When Is It Relevant to Use a Knife in Self Defense? // Five Scenarios Considered

[@alananderson5929]

I carry and practice with bladed weapons since I learned “the rules” in the Marines. Here’s a few tips: Never show your knife. They’re meant to be felt, not seen. Forget the slashing and wild moves you’ve seen in the movies. Straight, fast and unexpected strikes to soft targets solve most confrontational problems and ALWAYS be alert to YOUR surrounding. Thanks for your excellent advice. Semper Fi🇺🇸

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you as well, my friend!

[@SpiritGift]

You are one of the most humble, and easy to watch people on the internet. The knowledge is good, and the content is excellent.

[@411Outdoors]

Much appreciated my friend 🙂

[@wekoweko71]

@SpiritGift Absolutely agree 👍

[@jeffhiggins808]

Agreed

[@Xzontyr]

Depends where you are. Few years back here in saskatchewan, Canada, myself and a friend were walking back from a friend's house to my place. Just maybe 4 blocks away. We had walled the route many times. It wasn't the worst part of town or anything. Maybe a bit below the regular suburbs, but nothing outlandish. We were walking past one house when a young woman stuck her head out and started yelling at us. She was t a bad looker, so we stopped, and just said "sorry what?" Because we could understand her at first. It was apparant they had a party going on, with many people in the house. That's when she got mad and said something vulgar and angry. We still couldn't make out what she said, but by the tone, we knew it wasn't good. Right at that moment, I should of.grabbed my buddy and started running. Some guys and other people suddenly stuck their heads into the window to look at us. I did tell my bud that we need tk go now at that point, but he was still just looking at the house. Well, within a second or two, guys started running out at us with no shoes one. I pulled a pocket knife out of instinct I guess. Me and my bud both had a hobbiest amount of mma experience, but that's not going to save you from multiple people. My buddy wasn't armed and when they all saw my knife, they went at him. He got about 1 punch in and went down. Everyone went at him, accept for 1 guy. 1 guy that when drug tested at the hospital, turned out to be on everything, aswell as probation. So he came swinging at me. I just instinctively went at him. I got him once. He didn't back off. He came again and I got him 2 more times, and he did t react to it, but did back off. That's when some of his friends realized what was going on, so they actually grabbed him and took him inside. The other all ran in to. This was not good. They were probably running in for knives. I thank God however, because this gave me and my friend a clear opportunity to get out of there. He was in bad shape. I actually carried him part of the way. I guess when the ambulance came for the guy that wanted to attack me, he kept rolling off the gurdy, thinking he was fine. He wouod have died if his friend didn't call 911 for him. I didn't call 911 for my friend, but instead had a friend pick us up and take us to the hospital. It didn't take long for detectives to find us. About 2 hours later. The doctor discharged my buddy saying he was fine, even though he was obviously concused, and in very bad shape. My buddy also was an awarded football player in highschool as a line backer, so he'd been concussed before. None of the brigands that attacked my friend got charged with assault. Nothing. A few of them got spanked because they were on probation at the time. I however was treated like the midtown slasher. I worked, didn't have any prior assault chargers, but at the time the city had alot of stabbings, so they threw the book at me. The prosecuter offered a deal that was hard to refuse. I was charged with aggravated assault. You either get probation or locked up for it. No middle ground. To fight it in court wouod have costed 16k. My lawyer was a very fair and good guy, even with that price. Or, I spend just spend half of that, and the prosecutor agrees to lower the charge to assault causing bodily harm. In that case i won't get prison time, but a conditional sentence. Where I basically serve prison in public. The risk was high with the 16k. Some days I regret not fighting it, but if I lost, I was out 16k, and was going to prison for aggravated assault. It could of meant penitentiary time. I don't regret anything. That knife might of saved my life, and my friends that night. Who knows how far those people would have beaten us. We didn't know them from a hole in the ground. It's obvious that girl just wanted to see someone get beat up. My biggest mistake was ipenlybtalking with the detectives when they found me. I didn't think I did anything wrong. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I wasn't the aggressor. They beat the heck out of my buddy. I told the truth to them right away. My lawyer openly told me after all was said and done that if I would of said nothing at all, didn't give them the knife, and made it as hard as possible for them to get anything on me, that the case may have been thrown out once my lawyer got his hands on it. I have nothing against police. They do a great service in protecting people. But when it comes to the law. Just remmeber to protect yourself from it aswell.

[@mortykatz2236]

Your real mistake was not leaving when you had the chance. Stupid things that stupid places with stupid people always will get you screwed. Sorry for your experience but you could’ve avoided the whole damn situation pussy ain’t worth it

[@qsprimalaccuracy9709]

Glad you've summed up the story 😂

[@Xzontyr]

@qsprimalaccuracy9709 Just hope my fellow man can learn from it. To many quick answers these days on faster questions. Nothing wrong with a bit of explaining.

[@carlostovar8585]

I liked it. Was like reading a short book chapter. I was able to see and imagine the whole movie scenario .. i like to carry cold steel

[@qsprimalaccuracy9709]

@@Xzontyr Not at all, sir. Just a bit of humour 😀

[@ishgumi44]

Legally, anything that applies to a gun, applies to a knife. A deadly weapon is a deadly weapon.

[@JoelHuncar]

Great video. I shared it to my Facebook, and a couple of pages and groups. Very well thought out.

[@stephen8433]

I wholeheartedly agree!

[@JoeMac1983]

Except that in many (if not most) states, a knife cannot be carried with the intent to use it against another person (aggressively or defensively). So, when giving your side of the story (to your lawyer) be sure to say that you were in immediate fear for your life and the only tool you had at your disposal was the unassuming blade that you use to open your Amazon packages.

