An armed citizen with a .357 or a 9mm can out-intimidate a machete carrying thug anyday.
This smells of a new push by the 'progressives' for new weapons laws in attempt to regulate and ban knives by the tried and true incremental method.
Frankly, in my case there would be no intimidation whatsoever. None.
If somebody has the poor judgment to show me a machete in a threatening way, a serious case of lead poisoning is the most likely result, developing suddenly and with no warning.
One of the victims was 82. Most likely with all the infirmities that go along with being an octogenarian. Firearms aren't the sole answer, because it still takes a fair amount of reflex, strength, and coordination to use a firearm in self defense.