Would you ever draw your knife instead of your pistol?
- Thread starter B yond
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I have drawn my knife instead of the G26. I was not in physical danger but I wanted to teach a dog owner a lesson.
I was walking up an ATV trail in central Utah. Up ahead an ATVer was sitting under a tree. His large German Shepard was running unleashed. As I approached the dog became more aggressive toward me. The dog was not mean just playful aggressive.
My only concern was that the dog might nip me as I passed. The owner sat with a smirk on his face.
Choice: draw G26 in pocket holster or gerber spring-activated knife.
I drew the knife. I held it up so the owner could see it then flicked it open.
The owner was immediately on his feet calling the dog. No more problem.
I usually carry a G26 in my right pocket, the knife and pepper spray/CS in my left pocket.
Instead of only the nuclear option, I have a less than lethal response to my enviroment.
I was walking up an ATV trail in central Utah. Up ahead an ATVer was sitting under a tree. His large German Shepard was running unleashed. As I approached the dog became more aggressive toward me. The dog was not mean just playful aggressive.
My only concern was that the dog might nip me as I passed. The owner sat with a smirk on his face.
Choice: draw G26 in pocket holster or gerber spring-activated knife.
I drew the knife. I held it up so the owner could see it then flicked it open.
The owner was immediately on his feet calling the dog. No more problem.
I usually carry a G26 in my right pocket, the knife and pepper spray/CS in my left pocket.
Instead of only the nuclear option, I have a less than lethal response to my enviroment.
broncobob
Member
Yes to clean my finger nails.
I still think that if you were skilled enough you could use a gun better than a knife at that range, but I'm not sure the average guy's gonna Clint Eastwood somebody close range. The way I see most guys train in videos they look like they're wired on caffeine or something.
First off, as OP I'd like to thank those of you who've contributed meaningful and serious material to this thread. It has grown into the kind of conversation I'd hoped it would become. 
Here are a couple of scenarios (some admittedly far-fetched) where I think I'd seriously consider drawing a knife over a firearm:
1) at a gas station, powder factory, oxygen dispensary, welding gas supplier, fireworks factory or other explosive environment
2) in a very crowded area where missed or over-penetrating shots would likely endanger bystanders
3) in a location where ricochets would be a very real threat
4) below deck on a small boat that's not within swimming distance of safety
5) if being attacked from behind and unable to see the attacker to properly aim a firearm
Here are a couple of scenarios (some admittedly far-fetched) where I think I'd seriously consider drawing a knife over a firearm:
1) at a gas station, powder factory, oxygen dispensary, welding gas supplier, fireworks factory or other explosive environment
2) in a very crowded area where missed or over-penetrating shots would likely endanger bystanders
3) in a location where ricochets would be a very real threat
4) below deck on a small boat that's not within swimming distance of safety
5) if being attacked from behind and unable to see the attacker to properly aim a firearm
Commander Crusty
Member
To answer the original question, "Would you ever draw your knife instead of your gun?" Yes. Once in an elevator in Massachusetts, I wished I could have.
I was in Massachusetts, in an isolated parking garage, in the elevator, legally carry my handgun (strange things do happen) when two scruffy looking men entered and gave me and my wife a very long, very careful look. At contact distance, with two dangerous looking characters, with my wife stuffed inside a metal box with me, I REALLY wished I hadn't left my Sypderco Police Clipit at home. I WAS armed with a custom .357 magnum. Had we been attacked, I certainly could have used it, but from that day forward, I started thinking of my knife as my primary weapon (because it is ALWAYS with me) and my handgun as the backup (because it is SOMETIMES with me). I still think this way.
PS
When carrying a handgun, I like to keep my legal length folding pocket knife in a--of all places--a pocket. That way, if I feel threatened, I can casually rest my hand on the knife. No harm. No foul. I find this practice helps control my blood pressure.
I was in Massachusetts, in an isolated parking garage, in the elevator, legally carry my handgun (strange things do happen) when two scruffy looking men entered and gave me and my wife a very long, very careful look. At contact distance, with two dangerous looking characters, with my wife stuffed inside a metal box with me, I REALLY wished I hadn't left my Sypderco Police Clipit at home. I WAS armed with a custom .357 magnum. Had we been attacked, I certainly could have used it, but from that day forward, I started thinking of my knife as my primary weapon (because it is ALWAYS with me) and my handgun as the backup (because it is SOMETIMES with me). I still think this way.
PS
When carrying a handgun, I like to keep my legal length folding pocket knife in a--of all places--a pocket. That way, if I feel threatened, I can casually rest my hand on the knife. No harm. No foul. I find this practice helps control my blood pressure.
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