[@jasonjohnson6344]

A bit off topic but I think your viewers can use it as food for thought. A woman I knew had an auto accident during a blizzard. She flipped her car upside down into a barrow ditch between opposite lanes on a major highway. She was hanging upside down and was essentially trapped by her seatbelt and couldn’t get it to unlock. The snow continued and covered her car enough to basically conceal it. Her head was cranked severely to one side as she hung there. She had managed to turn on her dome light and after three days in her predicament, the weather had improved enough that an aircraft saw the glowing spot in the barrow pit and directed state police to the location. The lack of bloodflow in her neck left her a paraplegic for the rest of her life and she eventually succumbed to pneumonia from the residual complications from her paralysis. I’ve been carrying a knife since boyhood but after what happened to her and realizing that, in a similar situation, I might not be able to get my knife from my pocket. Even though I carry ones with belt clips. I have a belt clip knife attached to each of my sun visors now to at least have a second option if I can’t get the one from my pocket. If this were to ever help even one person reading this, it was worth the time to post it. Rest in peace Debbie. 🙏😔

[@santossalinas4221]

When my life is on the line any weapon is relevant especially my knife.

[@sammywilliam8156]

I got my first Glock 81 knife with a saw on the back I got it for stopping and damaging power yes this might sound barbaric but you know where I'm coming from if somebody comes at us either me or you they're not doing it because the newest episode of X files is on and they want to watch It with us

[@DeanFromTexas]

Absolutely the use of a knife in a self defense scenario is justified - and perhaps even preferable. As long as deadly force is justified under the circumstances.

[@whatsthemonsterbelow]

I gotta say man, your videos are good and also not fear mongering rather they calm me. Appreciate it.

[@411Outdoors]

Great to hear! 🙂

[@Jackknife1951]

I grew up in a part of Washington D.C. that the senators and tourists never saw. spent most my life in and around that town, until the wife and I retired and moved to Georgetown Texas. Growing up in a not so good part of town, and traveling the streets city wide, we all carried a knife of some sort for protection. Didn't have to be big, just sharp and the most popular was the lowly box cutter. There was an old Irish beat cop that took us sort of under his wing to set us strait, and he advised us all to get a box cutter. No knives that were capable of stabbing, because if you stab someone, there's a good chance of killing him, and a homicide makes it up to a whole other level we didn't want to go. We were taught that if we were indeed in fear of life or limb, to slice, hands/wrists/forearms and then retreat. Use cuts from the box cutter to make a break in the action to retreat. Officer Kennedy told us that there was a world of legal difference between a defensive cut, and a stab that may kill someone. A cut across a hand/wrist/arm would create an opening. We were taught to never let them see it coming. To this day, I still have great respect for a box cutter after seeing what it would do to human flesh. And it was legally more easy to explain why we had a box cutter than some switchblade or other what would have been the forunner of the 'tactical' knife. Now at age 73, there's still a flat little box cutter in my pocket, but now living in Texas, a small revolver is also in a side pocket of my jeans. But there's times I can't carry my CCW, like flying home to visit family and friends, Or a flying down to Key West for a fishing vacation, so a stop at Home Depot for a folding Husky utility knife that I can just give away when flying out is made. Of course, once 'older age was gained, and I got out of the army with a 50% disability from injuries on active duty, the switch to impact tools was made with a stout Irish Blackthorn stick. Took up stick training with some basic Kendo, some Fencing, but theres still the little box cutter along just in case it gets close range inside the cane. Wife carries a Gerber EAB with a fresh blade in it in case she can't or down't have her little S&W along.

[@JohnGalt1960]

I carry both à blade(s) and à revolver. I also have a walking cane made from à broomstick, Im 61 years old and cant fight like I once could and I carry a lot of cash on me everyday. I am very proactive and I assume trouble is always near, there are ways to carry yourself that make you à difficult target, anticipate the threats, last of all its better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6. ☠️

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

Indeed. I have been living in dangerous towns and cities for so long, my "street face" comes on automatically when I leave my apartment. A little pissed off and, maybe, more than a little insane. I don't get so much attention from thugs, these days. Although, I have friends and coworkers ask me what's wrong, frequently. I forget that I have "street face" on, so I neglect to turn it off, sometimes. 😁

[@brigade911]

saying you carry cash is putting you in danger, people mayknow who you are in real life, better delete this comment

[@michaelangelo7511]

You make the best vids. The best delivery on the tube.👍🏻🇺🇸

[@411Outdoors]

Than you!🙂

[@AllAmericanPrepper13]

I'm an Edge. weapon specialist and I am impressed I subscribed.

[@411Outdoors]

Awesome. Thanks my friend 🙂

[@royalemousseau5453]

Good content good information..I like the way you detailed the different situations good video man

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks so much!

[@danielanthony9621]

I would have bet the farm that you were military or Law Enforcement. You carry yourself and speak with knowledge and authority. Always enjoy your videos. This video to me speaks of the Use of Force Continuem. Every State has there own version but they are all extremely similar. This will also be what goes to court with you if you have to defend your actions. It will be used against you as well. Good video with common sense information, Thanks.

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend! I’m just a long term martial artists of many styles and people study🙂

[@NullAndVoided]

I’m pretty sure I saw the exact video referenced in the beginning; the guy with the knife was practically a sniper - struck his target in the carotid. Frankly terrifying to see. Now when it comes to letting a person know I have a knife in hand I’m in the camp of “Don’t let them see it coming”. My thought process is that if someone sees a knife they have a target to defend against and or an arm to immobilize. That said I’m also keen to run away, call me whatever but don’t call me late for dinner. Love the uploads and I look forward to more content.

