As a Marine Infantryman... I can tell you that a Marine and his rifle are the deadliest weapons on this planet.... however... I had a temper when I was younger and did more than my share of drinking... so I chose not to carry a handgun... and still don't.... figured if I got in those situations I would shoot and be damned... so no gun... so worries...

All that being said... after 39 years... tons of fights... in and out of the service... a man (woman) with a knife is a much bigger threat than a gun.... if you are ever in a situation where a knife is involved... at those ranges... up close and personal.... I guarantee you are going to get cut... in a serious knife fight... even if only 1 person has a knife... and the other unarmed... if the fight lasts more than a minute or so... the odds are even the knife wielder has been cut by 'wrestling' over possession of the blade...

actual deaths by gunfire are statistically very very low in this country.... but incidents involving knives are much more common and likely....

these of course are my personal opinions... (I have been around the block a few times) and carry my own knife wounds... the worst of which was made by my sister... yes... accidents do happen even with knives... mine is on my back near my spine... if you meet me ask... I can probably show you... it wasn't the best time in my life...

I have a healthy respect for a blade... and own far more than my fair share...

just my $.o2