Self Defense Blade

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think you are pretty safe from getting brain damage when being hit in the nose.  That's an old wives' tale.  The amount of force necessary to cause brain damage when striking the nose is not something the average person can manage.

If that were the case then all boxers within the first year of competition would be eating through a straw.

Def

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

If I felt the need to carry something for self defense, I'd make it one of these:

http://solarforce.hk/index.php?controller=products&action=view&id=91

With this bezel:

http://solarforce.hk/index.php?controller=products&action=view&model=L2-B5

And make sure I was wearing a pair of these:

http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/detail.asp?style=MT814BK&size=&width=&category=mrun&selection=mshoes&sort=POP&shoeLast=&price=

To be honest though, I do have one of these:

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/swordcane-heavyduty.aspx

And actually did pull it out once when confronted by a couple of 'urban youths' who were harrasing my wife one afternoon when we were out on a walk and she was wearing a tight fitting shirt...  when I respectfully objected to their comments, they threatened me and suggested what they would do to my wife...  Once it came out they quickly changed their tune.  That said, I do know how to use it, I have taken both fencing and Kendo lessons.  But, I don't carry it in public anymore because it's illegal where I live, and I do not want to be facing a felony charge for using it, let alone possessing it, nor do I want to come out on the short end of an armed confrontation.

[bladechick777]

It Really Just Depends On How The Nose Is Hit I Suppose. Like You Want To Hit The Nose In The Middle.
You Don't Want To Hit The Nose From The Bottom Or Tip And Push Up With A Lot Of Force. This Can Make That Sharp Bone In The Top Of The Nose Go Up And Hit The Brain.

Above The Tip Of The Nose Is The Best Place To Hit. As This Will Hurt Like Hell And At Worst Just Break The Nose.

I Learned A Lot About Some Certain Self Defense Things Growing Up.

But Yes, It Would Take A Lot Of Force.
But Really It's Better To Just Avoid That Situation All Together.

Like, Put Your Two Fingers Under The Tip Of Your Nose. Push Up With A Small Amount Of Force. You Will Feel A Little Bit Of Pressure In Your Head.

So Hitting The Nose Straight On Is Probably Best.

[jekostas]

Good luck successfully hitting someone in the nose.

[Grant Lamontagne]

It's easy to hit the nose, but anyone that tells you that you'll drive the cartilage into someone's brain is just showing how useless their advice on self defense is.  Not to take a shot at your input Jessie, but that simply is not true- take it from someone who has spent as much time working in violent industries as you have been exchanging oxygen for carbon dioxide.

Def

[Styerman]

Actually a civilian does have some power of arrest, and that includes restraint.

However it's not something you want to get into if you don't know what you are doing as it's very easy to get in trouble legally for doing the right thing.  And, that's assuming that while you are doing an arm bar his friend isn't sneaking up behind you.

Def

You have the power , but no duty to do so . This is why some LEO tactics aren't right for civilians .

Think Cat as opposed to dog .

A cat fights to break contact and escape ( civilian ) , a dog often fights to dominate ( think LEO ) .

Best tool is situational awareness/avoidance . Don't go to to stupid places , with stupid people , and do stupid things . Cultivate an ability to peoplewatch ! Cultivate the right body language , avoid escalation or provocation ( Verbal Judo ) . There are lots of good articles in security/LE traderags on the subject .

Mark McYoung is really good on this subject . A cat named Don Reariac is also a good read .

Chris

The nose is just a landmark , a solid shot centerface , concentrated into the end of a Kubo. will hurt . Modern Combative Systems Blog is good on this subject .

[bladechick777]

This Is True Def. As I'm Probably One Of The Youngest On Here.
I Think I Would Still Personally Hit Someone Straight On In The Nose As It'll Probably Hurt More To Hit The Nose Bone Head On. Lol.

[Top-Gear-24]

This "nose thing" sounds perfect for these guys ...



Or maybe even better ... 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Absolutely right on the ability versus duty Chris- and a good point to make. 

Situational awareness I feel is the best defense anyone can have- take corners wide so as not to be an easy target, be aware of everyone around you as much as possible, and monitor your body language.  In many cases a predator looking for prey will size someone up and determine a target by people broadcasting the wrong signals.  Most predatory people are looking for easy prey, not other predators, so walk confidently.  You don't need to have the super ninja skills to avoid potential danger, you just have to show that you will not be an easy target.

Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

This Is True Def. As I'm Probably One Of The Youngest On Here.
I Think I Would Still Personally Hit Someone Straight On In The Nose As It'll Probably Hurt More To Hit The Nose Bone Head On. Lol.

According to this site:
http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=511

Martial Arts Myths & Misconceptions
Pushing The Nose Bone Into The Brain

By Jonathan Maberry

Can a person really strike someone in a way that will drive the nose bone into the brain? I hear this one all the time, so let’s start with the short answer: No.

