In my EDC (Everyday Carry), I always include a fixed blade and a Glock 17. One question I often get is: “If you’re carrying a gun, why bother with the fixed blade?” The answer is simple—each tool serves a distinct purpose, and there are situations where one is a better option.
While I teach and practice close-quarters firearm manipulation, retention, and disarm techniques, I recognize the risks involved in drawing a gun at close range. In close quarters, where the threat is within arm’s reach, bringing a firearm into play can be significantly riskier than deploying a fixed blade.
Here’s why:
When engaged in a grappling situation—whether standing or on the ground—both you and the attacker can potentially grab hold of the firearm. Even with proper retention techniques, this creates an added layer of complexity. On the other hand, a fixed blade offers fewer opportunities for the attacker to gain control. When I have a blade in my hand, there’s very little for the bad guy to grab onto, allowing me to maintain control of the weapon system.
Another critical consideration is accountability for the use of force. In a close-range struggle, firing a gun introduces risks that are difficult to mitigate. At such proximity, it’s harder to control where the round goes—especially if you’re engagedin a physical struggle. A missed shot or a bullet passing through the threat could unintentionally hit a bystander. A fixed blade eliminates this risk entirely.
The fixed blade is not just a cutting tool—it’s a versatile, close-quarters “pry tool.” I can use it to control and manipulate the threat effectively, something that’s much harder to achieve with a firearm at close range. The blade becomes an extension of my hand, allowing for precise movements to neutralize the threat while maintaining full control of the situation.
Both tools have their place, and neither replaces the other. The firearm is ideal for distance engagements where lethal force is necessary. The fixed blade shines in close-quarters scenarios where precision, control, and minimizing collateral risk are paramount. Not to mention, the only way to run out of ammo is to be disarmed.
For me, carrying both is about being prepared for the wide variety of situations that can arise. Understanding when to deploy each tool is the real key—and that decision comes down to training, situational awareness, and a commitment to protecting yourself and others responsibly.
Choosing the Right Blade Length
In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of smaller blades, typically 2-3 inches in length, designed for convenience and ease of carry. These compact knives often clip discreetly into a pocket and are marketed as practical tools for everyday use. However, when considering blades for self-defense or lethal force scenarios, these smaller knives fall short—literally.
Smaller blades, while effective for utility tasks, can pose challenges in high-stakes situations where your life may depend on your ability to neutralize a threat. Their limited length reduces their capacity to reach the “off buttons” of the human body—critical areas like arteries or vital organs that can incapacitate an attacker quickly. A short blade might create a bad day for the aggressor, but in a lethal force exchange, it may not deliver the stopping power you need.
When we examine cultures that have lived by the blade for centuries, such as the Filipino and Indonesian cultures, we see a clear preference for larger blades. In Filipino martial arts and daily life, knives with blade lengths of 5-6 inches are common, striking a balance between portability and effectiveness. These longer blades offer greater reach and the ability to inflict decisive, potentially fatal injuries when necessary.
For example, the dahong palay, a traditional Filipino blade, is often used as a utility tool and weapon, reflecting the practicality of a longer blade. Similarly, in Indonesian culture, blades like the keris—while often ornate and symbolic—are designed with sufficient length and shape to maximize their lethality and effectiveness in close quarters.
These cultures understand that a blade is more than just a tool; it is a means of survival. Their choices are rooted in practicality, ensuring that the blade they carry is capable of performing under the most critical circumstances.
If your goal is self-defense, a blade in the 5-6 inch range provides the length needed to reach vital areas while maintaining maneuverability. It offers a practical compromise between the excessive bulk of a larger weapon and the limited functionality of a smaller blade. Choosing a blade with sufficient length not only increases your ability to protect yourself but also aligns with the wisdom of cultures that have relied on edged weapons for survival over centuries.
When selecting your everyday carry knife, consider the purpose. If your priority is self-defense, don’t compromise on blade length—it could make all the difference when it matters most.
Build Your Training Kit
If you carry it in your EDC, you should be training with it—no exceptions! This applies to your firearm, your blade, and any other tools you rely on for personal protection. In the warrior arts, as with any skill, consistent training is the foundation of proficiency. It’s not enough to take a single course when you buy your gun or blade and consider yourself prepared. True readiness comes from regular, intentional practice.
