Close Quarters Combat // Tzviel (BK) BlankchteinKnives: Rescue tools or edged weapons?
Few agencies have written policies regarding the use of knives as weapons; they need such policies, and they need training, because deploying a knife and cutting or stabbing another human being have significant ramifications to the officer; there are physical, psychological, and legal issues to consider
Look at any police officer, soldier, or tactical-guy-wannabe, and you will see a clip somewhere on him, most likely in his pocket or tucked into his waistband. Most likely that clip is attached to some sort of a folding knife.
Ask any cop why he carries a knife and he will say it is a rescue tool. Soldiers, security operatives, and everyday Joe’s also carry knives, typically to open boxes, cut strings, and look cool.
Truth of the matter is that edged weapons have been used as tools for thousands of years. Cavemen used sharp stones. Evolution and the use of steel and metals have created swords, spears, hatchets, and knives of all sizes, shapes, and types.
Knives have many uses, including the ability to be used as a defensive (or combative/offensive) tool.
More officers are attacked and injured by edged weapon than firearms. Most officers carry a knife on them, but it is a rare case that an officer actually uses his knife as a weapon.
Many reasons combine to explain why officers are reluctant to draw their knives and use it against another person, even if that person just attacked the officer in a deadly manner. Much of it has to do with the fact that no agencies train their officers in the proper deployment and use of their “rescue tool” as a defensive weapon. Even more important is the fact that very few agencies have written policies regarding the use of knives as weapons.
Deploying a knife and cutting or stabbing another human being have significant ramifications to the officer. There are physical, psychological, and legal issues to consider.
Physical
Deploying a knife under stress is not as easy as it sounds. Officers train and qualify with their firearms on a regular basis, and eventually become proficient in drawing and shooting. Not once do they learn where to carry their knife, how to deploy it, and how to use it.
Just like any defensive tactics skill, using a knife has to be taught and practiced. Failure to do so will most likely result in the officer injuring himself in the process.
Improper selection of knife/blade, choice of carry location, training in opening the knife, and training in movement, target choice, and striking methods, will result in hindering the officer’s ability effectively to use his knife, or in having his knife stripped away from him, and most likely having that knife used against him.
Psychological
Stabbing, cutting, or slashing at a person requires