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks so much 🙂 stay tuned

[@TimParker-Chambers]

A great common-sense rule of thumb, definitely a distinction worth knowing ahead of time, so if the worst comes to the worst, someone can then indeed think; 'Do I need to shank this fool, can I defuse the situation and walk away, or do I only need to trade fists?' 👍👍👍👍 And, I'll share my favorite joke, as it's on topic.. Q: What's the difference between an onion and a rambling drunk? A: You cry when you cut an onion... 'Rambling drunk' can be substituted with any pejorative, and the format of the joke still holds up 👍👍👍👍

[@tweedlebee-eo2kq]

great video! thank you 411 outdoors! 👍

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you too!🙂

[@sombra6153]

Great advise on educating one’s self on knife defense. I haven’t really studied real world knife defenses but I’ve paid some attention to various criminal uses. I recall an article by Ernest Emerson where he described most st*bbings resulted from up close grappling situations where a knife was felt before it was seen. Prison surveillance camera videos have shown how shank attacks actually go down and they don’t go down like movie depictions. My best advise is to practice situational awareness and use distance, movement, or obstacles if possible. Us Americans haven’t been a knife culture for a long, long time now, and the likelihood of finding an average American boy carrying or even owning a pocket knife is slim to none anymore. Other parts of the world are different and we should be aware of that.

[@r.tomrobison8307]

Your content is good. No matter what you carry you have the ability to use that weapon when needed. Not physically but mentally. Know what you can do. It will effect you. 27 years as a cop I did not have to use my weapon. I came close. But I had the mindset if it came to that I would do it. I'm retired now thankful I don't work now. 5

[@colonialrebel9964]

I grew up in a neighborhood where kids brought knives to elementary school for protection. My best friend was cut and stabbed in his hand while defending his little brother when we were in 4th grade. I began carrying knives around 12 y/o and Im in my 30s now. I have NEVER needed to pull my knife on a human being ever! I have pulled knives out on a couple of a dogs when they had me cornered and were acting aggressively while I was walking my dog. But I've never needed to use a knife or pull one out in any situation involving a human. Ive worked as hotel security for a major hotel near down town where i live and we would have to constantly kick out vagabonds, drug addicts and disgruntled customers. Some of these people carry hockey sticks, machetes, fixed blade knives and even guns etc. This is why i say OC spray is a must have, if you can engage your target from a distance (throwing tomahawk 😆) and not trade blows with knives or other hand to hand weapons you're making good choices!

[@Hoggy1963]

Excellent advice, good vid

[@jeffhiggins808]

Excellent well considered and relevant information. Thank you

[@Maryland_Kulak]

Great video. I didn’t know you’re in Virginia. I also have a martial arts background (2nd Dan, Bujinkan). I was in the Army infantry for 29 years and 10 months and the only knife training I got in the Army was one day of bayonet training. That wasn’t exactly knife training because the knife was on the end of a rifle. So don’t feel bad. I got extensive knife training (tantojutsu) in the Bujinkan though.

[@Goats_]

I often drive long distances for work & go to truck stops & rest stops at odd hours. I've always got my blade handy, in addition to my often exposed scars. I'm not of large stature, but my unintentional appearance tends to keep away those up to no good. They have no idea I'd give the shirt off my back to a stranger in need. Great video as always. 🍻

[@411Outdoors]

I appreciate you watching. Have a great day🙂

[@saleemsuliman3062]

And that goes with the karambit sir the only channel that talks breifly about situations

[@shiningospel]

Thank you for this info ℹ️ 🕊️🤝🙏

[@chiefslief1886]

I love these kind of review/ videos with some wisdom ❤👍🏻

[@noblemanraisedinabettertim6171]

Good info

[@scottbollinger3641]

Excellent , relevant video… I agree with everything you said.

[@411Outdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarkedInBlack]

I’ve carried a knife my whole life. I’ve trained with them. I’m comfortable with them. A few times I pulled them out in tense/volatile situations and the other people involved never knew it was in my hand. Thankfully I never had to use it defensively. I was able to deescalate and/or back my way out of the immediate area and get clear of the danger.

[@qsprimalaccuracy9709]

When you mentioned the scenario 2, "Surrounded by Multiple Attackers", I immediately recalled an episode some 2 years ago in my country, of a shop owner (a kebab food house) who was surrounded by a type of street gang, who wanted to rob the shop. The owner wielded a big cleaver in front of the shop door, thus managing to ward off the attackers, without making any fatal injury. The gang was kept at bay just by a single blade, none of them had the guts to approach the shop owner.

[@mouthagapeape8732]

Hands, OC spray, knife, firearm. Level of force dependent on aggressors actions. Unfortunately the D.A. will be the one to either press or drop charges dependent upon their political leanings. Imo

[@411Outdoors]

Yep it’s an ugly situation

[@Qwerty_Q101]

the word of an expert ❤️

[@davidkelly414]

Sensible insight , thank you .Cheers

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!

[@steveg9744]

A reasonable presentation.✅👍

[@robhead22]

Well done. Thank you!

