i think there is a big disconnect when it comes to to self defense, where people over estimate the amount of violence they are capable of enacting both mentally and physically.
FYI: collapsible batons are much cheaper than guns, don’t need licensure and are a lot less of an escalation simply to draw but are scary enough to deter and extend your reach by >1’ if not. I got my Smith & Wesson for $50. Break their legs and run! (Check legality in your area.)
same thing for knifes, most people who are stabbed in a fight don't notice till after the fight is over. you kinda need to butcher someone to win with a knife and i really doubt most of yall are capable of that
idk if you've ever done stick fighting or been hit with a baton, but it's not a one and done sorta thing. the violence of action required to win an altercation and incapacitate an attack is by no means minimal.
if you dont want to carry a gun for whatever reason you are much better off with a 15$ can of gel pepper spray than using any blunt/bladed object
in fact if you carry a gun you should still carry pepper spray anyway as an extra non lethal measure you can take