There are many different tools you can use for self-defense, but certain situations call for certain weapons. And if you prefer to honor the wishes of private property owners and not bring a gun on premises when they ask that you not, there are plenty of other options. Many people choose to conceal knives as self-defense weapons and arm themselves with knives when a gun or other option isn’t appropriate.
Many people even consider knives to be more advantageous in certain situations.
What are the Benefits of Choosing a Knife for Self-Defense?
Knives might not be the first thing you think of when considering self-defense, but many people consider them superior to guns and other weapons.
Why choose a knife or add a knife to your collection of self-defense tools?
- Knives work in small spaces and close quarters. It’s going to be tough to draw a gun and fire on someone who is coming at you from 20 feet or less, but there is time to react with a knife.
- Knives remove concerns about bystanders—for the most part. It’s still possible for an innocent person to get hurt if you’re defending yourself with a knife, but it’s far less likely than if you’re using a gun.
- You don’t need to be as accurate with a knife. There’s no need to draw a gun and prepare to shoot, you simply draw a knife and it’s ready to be precise.
- Knives don’t require any ammunition. A self-defense knife is as effective after three stabs as it is after 30.
- Knives give you the element of surprise. An assailant might expect you to be armed with a gun and plan ahead to combat that. Rarely does anyone pull a knife in self-defense, so fewer assailants bother planning for it.
- Knives also make it possible to stop an attack without using lethal force. Though you need to be prepared to do so in a serious attack, it often isn’t necessary. Knives make it possible to stop an attacker without causing fatal harm.
What should you know about using a knife for self-defense and if you’re going to carry a knife, what should you consider?
Knives need to be used offensively for self-defense. What does this mean? Mainly that if you’re going to use a knife, you’ll need to actively move to use it. You can’t just stand there and expect someone to run at your knife and injure themselves. This requires not just having the skills to use a knife in self-defense, but to also have the confidence to use it. Using a knife is far more personal and aggressive than firing a gun from a few feet or more away, and before you commit to carrying a knife it’s important to know what using it will entail.
There are several things you need to do to successfully defend yourself with a knife.
First, make sure you know the proper stance to take. Next, make sure you are holding the knife so it cannot be easily taken from you. And finally, know where to target on an assailant body to achieve the greatest result is. Stabbing someone anywhere is going to hurt, but you’ll want to aim for certain more vulnerable areas to best disable the person attacking you.
How to Hold a Knife in Self-Defense
Your grip on your knife is one of the most important factors in successfully defending yourself. You have two choices: the forward grip and the reverse grip. In the forward grip, the tip points upward, and in the reverse grip, it points toward the ground.
There is debate over which of these two grips is the best, but most agree that the forward grip is the most popular option. Like many aspects of self-defense, the best grip for you is whichever feels comfortable. It’s much like choosing a gun: the best gun for you is the one you can use with confidence to defend yourself from an attacker. And with a knife, the best grip option is the one that will allow you to protect yourself and act with confidence. If either of the grips feels awkward, don’ use it—it’s as simple as that.
Drawing your knife is another concern unless you intend to walk around with your knife in your hand (this isn’t recommended!). In addition to choosing the best way to store your knife on your body (more on that later), you’ll want to practice drawing your knife. This needs to be done quickly and seamlessly, and without any doubt in your mind that you intend to use it. Once you choose the most comfortable grip, practicing drawing your knife with that grip again and again. There’s no such thing as too much practice because it’ll help you build confidence and muscle memory.
Choosing Your Knife: The Basics
Another important consideration in using a knife to defend yourself is choosing the knife.
Like the grip, you’ll want to go with the knife that suits you best, regardless how it’s ranked or rated. Obviously, you don’t want to choose any old knife, or survival knife with a blunt blade or base your choice on cost alone, but you also don’t want to assume that the highest rated knife is automatically the best option for you. The best way to choose any self-defense weapon is to weigh a combination of factors, including its overall rating, stainless-steel blade or similar quality material to maximize overall sharpness, what others have to say about it, and how confident you feel using it, and so on.
When choosing the knife that’s right for you, you’ll want to think about how gripping it feels, its size, whether or not you like there to be a grooved handle and how those grooves fit your hand, and the weight of the knife. The best knife for you fits comfortably in your hand and has some weight to it, though not so much that you don’t feel as if you can carry it or hold it without it feeling too heavy.