[@411Outdoors]

Much appreciated🙂

[@KoKuKr]

Sharing is caring. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us, sir.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

Great vid breaking down the scenarios. I see a lot of guys EDCing a knife specifically for "self defense", yet they have ZERO knowledge or training in even basic combative skills. I've studied various martial arts including Arnis (Kali), BJJ and Krav Maga for the last 20+ years and it doesn't matter how well you're trained, an untrained idiot with a knife can take you out. If someone is not trained in ANYWAY and think your knife will "save" them, they're in trouble. Lived in London for 4 years and got stabbed and cut multiple times in ambush muggings and once in a club where i wasn't even involved in the fight that broke out, i was just trying to get out of the way. Most important things to remember are: - Situational awareness. Know who and what are around you and be aware of the situation. If your gut is telling you something is fishy, listen. - There are no winners in a knife fight, only survivors. - Don't flash your knife or wave it around. You're not Steven Seagal in Under Siege. Knives should be felt, not seen. - Avoid getting in a knife fight as much as possible. Most of the time it's used prison style - fast stabs aka the prison sewing machine.

[@mrx2586]

I've had 10 years full contact martial arts training and if I had a knife I would have absolutely no chance against any unarmed person who has even minimal fighting ability. So, except for a surprise attack, I can't image any untrained and inexperienced person having a chance against someone with the amount of experience you claim to have.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

@@mrx2586 I've "trained" knife combat and even in training, unless it's slow flow practice movements, you ALWAYS get cut. It's not Hollywood with a 10min knife fight where blade hits blade, parrying and deflecting. Every knife attack I saw in the UK was short and vicious and almost always not advertised. I EDC a nice pocket knife. It's for general utility and opening stuff it's not for self defense. Can it be used as such, sure, but only as a last resort. Someone attacks me with a knife? I'm resorting to pumping him full of 9mm or 10mm. I'm not fighting him, I'm not sparring or engaging with a knife. It's boom boom. I'm much more afraid of a knife than a gun.

[@mrx2586]

@@henryvandeventer2457 Well I guarantee that if I did full speed sparring against someone who has any training at all that person would never get cut period. why would you fear a knife more than a gun. a gun does far far more damage and anyone can use it effectivity. nobody could defend themselves if I shot them - many people could defend themselves if I tried to stab them.

[@jorgefernandez6407]

Great video Daniel. My everyday goal is to simply, take care of myself so I can take care of my family. After 40 years in emergency medicine (from EMT to ER tech), "nothing" is off the table. Fact is is that there are too many people out there running around, capable and "very" willing to do the unspeakable. So in my humble opinion , good minded people should at least try to make an effort, to prepare for a "hit the fan" situation! It happens, and it can happen to anyone.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

Great video. Common sense as it Applies to legality. Thanks.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great advice! Do you have any training channels you'd recommend for elderly and disabled?

[@411Outdoors]

You can keep following this one. I also like Tribe 13 a lot . I put a link in the description 🙂👍

[@anonymoussurname]

I appreciate your channel, the vast array of weapons, and endless the perspectives. Thank you for the food for thought. On this particular subject I am currently looking at a few push daggers. I watched a few good movie fight scenes with great fight scenes using push daggers and now want one. Also I saw that video you were referring to, guy didn’t even know his neck was slit for a moment before collapsing and bleeding out.

[@411Outdoors]

Yep! Pretty sure the guy who struck will get charged. Looked like a street scobble

[@mouthagapeape8732]

@@411Outdoors I believe that happened in Australia, the man with the knife is facing felony charges .

[@411Outdoors]

@@mouthagapeape8732 yep I would imgine

[@jimmymorrison8314]

You have an extraordinarily balanced perspective, very refreshing. I live in Birmingham, UK. Probably the second most stabby place to live. My choice of defensive blade is a chef's cleaver. I've never used it on anything other than dead meat and I certainly don't carry it every day. I hope to never use it in any other context. But, when faced with all the blade weilding idiots, I feel that it's the most effective tool I could have to hand. Nobody can cut my throat when they have no hands with which to do it.

[@delbert3539]

Good instruction, thank you

[@411Outdoors]

You are welcome!

[@milliondollaboiibsb4927]

Tha ks for the video brother look forward to each and everyone

[@Ron-t6j]

I was just thinking about a scenario where a loved one is in danger of severe injury or death that I hope never happens not just because of obvious reasons but that they are not human being but a pet. My cat is very dear to me and I know other people would go ballistic over their dog so it's understandable but it's something I'm really afraid of because I don't think the law would be very fair about it but at the same time if someone's large dog attacked them and they had to defend themselves and hurt or killed the person's animal their would be threat of retaliation,, it would be a horrible mess to deal with. Anyway it's never a good thing to be in a situation where force has to be used over any reason especially when survival emotions are involved. Plus if you are an animal lover it's heartbreaking to be in the situation where you have to defend against a animal you rather love than hurt. And the same with another human being. I'd rather be friends or even perfect strangers instead of being in life threatening conflict. This is not a easy answer but it's nothing wrong with survival. There's nothing wrong with staying alive.

[@jdylan_05]

Hey bro, just recently found your content! I'm going to be a hard core subscriber now that I've seen quite a few of your knife/self defense videos! I collect knives myself actually. Also, I have that exact same jacket man haha! I absolutely love that jacket too.

[@411Outdoors]

That’s awesome! Thank you

[@artawhirler]

Another excellent video! Thanks!

[@Eric-cm9ri]

Thanks for the heads-up on the Cold Steel Air Lite Tanto; it looks like a very good knife for EDC and self-defense. 👍

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Daniel for the discussion video.

[@411Outdoors]

My pleasure!

[@Kennerd007]

I carry a pistol for my primary edc, but I don’t go anywhere without a fixed blade. For me the two main situations I can think of would be 1 in a grappling/wrestling situation that I couldn’t get to my gun or 2 a situation where deadly force is needed but there’s not a good backstop for a firearm and the risk of injury to a innocent is too high.

