Anyone here ever actually used a hunting knife for self-defense?

[Flbt]

@Flbt - well I did kill & butcher 6 hogs in one evening with 5 other “Older Guys” - and they used a very long knife (Pig Sticker) to kill them. They then collected the blood (made blood pudding) and fully processed all 5 hogs that night in a barn (nothing went to waste)——it was a LOT OF WORK and exhausted after 5 hours of this. None of these hogs was over 225 lbs, all were very strong but Not dangerous. They were typical Barnyard Pigs - but if they ran away and bred (like Pigs enjoy doing) then in a few years we would have a bit more excitement.

The wild or feral ones are a bit worse .
But I do know a guy that got 180 staples from a sow that cut him from his ankle to below the bealt

 

[Flbt]

Unfortunately it was our job, sometimes a no win situation. Perhaps she would have ran into traffic and got nailed, bled out, harmed someone, all kinds of scenarios that would involve lawsuits and dereliction of duty and I’m not even going to mention her race but rest assured that would come up too.

Even though she committed some disturbing the peace violations, she was being placed on a mental health hold and being transported to the hospital for her self inflicted injuries. Once law enforcement has detained, arrested or placed someone on a mental health hold, we are committed and now responsible for them.

Don’t get me wrong, lots of times I would tell myself, wow, I’m getting paid really good for this! Other times, when you’re getting shot at, covered in blood like this case or human fecal matter, or some near death call, then I’d tell myself I’m not getting paid enough for this shit!

Because it’s the job.

And every person that are taken off the street makes it safer for normal people.

Like his story and mine. Because when they run away they could end at a store with your little kid and pick them up.
When I was working and I am perty sure with him.
We would rather deal with the possibility of out come vs having a child do it.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Thankfully, never been in a knife fight. Same for a gun fight, although I carry now and again, mostly as a form of bear spray.

I can see how a big blade could be useful as a self-defense weapon, or how I could seriously injure myself trying. Kind of think bladed weapons require a level of training to use effectively in a fighting situation, especially defensively where whomever or whatever you are defending against had the benefit of whatever level of surprise that existed. Because if not caught off guard or by surprise, I would likely grab something other than a knife.

Not law enforcement or military, so whatever training and practice is self-paced. Shoot a lot. Practice those skills. Never practiced using a knife in an attacking fashion. I mean...seen it on TV, so could figure it out in a pinch, just not very effectively. Might even go William Wallace and try to grab bigger rocks, thicker sticks, maybe try to club something before I would pocket-knife it to death.

 

[Flbt]

Thankfully, never been in a knife fight. Same for a gun fight, although I carry now and again, mostly as a form of bear spray.

I can see how a big blade could be useful as a self-defense weapon, or how I could seriously injure myself trying. Kind of think bladed weapons require a level of training to use effectively in a fighting situation, especially defensively where whomever or whatever you are defending against had the benefit of whatever level of surprise that existed. Because if not caught off guard or by surprise, I would likely grab something other than a knife.

Not law enforcement or military, so whatever training and practice is self-paced. Shoot a lot. Practice those skills. Never practiced using a knife in an attacking fashion. I mean...seen it on TV, so could figure it out in a pinch, just not very effectively. Might even go William Wallace and try to grab bigger rocks, thicker sticks, maybe try to club something before I would pocket-knife it to death.

Well one thing about knife fighting.
Expect everyone to be cut.

One of the old jokes is the knife fight loser
Dies on the floor the winter in the ambiance on the way to the hospital.
There very bloody and it seems like everyone involved gets hurt.

 

[TnKen]

I have not had to use mine, but always carry one clipped to my pocket. It is either an auto opening or thumb assist for one hand opening. I should have carried it on the opposite side of my duty weapon, but years of strong side carry would be hard to overcome the muscle memory when needed. Here is a link to an officer in my dept having to use his.

Cop Stabs Man in Scuffle at Downtown Provence

A Nashville police officer stabbed a man in the leg during a scuffle in the restroom at Provence downtown, my colleague James Nix of The City Paper reports. The man

www.nashvillescene.com

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I carry a buck 110 everyday, but if I needed a weapon for defense against nearly anything I’d rather have a 3 or 4 foot post, 2x4, or pipe.

 

[HankBuck]

Years ago in Rundu on the border with Angola my PH went into a market to get some last minute provisions while the tracker went off to pick up a couple of parts for the land cruiser as we were heading into the Caprivi. I was left guarding the truck. A loud and probably somewhat drunk or high character came up demanding money and eyeing the gear in the back. We were off the main drag and things could have become ugly. When he started to reach for me, I partially drew a blade that I always carry in Africa on my left side and he backed off and left.

