There seems to be a marketing law that the simpler something is the harder it is to screw up. Conversely, the simpler something is, the more glaring are any and all faults with it.

I said that to say this. There's only so much you can expect from a kobaton, but any real deviations from it are glaring faults. These kobaton didn't have any of those. They were exactly what I expected and wanted, nothing more and nothing less. The wood was different on some of them, but who can realistically complain about that?

As mguffey said, the metallic ones are more easily identified as weapons, but the other issue is that I used to have a metal one and it destroyed a few keychains I really liked, as well as clinked CONSTANTLY with my keys. No, the wooden ones are definitely the way to go.  

I live in Oklahoma where the only things legal are a concealed handgun or hunting knife.I did a lot of research online of the different type kubotans sold and decided hardwood is the way to go because aluminum or synthetic resin can't deliver the striking impact a wood one can. A kubotan is very easy to use effectively and doesn't require one to be a martial arts expert.close quarter  

I'd considered getting a Kubotan for some months before choosing the wooden Hesitation Keychain sold by Karate Depot. I clearly understood its purpose and functions but was put off by adding something metallic to hold my keys. First was the issue of the metallic clinking of aluminum Kubotans. Second was my perception that metallic Kubotans could more easily be identified as a weapon or defense device.



I looked over about three products made of wood and selected Karate Depot's model because of the wood knob at the end opposite the keychain loop. This allows carrying the ball in the palm to ease the impact when striking. It also faciltates reaching through a crowd of people to press elevator buttons.



I've been very pleased with my purchase and the service from Karate Depot and to date have ordered 6 for myself, my wife and several friends. I even created a Webpage about Kubotans in general at http://69.36.70.34/gunladys/kubohome.htm