[@jasonaffeldt7838]

Thanks for sharing 👍.🇺🇲🔪🔥🌲

[@mikekares-b8q]

Thanks Daniel for the very useful information ,A knife can be a game changer when you find yourself in A bad spot .I always have a blade or two on my person plus my carry gun .I live very rural but I'm from the city , Cleveland Ohio to be exact . The Ex Child Mayor Dennis Kosinich used to say You Got to be tuff to live in Cleveland and there's quite a bit of truth to that .

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!🙂💯

[@mariosalinas3827]

Great vid brother thank you

[@411Outdoors]

Glad you enjoyed it🙂

[@muatachikwendu-oc6wq]

Watching Little Rock Arkansas new subscriber

[@effeojnedib7208]

The difference between using a knife, as opposed to a firearm in a self defense situation is mainly: With a knife, the attacker(s) is/are already in arms reach before a cut can be made. If the defender has no opportunity to retreat, then I'd guess a judge would rule in the favor of the defender. I understand the law takes knife attacks pretty serious here in Virginia. BTW, I was out back with my dog last night around 11, the wind had to gusted close to 40 mph. Bad enough we headed inside as quick as possible. It seemed like a tree was about to blow over. lol

[@johnhill7585]

Great upload. Thanks!!!

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you too!

[@qparxiii]

I was into blunt force wepons like slap jack or nunchuck but I had an epiphany. If you slipped and fell, it you were in a survival situation, if you were on your back being mauled by an animal, if you needed to carve wood for a fire, if you needed to chop a sandwich in half, .... nunchucks will be futile

[@danielhuff1397]

I'm new to your channel. This channel is definitely on my list of favorites

[@411Outdoors]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I am a firm believer that inside a certain distance, you shouldn't bring a gun to a knife fight. I carry a small fixed blade so that if I am tied up with someone, in a clinch or grappling, at such a distance that my draw can be contested, I will draw my knife before I draw my gun. A knife has no moving parts, can't be forced out of battery, never jams, and if my attacker puts hands on it, I can cut the knife back into my uncontested possession. A knife is simply a more dynamic tool inside its effective range. I can cut my way free, force my attacker to give me distance to draw my gun, and if they are still a threat, neutralize them with the gun. But at fight-in-a-phone-booth distances, my knife is my primary weapon.

[@mrx2586]

I would not even consider using using a knife for self defence. As far as I am concerned if my attacker has even minimal ability to fight and I pull out a knife I may as well be giving it to my attacker. I would always prefer a gun.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

@mrx2586 It is much easier for someone to take a gun from you than a knife.

[@mrx2586]

​@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62 It isnt With a gun all I have to do is stay out of grabbing range and they cant take the gun or defend themselves in any way because you cant dodge a bullet. Even if they do get close all I have to do is hold the gun further back with my free arm shielding it and they cant take it. With a knife all they have to do is start hitting me and I will quickly drop it, of course they would be free to just take it at any point. Even if this was not true there is also the fact that after they start hitting me I wont be able to do anything with a knife and even if I do get a moment where I can attempt to stab them they can easily dodge or parry anything I try to do. With a gun I don't have that problem.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

@mrx2586 It is. A knife has no moving parts. It never jams and can't be rendered inoperable just by grabbing it. If someone does grab your knife or the knife arm, you can cut yourself free. Notice how I qualified my statement from the beginning, literally the first sentence, by stating inside a certain range? You can't just keep your distance in any scenario I'd use a knife for. We are assuming you're already tied up in a clinch or grappling. If you try to draw a firearm, all they have to do is contest the draw enough to grab the weapon or move it offline and it isn't your weapon, it is our weapon, and it is ineffectual until you can regain control of it by overpowering your attacker. With a knife, you don't have to overpower your attacker. If they grab it, you simply take it back. The knife does the work, and it is still effective when contested. If you would drop your tool when struck, you'd drop it regardless. How much sense does it make to assume someone striking you would cause you to drop a knife but not a gun?

[@mrx2586]

@@MTMILITIAMAN7.62 But a knife can only be used at close range which means the other person can attack me which means if they have even minimal fighting skill I have absolutely no chance at all.

[@washingtoncommandcenter5541]

When I've let someone get too close and I need to use it to fight my gun and when it's too hot outside to be wearing a jacket. I carry weakside front scout and strongside 3'oclock flanking my IWB to make sure I can reach an option. When it's cooler I carry a small J-frame in my weakside jacket pocket for the same reason. A pocket dump beats any draw and is gonna get me the space to get to my main or stop the fight outright. Sometimes i feel like the joke about the cop asking the old lady with all the guns "what's she's so afraid of" and my answers the same nothing, because I take the steps to make sure I don't have to be.

[@coyotejake9164]

Excellent video, as usual. Im glad to that your level-headedness extends to proper judgment and situational awareness. Keep up the good work! Out of curiosity, do you have any videos where you discuss which martial arts/combatives you practice?

[@411Outdoors]

I talk about it a lot throughout my content. The martial art school that I grew up in taught karate, Muay Thai, BJJ and Kali basics. It was very well rounded. When I left, I just continued to train with some of my peers. Time and watching people has been my greatest teacher. Thanks my friend🙂

[@whatsthemonsterbelow]

Love this subject❤

[@411Outdoors]

Heck yeah my friend 🙂

[@WW_SHTFF_WW]

Good report bub...thanks!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks!

