[DRBoyle]

If memory serves isn't it in the Philipinees that have all those home/backyard gunsmiths? Odds are in those countries you'll get held up with a gun. Barring that anyone brings a knife to a gun fight should be out of luck. Doesn't matter what size the knife, as long as it's big enough to draw blood with repeated blows. Even the humble swiss army knife with the bottle screw opener outwards (used in brass knuckles fashion) is enough to be a threat. An artery cut is an artery cut.

The a) options sounds like the better bet.

Perhaps if it it's a revolver risk a first shot from the pocket. Ofcourse depends on where the firearm is.