Non-gun back up

[fightingquaker13]

Ok, serious question. This came from reading the "tactical knife' thread and I thought I'd start a new one for simplicity's sake. My "tactical" knife is a 1 1/2" plastic and stainless gerber that I use for fishing, trimming hang nails and sundry pocket knife jobs. I've got a 3 1/2" gerber gator I take camping for cutting rope, spreading peanut buter etc. Hunting, I carry a scary sharp buck zipper for cleaning (better than gutting or some unspellable Scottish simile ) game. I really haven't looked at any of the three as a fighting knife, though all rate as better than nothing. Question is this. In Fl. CCW lets us carry pretty much what we want. As a no-gun back up would you choose a folding knife, a tazer, or a collapsing club like an asp? Personally, the knife would be my last choice. This is because a folder seems slow to deploy and I have to get in real close, at which point it can be taken away and returned anally. A tazer is fast and gives stand off distance, though its effectiveness and duration is iffy. As far as the ASP, if I'm freaked out and in close, I would trust myself to swing a billy club rather than use a knife. Something like an old school K-bar or Bowie is a different animal and not under discussion as you can't really carry it concealed as back-up. I'm talking sonething cell phone size you can stick in a pocket.What are your thoughts?
FQ13

[Rob Pincus]

FQ,

The chances of deploying and using an ASP successfully if you are "up close and freaked out" are much slimmer than being able to grab a handful of a small fixed blade and being able to impact the threat in a clinch or other extreme close quarters situation. This is the reason that many who are very serious bout having a primary option for "in contact" situations or backups/alternatives to their firearm have gone to a small fixed blade carried near "center line" at the belt so that it can be accessed by either hand. So far, the best training that I have had covering this has been from Craig Douglas of Shivworks. I suggest checking out all of his Extreme Close Quarters material.

-RJP

[fightingquaker13]

Thanks  Rob.I didn't list fixed blades as an option, because I was thinkinking small and concealed. How small are we talking here on the fixed blades? A small one would make me more comfortable than a folder.
Thanks
FQ13

[Ichiban]

Something like one of these  might come in handy someday. 
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Push%20Knives&srch=eqWWWCAT_2datarq%3Dpush

[Bic]

(better than gutting or some unspellable Scottish simile Cheesy)     

[Sponsor]

[ericire12]

I think Janich has some stuff posted about this specific topic somewhere on here... The idea being that you carry a fixed blade knife for use as a gun retention tool -- They grab your gun, you cut their arm off. He also went into a few specific knifes that are great for this purpose too.

[Paraguy]

Rob would obviously have a more informed opinion on my concern and would like his feedback to see if I am off point.  If you are in an altercation and use your firearm and kill someone who was threatening your life and you had a "less lethal" option wouldn't that present a legal issue after the fact that may be exploited by an ignorant prosecutor or a judge with an anti-gun agenda?  As we have learned from TBD, there is potential trauma that occurs after an event in court.

[1911 Junkie]

Are you saying the knife is "less lethal"?

I think you are in the clear as long as lethal force was necessary. Survival first.

[tombogan03884]

 I'd go with the knife because it also has other uses, you can't open a package with a baton or a Tazer.

[TAB]

not to mention in many states you will get in big trouble for having a some striking weapons.