[@marilynczech7692]

When I started training it almost made me sick; the thought of ripping someone's guts out. Getting fluid and comfortable with the weapon is a must. Shout out to Cold Steel training weapons. They make a great assortment of edged weapons to train with that even when used with force will only cause minor injuries. Get a training partner. Start slow and build flow.

[@milliondollaboiibsb4927]

I would have to say i agree and also i carry my firearm and two blades one for cutting prep whatever you can think of glass breaker whole nine my secind blade is a small fixed blade that is specifically for self defense doesn't see any cutting in case i ever need it alo one thing over looked about a blad is you have more control over lethality you can slash just to get attacker back send a message in most cases no harm attacker is sliced runs off you cant take a bullet back and never know what affect it may have on your assailant. Guns and knives are like peanut butter and jelly you need both they are all great tools if you know how and when to utilize them but knives are really underestimated and they should not be coming from a combat vet i can think on two occasions being deployed and my knife saved me in close quarters situations

[@martinwalker9386]

In the military I was in a situation where being willing to be shot was the only way to survive. Because if I failed to stop the aggressor, my backup would shoot both of us. I remember thinking, “I’ve got to make this kick land even if I take a bullet first.” I did not have time to pull my 1911.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

You alluded to a legal concept called "disparity of force," which is important for us as responsible defenders. Disparity of force is when a person or persons possesses an advantage that constitutes a reasonably articulated imminent threat of grave bodily injury or death. A person does not have to be armed to possess disparity of force; size, physical ability, age, numbers, or position can all constitute a disparity of force. If you are a minor or you are elderly, and a person in their 20s or 30s, their physical prime is attacking you, if you are a 120-pound female with a 250-pound male attacking you, if you are handicapped or recovering from an injury and someone attacks you, if you are being attacked by multiple attackers, or if you are sitting or have been pushed down and you have someone over the top of you attacking you, any advantage that impedes your ability to defend yourself effectively with constituting a reasonable and imminent threat if deadly force to your person, that is disparity of force and in most jurisdictions, you can use lethal force to defend yourself from a disparity of force. Note that you can not have instigated the altercation or having instigated, you must show due diligence that you satisfied your duty to retreat by attempting to deescalate or flee and were prevented from doing so. And a knife, as mentioned, is considered lethal force. It is not appropriate for use unless you can reasonably claim fear of grave bodily injury or death. I personally do not recommend showing your knife or using it to threaten. Your knife will be most effective if the first your opponent learns of it is felt and not seen. You are not Stephen Seagal. If you can use words, use words. I do not draw lethal force until I intend to use it.

[@henrirt8991]

Great content as always

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!

[@graywind4326]

Use a gun if at all possible if not you go with what you got. Its just as deadly as a gun but often lacks the immediate stopping power of multiple rounds on target.

[@hughbennett5342]

I didn't know you were in Virginia! Where in Virginia? I am in Manassas Virginia and yes it is still cold here. And I love your station! Your information is of high value!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend! Down here in ole southern Va . Pittslyvania county

[@hughbennett5342]

@@411Outdoors You have a great station and I really do enjoy it. I've been a martial artist also for years and I find what you say is spot on!

[@411Outdoors]

@@hughbennett5342 i appreciate the kind feedback🙂

[@michaelsanchez8457]

Very reasonable. With the world getting more violent, I sometimes open carry a belt knife. Some people get mad about it. I'm just a little less domesticated than most people. Yes, I agree, using it would be fairly likely to bring charges. Been carrying some version of a knife since I was 8. To me, it's like wearing a belt.

[@timothysluss1080]

All the time every time!!!!!!!!!!

[@dudley5658]

I use mine when I need to be extremely quiet with my self defending and when I want to be very personal with my self defending.

[@hughbennett5342]

Is good for you to carry non-lethal means as well as lethal means to defend yourself. Then you can choose what is appropriate in the situation.

[@tonyedge2457]

Thank You i like the video and suggest anyone out there... get You a good bowie or kukri knife and learn to use it..

[@jeffjohn67]

I carry a pistol. I also carry some type of fixed blade. Im in charge of defending my family and myself. Never want to unholster my gun or unsheath my knife. But if the time comes we defend ourselve till the threat is ended..

[@alexanderhaugen925]

To me it's easy: It's my life or the bad guy's. I will defend myself with whatever i got when in need. Come at me and i'll come for you. Luckily i haven't had the need to use my blade to this day. Used a rock once tho...

[@StephenMeasles-kr9rm]

I would suggest you study and know human anatomy. Wildly slashing muscle mass leaves you open to a really pissed off bad guy. Precisely slashing an artery can end an attack in a few seconds. Brachial arteries are usually very accessible.

[@411Outdoors]

It’s definitely important to know the shock zones because yes, certain slicing can allow people to continue for a while.

[@jodymead3207]

Love your videos and thank you so much for them. I live in a country where I cannot carry a gun. Saw a video once that asks how much time do you want to do. You will do less time for example using knuckles as opposed to a knife. But at the end of the day my job is to make it home safe for my family. I hope I never have to use a knife in self defence, but I will if called for. There are bad people out there. Good points in this video. video. Also I don't know if you have ever talked about the 21 foot rule. I believe it's called that. You can draw a knife quicker than a gun and be effective in 20 feet. Alot of the stuff you review blade wise I have. Wondering your thoughts on the cold steel chaos. Big knife, hard to carry but really cool

[@411Outdoors]

I’ve been thinking about doing a video on the 21 foot roll. I touched in on it one time talking about Knife versus gun video. Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@tonyedge2457]

Many times when attacked an individual does not have time to pull their gun but does have time to pull their knife

[@RexSiegel]

My self defence tool is a knife, easy to carry folding knife. It is primarily a tool and only a weapon by someone elses choice. I am very aware of my surrounings which i believe keeps me safest but feel i need something else if swarmed.

