Can I use a KNIFE for self-defense? - Austin Answers

Welcome back Concealed Coalition! In today’s video, Austin Davis tackles a common yet complex question: Can you use a knife for self-defense? He breaks it down into two key aspects: legality and tactical considerations.
First and foremost, Austin emphasizes the importance of ensuring the knife you carry is legal in federal, state, local, and municipal laws. Your self-defense tool should always comply with the law.
Next, he delves into the acronym “IIRAP,” which covers the essential factors to assess in any self-defense situation:
Innocence: Were you the innocent party who did not initiate the conflict?
Immediacy: Is the threat immediate, as in happening right now or about to occur?
Reasonable Response: Your response should be considered reasonable by district attorneys, judges, and juries.
Avoidability: Could the situation have been avoided through de-escalation or retreat?
Proportionality: Is your response proportionate to the threat faced?
Choosing whether or not to use a knife for self-defense should align with these principles. Remember: legality is not the only factor. It also depends on the circumstances and your adherence to these standards.
However, keep in mind that the final judgment ultimately lies with judges, juries, and the prosecution. Legal in one aspect doesn’t always mean it won’t have consequences in civil matters. Austin reminds us that sometimes what’s legal may still have negative repercussions.
The key takeaway: winning a fight is best achieved by avoiding it. Prioritize situational awareness and de-escalation to stay safe. Keep those questions coming, and remember to subscribe for more valuable insights!

[@cdk2968]

I completely agree! Knives are excellent for hurting or killing people. Globally, knives and knife-like implements are a close second in terms of homicides, behind only firearms (with kitchen knives, screwdrivers and improvised shivs doing much more of the damage than all of those fancy “combat knives” combined). Every soldier carries a knife/bayonett because, in addition to being a multipurpose tool, it can be used to kill. Anyone who has spent any length of time in a correctional facility knows what the odds are against even the biggest guy in the yard in case of a determined attack by just some dude with a 4-inch shank. - But for self-defense, a knife is probably the worst possible choice. A knife is basically an offensive weapon. As a relevantly experienced friend once put it: “The number one rule in a knife fight is that you've got a knife and the other guy doesn't!” (i.e, one person will draw first and, hence, stab first; that's why the “knife vs. knife face-off” is largely a myth). To “defend” yourself with a knife simply means to preemptively stab the other guy before he becomes an actual threat - and this inevitably brings you into conflict with the law, with probably very, very serious consequences - not to mention lifelong, tormenting remorse!. Also, people tend to do all kinds of crazy shite for astonishing lengths of time even after receiving multiple stab wounds that eventually turn out to be fatal - like drawing a gun and shooting you in the face.