I'm with you Charles. I believe your point of view is precisely why many (not all, but a fair number) of Filipino and Indonesian martial arts teach the short blade and/or the baton first, because those are the weapons most likely to be available. Long and short comes later, first with stick, then with the long blade last. There could be other reasons for this besides sheer availability, but it does fit nicely in that paradigm. I'm also with you in that the weapon I'd be most likely to reach for in a close-range defense scenario would be the 4 in folder in my front pocket. Firstly because it's always there. Secondly because close-in, I'd prefer the flexibility of the blade over my CCW. Thirdly, I can readily demonstrate to a jury the difference between defensive blade wounds and attempted murder blade wounds. In a more-than-arm's-length away situation, the CCW would be preferable over a 30" sword in most, if not all, present day settings. If one were to ever defend one's self or family with a sword, it most likely would be in a situation where modern society was no longer functioning. That doesn't mean one is not worth having, IMO, especially if all the other bases are already covered. Plus, I want one...