Originally posted by Old Knife Guy:
To Rogue_Spear: I think you put your finger on it with "two equal knife fighters." I believe that most attackers do not want equal footing, and will drive home an assault with either greater numbers or an attack from the rear. In this case, the 'brain' is the really big weapon. I've never seen a duel; I've never seen a bouncer weigh both drunks, and measure their weaponry and award a 'handicap.' I have been the victim of an attempted mugging, two rookie teenagers with a hockey stick against one suburban old guy jogger--who they didn't know was a former motorcycle club member. There is even an argument for 'weaponry doesn't matter at all.' I am more impressed by the quality of workmanship in a Sifu than size alone. Think about this: a Gurkha Kukhri is traditionally made from the worn out leaf springs of cars and trucks, but it is bigger and heavier than a Sifu. Is the Sifu now the second best weapon?--OKG
OKG,
I'm not really sure what your overall message in this response was to Rogue_Spear, as I found it a bit vague.
First, I agree there are many variables which determine the outcome of combat. Amongst them are combinations of: skill, strategy, strength (not just physical, but sheer number, weaponry), weather/terrain, and even luck.
However, I agree with Rogue_Spear that two extra inches in the blade PLUS two+ inches in the handle are a critical factor as it gives you a significant range and reach advantage over an LCC. Reach/range is an acknowledged factor in combat forms from boxing, to warfare (i.e. Which would you want in a long-range fight? A M-16, or an MP5K?).
Another advantage is that the Sifu is more intimidating in looks. It is argued that you shouldn't reveal your knife in a knife fight. However, I believe if I'm outnumbered and cornered (eg all things ARE NOT equal), I would reveal the knife like a rattlesnake shaking it's rattle. A message as to say, "first guy to attack me is going to get shanked". Don't show the knife, and they will all pounce on you anyway. Intimidation is going to be better with a big knife, over a small one.
As for "never take a knife to a gun-fight". Well, that's common sense if you know you're going to a gunfight. Unfortunately, most of so-called "good guys" become targets of attacks when we are going through normal activities in the day; like you jogging. It's unlikely that the "average person" is going to be packing a gun. In addition, there are much higher legal repercussions with carrying a gun. Therefore, for most of us, the knife is the closest we have to a defensive-weapon we can carry everyday.
It really depends on your situation. For me, living in Canada, there are incredibly stiff firearm laws. As a law-abiding citizen, I'm not going to carry a concealed firearm. In addition, there's a better chance that a mugger, or street thug, will NOT have a firearm either. I'm not denying that we don't have problems with criminals with illegal firearms. We do. However there are much less firearms out there in the city amongst street level punks/thieves than a comparable American city. For me, a Sifu makes sense.