It doesn't take a lot of training to be fairly proficient with a knife. Fortunately I have never had to actually use one, but in close quarters it can be as effective as a handgun.

@Red Leg - only TARZAN prefers a Knife over a handgun…but its better then Fists - unless your Mike Tyson.

 

[HankBuck]

I carry a buck 110 everyday, but if I needed a weapon for defense against nearly anything I’d rather have a 3 or 4 foot post, 2x4, or pipe.

@Wyatt Smith - Agree, just in the time it takes to open a Buck 110 you’re gonna get whacked in the head 3 times by MY Pipe !!

 

[Flbt]

@Red Leg - only TARZAN prefers a Knife over a handgun…but its better then Fists - unless your Mike Tyson.

In a fight I would prefer a gun. But if you’re fight over your handgun and the back up on your ankle
A off side flip open or fixed blade can be a big help to keep your gun to yourself.

 

[BTB Joe]

I’m copying a story I wrote a number of years ago on my personal hunting blog (my brother and I blog daily from Africa and elsewhere to keep our 89 year old mother and some friends updated while we’re away). It was a day during a hog hunt in Georgia.

Titled “Hog Wild”…

The morning was brisk with a steady breeze as we made our way along a sandy road flanked by fields of planted fir trees. The trees, longleaf pines, are slow growing but provide stout lumber when mature. The stumps of these trees are full of resin and tend not to rot. When dug up, they provide “fat wood” which is easily ignited with a match and used as a fire starter.
One by one, we were dropped off to take positions surrounding a patch of woods into which the hounds would be released. From my position, I could see a distance of 100 yards left and right down the road but no more than 5 to 10 yards into the grass and pines off the shoulder of the road. For nearly an hour everything was quiet.

Cell phone texts confirmed that no one was seeing or hearing anything but we were all content as the cold and breeze dispensed with the mosquitos and gnats that had bothered us yesterday. The sun breaking through low clouds was taking the chill off me when I heard a twig snap nearby. Eventually, two whitetail doe came into view about 10 yards away. Moments later, a young 6 pt buck grunting his way along behind the does came to within 7 steps of me. He stopped, looked at me with curiosity, and retreated back into the pines. Great way to start the day!

At about 9 am, I heard the hounds barking. Soon there was a shot and then another shot. The barking continued but shortly a text message arrived with a picture of the fourth boar taken by our group. I assumed that the dogs had driven the boar out far ahead and were continuing to bark as they trailed behind. I was wrong.

Andy’s (our guide) Ford truck rolled up faster than usual and as it stopped, he suggested that I leave my backpack and get in quickly. As we sped away, he indicated that he believed there must have been two hogs and based on the GPS tracking of the dogs, it was likely a big hog.

As we drew near the GPS location, Andy asked if I could hear them on my side. When I responded that yes, I could, the truck came to a stop and we bailed out. A few dozen strides from the truck, the dogs came into view. In few more paces the boar was visible as well. Surrounded by barking dogs, the hog stood his ground wheeling quickly and sporadically in a circle to fend off each approaching hound.

Where the boar was bayed.
At 50 or so yards, it was clear that this was a pretty big boar. I’m thinking this is plenty close for a rifled and scoped slug gun especially with a target that size but Andy moved on and I followed. Our path wasn’t directly toward the hog but rather somewhat parallel between rows of planted pines about 6 inches in diameter. Unbeknownst to me Andy was continuing closer to gain an angle where we would avoid shooting in the direction of another of our hunters, Bob, posted on the other side of the wood lot.

The path brought us within about 30 yards when we stopped abruptly. We had only a few seconds to study the situation (I.e., a swirling hog and dog cyclone) when in an instant the boar swung in our direction and it seemed our eyes met. I sensed malice in those eyes and my intuition was confirmed when he leapt free of the dogs and came for us. Andy said, “He’s coming…” Followed by “RUN. WE GOT TO RUN NOW!”

Now, at my youngest and best self, I wasn’t going to challenge Usain Bolt in the 40 yd dash. At this age, in boots, carrying a shotgun, in three inches of pine needles, I’m far removed from my personal best. I’m running to be sure but not fast enough to suit Andy. Granted, he’s in a more tenuous position between me and the boar so he is clearly the more motivated of the two of us. I’m glancing back to see if the hog is gaining on us but I can’t tell. However, based on the force of Andy’s hands on my back, I’m guessing we’re losing the race. By the way, I think Andy must have been a good sprinter in his school days.

The running lane.
Again, unbeknownst to me, Andy knew that if we got some distance out of the boar’s line of sight, he might just veer off for open woods and leave us behind. And that’s what happened. I don’t know how far behind us he crossed but again based on the shoves and length of the instructions to “RUUUUN!” I’m guessing it wasn’t far.

