Page 848 - Complete Krav maga : the ultimate guide to over 250 self-defense and combative techniques

Edged Weapons

An edged weapon, while typically a knife, could be any short instrument used to
cut or stab, such as a broken bottle, scissors, box cutter, screwdriver, etc. There
are several key factors that should be considered when dealing with a threat as
opposed to an attack. The behavior of the assailant is different from one who is

actively stabbing or slashing at the defender. The assailant may want to gain
information or property from the victim, take the victim hostage and/or move the
victim to another location. Depending on the nature and context of the threat, a
knife-wielding assailant has the ability to threaten the intended victim from
close, intermediate and long-range distances, at various angles and heights, and
by placing the edged weapon at different parts of the victim’s body.

Our experiences have taught us that each passing second may allow the situation
to escalate into a more dangerous and dynamic scenario, one where the assailant
actively attacks with the edged weapon by stabbing and slashing repeatedly at
the intended victim. Just like in basic handgun, the technical principles for
addressing knife threats are Redirect, Control, Attack and Takeaway. The
tactical responses generally recommended are: (1) escape, (2) use an improvised

weapon or shield, and/or (3) engage with personal weapons. It’s important to
note that once an initial defense is made, there are four common responses from
the assailant: switch knife hands, thrust the knife forward, pull the knife away,
and/or strike. The techniques prescribed here are designed to address all of these
concerns.