there really is a lot of misinformation on this thread. Be cautious of what you take from it. Perhaps when I have more time I will go through it for those interested.

respectfully

reluctantpawn

A knife is nothing more than something sharp that can be held in the hand. I've seen knives with stone blades, flint blades, metal blades, etc... they are tools. As with all tools, they can be used as weapons. A framing hammer is far more dangerous than a knife as it has a longer reach, a cutting edge (nail claw), more weight and a blunt edge, and was DESIGNED to be wielded with precision. But I don't get freaked out every time I walk by a carpenter and call him the cancer of society.

A knife is a TOOL. Sometimes, you just need a freaking knife. When you're unloading your kayak and you accidently hardlined one of your slipknots into an impossible wreckage of rope, YOU NEED A KNIFE. Need to cut a stick? Knife. Need to cut a steak? Knife. Skin a snake? Knife. Defend yourself from a foul, viscious attack bunny? I'd go with a 12 gauge or a grenade to be certain, but a knife is better than nothing.

The only way to learn to knife-fight is to do it. You can use blunt sticks. Every body moves differently and you have your strengths and weakness. My personal strength is my legs and balance. Ducking, dodging and simply getting the hell out of the way. I cannot deflect blows with my arms hands and legs, but I can pull someone off balance. I've seen people use the blades themselves to deflect using short knives like miniature swords. Your strength is your mind. Know yourself and you can learn to use a knife as if it were an extension of your hand.

If you're not totally comfortable using a knife as a tool, don't even attempt to use one as a weapon.

This is just a disclaimer post. I think Semperfortis had a post up about edged weapons at one point, do a search for it. He lists the kinds of attacks, what would be right to use, etc, etc... very knowledgable.

whats the most dangerous weapon i own . my brain using it i can turn anything into a deadly weapon. from a handfull of dirt to the tree limb i ripped off of tree. i can use it to blow stuff up or to incapacitate attacker with a blow to his femoral artery. knives and guns are just tools its the users brains or lack there of that make either one dangerous

I have from time to time carried a knife, a hand gun, and a rifle for various reasons. currently I carry none of these, you will get into no trouble with what you can do with your hands in self-defense, unless you are a professional fighter of some type.

Originally posted by WatchRider


Well the only 'no-gun' countries that I know of are Japan, India, Burma and North Korea.
In the UK you can own guns legit, but it's just a bit of paperwork compared to the USA where you can tool up easily.

[edit on 31-5-2010 by WatchRider]

You can't own one here in Australia unless you are a member of a gun club and visit pretty much all the meetings they have.

You can't carry it with you though under ANY circumstances. Unless you are on private property.

i guess a very good defence against a knife attack would be kote gaeshi

Originally posted by rockoperawriter
i guess a very good defence against a knife attack would be kote gaeshi

No it's not, you try and grab someones arm while they're flailing a knife around, that's a good way to get your fingers chopped off. People will argue over the best way to disarm someone who has a knife but the best ways i've practiced are to allow yourself to be cut in an area that won't bleed to much and using that split second to take advantage of the situation. The outer forearm is a good target to offer.

Of course the best defense is not to get into the situation.

The second best defense is to train cardio and outrun them

Originally posted by rockoperawriter
i guess a very good defence against a knife attack would be kote gaeshi

Aikido doesn't really teach the best way to defend against something. Most of the attacks are not necessarily a way a real person would attack you. Most knife martial arts are based on grace and style, both of which your criminal attacker will not use.

I wouldn't try actual techniques unless you can perform them without thinking in the slightest..