Derringer or Folding knife ?

[karhu]

Hi,

what is it more useful in a self defense situation? a derringer or a folding knife?
considering that you are carrying a bigger pistol as your main self defense weapon (M1911?). and the knife or derringer are intended only as backup.

I think some members of this forum usually carry a pistol + a folding knife... maybe there are some who carry a (main) pistol + a derringer ?


.

 

[Whirlwind06]

In Ohio I can't carry a firearm everywhere, but I always have my pepper spray and a good folder. So At least I got something.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I've never thought it was wise to take a knife to a gun fight.

Unless you are pretty good at throwing a knife you have to be up close and personal to use it. Something I really want to avoid.
A derringer, or other backup gun, can be effectively used from a reasonable distance.

 

[1911 guy]

2" Ka Bar

I carry a 1911 strong side and a TDI designed fixed blade knife on my off side. I also carry a folder, but that's a 10 dollar pocketknife for odd jobs.

As for taking a knife to a gunfight, lethal force is lethal force. A knife is equal to a gun in the eyes of the law. A knife is also effective if you're fighting for control of your handgun, which is possible given the distance most Bad Things happen at. A knife is also a highly effective weapon if you know how to use it. Most people don't, but that's why we all think training is good.

 

[Baba Louie]

Depends. (Good answer, neh?)

If your work takes you into harms way, take all three. Main gun, BUG and a blade.

Joe Citizen... a blade as backup at the least. But I'm thinking that using a knife as self defense is getting real up close personal and messy. So do your best to avoid those encounters.

If you're young and strong and don't mind all the weight, "2 guns are one gun and one gun is zip"... or so the saying goes. Being a bit older, I limit my carry to one gun and a folding knife (or three).

Still and all, a good little Deringer might be a fun thing to own and shoot now and then.

YMMV

 

[Imaginos]

Derringer

The beauty of most 2 barrel derringers is they come in large bore calibers, so you can get a derringer in the same chambering as your primary gun. This gives you the ability to carry only one type of ammo.

The downsides to derringers is most of them are single action, and a big bore cartridge in a tiny gun is a real handful. I used to carry a derringer in .38 Special. I could keep both rounds on a man sized target out to 20 yards, but I was never able to achieve consistent COM hits.

As for a knife, I carry a Cold Steel Safe Keeper II push knife for social issues, and a folder for general tasks.

 

[geekWithA.45]

A 2 lb derringer and a 1/2 ounce blade aren't mutually exclusive. I can't think of any either/or scenarios for these two objects.


I'm NEVER without a blade.

 

[mp510]

Everywhere I go, where legal, I carry a folding knife. However, that knife is something that I consider a tool first and a weapon second. I use it for many cutting tasks daily, and have only once started drawing it for defense use (but never got it out of my pocket since the situation was resolved). Everyone should have some sort of knife on them, if just a tool.
A derringer would definetely be more effective as a weapon. Also, derringers and pocket pistols are not limited to .25 and .32 autos as they once were. They are avilable in potent chamberings includeing 9mm, .380, .38 Special, .45 Long Colt, and even .45 ACP. There is even one or two that can handle .410 shotshells.

 

[ArmedBear]

This board can be full of false dichotomies!

This can be built from a kit, from Dixie Gun Works and other such places...

 

[Biker]

If it's an either/or SD situation, I'll take the derringer all day. I can block a knife thrust on a good day, but I'm still working on my bullet blocking skills.
As far as knife throwing goes, I am (was) very good at it but practicality and honesty forces me to state that throwing a knife in a SD situation is worthless with the possible exception of serving as a distraction.
On a stationary target, I'll stick it within 30 feet with a good throwing knife (no floaters or folders need apply). If it's moving and/or wearing loose clothes, I'm screwed.

Biker

 

[Squidward]

I find derringers nearly useless for me. I do not have the fine motor skills to use one under stress.. The caliber debate aside, if I can't carry a gun a knife (or two) will do.

 

[Ferrari308]

I knew a guy who was arrested because he carried a folding knife in a patch attached to his belt. I don't remember the specifics, but the law in Illinois is you can't carry a knife with a blade longer than 3 or so inches. He got busted by campus police one day and had to pay a large fine. What sucked for him is he wasn't the fighting type, and he carried around the knife as a tool and not a weapon. He liked carving wood, he was the artsy type.

It sucks when government wants to make an example of someone who isn't guilty in spirit.

 

[gazpacho]

I'd carry a derringer in the same caliber as my primary. Ammo commonality can save your life. I always carry a small (2" blade) knife or multi-tool for non defense purposes.

 

[loose cannon]

im waiting for mr gresham to chime in he cracks me up whenever some 1 calls guntalk about derringers.that being said,,,,

ill take a high standard 22lr with high doller match ammo over a folder,reach can be handy.

 

[profshadow]

I have always carried a pocket knife, even to school (gasp!) back when I was a Cub Scout. Was OK then, back in the dark ages of my youth.

I still caryy a pocket knife. And a pen knife. If I'm riding, a boot knife. And at least one of S&W 642 or Kel-Tec P32. If I can, I carry the P32 as BUG SOB.

Wife carries her 642, OC spray and sharp keychain "kitty" (ears very sharp!)

Daughter has OC spray, knife, and stun gun.

Even then, we still keep out a "sharp eye" for trouble situations...the best sharp tool you can ever use, I think.