There are a lot of great posts in this thread. I agree whole heartedly that common sense will win by helping you avoid the confrontation to begin with. I know there are rare circumstances when you cannot avoid the confrontation. My EDC tools include; firearm, spare magazine, fixed blade knife, and an LED G2 flashlight. Flashlight is a great defensive tool and can buy you time to distract the douche waffle long enough to possible exfil out of the area. If not, it can help in going on the offensive if need be.
In regard to the 21' rule as mentioned earlier, that is one of the reasons for the knife. Still a tool, but everyone knows that when the line is crossed and swords have met, the man with the gun is of little use. The knife also serves as a tool if someone were to see that I was armed (which in that case I've failed) and were to go for my gun. All in all, it boils down to situational awareness. Keep your eyes & ears peeled, and keep you nose out of your iPhone.![]()