Self-defense is a crucial topic in this day and age. Most people who get serious about protecting themselves undoubtedly went through the process of selecting a viable weapon. Most people obviously resort to guns – no wonder that it has been a staple in many news stories we encounter every day. While firearms seem to be the top choice, they have certain limitations, rendering them less effective in some instances. That is where the role of knives in self-defense comes in, as they can be far more advantageous in specific situations. There are an array of benefits of using knives for self-protection as long as you know how to use them properly. So, read on below and discover the roles and perks of using knives as a good weapon for self-defense.
Knives are effective in close-range situations.
You’ve found yourself in a dark alley and saw an unknown guy running only a few feet towards you. If you’re carrying a gun, chances are you’ve been already attacked even before even successfully drawing a gun and shooting the assailant. Police and military personnel follow a 21-foot rule. It’s a simple concept that explains that it will only take a second and a half for them to reach you if you’re at such a distance from the attackers. Adding the stress and adrenaline present at that moment can make it tough to aim and shoot properly. In terms of a knife, you need to simply get it out of your pocket, raise it in front of you, and you’re ready to defend yourself.
Knives provide more accuracy.
You might have watched many action movies where the protagonists evade gunshots from the evil goons while getting all his shots right on the money. In reality, that’s a challenging feat to do as guns are most likely to miss when you’re running away from an attacker. Not to mention that the gun may malfunction amidst the situation, rendering you defenseless. On the other hand, knives are far more accurate, hitting the target in most cases, making them reliable as a self-defense weapon.
Knives eliminate the risk of harming innocents.
Attacks may happen anywhere, even in crowded areas. When that happens, using guns can be risky, as if you’re unable to get a clean shot of the assailant, there’s a big chance that you might injure innocent individuals around. Aside from harming others, you might also be charged with heavy fines if it’s proven your gun use was improper or reckless. With knives, your only target is the attacker and will not put the general public in peril.
Knives never run out of bullets.
If you’ve chosen a revolver for self-defense, it can only hold five to nine bullets at once. If you use them up without hitting, you need to reload the gun to fire again. While others can do it in seconds, fighting for your life can significantly affect your thinking and movement, causing the reload process to take a few minutes. That’s pretty long enough for the assailant to catch and hurt you. What’s even worse is running out of ammo, putting you in a precarious situation. Meanwhile, you can always deploy a knife and use it to defend yourself in times of danger perpetually.
Knives require minimal training time and no permits are usually required to own and carry.
Guns require ample training and deep understanding for you to use them properly. You need to train, get certified to use a firearm, be qualified for purchase, and register it. For knives, you only need minimal training time to learn how to use them. Most people already have the innate ability to slash or stab, especially if their lives are dependent on the situation. With that, you can quickly learn the basics moves on how to defend yourself using knives, skipping the intensive training you need for guns. Plus, most local laws don’t require permits to own and carry knives, which again help you steer clear of any lengthy process.
Final Words
With all that benefits, you might be enticed to rush to the nearest store and get a knife right away. However, keep in mind that owning a knife entails huge responsibilities. First, be wary of the knife laws in your area and when it is appropriate to draw your knife for self-protection. Typically, the attacker must have the ability, opportunity, and intent to harm you to justify using a knife for self-defense.
Second, remember that while knives are pretty much easier to use than guns, you cannot randomly swing your blade at the assailant. Be sure to learn the fundamentals on how to use them as a self-defense tool. It will only take a few days to a few weeks, but you can quickly maximize it as a tool for personal protection. Stay safe always!