Using knives for self defence

**Johann du Toit** · 19-05-2019, 22:51

While I am not an expert in the least in this field, I collect knives as a hobby and own several, including a couple of Karambit knives, and I was wondering if knives are viable as self defence weapo? (I got the idea after seeing John Wick: Chapter 3: Parabellum, so if you want to tell me my idea is bulls**t, then I will accept said advice and leave it at that).

Obviously a knife can never take the place of a handgun and it's a no-brainer when one has to choose one or the other, but perhaps it has value as a backup weapon?

**Skaaphaas** · 19-05-2019, 23:38

It’s a must-have. Weapon retention, backup, etc.

A fixed blade is a far better option than a folder if you can carry it. A karambit is a bit of a dark horse, takes a lot of training to make it work like it should (we aren’t all Doug Marcaida).

Get some training as well in terms of fighting with gun and knife in close quarters. A knife isn’t really rocket science (it cuts and stabs, we all use them in the kitchen daily), but it helps to practice it under some pressure to see where the pitfalls of using it are.

**treeman** · 20-05-2019, 00:08

unless you grew up with knives in a world where knives and knife play - fighting etc were part of your life you are as likely to win the lotto as you are to win a knife fight with a bloke that came with a knife as his weapon. Its just a whole world tat you unlikely to catch up on afterwards when you decide to learn"the knife". Yea - i know a knife in your hand is better than one in his hand only, but do not delude yourself how you will use a knife. The best part about a knife in your hand is that the other guy may think twice if you and what ever his cause trouble with you are still worth the risk to him self.
I carry a small blade every day and a scar under my chin and another in right hand from some one else blade. I am saying that average Joe having a blade for self defense is a bit like taking boxing lessons for 3 months in case a you fight a boxer one day.
Its a young mans weapon, make no mistake about that its a fast quick agile mans weapon and thats not most of us - even the rambo's

**Bjorn881** · 20-05-2019, 07:59

IMO a knife is extremely well suited to provide backup to a firearm. As already mentioned if it is for SD purposes, then a fixed blade (ideally on your waistline attached to your belt for quick access) is essential as you don't want to rely on your fine motor skills to deploy a folder blade under duress, never mind trying to find it in your pocket. There are circumstances when deploying a knife maybe better suited eg. when confronting an attacker within 21ft, providing weapon retention etc. Training is absolutely vital to highlight your downfalls and provide you with the necessary skills to use a knife defensively. Just be aware that in a knife fight the chances are no matter who wins, both parties will generally end up being stabbed a few times before the fight is over hence also consider doing a Stop The Bleed course if you haven't already done one!.

**treeman** · 20-05-2019, 08:23

Originally Posted by Bjorn881

IMO a knife is extremely .............................. Just be aware that in a knife fight the chances are no matter who wins, both parties will generally end up being stabbed a few times before the fight is over hence also consider doing a Stop The Bleed course if you haven't already done one!.

..............................
I forgot to mention that yes, in a knife fight both persons will get harmed almost guaranteed. When I worked narcs and illegal firearms, I got to stand around a few times while things were sorted out. I saw in these fights that the guy who shrugged off pain and shock generally won, not something I or most of my known peoples are able to do, we get hurt we wanna stop. As a matter of interest : all of the stand down do it fights I have seen had one thing in common - neither wanted to kill the other, but wanted to win. The stab wounds were all short jabs with shallow penetration, I asked about it and was told that the area around shoulders and lower back were prime jab areas because a injury there usually lead to paralyses of that arm or leg, this would incapacitate/ put at your mercy the opponent if permanent damage, it would "los a merk !" so he never forgets you. Was also told that these fights were not with the murder charge. All the dead by stabbings I saw had no fight, usually no build up and few if any witness. May not be accurate, fights = stabs any where / kills and attempted kills always seemed from front below ribs and neck. May just have been coincidence but ja.
Bjorn - see you are 23, I am certain that when you reach 50 you will also consider a knife for doing damage to aggressor as a long stretch.

**The Beast** · 20-05-2019, 08:25

Apart from a knife being a very useful tool to have with you for everyday things. It is a good defensive tool to have with you.
Chances are that hen you are attached by a knife wielding thug he may be familiar with his knife, but not some super ninja knife fighter. I'd rather take the chance with a knife than without. Then I would rather GTFO before it comes to that, if that is an option.

**Ds J** · 20-05-2019, 10:07

Do a knife course or three, preferably with several reputable and acknowledged trainers. Generally speaking, folks are astounded at how little they know.

A karambit looks so good and the idea of the curved, slicing movements are tempting ... until you partner up with someone who knows knives and you realise how much you still need to learn. A karambit is a specialist weapon.

**gertjie87** · 20-05-2019, 10:54

The winner of a knife fight is the one that bleeds the least. Knifes are horrible horrible things that can cause massive damage. When in a knife fight remember to use your legs... to run away as fast as possible.
But yes always have one and know how to use it. And remember stick them with the pointy end.

**Adoons** · 20-05-2019, 11:05

The only "knife" I carry is my Leatherman, (it has the same tactical advantage as a pistol in a safe with the key stored somewhere...) Then there was a SD course advertised in my area. I enrolled. Very basic. Knife work was also part of the day. So the instructors gave use dummy knives and showed us a few moves and paired the students up and we had to attack and defend. After a while and swopping between partners and helping us to hone the skills they stopped us and ask the question? What have you learned? Almost in one voice we replied: " That you are screwed if getting attacked with a knife."

The lesson they wanted to teach for the day was that to be effective with a knife is not at all difficult, BUT to defend against a knife with a knife or a gun in close range is extremely difficult and need a lot of skills that can never be learned with a short course.

So the rest of the day went to learning how to be aware, protect your firearm, getting your firearm in hand and shoot from different positions. Also to make sure that if your attacker has a knive, realise it is deadly and quick at that, so drop him with your firearm before he can reach you or get distance between yourself and him.

Nothing wrong with learning the skills of a knife or carrying one, but if you are not highly trained, rather flight than try to fight....

**treeman** · 20-05-2019, 13:35

There is a US Marine that shows how to best deal with a knife attacker, its a You tube short movie - very informative. Go look it up
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AArg do not worry I will tell you ! the screen opens with the ultra impressive marine guy standing facing a dirt bag with a blade, the face each other warily and the voice over guys sais, " ok Mr Marine show us how to deal with a knife attacker" - the marine then darts left ducks right and just keeps on going --- away away away from the aggressor at a good run pace.