Should YOU Carry A Gun & Knive To Protect Yourself? Self-Defense & Protection 101 With Navy SEAL Turned Preparedness Expert Bill Rapier.
Ben Greenfield
Aug 28, 2025
Episode description
In this powerful conversation with Bill Rapier, you’ll discover both the practical and philosophical sides of self-defense, preparedness, and living with vigilance and intention. Bill—a former Navy SEAL and founder of Amtac Shooting—shares not only his deep expertise in firearms, blades, and integrated combatives, but also the mindset that will help you train responsibly and live ready.
You’ll learn why carrying tools like firearms and knives is less about aggression and more about having “violence insurance”—a rare but critical safeguard for protecting yourself and others when it truly matters.
Whether it’s choosing your first holster, sharpening threat assessment skills, or building resilience, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to elevate your preparedness (while staying true to your values and priorities).
Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/amtac
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LMNT: Everyone needs electrolytes, especially those on low-carb die
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Utilize concealed carry for tactical advantage
While open carry is a great political statement, concealed carry is a better tactical decision as it retains the element of surprise.
Take initiative to gain tactical advantage in imminent threats
After all attempts to de-escalate have failed and you are 99% sure an attack is imminent, you should 'go first' to gain a tactical advantage.
Train under physical stress by practicing dry firing between workout sets
Practice dry firing your weapon between workout sets to simulate a high heart rate and learn to perform under physical stress.
Prioritize firearms training for optimal self-defense ROI
For the fastest and highest return on investment in self-defense capability, prioritize firearms training over hand-to-hand martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu.
Demystify firearms for children to prevent forbidden fruit curiosity
Demystify firearms for children through supervised, safe handling to avoid creating a dangerous 'forbidden fruit' curiosity.
Seek martial arts with living blade culture for effective knife training
For effective knife training, seek out martial arts with a living blade culture and a focus on warlike skills, such as the Filipino styles Sayoc Kali or Atienza Kali.
Utilize nixtamalization to neutralize inflammation in corn
Masa tortilla chips use the Aztec nixtamalization process, soaking corn in an alkaline solution to increase mineral content and neutralize inflammatory phytic acid.
Carry self-defense tools as violence insurance
Carrying tools for self-defense is a form of 'violence insurance,' not a fear-based action, ensuring you have an answer if violence is the only solution.
Reframe non-dominant hand as 'other strong side' for fighting mindset
To improve your fighting mindset, refer to your non-dominant hand as your 'other strong side' rather than your 'weak side.'.
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