Much of edged weapon training is done with big plastic/rubber knives. I decided to take the confiscated knives I had laying around that I use for classes and analyze them. There were 11 knives, and everyone of them was taken from someone who was arrested. They likely were not charged with them unless they were used in the crime or were prohibited. Most of the time they decided to turn them over because they would not accept them as property in the jail. Although I cannot recall I am pretty sure that they all had previous criminal records. Most bad guys give the excuse of self defense for the reason they carry edged weapons.
Out of 11 knives, six were fixed blades, 3 were kitchen type knives, 3 were folders (one was a folding razor type and one cheap balisong), and three were box cutter/razor knives.
In the state of Maryland where they were seized only the folder on the bottom right hand side is legal to carry.
The average blade length was 2.82 inches.
Further analysis shows that five of them would stab/cut, four would slash only and two would stab only.
The reality is that none of these offenders were charged with the carrying of these concealed weapons. For the folks carrying them it was the least of their problems.
Although I am sure that there individuals who carry machetes and bowie knives I have to believe these examples are indicative of knives the policeman or citizen will likely face on the street.
Since I don't, nor am I aware of any training programs that specifically focus on these types of weapons I think it is a good idea to think about these types of weapons when you think about having to defend against one. Not bowie knives or machetes.
Two points that stand out to me in reference to edged weapon attacks are that the majority of the time the victim never sees the knife and instead thinks they are being punched and that the last few cuts or stabs are the fatal ones.
Armed with this information and seeing how small the average size is of and edged weapon we will likely see on the street you can see why people seldom see them.
Again we are taken back to the fundamental rule of defending against the mechanism of the attack and not the tool.
Try not to get cut.
If you must take a cut, minimize it.
Control the weapon arm.
Smash the head and elbow until it is over.
Out of 11 knives, six were fixed blades, 3 were kitchen type knives, 3 were folders (one was a folding razor type and one cheap balisong), and three were box cutter/razor knives.
In the state of Maryland where they were seized only the folder on the bottom right hand side is legal to carry.
The average blade length was 2.82 inches.
Further analysis shows that five of them would stab/cut, four would slash only and two would stab only.
The reality is that none of these offenders were charged with the carrying of these concealed weapons. For the folks carrying them it was the least of their problems.
Although I am sure that there individuals who carry machetes and bowie knives I have to believe these examples are indicative of knives the policeman or citizen will likely face on the street.
Since I don't, nor am I aware of any training programs that specifically focus on these types of weapons I think it is a good idea to think about these types of weapons when you think about having to defend against one. Not bowie knives or machetes.
Two points that stand out to me in reference to edged weapon attacks are that the majority of the time the victim never sees the knife and instead thinks they are being punched and that the last few cuts or stabs are the fatal ones.
Armed with this information and seeing how small the average size is of and edged weapon we will likely see on the street you can see why people seldom see them.
Again we are taken back to the fundamental rule of defending against the mechanism of the attack and not the tool.
Try not to get cut.
If you must take a cut, minimize it.
Control the weapon arm.
Smash the head and elbow until it is over.
