Is carrying a knife a good/bad idea???

[woodsman1st]

If a BG makes a grab for your gun, is it a good idea to carry a readily accessable knife on your weak side?

What will LEO's think of this if a normal traffic stop occurs?

What will LEO's think of this if you are forced to defend yourself with your concealed handgun?

I can't help but see them heavily advertised; but it would seem that at some point a normal LEO will think you are a wannabe Rambo out looking for a fight; or worse yet, you do have to defend yourself, and although everything has been done by the book, an aggressive antigun DA decides to go after you, for whatever reason, emphasizing you carried both a handgun and a knife to the Jury and/or Judge.

I just cannot decide if it is prudent, or idiotic, to carry both on an everyday basis.

Ken

[SwampRat]

The police dont determine your rights, they enforce the laws. I dont care what any of 'em think if I am within the laws of that state. Carry both and learn how to use each to the best of your ability. Some people even carry a New York reload to go with it..:)

[Guantes]

W,

There are dozens of legitimite reasons to carry a knife, in addition to self defense. So you happen to use it for SD, so what.

[Brownie]

If a BG makes a grab for your gun, is it a good idea to carry a readily accessable knife on your weak side?

I wrote an article on just this subject regarding carrying a knife on the off side of the gun that would be available to potentially cut the gun grabbers hand off the weapon. This was written for the Mass Patrol Log, a monthly police publication sent to every sworn police officer in the state around 1994..

The month it was published, it was required reading at the Framingham State Police Academy for those recruits going through the academy hoping to be state cops. The instructors felt it was that important to understand the mindset that if someone grabs your firearm, it's to be considered attempted murder as there is no other intention in that action but to use your gun against you.

What will LEO's think of this if a normal traffic stop occurs?

They won't think anything of you carrying a knife on your person as in a normal traffic stop, they won't be aware you even have a knife.

I can't help but see them heavily advertised; but it would seem that at some point a normal LEO will think you are a wannabe Rambo out looking for a fight

I don't think so, based on the fact that every officer I worked with back east carried a folding knife either clipped to one of their pockets or sheathed on their belt [ back then the Buck 110 was the popular folder with cops ].

I carry a straight blade that's 5.5 inches long on my belt every day and am also armed with a firearm at the same time. Within the restrictions, if any, of your states dangerous weapons statutes regulating blade length [ etc ], and what is or isn't legal in that jurisdiction, no officer has ever questioned my carrying a folder clipped to my pocket or the straight blade on my belt out here in Az.

[woodsman1st]

Thanks guys; your answers couldn't be more clear cut (pun intended).
"...as there is no other intention in that action but to use your gun against you"; that's putting it in a nutshell Brownie. Like ham and eggs; they belong together; I can see that now.

Still practicing QK draw and point daily; shooting twice a week; not going for much speed yet; trying to build muscle memory; heavy shirts and jackets much easier to sweep aside than light cotton shirts etc.; but you all knew that.
Also, I now carry my walking stick on my weak side to keep my strong side free; I use the heavy walking stick to fend off an imaginary BG while drawing and practicing QK.
I wonder if it will hurt when I shoot my walking stick out of my hand? lol The thought has crossed my mind.

I watched the videos you all recomended and I am amazed at how quickly you guys get your followup shots; I can't control the recoil that well yet...not even close! This is a whole new kind of shooting for me; plus mindset. I have a lot to learn in 5 months; but learn it I will; with all your help and suggestions.

Ken

[Guantes]

An old friend would throw his walking stick at the target, then shoot it out of the air. :cool:

[mercop]

The best knife I have found for weapon retention is the Emerson Karambit worn reaction side in reverse grip. It is funny since I am not a fan of the wave or Karambits. This is a one trick pony for me. I have the trainer and have had no problem getting it out in all kinds of training and scenarios. The blade deploys during the draw and can even be done while sitting and crouching. I like it because the edge is inverted and will go seek flesh by default since it is coming up from underneath. Using the hole you can also retain the knife after drawing your gun and use a two handed firing grip. I will try to shoot a video of it soon.- George