I often tell my students that if they carry a firearm, they should hit the range at least twice a year to maintain basic proficiency. The same applies if you carry a knife for self-defense. You need to find a training program or method that allows you to dedicate equal effort to your blade work. Consistent practice with all your tools ensures that when the time comes to rely on them, you’ll be prepared to act with confidence and precision.
One of the methods we use in the C-Tac program to support this idea is building a Training EDC Kit. This includes:
• A training gun and holster to replicate your real firearm.
• A training blade and sheath that matches your actual knife.
• Any other training replicas of tools you regularly carry, such as tactical pens or flashlights.
A Training EDC Kit allows you to integrate your everyday carry items into all your combative and fighting-related training. By wearing this gear consistently during practice, you not only improve your technical skills but also develop the muscle memory and situational awareness required to deploy these tools effectively under pressure.
Incorporating your training EDC into drills, sparring, and even stress-based scenarios bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. It allows you to experience the challenges of accessing and using your tools while moving, grappling, or defending yourself in real-world situations.
Remember, your gear is only as effective as your ability to use it. Regular, realistic training ensures that when you reach for your firearm or blade, your response is automatic, efficient, and in alignment with your training. Whether it’s on the range or in the training room, make sure your EDC tools are part of your practice.
Building and committing to a Training EDC Kit is one of the best ways to elevate your skillset and ensure that you are fully prepared to handle whatever challenges come your way. Don’t just carry your tools—master them.
In a world filled with increasing challenges and adversities, the need for individuals with a warrior mindset has never been greater. The ability to confront crises with confidence, skill, and determination is not just a personal asset—it’s a responsibility to those around us. Developing proficiency with your EDC tools, whether it’s your firearm, blade, or any other part of your kit, is about more than self-defense; it’s about embodying leadership and preparedness in the face of uncertainty.
By committing to consistent training and integrating your tools into realistic practice, you are cultivating your personal skillset and the qualities of resilience, focus, and intent that define true leaders. The warrior mindset is about being ready to act when it matters most, standing firm in the face of chaos, and being a protector for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
My vision is to inspire and develop more individuals who are ready and willing to rise above fear, stand against the forces of evil, and take on the adversities of our time. It starts with mastering the tools you carry and preparing your mind and body for the challenges ahead. Together, let’s build a world of strong, capable individuals who lead with courage and embrace the warrior spirit.
Shift Your Perspective, Take Action, & Lead Yourself To Greatness
~ Sifu Alan
Alan Baker is renowned for his dual expertise in crafting tailored Defensive Tactics Programs and high-performance coaching. Catering specifically to law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and security firms, Alan designs training regimens that emphasize practical techniques, real-world adaptability, and scenario-based training. His approach enhances the capabilities and readiness of personnel in intense situations. His clients include the Executive Protection Institute, Vehicle Dynamics Institute, The Warrior Poet Society, ALIVE Active Shooter Training, Retired Navy SEAL Jason Redman, Tactical 21, and many others. Sifu Alan is the creator of the C-Tac® (Civilian Tactical Training Association) System and
Protection Response Tactics (PRT), two highly regarded training systems that emphasize realistic, adaptive techniques for both civilians and professionals in high-risk fields. Explore Alan’s tailored programs here. Sifu Alan travels across the U.S., teaching camps and seminars on the programs he’s developed and the multiple martial arts he has studied for nearly five decades.
Beyond mere tactics, Alan stands out as the paramount “Self Leadership” coach, adept at unlocking the vast potential within individuals. With a deep passion for mentoring professionals, entrepreneurs, and those on personal growth odysseys, he focuses on nurturing a mindset of excellence. Alan’s coaching hinges on practical strategies that bolster mental resilience, focus, and drive. Teaming up with Alan means embarking on a transformative path where mental barriers are dismantled, inherent strengths come to the fore, and your goals become within clear sight. His profound insights enhance performance and sculpt a mindset tailored for triumphant success.
To delve deeper into Alan’s mindset philosophy, peruse his enlightening collection of books. If you’re ready to amplify your journey under Alan’s tutelage, connect through his official website.