Never bring a gun to a knife fight
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:37 am
In considering a knife or edged weapon for self-defense I thought it was a catchy title, and sometimes very apt.
The edged weapon can have several advantages in a self defense situation;
Despite the catchy title, nothing here is to suggest that an edged weapon is the preferred or go-to defensive tool above and beyond any other i.e. firearm, O.C. spray etc. But it is to suggest that situations could happen in which it may be the preferred go-to defensive tool. There is an old saying, 'I normally have my gun on me but I always have my knife on me'.
I've mentioned in another thread that I've been carrying the Byrd Crossbill as my main EDC carry (in addition to my SAK Tinker). My main reason for carrying a knife such as this is three-fold;
Blade Length: 3-1/2" (89 mm)
Cutting Edge: 3-1/8" (79 mm)
Overall Length: 7-5/8" (194 mm)
Closed Length: 4-5/8" (117 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.125" (3 mm)
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
Weight: 5.6 oz.
It has a decent heft to it and large enough to get a firm grip. Very important for a SD weapon of course. So tossing this thread out for discussion on any edged tool you EDC that could be effective as a SD tool.
The edged weapon can have several advantages in a self defense situation;
- Doesn't run out of ammunition.
- Silent.
- Doesn't jam.
- Has utility uses beyond the scope of SD making in multi-use.
- If trained, it is fast and quite effective. And it can be more effective than a gun shot wound. Obviously it is normally a close quarters weapon, but so are many defensive situations.
Despite the catchy title, nothing here is to suggest that an edged weapon is the preferred or go-to defensive tool above and beyond any other i.e. firearm, O.C. spray etc. But it is to suggest that situations could happen in which it may be the preferred go-to defensive tool. There is an old saying, 'I normally have my gun on me but I always have my knife on me'.
I've mentioned in another thread that I've been carrying the Byrd Crossbill as my main EDC carry (in addition to my SAK Tinker). My main reason for carrying a knife such as this is three-fold;
- First, it's a great rescue tool. I was once in a situation where I was the first to arrive at the scene of a vehicle accident. Having something to cut a seat belt or other rescue related task was ingrained on me as a result of that incident. I find that for these tasks the hook blade design helps hold the material (like rope or a seat belt) against the blade without slippage. Very important in a rescue situation.
- Second, as a utility tool. Cutting open a package or whatever, again, I like the blade configuration for these type tasks.
- Third, as a self-defense tool. Having been in the martial arts for around 45 years now as well as many training courses, I've been trained in various methods of self defense using an edged weapon. Once again, this style of blade is conducive to the type of SD training I've received.
Blade Length: 3-1/2" (89 mm)
Cutting Edge: 3-1/8" (79 mm)
Overall Length: 7-5/8" (194 mm)
Closed Length: 4-5/8" (117 mm)
Blade Thickness: 0.125" (3 mm)
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
Weight: 5.6 oz.
It has a decent heft to it and large enough to get a firm grip. Very important for a SD weapon of course. So tossing this thread out for discussion on any edged tool you EDC that could be effective as a SD tool.
) that would serve well for that purpose, my EDC is a Victorinox Farmer Alox. A very useful knife for just about everything but self defense. LOL. 
