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Gun VS Knife for self defense

Aaron1124

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So I've been thinking about this one for a long time, and at first, my thoughts were clear. I thought the gun would have about every advantage imaginable. I didn't even think it was a contest.

Then, I kept thinking, and I kept imagining a particular situation where a knife would be a clear advantage. Especially a knife such as a bowie knife.

Let's way the pros and cons:

Gun Pros

Effective at a long range, where an attacker might also be armed at a distance.

Depending on shot placement and caliber, you can put the attacker down with a single shot.

You can quickly and effectively fire off multiple shots, at multiple attackers.

Gun Cons

Limited ammo

The further your target is, the more challenging it will be to hit your target.

Can be disarmed much easier than a knife via muzzle grab and redirect.

Knife Pros:

Long blade, deep enough for fatal penetration.

Firm grip, and incredibly dangerous for an attacker to try and grab the knife out of your hand, as the only exposed part is the blade itself.

Knives don't run out of ammo.

Capable of quick actions of slashes/stabs if necessary.


Knife Cons: Only effective at a close range.

Is pretty much infective if you're attacker has a gun, and is out of range of your knife. (Unless you throw it, but a person can pull a trigger a lot faster than you can throw your knife, and once you throw your knife, it's gone, and the bad guy could have it, if you miss)

Both a gun and a knife can be worn quite easily and comfortably with the right sheath/holster. Both are easily accessible.

With all of this said, which do you think is superior in a general self defense situations?


If I were an attacker in close range, U'd rather try to disarm a guy with a gun than a knife. In fact, I would run from a knife before I would run from a gun, because I wouldn't want to get shot in the back.

Both would be equally intimidating if I was unarmed, but if i also had a weapon, a knife is far less scary due to limited range. I think I could take out a guy with a knife if i had a broom handle or maybe even a brick

Against 3 or 4 guys close range, I'd want the knife.
 

zack991

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Jul 29, 2009
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Ohio, USA
KNIFE VS. GUN: INSIDE SIX FEET, I'LL TAKE THE KNIFE
By Frank Borelli

"Okay, on the surface, it’s an insane statement: if I have to fight someone, hand to hand, I’d rather be armed with a knife than a gun. However, if you take time to think about it, it makes perfect sense. For me, this revelation came while I was attending an Instructor course on the “Tactical Folding Knife”. I’ve always had an affinity for knives and this particular program was especially appealing to me. "

http://www.usadojo.com/articles/knife-vs-gun.htm
 

LibertyDeath

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I will take a gun any day.

Run from a knife or you're gonna get cut. Fight a gun because if you run your gonna get at least shot at.
 

Aaron1124

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I will take a gun any day.

Run from a knife or you're gonna get cut. Fight a gun because if you run your gonna get at least shot at.

That's why I said I'd run from a guy with a knife, but not a guy with a gun. If I were inside of 6', I'd try to disarm the gunman. No way I am going to try and disarm a knife-wielding attacker, unless he's some drunk slob, and I feel I could knock it out of his hands.
 

Beretta92FSLady

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From what I hear you don't want to get into a knife fight (it can be very bloody, especially if you hit main arteries in the neck). Then again, if you are skilled with the knife, and your adversary is either armed with a knife or a gun, they are close. I am sure a skilled hand could put an individual -gun or knife- down quick.

I have always reminded individuals that if they carry a knife for self-defense purposes, they better be familiar with knife strikes, capable and willing to use them.
 

Uber_Olafsun

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From what I hear you don't want to get into a knife fight (it can be very bloody, especially if you hit main arteries in the neck). Then again, if you are skilled with the knife, and your adversary is either armed with a knife or a gun, they are close. I am sure a skilled hand could put an individual -gun or knife- down quick.

I have always reminded individuals that if they carry a knife for self-defense purposes, they better be familiar with knife strikes, capable and willing to use them.

And also make sure your knife is not junk and going to break at first contact with anything solid.
 

Beretta92FSLady

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And also make sure your knife is not junk and going to break at first contact with anything solid.

I purchased a 30 dollar knife two years ago. The blade is designed to penetrate skin. I put the knife through hell for two years, and it finally broke last week while trying to open a can. I found my self-defense ("utility") pocket knife.

http://www.crkt.com/foldingtacticalknives
 

SFCRetired

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Montgomery, Alabama, USA
1. If and when you go into a knife fight, you go in with the mindset that you are going to get cut, but that the other guy is going to get cut worse.
2. In a gun fight (or knife fight), it is the man or woman who can retain control of their emotions, and thus their hand-eye coordination, who is most likely to win.

Given my druthers, I'd rather not fight at all, but, if necessary, I would much rather have a gun in my hand than a knife. I'm too old to get into that kind of a fight anyway.
 

Aaron1124

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Beware preemption - does not apply to knives in Washington state. Several other states treat it the same way.

Yeah, it sucks, but I am very aware of all of the local laws regarding the carry of knives. Most cities I travel to are knife-friendly. Seattle isn't, but I never go there, anyway.
 

Badger Johnson

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Jan 12, 2011
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People with knives don't fight other people with knives, they grab a chair or a ladder or something longer than the knife, they make space and get out of there.

People who have knives and never trained with them under pressure are going to be surprised at how poorly they use it in a fight unless they're on top of the opponent and just prison-style shanking them.

Gun trumps knife unless the gun is holstered and/or not cocked or loaded or one in chamber, as we know. Don't forget the gun is also a club at close range. If you're not distracted, or deer-in-the-headlights, gun, drawn and ready to fire is superior to a knife - just don't stick it way out in front of you, get some cover, be aware of surroundings. There is such a thing as reflex-lag which can get you killed in the short range distance.
$.02
 

Uber_Olafsun

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One of the best lessons I learned in martial arts was "accept that you're going to get hit, and it's going to hurt."


Yeah hand to hand sounds great until you remember your opponent has hands as well. Even when I wrestled in school you learned moves to try to knock the wind out etc of your opposition and you learned they were doing the same.
 

Beretta92FSLady

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One of the best lessons I learned in martial arts was "accept that you're going to get hit, and it's going to hurt."

It only hurts until the sting subsides. I have been punched before, and it only hurts until you go kind of numb. The hardest part of a fight is keeping your breathing under control.
 

eb31

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Sep 18, 2010
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Woodbridge, Va
Why choose?

A typical day I'm carrying a G19, a total of 45 rounds of FMJ's and no less than 3 knives on my person. 1 utility knife, 1 lock blade and 1 SD CRKT tanto.


I think I have any range covered.
 
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