you’re aware f the expression “don’t bring a knife to a gun fight”, right? A knife is a poor choice for defense if a gun is available, if an attacker gets that close to you yuo’re in big trouble.
That is why I was very specific about the situation. “...close, anger driven spontaneous in-fighting...”
A gun, open carry or concealed, needs several seconds to draw, charge, and take off safe. But in this kind of fight, the attacker has already closed, but not necessarily yet indicated any threat of attack. Typically, they are about 5’ away getting angrier, then all of a sudden, boom.
In the defense, you will probably have picked up on the threat, and are at least starting to think of your weapon, but are in a range disadvantage.
This is why many police prefer Tasers over their gun. Often, especially with drunks, the drunk doesn’t even see the gun, because they want to wrestle. Having a gun drawn puts the officer at a disadvantage, because it is unlikely that the situation is up to the level of shots fired. But if they wrestle, they could lose the gun and have it used against them. No hesitation with a Taser, however.
If the attacker is focused on you and approaching, even a 15’ distance may not be enough time to draw down on him with a loaded gun off safe.
But as soon as a knife is out, it is ready.
Any number of corollaries to this, of course. If *he* has a gun, or if the attacker is less threatening, or if he gives you a lot of lead time, etc.