Just wanted to add that my knives are both tools and weapons. For that matter, my shoes are both tools and weapons. Nearly any tool can also be a weapon, some more effectively than others. If needed, I would not hesitate to use a knife for self-defense, but until that time, I use knives as tools. I use 'expensive' knives because of the 'art' factor already discussed, and because I believe in having high-quality tools, rather than cheap POS tools.
As for knives vs. guns, sticks, etc. for self defense, I have several reasons to often prefer knives:
I can take a knife many more places than a gun, and leave it in the car when I can't go somewhere with it, whereas I can't legally leave a handgun in a car where I live.
Also, I can't own a handgun for another fourteen months or so, making it impractical.
In close combat, a nice fixed-blade can often be more useful than a gun. For example, refer to the reviews of Jerry Hossom's fighting knives; if you cut off your attacker's arm, he has trouble aiming his gun.
Anyway, on the origninal topic, I don't think a day has gone by that haven't used a knife. And, it greatly reduces my stress level when I hook my hands on my pockets and feel the butt-ends of a couple of Benchmades, since I know they will be there if I need them.
--JB
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