It’s really interesting to see that people aren’t crazy about carrying a knife- I live in a densely populated urban environment, and it seems like most of the young people I know and come into contact with have some kind of blade on their person. Personally, I don’t like carrying one either- even having a folder in my pocket, which was “totally normal” out in the country where we grew up, seems like a potentially bad idea.

There are lots of other little things to have in your pocket ICOE that can work wonders… Think of the pen-to-eye scene in Grosse Point Blank, or the pen-to-arm attack in the Bourne Identity. On a similar note, there are some interesting guys who train for these “unusual” tools over at http://www.russianmartialarts.com – does anyone have any first-hand familiarity with them?

I’m 100 times more likely to need a set of pliers than a fixed blade. Thus, I believe that in the event I need to do some lunging and swiping with a knife – it’ll likely end up being a 3.5″ serrated Leatherman blade. Flicks open with single hand movement.

I completely agree with your position on knives, but with regards to concealed carry, if I’m gonna carry anything hidden as a civilian – it might as well be a handgun.

Otherwise, a multi-tool is more SHTF appropriate, I would think.

For the record, I own a K-Bar too. It’s clearly more rugged – but damn I sure don’t want to walk around town with that strapped to the leg.

a popular knife with some cops is a small claw like blade that will most definitely open up a bad guy who’s on top of you trying to take your gun or take your life.

the only thing i see wrong with this defensive move is the amount of blood that will pour out of said badguy.

allot . if not most of these maggots have transmittable diseases like Hep C and HIV.

Mersa is also becoming common with these lowlifes too. so if you do use a knife for self defense , be cognizant of blood splatter. don’t get it in your eyes and don’t trade blood through injuries that may occur during a struggle.

some would say it’s better to dis-able your attacker and worry about contamination later and that may be true , but saving your life and avoiding any nasty medical issues later would be the best outcome.

easier said than done , just be careful out there :-)