My backup to my gun is always been OC spray. The only place I really go that's a gun-free zone is the VA and everybody and their brother is carrying a knife in there.
I have no delusions that I can fight with a knife. But I have seen OC spray work very well.
Concur with that 100%…about not being to actual blade fighting. Any success there would be pure luck. I mostly throw a folding knife in my pocket for everyday hazards, like not being able to get a box open

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Fortunately I went through that whole mental attitude of doing what it takes to survive long ago when my duties in the USAF included carrying a handgun daily and an M16 occasionally. Lots of long shifts to internalize survival. I don’t doubt that push comes to shove, I’ll use what means necessary to survive until out of the fight. Another thing drilled into your head from day one of carrying firearms in the USAF was the requirement to memorize “Use of Deadly Force” parameters, along with capabilities of whatever weapons you were carrying, to the point you could recite them from memory to leadership checking on you and your post status…that helped you run deadly force scenarios through your head frequently. Granted all hypothetical, but at least it forced you to think about it.
That said, the need to cancel credit cards doesn’t seem like something I’d consider engaging over, unless forced through an accompanying physical assault or brandished deadly weapon. I very rarely carry cash, and when I do, it’s not in my wallet. A carjacking attempt might be different - but I think there’s been one report of an “attempted” car jacking in my town in the 40 years I’ve lived here. Most of the scenarios I think about now involve the home intrusion type, whether solicitors that are pretending to be solicitors, nighttime attempted burglaries, mental crises individuals (neighborhood has become more of a low rent place over the years), etc. I got a couple of good four legged helpers now, but when they’re gone, I’ll likely be too old to deal with training replacements.
I do carry concealed almost always (I know, should be always) when I go out and about and the only place I can’t bring in with me is medical appointments. Some have the required posted signs and others there’s no guarantee I won’t be asked to disrobe for examination/treatment - so I don’t chance it. I also try ensure those type appointment are first, or close to first, thing in the morning in the interest of situational awareness.
Anyway, thanks for the article and the reminder to keep the mind “right” concerning situational awareness.