You cannot drive the nose bone into the brain. It cannot be done by any martial arts blow, and never has been done. Anyone who argues to the contrary is misinformed (and a bit stubborn) and stands in opposition to overwhelming medical and anatomical information.

First, the nose is primarily composed of malleable cartilage which does not posses the tensile strength necessary to penetrate the thick actual bone of which the skull is comprised. Second, even if the nose were entirely made of bone (and remember it isn’t!) it would not be long enough to reach the brain.

This myth pops up a lot, and even shows up in books and movies. In Stephen King’s novel “Firestarter” the assassin John Rainbird contemplates killing someone in this fashion; and Shirley Conran used it as a plot device in her novel “Savages”. It even showed up in the Bruce Willis action flick, “The Last Boy Scout,” and in the Nicholas Cage film, “Con Air”.

The sheer mechanics of accomplishing this are daunting. First, there is the crista galli, a thick, smooth, triangular piece of bone that projects from the bone that forms the roof of the nasal cavity (cribriform plate). Though there are small openings in the cribiform plate which allow nerves to pass through, they are not large enough to allow a mass of splintered bone to enter the brain case, nor are they direct conduits to the brain.

Can a powerful blow to the head be potentially lethal? Yes, that is certainly true, and for a variety of reasons ranging from trauma to the brain to injuries to the spinal cord. High-impact blows may result in various fractures to the facial bones, compression injuries of various kinds, damage to the brain stem that may be associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, or herniation of intracranial structures. Shock from such blows can cause orbital injuries, including possible trauma to one or both optic nerves; but the result will never be a nose bone sent like a missile into the brain. If this was a likely injury then boxers would be dropping like flies and the UFC would be a pretty grim affair.

So...that particular myth, as dynamic and spectacular as it is in fiction, is a physiological no-go.

In short, only try this method if you are Nicholas Cage. 

Def

[AHB]

Or maybe even better ... 
(Image removed from quote.)

10 points for bringing up Kari...

[Top-Gear-24]

I thought ... any reason is a good reason  .

By the way, 10 points for bringing her up again  .

[Ashley]

 

[jzmtl]

From what I read CS sjambok doesn't take much skill and can cause some serious pain without much damage, looks like you can convert one into a hiking stick with some pvc pipes.

[turnsouth]

What I would do is take a beginners self defense class. You can usually find them at community centers, college unions, and karate schools.

Specifically what you are looking for is an instructor that can teach defensive tactics using common everyday carry items.

[turnsouth]

Situational awareness I feel is the best defense anyone can have...

 

[Ashley]

Is that why when I where my eye patch please chase me?

[Swiss Man]

Years ago I worked security, we had a guard that thought
he was all that and a bag of chips.

One night he witnessed a guy and girl arguing
(no physical contact, no threats) the guy started leaving the
building he told him he couldn't  leave he had to wait
for the police.

Walking at the door he followed him and told him again
he couldn't leave. The guy told him he was and that is when
The guard draw his night stick and threatened the guy.

Since the guard wasn't train on proper technics
He got his night stick taking away and smacked a couple
times with, after the guard dropped he dropped the
stick and walked away.

Def had the best advice GET SOME TRAINING.
Then choose your self defensive weapon.

[Ashley]

Def had the best advice GET SOME TRAINING.
Then choose your self defensive weapon.

I could agree more. Training is everything. 

[Styerman]

And for petes sake , get your hands up ( in a non aggressive manner- it's called the "Jack Benny " stance ) , speak softly and calmly .

Chris

[Ashley]

And for petes sake , get your hands up ( in a non aggressive manner- it's called the "Jack Benny " stance ) , speak softly and calmly .

Chris

+1 I learned in my correctional and security career to always stay calm, cool, and collective no matter the situation.

[Styerman]

One area where there is general agreement is that you should fight tooth and nail if the bad guys try to remove you to another location . This bodes ill for you , and is no longer just street "business " .

Remember also , the "Weapon" is between your ears , all else is just tools/options .

Don't underestimate the tuffness of street life . An amped up subject of average size can often take two officers to control . Gang kids , during their initiation phase fight each other lots , often to the point of injury and unconciousness . When the get their first serious jail time , they get tested , and subject to "mandatory rec " all the time .

In other words , they ain't going to pee themself at the sight of your Kershaw .

I sometimes carry , and nearly always have tools on me that could be pressed into service if need be . I have also had had some practical experience /training , and been handed my head a couple of times .

It's a personal/practical descision - cash and ID's can be replaced , on the other hand if you get knocked on your a## you could easily be stomped into quadraplegia . A layered defence , empty hand skills , impact tools , edged tools , and if possible firearms . I'm very partial to S&W Ail Lite .357's or Airweight .38 Bodyguards . Sadly not a legal option in many cases . If you only have one skill set - work on "Verbal Judo" and situational awareness .

