Introduction:We'll be posting as time permits, and informing readers about many forms of crime deterrents. Also, we'll discuss the mental aspects like - avoiding certain posturing, thinking, or behavior that targets us as a victim. Trust me when I say that "street smart" people can read volumes about you, simply by observing your behavior for just a few minutes, and then deciding how easy or difficult it would be to take you down! Predators always go for the easiest targets.
We plan on posting about personal alarms to stop attackers. Also, on the use of stun guns, and pepper sprays against assailants as well. Two things can be said about non-lethal deterrents; they can and do stop attacks, BUT they sometimes fail to stop attacks. It depends on the tenacity of the attacker, if they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, your timing and use of the device, plus too many other circumstances to list here.
The Fang of the Snake:Historical Note: In some of the many systems of FMA, the knife or blade is referred to as "The Fang of the Snake" or "The Snake's Fang"...but I think you get the picture.
We don't want to neglect mentioning and discussing the use of violent, or possibly "deadly force", to deal with an assailant. As a practitioner of FMA for about 26 yrs. now, I think we should consider the knife as a relatively small, but very lethal self defense weapon.
We started out using rattan sticks as our training implements - not knives! All strikes (or cuts) were taught and practiced with the "live edge" of the stick always coming at the training partner. The use of the wrist, stances, footwork always stressed that a crushing blow would be delivered with the rattan stick, and upon employing a knife, that the cutting edge would always be used to strike with. This is extremely important.
I like the use of larger fighting knives like the "Bowie" or a nice strong, broad double edged fighter (just a bit "handle heavy"). The power of the Bowie is in it's weighty backbone, which powers home it's sharp edge, also with a semi-sharp "false edge" plus a sharp tip, they will slash, stab, and thrust with the best of them.
The double edge fighter is a deadly blade in the hands of an expert fighter. Both sides cut equally well and the blade can't be controlled easily for trapping and slaps while trying to defend against it. Pick one up that's a bit "handle heavy" and the blade comes alive at the slightest movement of the wrist.
It's obvious that these knives are not practical for everyday carry due to their size and weight. This brings us to the humble
folding knife. I have many folders, from USA construction to Japanese, Spanish, Taiwanese, Swiss and a couple of good old fashioned Italian stilettos.
Each has it's own appeal. I bought this one because of it's reputation - that one for it's light weight - the other for it's heavier weight - longer blade - smooth action - tanto blade, etc. etc.. Just give me a minute and I'll think of a new reason!
I have always feared lock-back tactical folders for one reason, I have yet to find one that my large hand can thoroughly grasp and wield without moving across, or slightly depressing the blade release latch at times. Now that gives any trained knife user pause for contemplation about the terrible possibility of a blade collapsing and lopping off a finger or three!
I have reverted back to the folders that I first used in training with the rattan stick. We always used the
butterfly knives, or balisong knives. These knives are extremely durable, the locking latch is in the rear and out of the way. It is 100% free of worrying about triggering the blade release while going "banshee wild", in a confrontation involving blades.
My particular favorite is a "drilled out", skeleton handled, partly serrated, butterfly knife of about 400+ Stainless. That ensures me of a lightweight butterfly knife with a high grade 440 stainless steel blade that will hold it's edge. The butterfly knife is battle proven everyday in the Philippines, and it's still sitting on top of the heap (or should I say "hype").
Look forward to some upcoming material with more tips on knives as self defense deterrents!
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