I am always being asked which is better for close quarters self-defense, a gun, or a knife. Both are deadly weapons if used properly, but what is properly? At a close quarters range, which is conversational range, say about 10 to 15 feet, in a knife vs gun fight, the main thing will be if the weapons are deployed or not. Whichever one is deployed first gives the user the advantage.
For the shooter at this distance, you can forget the textbook and formal, line up the front sight, shooting techniques. They won’t work! And for the person with the knife, forget the Dojo sparring techniques. A lot would have to do with strategies, which seem never to be covered in formal firearms, or self-defense training. And then the fighters would need to apply extreme aggressive action!
Knives are excellent close quarter’s weapons and have a lot of advantages over guns, like being legally available in most places for one. If you are traveling internationally, then 99.9% of the time you won’t be able to take firearms with you, but you should be able to pick up a pocketknife at the end location. A tactical knife does not need to be a $200 + custom blade, if you go to Wal-Mart, you can get a paring knife, that can be concealed and can slash and stab very well, for under $10!
When dealing in Eastern Europe in the mid 90’s I was surprised to hear from several law enforcement sources that the local gypsy kids trained with knives, were very skilled, and were not to be taken lightly. While in West Africa we were running all our tactical drills, including hostage rescue, with machetes. Where the bush was thick it was very easy to stealthily get within striking distance of a target. The proper use of knives relies on speed, surprise and aggression.
So, on the street for argument’s sake, who would have the advantage, the person with the knife or the gun?
- Whoever was not caught off guard, to start with!
- Formally trained shooter against a martial artist: Even!
- Street wise shooter against a martial artist: The Gun!
- Formally trained shooter against someone who can use a knife properly: The Knife!
- Street wise shooter against someone who can use a knife properly: Depends on the strategies, training and luck!
I tell my students and clients to do everything possible to avoid any hostile situation as there are no good end results… Someone usually goes to jail, and someone usually goes to the hospital or the morgue!
We run self-defense and knife fighting courses for individuals and private groups by appointment. Contact us with your requirements!
Books on Amazon
Close Protection: Luxury & Hostile Environments
This book is relevant to those in the close protection business as well as private investigators, journalists and those working in hostile environments.
Audio Book @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHWYT3TF
Kindle @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CNSKXJF
Paper Back @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1980900388
Hard Cover @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FK26C35M
Truth Only Has Few Friends 