The traditional martial arts / and dojos have become too sport  oriented - their main goal is selling long term contracts . One instructor of my aquaintance , ( who is very good ) - teaches common sence and people watching skills FIRST . Why learn throws dependant on a ghi , when your assailant will be wearing a T , and board shorts ?

Mostly, do your home work ! Mike Tyson was asked why he was so devestating - his answer "Bad Intent " . Many confrontations are decided more my surprise and agressiveness than anything else .

Another thing to learn - "Get off the X " , ie: don't stand there like a dummy , get outta the way . Running is sometimes a good option , sometimes not , if you are taken down from behind on pavement you can be badly hurt .

Chris

[Styerman]

Sorry , dreaded double post !

[asupernothing]

if you are taken down from behind on pavement you can be badly hurt .

I had a friend who was put into the hospital with brain trauma, from taking just one hit in a street fight. The guy sucker punched him, he went down and slammed his head against the curb.

If he had been carrying a defensive blade, it would have made zero difference. This also brings up a good point: Accept the fact that if you fight, you may lose.

[Grant Lamontagne]

This also brings up a good point: Accept the fact that if you fight, you may lose.

As the Mythbusters say, Failure is always an option.

In reality any fighting you should do should be with an eye to escaping.  You should only engage if there's no other option, and it should always be with a view to getting the hell out of there.  As soon as you have an opportunity for you and anyone you are with to escape, do it, even if you are winning.

Def

[Essexman]

I think it was Bruce Lee who said "the man who takes a weapon to a fight has lost already, because he thinks he will win"

Or something like that.

[Styerman]

Bruce Lee also knew his weapons , most of his weapons training was from Dan Inasanto , a FMA practitioner . I think he was speaking to task fixation , and the old "if all you have is a hammer , everything looks like a nail " .

Ask any vetran street cop wether he would rather deal with a Meth head with a boxcutter without his usual tool kit .

From fracturing a bunch of bones in my right hand when I was about 12 , ( Great roundhouse , connected with the head ) I will never use an empty hand if I have a better option . Be it Kubo , lite , or whatever . I also advocate the palm heal over the fist , causes much more damage , less probability of injury , springy fingers all over the area of the nose and eye orbit .

All in all it's kinda like an ambush in the military context . If it's properly done , you are pretty much cooked . By being trained , and situationally aware , you can exploit any mistakes , and /or pre assault indicators . If I'm in bad areas , I often pre deploy , usually a lite .

BTW , IMVHO one of the best street weapons family are the old Saps and Blackjacks . as a result of over/missuse they are banned in most of the World's police services . Trust me , they weren't banned due to inefficacy . I had an 8oz. Buchhimer braided jack with a palm strap ( carried predeployed in the palm [could be dropped if going to gun required ] , it was quite good at taking out 2-3 smurfheads ) .

As a practical matter , while illeagal most everywhere , a jack or sap used properly would cause a lot less official interest than results of a knifeing or shooting . all you would have is a methead with a facial lac. , and a bad headache . No reason the PoPo would suspect anything other than fist work = no major investigation .

Another oldie but goodie is the palm sap , it was behind the old stories about old skool beat cops , railway special agents etc. being able to knock people out with just a slap . Slip it over a mechanic's glove, and you are good to go , just about invisable . this effect can be duplicated with a well designed coin purse .

Chris

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yes Bruce Lee knew his weapons- as a traditional practitioner of Kung Fu he would have been more proficient in weapons before puberty than most of us will ever be in our lives.  That having been said, he would also have only learned weapons after learning to use his hands, and more importantly, learning some restraint.  Basically, he would not have ever been in a position where he would have carried or used a weapon unless he knew exactly what he was doing with it, which I think brings us full circle to the original idea of this post- using a blade as self defense.

Def

[Styerman]

Pretty much , whatever weapon  you have , you A) have to be able to deploy it , B) have to know how to use it , and C) most probably will have to do some empty hands stuff to gain a window of opportunity to use it .

Some FMA's teach blade and stick initially with empty hands as postgrad . ( looking for a quick return on time invested ) . The overarching principles are generally similar .

Knife wilders are a dangerous group . Be they skilled , semi skilled or unskilled . Many disarms are very flawed , as they are based on two improbable ideas, a) you see it comming ( most peeps. who have been cut don't know till after the fact ) , and that b) the guy is moving in a predictable fashion . Many victims fail to get off the X ( stand there executing "tactics" without getting out of line ) .

Training spent on Knife on knife in a deul like scenario is pretty much wasted , as it almost never shakes out that way .

Chris

[asupernothing]

As chris said knife on knife fights are rare, unpredictable, stupid, and generally the result of extreme ignorance. In most cases it is smarter to counter knife attacks with empty hand defenses.
And again: if you plan to fight, plan to take some hits. If you plan to fight with blades, plan to get cut.