KNIFE-FIGHTING FALLACIES

The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Carrying a Self-Defense Blade

- PATRICK VUONG

We know you’ve done it before. We all have. C’mon, admit that you’ve pictured yourself being the hero.

You’re going about your day when a robber/terrorist/Antifa thug pulls out a knife/rifle/skateboard and tries to end your life or that of your loved one. In a flash, you pull out your tactical folding knife and stop the threat before it even starts. You’ve saved the day! You’re the hero … in your fantasy.

But what about in real life? Would you be truly prepared if violence comes barreling down on you? Could you pull out your blade in time? Unfortunately, carrying a big burly tactical folding knife can give you a false sense of security. Just because you have a pocket-deploy folder with ELMAX steel and a titanium framelock handle doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly turned into John Wick.

And knowing how to use a knife in self-defense doesn’t mean you’ll actually be able to pull it off when someone is actively trying to gut you, shoot you, or smash your head in. That’s the fundamental gap between three key components of having a knife for self-defense: hardware (the knife), software (techniques), and the user (or more specifically the user’s level of realistic training).

Having one does not automatically guarantee the other two. With that in mind, we’re going to take a closer look at five knife-fighting fallacies that could leave you vulnerable … and how you can overcome them when your life depends on it.

MISTAKE 1: Assuming You’ll Have Time to Draw Your Knife