Canadian here. I've literally fought neo-Nazis. Generally I agree with this but carrying things as weapons and using items as weapons in self defense are two different things. No court is going to indict you for reasonably defending yourself. It's not illegal to wear solid rings (and only solid backed rings) or wear steel-toed boots either. If you are forced to escalate against untrained attackers then stomping in the knees is typically the best go-to anyways. The neck is a small target, there's only one, and it doesn't necessarily stop someone if you fuck up your strike placement a little. The joints that act as hinges on your limbs aren't supposed to experience stress in the opposite direction and that stress can dislocate the bones, and the knees have the added benefit of being weight-bearing and lower than their centre of gravity.
Also, please don't make your pepper spray visible if you can, that's seriously bad advice. Although it's more important to have a clear angle downwind than keeping it hidden, telegraphing that you have a weapon is: 1) escalatory; 2) encourages attackers to adapt to your weapon, if not just outright target your weapon hand; and 3) potentially inviting them to change their tactics to harassment at a distance. If someone is threatening or following you, you have to make your shot count before they cover themselves up or move upwind. Imo don't treat things that aren't guns like guns, showing off your spray isn't the same as telling someone you're licensed for concealed carry, no one is going to just have a kevlar vest on them, but nearly everyone wears a shirt in public.
Practice unlocking the cartridge in your bag if you have one. If you're unable to, then you don't really have a choice and are going to have to concede reaction time to your attacker.
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