The answer to the question of what weapon is optimal for self-defense is simple: the scenario will dictate. Each scenario will decide which one is best. Before anything else, what you have at your immediate disposal dictates your response. You can debate all day about what is better, but when all hell breaks loose, it comes down to what you have available to you and what is the most practical for your situation. If you are not faithfully carrying a gun in every case, it's hard even to enter the debate. For the sake of argument, let's say you faithfully carry a handgun, a knife, and a tactical pen or flashlight. That's what your standard everyday carry is (EDC). You may sometimes have a trauma kit, a multi-tool, etc., but these three things will always be on your person.

I will first establish some general differences and "the pros and cons" of each. In terms of effectiveness, guns are generally considered more lethal than knives. Firearms have a more extended range and can cause severe damage from a distance. Bullets fired from guns can stop an attack immediately. Moreover, the power and force of guns make them highly effective for self-defense in situations where a potential threat is armed.

In contrast, while knives are deadly at close range, they require physical contact with the target, making them less effective in situations where distance matters. Blades can be more intimidating as they are "mobile" and can be deployed from numerous angles. This mobility also allows for greater out-of-holster (or pocket) retention than a gun. In my opinion, they are also harder to defend against than guns. Knives are certainly lethal but often do not have the instant "stopping power" that a firearm has.

One similarity is that the entry point (where the bullet or knife point enters) is crucial. No matter the manner of defense, the objective is stopping the aggression of your attacker. You are stopping the attack, period. Whether it's an empty hand, a non-lethal weapon (tactical pen or kubotan, full-size baton, taser, pipe on the side of the road, etc.), knife, or gun, the objective stays the same. Stopping the aggression of your attacker is the objective. There are a few factors that you have to consider when considering weapons of choice for self-defense.

Accessibility:

Accessibility is a crucial factor when discussing the use of weapons. Knives, in most states, are easily accessible to anyone. Accessible to purchase and to carry. There are fewer restrictions on knives than firearms. The acquisition, ownership, and use of firearms typically involve "red tape" in a lot of states, making them less accessible than knives. This is a debate for another time, but I will say this: illegally possessed firearms pose a more significant threat than firearms owned by law-abiding citizens exercising their constitutional rights. It's an injustice but a harsh reality that affects our self-defense methods.

Accessibility can also be a factor, even when you have a knife and a gun. How you are attacked could prevent you from being able to access one or the other. Therefore, having more than one tool for self-defense in your self-defense arsenal at all times is essential.

Legal Implications:

On top of practicality and accessibility, legal reasons leave persons without firearms at times. Knives are less regulated and generally have fewer restrictions, but there are situations in which carrying a knife is either unlawful or not allowed (airports, sporting events, government buildings, etc.). These scenarios do not make you immune from violent attacks. YouTube is full of attacks in the stands at sporting events. Therefore, not being skilled in unarmed combatives isn't an option for any self-defense practitioner. The legal implications surrounding the possession of knives and guns vary across jurisdictions. Knives, common household tools, are generally allowed for personal use without significant restrictions. However, carrying certain types of knives in public is illegal in some states. Licensing, background checks, and other restrictions that vary from state to state are a harsh reality and in my opinion against the second amendment of the United States Constitution. Therefore, they have to be a consideration in your self-defense preparations.

Practicality:

When it comes to practicality, the choice between knives and guns depends on the scenario you are entering. Guns are specifically designed for self-defense and combat. They require extensive and continuous training and practice to handle safely and effectively. Moreover, guns can be bulky and difficult to carry, making them less practical in some situations for everyday use compared to knives. But, as stated, their stopping power is much greater. A handgun, being operated by a person with average marksman and combat skills, can be effective at distances of 25 yards plus, hence active shooter situations. There are variables such as proper training that I will cover in part 3