[@willieboy3011]

Good information. I would add the location to the list also. If I am at home or alone, I am much more likely to use my knife against an aggressive stranger or one who has no business being there--since there would no likely chance of outside help. I agree completely that a knife can be a part of one's self-defense arsenal. There are places where a knife is permitted but not a gun. (I was visiting at a hospital like this recently). Additionally, I do not carry a gun while working in my yard or the woods, but I always have a knife. Try running a chain saw with a pistol on your side.

[@411Outdoors]

Well said!

[@101evo]

I like your content so much I wish we where neighbors. 🙏

[@youdontseeanoldmanhavinatw4904]

A bit off-topic, but have you ever used the BeaverCraft knives before? They look promising for a budget camping knife

[@411Outdoors]

I sure haven’t my friend

[@spookybaba]

I was attacked last year whilst I had my dinner cutlery in my hand, in the UK. A fork, and a rigid steak knife. The aggressor was grabbing at the cutlery, and if it wasn't for my decent vice grip on the cutlery, and if the aggressor had gained possession of such I'd be dead now. As he was grappling for control, I kicked him four times in the testicles with perfectly executed instep of the foot kicks which strangely didn't stop him advancing. As he advanced, and my keeping the cutlery pointed his way, he got cut in the front of the neck. The bleeding wasn't instant. But, as soon as it did start dripping (the cutlery didn't go deep) and he noticed he stopped enough for me to escape. He had also cut his gums in the struggle. I got away, and stupidly called the police. When the police arrived, I got arrested. Put in a cell, interviewed 22hrs later, and released on pre charge bail. This was last year in October, and i was supposed to answer bail in January. This date was extended to April. In February this year, the CPS dropped the case luckily. But, the attacker had nothing done to him at all. That's british justice for you. Never again shall I rely on the police, as the last six months have been hell not being able to live at my own home.

[@Ron-t6j]

I was wondering what you think about the matsato knife. It's advertised as a kitchen knife but it comes with a sheath and seems to be a sort of general use fixed blade. I've heard negative reviews on it but I like the design and the sheath which normally kitchen knives don't have one but this looks like more than a kitchen knife.

[@411Outdoors]

I used to have something very similar called the Viking Knife. I made over that thing like nobody’s business haha. I didn’t realize that there were so many versions of it but it really is a cool, looking knife and fun to work with.

[@Arnis_GM_2B]

A little over a year ago we had a friend who actually stabbed a guy in a self defense situation. Luckily for him my wife is an awesome criminal defense attorney. He did get away with it , but that as my wife says is that it’s not very common. Always remember if you defend yourself you will at minimum be going to jail for a night

[@connysieben]

But I will be alive !

[@qparxiii]

I want to get the coldsteel Espalda XL but the SR-1 lite is far more durable, even more than the spartan .... The best knife channel for durability is Joe X, this channel here (411) is GREAT for defense practical theory if that's even a word

[@411Outdoors]

Awesome! Thank you my friend

[@brigade911]

You gotta know the law very well. It varies from country to country. In Greece if you were to present a knife because of being surrounded by a group of suspicious people you would probably get arrested for carrying. I have to point out it's totally illegal to carry guns and knives for self protection here. Violence can be used only in the event of a present and ongoing attack (meaning the attack has to materialize and has to be continuing the moment you start using violence. You can't use violence once the attack has stopped). Also the level of self defence violence has to be considered equal to the level of the attack. If someone punches you, or even if 2-3 people punch you a knife might be considered a violation of that analogy. In most of Europe similar laws apply

[@stephen8433]

I can't walk without a walker and even then I can only be ''be on my feet'' for less than ten minutes at a time. I am permanently disabled and 77 yrs old. I carry both a firearm and a knife. My daughter takes me to my medical appointments. Your opinion: Which could I retain better, my handgun or knife. Ruger LCR. , Cold Steel ''Kobun'' or Cold Steel Original Outdoorsman made in Japan. I am very weak. I have pretty fast arm movement and pretty good grip on the knives with the grip being the best on the Kobun right handed. I am a retired chiropractor so I know anatomy.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

Guns, knives and other weapons are tools for defense. But some people can't carry guns, and some places don't permit guns but a pocket knife is acceptable for either situation. I don't leave the house without my pocket knife. It got sharpened last night because it's a tool that gets used to open boxes and clean under my nails and whatever else, and it could be used for defense.

[@l.m.iniowa3983]

Swift, silent, deadly! Only pulled when death is eminent.

[@induet1me]

For someone without training who must defend themselves quickly and instinctively, do you recommend an ice pick grip or the saber grip?

