Carry a Knife?

[Jeff S]

I carry a Glock 26 here in upstate NY. I have read some different opinions here and there pertaining to carrying a knife. I wanted some of your opinions on this site. I really don't have much of a need regarding everyday use for a knife. Maybe the periodic open a box thing, but not much beyond that regarding work or personal. I read somewhere yesterday that having less lethal items looks better to others heaven forbid you are in a situation where you have to use your pistol to defend yourself. You don't look like you only were looking to shoot someone in the eyes of the system. Eventhough I lead a very boring life and don't put myself in bad situations, I understand you can't always plan the way things will go. Does it make sense to carry a knife if you carry a gun, eventhough I have no training with a knife and not any real use for one everyday?

[Supernois]

I always carry a knife. You should never rely on one single method of defense. I have training in both hand to hand ar well as edged weapons combat. You never know when you might get your gun knocked out of your hand mr bust not have time to draw it.

Nick.

[Pinnacle Safety]

Knives have multiple applications including cutting yourself out of your seatbelt sliding the latch off a door and many other escape methods that can save your life plus a sudden move for your gun can get you shot while a subtle move for your knife may save you

[jjack31]

I am fairly new to cc (6-8 mos) but have carried a knife since I can remember. Never in high school due to regs but I always thought of my knife as a tool. Like pinnacle said you can use it for near about anything. it's kind of like my back up. If I'm somewhere I can't cc legally then I feel a little better knowing that I've got my knife. But my xd is another tool. As in most occupations people say you have to have the right tool for the job. So I guess having more than one tool (cc pistol) at your disposal is good for multiple situations.

[blazemyowntrails]

If you want another option for a tool and for defense as stated above, I recommend the Spyderco Delica 4 with emmerson opener. If you can find one, its quick, sharp, durable, and short enough to pass the "thug's weapon" test. With practice (trainer drones available) its very effective in the right hands. If you want a longer blade, the endura 4 is just a bigger version. Check it out.

[SGTSKI]

... I read somewhere yesterday that having less lethal items looks better to others heaven forbid you are in a situation where you have to use your pistol to defend yourself. You don't look like you only were looking to shoot someone in the eyes of the system...

Please be aware that most localities will not view a knife as a "less-than-lethal" weapon. Most states will define a deadly weapon something like this...

" ...For purposes of this section, a deadly weapon is an implement or instrument which has the capacity to inflict death and from the manner in which it is used, is likely to produce or may easily and readily produce death..."

Although some localities will list certain characteristics that will enhance that definition, such as blade length or operation.

[twogunwilly]

A knife is always a good idea, I can't leave home without one.

[mrjim]

I carry a combat knife and pepper/mace spray.

During LTC training cources they mentioned the laws were written expecting you to run or deflect the situation or to use non-lethal devices before more lethal. The cop who was doing the training started to pull out his knife and keychain canister of pepper spray.

So the expectations are:
1. run
2. non-lethal
3. Lethal (and you better have a good reason)

BTW, this is all for Massachusetts.

[aj's 40 cal]

i always have my knife, never know when u might need to cut somthing, break somthing or use it to help pop somthing open or sooo many countless uses. if its not in mypocket its in my car just incase i need to break out the window or cut a seat belt. i use my knife for almost everything. besides its a $20 investment ( well the one i really want is a spyderco police model~$120) but my mastercutlery knife is super sharp and its never let me down holding an edge. hell i just used it for 8 hrs the other day cutting down boxes and other things around my home after i moved. really came in handy then insted of my steak knives.

[Nightmare45]

Have carried a knife most of my life, when I was younger it was not uncommon to see rifle or shotgun in pickup at school. Times have changed.