The Kuboton is designed to be used against bony surfaces, soft tissue and nerve points. It is effective because of the temporary paralysis or extreme pain it causes. Even for those without experience in a martial art, the Kubotan provides an inexpensive and easily learned method of self defense.

The Kuboton is legal and entirely unregulated. To most people, the Kubotan is little more than a nondescript key ring. 

The Kubotans are made of aluminum and come in various colors and have either pointed or flat tips.