Yes a knife or multi tool is better then harsh words BUT they make you go "hands on". That isnt my first second or third choice with a kid born in this century. Whats that quote about Sam Colt making all men equal?

It takes a lot of training to fight hands on; trust me after 20 years of various martial arts, I have learned to block every punch with my nose.... The only non firearms training that worked was fencing. Ive considered carrying a Epee but it makes getting in/out of the car an issue