In West VA since Constitutional Carry passed many of us have renewed the permit for reciprocity purposes. By WV law the concealed carry permit is for a handgun only, no knives, martial arts weapons, impact weapons, etc.
Law enforcement officer here who instructs local CCW class for new licensees recommends carrying a chemical protective spray to the start force continuum. Objective is to create space, distance yourself from the threat, break off contact if possible and give verbal warning. If you attempt to use a knife or baton you will probably force the threat to escalate. There is no good end to that.
Objective should ALWAYS be to break off the contact and avoid having to shoot. If the threat persists after being sprayed, you have used that interval to break away from the contact, increasing distance and you have given verbal warning, by now you should have drawn your weapon be prepared to shoot.