Airborne Combat Engineer

Estwing Camper's Axe

The Estwing 26" axe now on sale online at Home Depot would be a fine addition to one's vehicle tools/armaments, at a fraction of the price for combat axes and knives.

It's about 6" too too long and a tad heavy (3.5 lbs) for a combat axe (requiring more time to "re-cock," during which time your enemy can attack), and it has a flat head (for hammering in tent pegs and such) rather than the point (or pommel) most combat axes have (see image in upper right sidebar or this larger one). But it has good balance and it's heavy enough to do major damage should the occasion arise (by either cutting a deep slice to the shoulder, side, or leg; or cracking the skull with the flat side).

In combination with a handgun and an assertive style and expression, it would make one look fearsome, scaring off minor hoodlums looking for more passive victims. And, it's legal to carry in one's vehicle in all states, counties, and cities (AFAIK).

It's light enough and short enough to carry on all but the most strenuous hiking trips, and will do some serious wood chomping.

Estwing also offers a 16" axe (which is a hatchet).

If interested, see also this 24 NOV 2004 A-C-E article on battle tomahawks.

I've come close to buying one several times in the store I visit, but they're now sold out.

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Low cost Khukuri knife

For only $40, you can have the blade carried by the Gurkhas.

The weight and blade shape provide superb chopping, hacking, and slashing performance.  It is useful both as a camping/survival tool and combat weapon.

Khukuri House

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Why you should bring a gun to a knife fight

Don't click on the link if you're squeamish.

[LINK] Gun Zone

Like they say: "Even if you win, you're gonna get cut."

Tom Anderson sword cane

There are times and places when you cannot (or prefer not to) carry a concealed firearm, yet you should have some degree of protection beyond your marshal art skills.

A knife is an option, but if it has only a 3-4" blade (like many people -- including myself -- carry) and your attacker has a 5-7" blade, you're at a major disadvantage, even if you know how to fight with a knife. 

Another option is a sword cane. Sword canes have a storied history. With the proper training and practice, they can be an excellent defensive weapon (for when you can't or won't have a firearm), and defending yourself with one is less likely to land you in jail or court, just for defending yourself or others.

The Tom Anderson sword cane is well constructed and costs only $50 from Southwest Blades.   [Shop around. Collector's Edge has it on sale for $24.]