Self-Defense: Reader Mail

Joe:

Any state I've lived in if I get caught carrying a knife bigger than a nail clipper, I'm off to jail. Do you carry these knives despite the law, or in which state are you allowed this luxury.

However, I think the average person - me, included, wouldn't know how to use a knife. You cannot go evenly matched against these experienced street fighters. They'd probably take the knife from me with no problem. Now, my Colt Commander is a different matter. That doesn't entail close quarter combat. These days, you have to cheat to win. The price of defeat these days is too horrendous to contemplate. But even the Commander doesn't guarantee you safety if you don't learn to keep aware of your surroundings AT ALL TIMES!

Interesting page.
 

The Baron:

Thanks aplenty for writing in Joe! You make some good points, and give some great advice to boot, but let me just clear up a few things.

 

1.  About the law and my knifes. First of all, I don't feel comfortable revealing where I live, even generally. Certain people who aren't fans of mine would probably mess with my car or scooter or woman if they found out where I live. But as for the knifes, let's just say that johnny law isn't going to tell me what to do. I don't know what the laws are, but I feel laws are mostly for criminals. I am a law abiding citizen, so in fact (according to the constitution), I can do what I want as long as I am responsible. Some cops understand this, but others are not so smart. Bottom line: A cop can try to take my knife, but I don't think he (or his orphaned children) would be too happy if he did.
   
   
   
2. As for your colt commander, I have never heard of that particular style of knive. I will give it a look. However, my friend Toby did in fact have a colt lockback knive with the stag handle, and we engaged in a test exercise wherein I fought him using my claymore (unfair, I know but we were testing) and also with my nunchuckas. Needless to say, a small colt knife can't hold up against such a grand blade as a claymore, or even the smooth sweeping of a chuck. It takes skill to use these weapons, and I'd suggest everyone pick one up and teach themself to use it though sparring or youtube, if they have a chance
   
   
3. I never thought to tell civilians that they could do as well as you or I on close combat, I was only explaining my own skills as one who has been a security officer for over a year and who is self-trained in over 13 marital arts! But yes, always take the proper precautions and stay safe ladies and germs! 
   
   
   

Thanks for your letter.