I do not claim to be an expert on blades or impact weapons, though I have significant training in both. I always carry a knife, though it is much more an emergency rescue tool then a weapon within my scope of use. For deadly force, the obvious choice remains the firearm, if available. If unable... Continue Reading →
Several weeks ago we had Phil Elmore on the USA Carry Podcast to discuss edged weapons. This is a deep dive that I have long wanted to tackle as the topic has been touched on, but not deeply explored, many times on past shows I have done on other podcasts. Phil was the perfect guy... Continue Reading →
I am not into the “knife fighting” thing. Obviously, I would rather have a knife in my hand if facing a deadly threat than nothing, but I certainly prefer a firearm, and if not a firearm, I am more inclined towards impact tools. Impact to the head is instantaneous in effect, bleeding out is not. ... Continue Reading →
I have written before, expressing my belief that the three most valuable defensive tools for the armed citizen self-defender are the handgun, OC Spray, and a powerful handheld flashlight. I stand by that assessment. The other two categories of common self-defense tools that are omitted from my proposed three tools are, obviously, blades and impact... Continue Reading →
I have gone back and forth on knives over the years in my self-defense training. Working in hand-to-hand, force-on-force, experiences led me to see the obvious utility of a small, fixed blade. Still, as an overall preparedness tool, while a knife is essential, a dedicated “fighting” knife sits low on the totem pole for me... Continue Reading →
I have dabbled with the application of the knife as a defensive tool over the years and it has remained the red-headed stepchild of defensive tools for myself. Now, to be clear, it is a foremost preparedness tool in that having a cutting tool on person is essential; having a rescue-cutting implement to free people... Continue Reading →
Any amount of combatives training leads the practicing handgunner to realize the value of a blade for contact distance fighting. There is no better place to carry this knife than in the appendix position so that it is accessible quickly, from most positions, and accessible to either hand. The priority, however, should be in using... Continue Reading →
I am a life-long multi tool junkie and I came to the conclusion long ago that a multi tool is an essential element of preparedness. If you don’t carry one on your person you should at least have one in your go bag. As a teenager I acquired the original Leatherman. I have owned some... Continue Reading →
The Ka Bar TDI is probably the most widely utilized blade of this design. Other makers, like Colonel Blades and Tops also produce knives that leverage the curved design of the TDI. This configuration looks odd at first glance, but upon training with it you can quickly realize the advantages in terms of pressing a... Continue Reading →
I have been a fan of, and carrier of, the Ka Bar TDI knife for quite some time now. I am not a knife guru by any means, though I have some training in edged weapons, but I consider a knife a must-carry rescue tool. Therefore, since it is an essential tool, I also consider... Continue Reading →
Reflex Handgun 