Practice Makes Perfect
Now that you have your perfect knife, you’ll need to invest some time in using it properly. First, make sure you find a comfortable stance. You’ll want to stand with most of your weight on the balls of your feet, so you feel stable but ready to pounce. The last thing you want is to be rocking back on your heels or stumbling. Practice a strong stance over and over until it feels right and it comes to you without having to think about it.
Once your stance is down, practice drawing your knife. Draw your knife, hold it in your hand with the most comfortable grip, and envision being attacked and using it. You’ll obviously want to do this carefully and not have anyone stand too close, but it’s important to go through the motions of how you’d respond in an attack.
Your goal, as difficult as it is to ever predict how you’ll act when attacked, is to have your response down as pat as possible. The less you need to think about your body’s actions the better when under attack.
The best self-defenders are able to let their muscle memory and good habits kick in, and focus on adjusting as needed when the situation calls for it. Remember, you’re going to be scared and nervous if an attack occurs, so the more that’s done out of habit in self-defense the better your chances of survival.
Is a Knife an Appropriate Self-Defense Tool for Me?
To determine whether a knife is the right option for you when it comes to defending yourself, consider the following:
· The risk you face when under attack. If you’re in a situation where you’re facing bodily harm because of an attacker—the person is much larger or stronger than you, he or she has a weapon, etc.—use of a knife is appropriate.
· Where you are compared to your attacker. Obviously, you need to be within touching distance to use a knife effectively. This is often the case with attacks, but it’s more likely a knife would work better if you’re attacked on the street versus if there’s a home invasion.
· You’re threatened. Keep in mind this is an actual threat versus just feeling threatened. You don’t want to pull and use a knife unless you know for a fact someone intends to do you harm.
Carrying Your Knife
Now that you’ve decided to invest in a knife for self-defense and you feel confident using it as a weapon, you need to find a holster to carry the knife. It’s important to find a holster, also known as a drop leg holster or thigh holster, that doesn’t interfere with your use of the knife. The best drop leg holsters mostly fall into the background of the process of using the knife—you don’t really notice it, other than knowing your knife is safely stored when not in use.
Here are a few of the best holsters we’ve found so far:
Can Can Concealment Hip Hugger Holster
The Hip Hugger Holster was designed for women and has a classic design. It’s able to hold up to four guns and three magazines or you can swap out one or all of the guns for a knife in the elastic military grade grip. It offers discreet concealment and has a five-inch profile, but keeps everything within a second’s reach. It features adjustable, secure metal hook and eye closures and is ambidextrous. The Hip Hugger comes in four different colors and sizes.
Maxpedition Gear JK-1 Concealed Carry Pouch
This is more than a holster, it’s a pouch. It’s water-resistant and has a coating of polyurethane and is available in six different colors. It’s a good alternative for many people like over a traditional holster and was originally intended for use with guns, but makes a great concealed carry bag for knives, too. It works for left- and right-handers and features an easy pull tab.
Boldric Black Canvas Knife Bag
The Boldrick knife bag is specifically designed for concealed carrying of knives and isn’t something that is going to allow you to get at your weapon in an instant if there’s an emergency.
It’s one of the most popular options on the market for transporting knives and is designed for people who want to carry more than one weapon. It has a simple, classic design and is made from high-quality natural cotton canvas, which is lightweight, but durable.
The bag can be used for non-weapon knives—though it’s possible to turn any knife into a weapon in an emergency—and is used by chefs who need to carry their collection of knives with them from place to place.
Lethal Lace Knife Holster
The Lethal Lace concealed holster is ideal for knives, but can also carry pepper spray, a gun or your cell phone. It fits snugly against the body and makes it easy to hide valuable discreetly.
The holster is made from stretch lace (so more women prefer it over men, but it’s gender neutral), and it can be worn on the hip, waist, thigh, calf, ankle, or under the arm. The lace is strong and durable and most users report it stays elastic over time. It also comes with a cushion for comfort, but some users find the cushion bulky and opt not to use it. This holster fits up to a 43-inch waist.
Sheath Carry-All 4in. Knife Pouch
If you’re looking for a holster that is no-frills, a great value, and super simple to use, you can’t beat this one. It has a Velcro closure and is attached to your belt. It holds the knife in place and puts it within easy grip, but won’t do anything other than hold your life. It’s best for smaller knives. At less than $5, you absolutely can’t beat the price of this knife holster and you’ll probably want to order a few for various situations. It also makes for a good storage solution for your knives when you are not carrying them. This holster can be worn with other holsters and concealed carry weapons.