I have always been most comfortable up close and personal when in CQB. If I don't get wet with blood, there is too much distance between me and my enemy. Too much room for error. (Note: It isn't always his blood alone...)
It has been this way since my uncle first began my training as a teenager, and it evolved to many of the finest dojos and finest Warriors across America. This applies to blades, pistols, SMGs, and empty hands. I am most comfortable when I am close. Rifle range contact never gets my blood pumping.
Above you see the current iteration of the GI Tanto from Cold Steel. It is a simple, strong, razor sharp tanto blade with several cutting edges. I have them spread all over my home, and can put my hands on one in moments, no matter where I may be. At that point I become a handful. It'll drive through 1" treated board with no worries, it'll slash to any bone in the human body with the flip of a wrist, and with just a bit of knife skills, through any bone you've got except your skull frontal plate and femur. But make no mistake, it'll penetrate 6" into your forehead with little real effort.
The best thing about these blades is that they are relatively inexpensive.
Blades are silent. I can move quietly around my home to engage targets without identifying my position with muzzle blast. And to be very honest, as humbly as possible, I can take the handgun from most men who let me within 15 feet anyway. 30 feet if I have a katana. But that is another story.
Do not place too much emphasis on your firearms, Patriots. Be versatile. Have options.
IIIGear has a selection of Cold Steel and KA-BAR at IIIGear.com that you should consider. I would bet my life, and have bet my life, on every Cold Steel I have ever put in my hands. You can too. I just had to raise the prices of the Cold Steel at IIIGear. As soon as I am done here, I'm raising the prices of the KA-BARs, too.
I've also switched my folder selections - I always carried (2) 3" Voyagers until recently. Now I carry a 3" Voyager for routine pocket knife chores, such as opening boxes. I now carry the black Recon for serious work - that blade never touches anything but human flesh.
The 7 1/2 inch San Mai Tanto is the ultimate combat blade, but that's another discussion. The O Katana is essential, but again, another discussion.
Get what you need now.
IIIGear.com
Kerodin
III
