Ken,
I don't think I'd characterize stabbing as an entirely "easier" move than slashing. I spent several years fencing, and it isn't super-easy and instinctive to hit your (small) target with the point of a weapon. Takes much practice. Of course, that was with a much longer "weapon."
I would agree, though, that it's easier to hit a vital target with a stab than a slash, especially with those dang clothes. Not to say that a slash won't kill somebody very, very dead (think carotids.) And, is death the desired result? Yes, yes, if you draw your knife for defense, you should only do so if you would be equally justified in simply shooting your attacker, but what if he would be disarmed (think defanging the snake)? The knife could allow for mercy.
Now, I know no one is claiming this to be an either/or proposition (you can only slash or only stab), but I maintain that it's the flow of the confrontation that is the primary determining factor in how you will strike, be it slash, stab, or other.
I really find the circular movement of slashes to be more conducive for me to deliver multiple strikes (to my dummy) than thrusts.
I don't think I'd characterize stabbing as an entirely "easier" move than slashing. I spent several years fencing, and it isn't super-easy and instinctive to hit your (small) target with the point of a weapon. Takes much practice. Of course, that was with a much longer "weapon."
I would agree, though, that it's easier to hit a vital target with a stab than a slash, especially with those dang clothes. Not to say that a slash won't kill somebody very, very dead (think carotids.) And, is death the desired result? Yes, yes, if you draw your knife for defense, you should only do so if you would be equally justified in simply shooting your attacker, but what if he would be disarmed (think defanging the snake)? The knife could allow for mercy.
Now, I know no one is claiming this to be an either/or proposition (you can only slash or only stab), but I maintain that it's the flow of the confrontation that is the primary determining factor in how you will strike, be it slash, stab, or other.
I really find the circular movement of slashes to be more conducive for me to deliver multiple strikes (to my dummy) than thrusts.