[@411Outdoors]

I feel both are necessary to train. Ice pick being drawn from a pocket or appendix carry is very fast and helps you get to shock zones like the eyes and trachea really fast. Slicing is hard due to clothing

[@Eric-cm9ri]

What would or do you carry or prefer as an EDC that would be legal, good for every day tasks and self-defense? A folding knife. Thanks for the educational video. 😎👍

[@411Outdoors]

I love the clinch pick from Shivworks as well as the Tops Saw02. But for folders, Cold steel has the triad lock system that is strong. Such as the SRLITE Tanto

[@Eric-cm9ri]

@@411Outdoors Thank you for the reply and information I'll check them out. 👍

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. For the most part, I don't really see much difference between the uses of any self-defense tool. Even something as relatively non-lethal as a stun gun or pepper spray should not be used casually. Using those things on someone is an assault if I don't have justification. Whether it qualifies as deadly assault or attempted murder is a legal technicality, but I don't want to hurt anyone with out justification. Even throwing a punch without justification is a bad thing even if the police end up not charging anyone. The difficult issues come in deciding how to deal with certain situations. An idiot might just want someone to tell him to go to Hell. That seems crazy to me, but some people just seem to be addicted to conflict. It's almost as if I've satisfied some need that the idiot has when I flip him off and keep walking. If I feel that I'm dealing with someone like that, I almost feel that the insult de-escalates the situation. In some cases, idiots are going to keep pushing until they get some reaction. They just want any reaction, and once that's done, they will stop pushing. Giving them that reaction is safer than ignoring them completely. The problem is that we never know whether we're dealing with that kind of idiot or someone who wants to force a situation into an actual physical confrontation. Some evil people want a fight. Win or lose, they're happier if they've engaged in physical violence. With them, one never knows whether some kind of reaction or ignoring them completely is the right choice. If I were on a jury, I'd be pretty sympathetic to someone who seemed to have ended up dealing with one of these people and having things go badly. I also accept that some people may at some level be trying to achieve "suicide by civilian" in the way that others want "suicide by cop." If I'm on a jury, I'm going to be very sympathetic to a defendant who seems to have encountered one of those people. To me, all of those are ultimately in the same category as someone being attacked by a mugger, a rapist, a psychotic, or anyone else who deliberately started to do violence. The attackers in those scenarios may not have initiated deadly force as directly, but each of them created the situation that didn't allow me to get away without physical confrontation. Another questionable situation is the person who seeks to detain me but isn't directly threatening violence. This would include protestors who block roads or block the entrances to buildings. To me, those blockages are a form of kidnapping. People who are blocked that way are often attacked by others who are part of whatever protest is happening. Legally, I realize that using a knife on one of those people may not be specifically allowed, but if I'm on the jury, I'm voting not guilty if someone uses a knife. That's particularly true in a vehicle situation where a protestor reaches into someone's car for any reason. Once a protestor reaches into a car, use of a knife or a gun is acceptable. The advantage to the knife is that I don't have to worry about hitting bystanders with a pass-through bullet. In the case of a mutual argument, I don't want to escalate. People often criticize me for being very quick to block others on social media. My belief is that once someone has shown himself or herself to be unworthy of further conversation, I want that person out of my life. I don't hesitate to depart with a curse at that person, but I want to depart. If someone starts something in the street, I might return insult for insult before trying to walk away. I have no interest in continuing insults. If the person doesn't let me walk away, then I have a right to defend myself. I've never had that happen in real life. I can't remember the last real life argument I had with someone. Maybe it was 2009 when a guy at work just wanted to harass me. When I raised my voice, he realized that he'd pushed too far for a work environment. I can't remember getting into a real life argument on the streets. As a juror, I would be sympathetic to a defendant who was trying to walk away after an argument and wasn't allowed to depart. The initial thought that came to my mind when I read the question of "when is it relevant to use a knife?" was "when I don't have a gun." I'd also rather use my cane than use a knife. If someone won't let me go and I whack him in the thigh with my cane, the right strike can impede his ability to walk. Granted, I can't move away quickly, but if he's temporarily on the ground, I might be able to get away while he's recovering his leg movement and deciding whether he really wants to risk another cane strike that might hit an even more painful spot. If I've cut him with a knife, he's going to have a scar forever. A cane strike will leave a bruise for a few days. He's going to have a much harder time saying that I hurt him badly if a day or two of ice on the leg leaves him with zero impairment of function and zero physical marks. Likewise, a cane thrust to the solar plexus might put him down without even leaving a bruise. Then, he won't even have photographs to show that I used force to escape. On a completely different level, Theodore Roosevelt used his knife to kill a mountain lion that attacked him when he was a young man ranching in the general area of the Little Missouri River. Maybe it was a young mountain lion, but the idea of killing a mountain lion using a knife feels pretty macho. On the other hand, I've heard of a bicyclist who was treed by a mountain lion and killed it by knocking it out of a tree using his bicycle pump. Suddenly, a knife kill doesn't seem as impressive. I'd rather photograph a mountain lion from a safe distance than kill one at all. If I were attacked, I hope I would be smart enough to go for a firearm as the safest way to defend myself. With my poor health, I probably lose if I try to defend myself with a knife. On the other hand, a part of me would be very tempted to try to fight with a knife if I were attacked by a mountain lion.

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you for sharing!

[@davidyoung745]

I was born and raised in Ohio, hi know, I’m blessed) but I live in Japan where firearms simply aren’t available for anyone but law enforcement. So for me bladed weapons are a big part of my personal defense strategy. Most of the rules that apply to using a firearm apply equally to using a knife or an impact weapon. Just know that you’ll be under even more intense scrutiny than someone else who uses a firearm. American society doesn’t easily accept the idea that good guys carry knives.

[@longrider42]

I just bought the Espada XL, in G10. I think just pulling it out and showing the attacker, might stop them. I hope I never have to do this.

[@karlmurray4479]

When your own life is in question .

[@tomritter493]

First I carry 6 weapons left and rightbhand and legs 4 weapons side arm 5 and my blade 6 most times first 4 is all I need only pulled sidearm twice had a hitch hhiker in my car he reached for a weapon .that didn't work well and I had a dude stabbed jumo in front of my car and pulled a knife on me didn't go well .but my blade iv pulled a lot