Myths about Fixed Blade Knife Fighting

There are a variety of myths associated with using a knife, whether it is a fixed or folding blade in battle. One is that if you are forced to use a knife to defend yourself, you can successfully claim self defense.  Let me help you out here…you will more than likely be charged with manslaughter or murder.

Anytime you use a knife to defend or attack – you are committing assault with a deadly weapon, period.  This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t defend yourself or carry a fixed blade knife; however it does mean you should deeply consider the possible outcome before you ever decide to carry any weapon in the first place.  This does not mean that it would be unwise to have one on your person, particularly if it means the difference between your life and death.

One myth is that an attack on your person will happen in a predefined way that you have concocted in your mind.  Unfortunately, altercations rarely happen in the situations that you imagine. Usually the aggressor will try to get the best of you when he has the advantage. It is impossible to predetermine when and where you would be attacked or the direction it will come from.  Even muggings have started out with pleasant salutations from the attacker. Just because you envision how you would handle yourself with a fixed blade knife does not mean the outcome will be as precise.

Next, people assume that if you wield a fixed blade knife to a potential attacker then this will dissuade him from the attack. I personally believe it’s never easy to pull out any weapon on an impending attacker. Perhaps a half hearted mugger will back off, however if the assailant has friends nearby waiting to help him, you may find yourself surrounded and be forced use your knife. In this situation, there’s always the strong chance it could be turned around used on you. Some battle-hard muggers aren’t worried about what weapon you carry if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in need of a fix. Pulling out a knife in any form of self defense invites escalation.

If you are forced to use fixed blade knives, perhaps using techniques you have learned will end the confrontation right on the spot. Unfortunately, knife fighting is a bloody thing, and unless you are skilled enough to stab the opponent in the right areas, it will take more than one stab. When adrenaline is pumping, your opponent may not feel the wounds that you inflict. In addition, if the person is on strong drugs you may have to stab them multiple times just to back him down. That same person may not drop until blood loss has physically impaired his ability to attack you. This type of case can land you in just as much trouble after the attack. It’s pretty hard to claim self defense for stabbing a mugger 18 times with a fixed blade knife.

Ultimately we all do what we have to do to survive, but having a realistic perspective on what you may be involving yourself in by using a fixed blade knife is the first thing you need to consider before you decide to carry one. The best advice I can give anyone is to depend on you first. If you can’t depend on your own abilities, be sure to seek an accredited training facility. There are definitely more ways to skin a cat!

Tactical Fixed Blade Knives