Editor’s Note: The following article is not intended as legal advice and represents the opinion of the author. Consult all applicable federal, state and local laws.
Everybody knows that there are many places where you cannot carry a firearm — even if you’re licensed — like federal buildings (USPS, courthouse, etc.), airports, schools, hospitals and posted businesses.
Given a no-gun-carry scenario, the question arises: In lieu of your primary self-defense tool — the firearm, is your next best option to carry a knife (if legally applicable)? If so, then what are the real-world practical considerations of carrying a blade for self-defense?
Faulty Assumptions
When it comes to carrying a gun, an inexperienced gun owner might believe in their heart that their firearm will act as a talisman — a lucky charm that will ward off all evil. These same people might also no clue that owning such a life-saving tool necessitates life-saving training. The same applies to an edged tool. If you elect to carry one for self-defense, then you must also consider training.
The firearm, when appropriately (legally and safely) carried, and if you are trained, can be a very effective tool in stopping attackers in a life-threatening situation. The same applies to a knife. The very same core considerations applied to firearms carry apply directly to carrying a blade. Such considerations should include your preparation in personal, legal and practical application.
Mentally Prepared
Are you prepared mentally to apply lethal use of force? In other words, do your personal beliefs, ethics and morals permit you to cause bodily harm and even death to another human being?
In the case of a gun, you can apply force at a non-contact distance from the threat. A knife is a different story. The knife can only be applied at extreme close quarters, where your hand is connected to your blade, which is connected to another human being. This unfolds rapidly at bad-breath distance while applying your blade to a lethal strike zone on the body of another human being.
Legally Prepared
What are the knife carry laws in your state and county? Knife laws differ from state to state and even in some counties within your state. You can go online to reputable sources to check yours. You need to be aware of knife ownership and carry laws addressing blade length, opening mechanism (switchblades, assists, partial assists, etc.), and carry method — open (clip showing on a folder) or concealed (neck carry, inside pocket, etc.), and the like.
Be advised about purchasing a knife marketed as a “widow maker” or “black death” or “ninja killer” et al., because if you do use it to save your bacon and it ends up in court, prosecutors will present it all to a jury likely far less educated on knife carry than you.
Practically Prepared
Like a gun, if you need to stop the threat, there are specific anatomical targets in which the defensive shooter is trained to stop a lethal threat. Using a knife in self-defense is no different. Quite different in actual application than a firearm, there are seven lethal strike zones on the human body susceptible to a blade edge.
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In the world of knife defense, there is an adage that has been around since the first knife was used in personal combat: “If you’re going to get into a fight with a knife, you’re going to get cut.” Compared to a firearm, due to the proximity of physical engagement, your odds of getting cut are exponentially increased. Employed as a contact weapon, fighting at extreme close quarters with an edged weapon will most likely end up on the ground if you don’t immediately vacate the threat area.
The similarities between carrying a knife and a firearm are identical with respect to carry, access, rapid deployment, and practical application. Where you carry on your body must be readily accessible by either hand. Additionally, there is also no free lunch — there is always an exchange. The body has only so much available real estate. A fixed blade, which is always faster in deployment, requires a sheath, which takes up more space. A folder, which takes up less space, requires an additional move to get the blade into service.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a gun or a knife, the truth remains unchanged: the tool is never the whole answer — you are. Your judgment, your preparation, your willingness to train, and your ability to act under extreme duress are what determine your survival. A blade clipped in your pocket or an AIWB pistol does not make you safer; only confidence and competent skill can do that.
If you choose to carry an edged tool where a firearm is prohibited and a knife is not, then you are equally charged with carrying the same responsibility. Because should it go down for real — and it happens fast — you will not rise to the level of your hopes. You will fall to the level of your most recent training.
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