Yes a fork. A fork is not likely to accidentally slit a main artery, but it will stop them wanting to kick you if you stab it in their leg. It is also made of silver so if it was a vampire or wear-wolf you are sorted.
I don't give a crap if I permanently injure someone who is so mentally retarded they purposely injure me for doing nothing to them.
For example the guy that decided to shoot Mo's girlfriend - If he did it to me and I was given the chance I would not think twice about breaking his trigger finger. So what if I inure him, in fact I would probably be doing him a favour, he might learn not to be like that.
Dom, you are right that there is nearly always a way out, that's why I have not had to use any of the things I carry. I have however, been in situations where I could have needed to and I have friends who have needed to.
It is not lowering yourself to their level because I would NEVER use it unless I absolutely needed to. The kind of people I am thinking of would think it was funny to wave a knife in your face, steal your money and then kick you to the ground.