Am new to this web site but am impressed with all the sane, prudent and intelligent comments relative to my blog. Am no expert and always willing to learn, whether firearms, knives or personal defense. As a parting shot I would like to quote Mas "don't ever pull out your knife to an unarmed threat announcing I've got a knife". During that .25 seconds before you realize what is happening, they may pull out their concealed firearm and place two well aimed shots into your body. They will walk away legally because you were he assailant. Remember, it takes .25 seconds for the average person to even begin to assimilate what is happening. That difference effects your reaction time by that amount giving the other person an advantage. Police officers train to quickly draw their sidearm and accurately place shots. Under stress, the accuracy part usually goes to hell. But know that 60% of the time the officer has already drawn his or her weapon while approaching a potential threat. Only 40% of the time do they have to draw reactively. Good to remember if you carry a concealed weapon, whether knife, gun or blunt weapon. Possibly have it ready in a concealed position so as not to alarm innocents, but ready to face an attack. A lot of times I've approached a car on a night traffic stop with my body away from the car on passenger side and my hand on my pistol, but gun still in the holster. When I realize there was no threat to my personal safety I could relax not be so concerned about having t draw the pistol. Paul Vunak has an excellent video on U Tube focusing on concealing a knife and how to quickly bring it into use. Thanks to all of you for your comments. This is an excellent forum and everyone has something positive to add.
It's why I chose the CS shovel - a great offensive and defensive "tool". 
