several years so if you have questions or anything feel free to message me.

For me it really depends on what they're doing. If they're being loud and drawing attention to the place I usually just try to avoid them and in extreme cases I've left to come back another day. (That actually happened on my last adventure out.) In most cases I run into other people that are just exploring and I've linked groups up on a few occasions. Its actually one of the cooler ways to meet people. And as one girl I met put it, "The best way to get someones number"

Posted by KannibalKandy , and I take out my knife and continue to say that "I'm armed, I don't want any trouble, I'm just going to leave"?

I used to bring a knife when I explore, but now I leave that at home and go unarmed. Granted, the city I'm in is fairly safe compared to say, Milwaukee or Detroit, so I'm more comfortable going unarmed than I would be there.

I don't carry a knife for two reasons. Firstly, because if I am ever searched by police, a knife escalates any situation. And secondly, it gives a false sense of security. The "winner" of a knife fight is not the one who walks away- the winner is the one who dies in the ambulance instead of on the floor. Furthermore, a knife is considered to be a lethal weapon in the US, and drawing one one someone carries the same legal weight as pointing a gun at their head. The circumstances where you can use, or even threaten to use, lethal force are extremely limited and strict.

Now, you may need a weapon more than I do. You're a woman and I'm a man, and the harsh, unfortunate reality is that there are people out there who are more hesitant to attack lone a man than a lone woman. However, I recommend getting pepper spray instead of a knife. Pepper spray is considered nonlethal, and provided you pay attention to wind direction, has a significantly greater range than a knife.

You should read up on acceptable use of force in self defense situations, as well as what constitutes self defense in your house. And most of all, keep your distance and carefully observe them before you approach and make yourself known, if you decide to do so in the first place. You can't go wrong erring on the side of caution.

Posted by Aran I used to bring a knife when I explore, but now I leave that at home and go unarmed. Granted, the city I'm in is fairly safe compared to say, Milwaukee or Detroit, so I'm more comfortable going unarmed than I would be there. I don't carry a knife for two reasons. Firstly, because if I am ever searched by police, a knife escalates any situation. And secondly, it gives a false sense of security. The "winner" of a knife fight is not the one who walks away- the winner is the one who dies in the ambulance instead of on the floor. Furthermore, a knife is considered to be a lethal weapon in the US, and drawing one one someone carries the same legal weight as pointing a gun at their head. The circumstances where you can use, or even threaten to use, lethal force are extremely limited and strict. Now, you may need a weapon more than I do. You're a woman and I'm a man, and the harsh, unfortunate reality is that there are people out there who are more hesitant to attack lone a man than a lone woman. However, I recommend getting pepper spray instead of a knife. Pepper spray is considered nonlethal, and provided you pay attention to wind direction, has a significantly greater range than a knife. You should read up on acceptable use of force in self defense situations, as well as what constitutes self defense in your house. And most of all, keep your distance and carefully observe them before you approach and make yourself known, if you decide to do so in the first place. You can't go wrong erring on the side of caution.

I always carry my locking blade knife.
In all states they are legal to provided you follow that state's requirements. It's not a problem unless you pull it on someone... it's used as a tool, to eat with, cut with, first aid to remove thorns, stingers, etc.

As far as acceptable force; better to be in prison than dead. Once you engage someone you do what you need to do to survive. If you can't handle vicious dogs, your violent people skills probably are worse...

That said, I would use my walking stick as a weapon before my knife. Whatever comes in handy...

Posted by blackhawk I always carry my locking blade knife. In all states they are legal to provided you follow that state's requirements. It's not a problem unless you pull it on someone... it's used as a tool, to eat with, cut with, first aid to remove thorns, stingers, etc. As far as acceptable force; better to be in prison than dead. Once you engage someone you do what you need to do to survive. If you can't handle vicious dogs, your violent people skills probably are worse... That said, I would use my walking stick as a weapon before my knife. Whatever comes in handy...

True, they are legal so long as you claim it is a tool rather than a weapon. The main issue is acceptable escalation and use of force, which is very circumstantial. For example, disarming an attacker and stabbing them with their own knife is assault with a deadly weapon, while overpowering and stabbing them with their own knife while it's in their hand can be considered self defense. Stabbing an unarmed or fleeing opponent is assault, and a knife should never be used except when all other possible avenues of escape have been exhausted. This means that even if someone twice your size tries to grapple you, you cannot draw your knife without being accused of escalating the situation.

I personally would rather use what's around me as a makeshift weapon (a metal rod, a broken board, or a piece of rubble), because I'm frankly more likely to get stopped by a cop than attacked, based on my experience. However, again, I live in a city with a relatively strong police presence, so it is less likely for me to encounter a mugger than it would be in Detroit or Chicago. Circumstances are different for everybody.