5 Best Back Up (Secondary) Weapons for EDC

In this guide, we'll show you the 5 best backup weapons to carry for EDC


Why Carry a Backup Weapon for EDC?

Just like many professionals do, carrying a backup weapon is essential for ensuring safety during a self defense situation. 

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Most of us carry firearms as primary weapons, but they're prone to malfunctions both mechanical and handling errors.  

Handgun exploding use backup gun

In addition to malfunctions, attackers have been known to disarm civilians and even police officers attempting to protect themselves with their firearms.

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So what you do if you're disarmed?  Best way to protect yourself is to carry a secondary or backup weapon.  

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Let's take a look at the 5 best backup weapons for EDC.


1. Secondary (Backup) Gun

The best backup weapon to carry for EDC is a gun.  It's the quickest way to defend yourself in case the primary weapon fails.  

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Handguns are now built in smaller (micro-compact) sizes, which makes them very practical to use as a backup weapon.  

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Ideally, the backup gun will smaller and won't burden you with weight and bulk.

Secondary or Back up gun for EDC

In some case, accessing your backup gun may be easier than accessing your primary weapon.

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For instance, during a physical struggle when an attacker is attempting to take your primary weapon, drawing your backup weapon will be easier than continuing to struggle for your primary weapon.

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Lastly, backup weapons are fairly easy to carry with a variety of holster options such as ankle holsters, pocket holsters, etc.


2. Fixed Blade Knives

The most classic fixed blade knife which appears on most military equipment lists is the Bowie knife.  

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You don't have to be in the military to carry a fixed blade knife even if it's a Bowie knife.  

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EDC knives come in many different types: pocket knives, switchblades, fixed blades, etc.

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Any kind of self defense knife is a great weapon for EDC whether you use it as a primary or secondary weapon.  

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There are many size and carry options (tactical wallets, neck knives, IWB&OWB knives, etc.) making a fixed blade knife a versatile and dependable self defense tool. 


3. Automatic Knives

Automatic knives are the ultimate edged weapon.  They're simple to operate and great for EDC self defense.  

Switch blades for EDC

Automatic knives, also known as switchblades, are ready to use at the touch of a button.

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Because of their quickness, they're great for emergency circumstances, particularly in the military and police enforcement which also makes them great for those in the EDC community.  

When you're in a life or death situation, nothing is more important than having a blade that's ready for use at the push of a button as seconds may be the difference between life and death.  

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Although, switchblades are a great EDC self defense tool, they are outlawed in many state and or local municipalities due to their deadly potential.


3. Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are another great choice for edged weapon.  Although when compared to switchblade and fixed blade knives, they may not be as quick to deploy.

benchmade griptilian 551 serrated edge pocket knife

There are many sizes and types of pocket knives.  Picking the right size pocket knife for your hand as well as an easy to use locking mechanism is essential to finding a pocket knife that works for you.

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Great thing about pocket knives is that they can be used as an everyday carry tool for purpose other than self defense such as: food prep, work, etc.

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5. Tactical Pen for Self Defense

The tactical pen is a multi-tool that can be used for self-defense as a striking or stabbing weapon.

Tactical pens for self defense

Even if you don't have any martial arts or self-defense instruction, it's fairly simple and straightforward to use.  

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A good tactical pen is made of strong materials such as steel or titanium so that it can be used effectively as a striking or stabbing weapon. 

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The pen's body should also be thick enough that you can easily hold it in your hand without it slipping.

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Final Thoughts

Carrying a back up weapon may some day offer you the opportunity to stay in the fight.  

Although, primary weapons should always be the first choice for self defense, a backup weapon is there to ensure your safety if something goes wrong.  

For those that carry firearms, malfunctions are nothing new and nothing more than an inconvenience at the range, but in a real life situation, they can be the difference between life and death.  

This is why secondary or backup weapons should be part of your everyday essentials.  


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