a knife for self defense

First, let me agree with those who say leave any situation that looks like it might turn ugly before you're forced to fight.
A good run is better than a bad stand anyday.

Having said that: Contrary to what some folks will say, I believe a knife is a very good self defence tool.
It's fairly intimidating (nobody wants to get sliced up), it's easily carried and concealed, it's not as regulated as firearms are in alot of states, it's useful for other things besides self-defence, you don't have to worry about hitting an innocent bystander, and it's lethal.
It's effectiveness has been proven on both battlefields and back alleys. From biblical times to the space-age man has used knives to defend himself and probably always will.

Also, if you're an average size/age person (not elderly and feeble or just a kid) there is very little chance that it will be taken from you and used against you. This is a myth perpetuated by the anti-self-defence-crowd. Yes, it COULD happen but the same can be said for any weapon or tool (gun, baton, pepper-spray, ect). The fact is that your average street criminal/thug IS NOT an expert fighter or martial artist. They prey upon the weak and those who cannot fight back (especially women and the elderly) because they don't really want to fight at all. They want easy money with a minimum of trouble and work. Don't underestimate criminals but don't build them up to be greater than they are.
I'm not saying that a knife is the answer to your prayers, but it is better than nothing.

Of course there is a downside: the psychological factors already mentioned in this thread, the legal ramifications, blood-borne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis, and the close proximity to the attacker (but if running is'nt an option, he's probably already too close).

To answer your question of which knife:
I don't know. I would advise either a strong fixed-blade knife or a very strong locking folder, and one that you are 100% comfortable with using under the most stressful of situations.

Just my opinion,
Allen.
 
To those who answered a "not asked question".

If you want to discuss the pro and cons of a knife in a self defense situation or self defense in general, please start your own thread.
In my opinion it is disrespectful to think that banditele needs your paternalism.
 
All kidding aside, a knife is an effective self-defense weapon, with proper training. I had this conversation with a coworker just yesterday, actually. He asked me what I'd do if a mugger pulled a knife on me, and seemed shocked when I explained that my first reaction would be to run away -- provided I had access to an escape route, and enough room not to get stabbed in the back.

A canemasters cane or other impact tool is also an effective weapon, but a cane is not something everyone can carry without raising the suspicion of passing law enforcement officers. A knife, by contrast, can be carried concealed. No, using it is not something you'd want to do except for a situation of last resort. But you cannot always run. It's fine to say, "Only LEOs, PIs, and Bad Guys couldn't run if things get hot," but that's not always how it works. Sometimes you make mistakes, and find yourself backed into a corner; other times you're with someone who can't necessarily run.

Ultimately, the best self-defense weapon is a licensed, legal handgun, but there are many people who can't or won't carry a gun for a variety of valid reasons. In my opinion, the knife is the best second choice, though its choice is a compromise between efficacy and reach versus portability and concealment. Yes, it would be preferable to carry a pair of Filipino fighting sticks or a full-sized sword. No, most of us can't do that. And I can't carry a cane discreetly unless I'm willing to fake a limp, quite honestly.

One of the earlier comments in this thread was something to the effect that stabbing someone would get you in deep trouble, whereas pounding someone with a cane or walking stick would earn you an "Atta-boy." In reality, any act of self-defense is going to land you in the slime-covered embrace of lawyers, prosecutors, and politicians. The choice to defend one's self is always made in the context of likely legal ramifications in our lawsuit-crazed, victim-applauding culture.

One must not choose lightly the decision to defend one's self with a blade -- but that choice, and the choice to carry a knife in the first place, are both necessary and valid in certain situations.
 
EDITED BECAUSE I CAN OFF LIKE A TOTAL ASS..

Razors post above sums it up.......Good post...Needless to say im pro carry...Firearm,Knife,Cane ..Whatever it takes...It's like a seatbelt hopefully you never need it but ya wear it just incase..I can say from experience that defense with a blade is NOT pretty,heroic or macho. Hell it wasent very effective(<-Untrained as I am)but it saved my ass..........
 
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