I agree with the concept here... and I think your actions (above) met the concept.. you did defend yourself with means other than the firearm. First Verbally. Then with an unarmed technique.
All of the tools that were mentioned are options... but they may still be "lethal" options, don't fool yourself about that. You draw a knife, it's lethal just like the gun. In many jurisdictions, a baton could also be considered lethal. Of course, you can scale their use... but you still go from "0 to 60" in many cases. Having the knife in the case of a gun - grab is one thing, having a knife as a "middle ground" is something entirely different.
-RJP
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Actually what I was advocating here was a sensible escalation of force appropriate to the level the attacker presented. In this case the application of a simple sternum strike using the handle of a CLOSED knife, a spare mag or a flashlight would most likely have stopped the individual in his tracks. More of a 0 to 30 option. It also would have given the defender the opportunity to avoid the body to body contact he experienced. This meant the defender was within the grasp of the attacker through the defender's own doing. The degeneration of any encounter to that of a wrestling match is what we all try to avoid. A shoulder check is a viable option if no other choice is available.
I agree that a flashlight, a knife, a kubotan, EDWs and chemical deterrents are potentially lethal. So are a pen and keys. However they are considered less lethal alternatives to the use of a firearm. They provide a reasonable, effective and suitable alternative to feeling like your only options are verbal, H2H or deadly force. If a person is consigned to use such items they should seek professional training so they can formulate a plan.
Trite, but very true: If the only tool you have is a hammer then every problem will look like a nail.
I am in no way saying that G4life did anything wrong. He originally asked for other viewpoints. Mine is that he explore other options regarding the tools for escalation. To be clear this means that he and the rest of us, obtain legal counsel regarding the escalation of force and how those laws apply to us individually. Then, use the tools available to us, including verbal assets, within the restrictions of those laws as each person deems appropriate to their needs. After that, ask the introspective question; Will 12 reasonable people in your locale consider your planned actions reasonable?
Ultimately, most plans go to pot as soon as the first shot is fired so being adaptable to the dynamic of the encounter is most likely going to save lives. Having options is never a bad thing because sometimes the problem is not quite a nail.
Above all else, obtain professional training for any item you choose to use for self defense. Practice with those items. Decide how you will use them before you need them. Finally, remember to think your way through the encounter.
Stay Safe,
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