Knife Defense for Dummies

TRAV,

That is a reality, but there is another reality as well. The revolver did, in a very real way, cancel out the popularity of the Bowie, dirk, dagger, push knife (dagger) and sword cane.

It was not necessarily that the Bowie knife was deadlier than the Colt, it was that "Polite Society" was very squeamish about people having their head hanging on by a thread of muscle or their entrails dragging behind them after the engagement.

Someone in a Soldier of Fortune article wrote about that as well, it was either Bagwell or Chuck Karwan, I would have to dig out the old issues. It was called, "Mutually Assured Destruction."

So, it had alot to do with how "Polite Society" perceived the use of the Bowie and not exactly that it was deadlier.

That is said with the caveat that I do think they are at least the equal of modern handguns and possibly surpassed early handguns in lethality, mostly because of advancements in bullet design.

The Bowie most certainly had an advantage over single shot or even multi-shot handguns that were en vogue at the zenith of the Bowie's popularity. As those handguns evolved into better designs, they were multi-shot revolvers, but still misfired. Then that was improved upon as well with case ammunition and the demise of muzzleloaders. You know the story.


 
Don, I think we're basically on the same page. I totally agree that the victim of a knife wielding attack is at a disadvantage- of course they are. But again, I would feel better equipped to deal with the situation with both hands available (however noneffective they might turn out to be).

I aggree that when people train with specialised knife defense techniques, they often feel a false sense of confidence. I know some of these techniques, but when training against realistic attacks, it is nearly impossible to actually use them.

Furthermore, I believe that a hard hand or foot smashing technique to a vital area will have a more dramatic and immediate effect on an attacker, as apposed to a knife slash or stab. In other words, if some big dude is coming hard at me, I believe that any of my folding knives are not going to have an IMMDEDIATE stopping effect. Sure they may be bleeding badly, but they probably are going to still hit me hard. In theory, breaking a kneecap, smashing a nose or a solid shot to the gonads will have a more immediate (if not more serious) effect. Mearly knocking down your assailant for a moment to facilitate an escape could be more effective than making a nasty slash in their face or whatever. This might only serve to enrage him.

I am not saying that knives are not valuable defensive tools, only that there are many things to factor in, in any given self-defense scenario.

Lots of great ideas and thoughts in this thread!

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John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works
 
Kumdo,

I agree with the techniques you suggested but I think you are discounting the psychological effect that many people would feel by actually seeing their own blood spilled. There is also a certain amount of fight stopping psychology involved with actually being stabbed or one's face being slashed. Your own technique of smashing someone's nose backs up my blood theory. I have been in fist fights (as a Bouncer) which were quickly ended when the person saw large amounts of their own blood flowing from their nose. Just something to think about. Of course every situation and person's psychological reactions are different. And if you throw drugs or alchohol into the mix, all bets are off. This is a very informative and interesting thread.

Jim McCullough

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Next time you feel your life is sooo tough, read this- Some American Heroes
 
So let me see...

A knife IS a formidable weapon, it often beats being empty-handed (because you have more options), many of us who have the option to carry guns and/or knives do so, and that carrying a weapon (and what type of weapon) is an individual choice.

Are we all basically in agreement with that? JRF.


[This message has been edited by jrf (edited 01-04-2001).]
 
jrf,yes.In fact I've been in agreement with all of your posts.

[This message has been edited by Lone Hunter (edited 01-04-2001).]
 
Fighting Blind. I should not continue with this...it is possibly bad press.

It is hard for a blind man to defend against an attacker.

However, it can be done. Ask John Kary, would you grab him in an alley? If you do not know who he is, then you need to do some homework.

What about an attacker? Even John Kary "coming after me" would not cause me the slightest bit or tremor or turmoil in my Being. It is nearly impossible for someone who is blind or blinded to be a substantial threat beyond the point which they are blinded.

Attacking requires targeting and that requires sight, unless the person is already on you, you can evade then. The fight is over.

Lacerations to the face, especially directly above the eyes, on the forehead or on that part of the scalp from the crown forward, will impair vision to a great degree as the blood supply to these areas are vigorous. They bleed copiously.

Anyone that has had a minor cut from shaving can testify to that. A very small, cut can bleed quite a bit. Now, imagine that as even a 3 inch cut, to the depth of the bone. You get a very clear picture of what can happen. Gravity will do the rest.

That is not to say that I advocate that as a focus of self-defense, however, it is just something else to take into consideration.

If that cut happens, sure, the attacker can still keep flailing, and he will, in most cases lose, and lose miserably.

Police Officers around here are taught that if they are blinded by their own O.C. Pepper Spray or by someone in close contact who has their own, to pull them in and shoot them in the body. There is a reason for that, they are blind and the man will stomp them and take their sidearm and kill them. This is why that response is warranted. If you cannot see, you are in deep, way over your head. Likewise with an attacker. Just more random thoughts...
 
Ack! Don, you are too knowledgeable and helpful!
smile.gif


How about if I start a thread in Practical Tactical. See everyone there.
 
Wave about a large folder/fixed blade in your main hand.

Try to 'git im'

When he grabs the wrist and begins the martial arts thing he has practiced sooo many times. Fast draw and one hand open the concealed folder on your other side and jab him in the neck. He was even nice enough to bring you close for the maneuver.

The point? A knife is a deadly weapon, even in a novices hands, it is loaded a all times and care not where it goes.

W.A.

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"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto
 
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