When Andy realized the hog had passed by, we slid to a halt in the pine needles, turned, and began to chase the hog. Now one could question the logic in that but hey, when in Rome…, so I followed. I’d like to say at a sprint but it was probably more of a determined trot. As we ran, Andy yelled, “Martin,TURN THE BULL DOG LOOSE! TURN THE BULL DOG LOOSE!”

I wasn’t sure that Martin had complied until I caught a glimpse of that little dog that Andy kept in a separate box on top of the truck. She was running all out right at that hog. The fight was definitely on… 30 lbs vs nearly 300. The first few times she launched at the boars head, she got tossed aside. Initially, her head and chest were protected by a heavy leather bib but after a few hits by the sharp tusks, the bib was twisted aside. Although the skin of her necks was punctured at least once, the little dog persevered and finally got a mouth full of the pigs left ear. At that point, she was firmly attached and didn’t let go.

The bulldog after the fight.
As the boar spun to avoid the hounds and try to shed the bulldog, Andy rushed behind and grabbed the tail, then a leg and finally moved to get both back legs. If you’ve been in a two person wheelbarrow race, you know it’s hard enough to hold the legs of a willing partner. Much tougher with an unwilling boar who’s intent on biting you. Over the din of the barking dogs, Andy provided an instruction I had hoped I wouldn’t receive on this trip, “You’re gonna have to stick him!”.

On the night of our arrival, Andy had described hound hunting. He mentioned that occasionally the dogs would catch a boar as opposed to baying it. In the case of a big boar, it might be difficult to release it for a shot for fear that it would injure the dogs or charge a hunter in the process. This particular boar had already put the hike on us and injured the bulldog so clearly I had been dealt the “you gotta stick’em” hand.

The knife that Martin handed me was a Bowie knife with a deer antler handle. I learned later that Andy got the knife 25 years ago in Tennessee. I’m not sure if he bought it or pulled it from a stone. This knife would have made a good cutlery companion to Paul Bunyan’s axe. In fact, I’m pretty sure Crocodile Dundee would have slipped his blade back in its sheath and conceded, “Now that’s a knife.” You get the point, it was a big knife. As Doug Marcaida on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire show would say, “This knife will kill.” And amidst the darting hounds, twisting boar, grasping bulldog, and wheelbarrowing Andy, it did.

The Bowie knife at Andy’s side.
Andy estimated the boar’s weight at 275 lbs. The two shots we heard earlier were fellow hunter Bob taking another large boar. It seems likely that this boar was driven to Bob as the hounds bayed the second one. As the boar entered the path that Bob was standing on, he dropped it at 62 steps with 12 gauge 00 buckshot. Fine shooting using a Remington 870 with as pretty a wood stock as I’ve seen on a shotgun.

My boar.

I’m not sure this qualifies as self defense as the OP asked but it was an interesting experience.

 

[Flbt]

I’m copying a story I wrote a number of years ago on my personal hunting blog (my brother and I blog daily from Africa and elsewhere to keep our 89 year old mother and some friends updated while we’re away). It was a day during a hog hunt in Georgia.

Titled “Hog Wild”…

The morning was brisk with a steady breeze as we made our way along a sandy road flanked by fields of planted fir trees. The trees, longleaf pines, are slow growing but provide stout lumber when mature. The stumps of these trees are full of resin and tend not to rot. When dug up, they provide “fat wood” which is easily ignited with a match and used as a fire starter.
One by one, we were dropped off to take positions surrounding a patch of woods into which the hounds would be released. From my position, I could see a distance of 100 yards left and right down the road but no more than 5 to 10 yards into the grass and pines off the shoulder of the road. For nearly an hour everything was quiet.

Cell phone texts confirmed that no one was seeing or hearing anything but we were all content as the cold and breeze dispensed with the mosquitos and gnats that had bothered us yesterday. The sun breaking through low clouds was taking the chill off me when I heard a twig snap nearby. Eventually, two whitetail doe came into view about 10 yards away. Moments later, a young 6 pt buck grunting his way along behind the does came to within 7 steps of me. He stopped, looked at me with curiosity, and retreated back into the pines. Great way to start the day!

At about 9 am, I heard the hounds barking. Soon there was a shot and then another shot. The barking continued but shortly a text message arrived with a picture of the fourth boar taken by our group. I assumed that the dogs had driven the boar out far ahead and were continuing to bark as they trailed behind. I was wrong.

Andy’s (our guide) Ford truck rolled up faster than usual and as it stopped, he suggested that I leave my backpack and get in quickly. As we sped away, he indicated that he believed there must have been two hogs and based on the GPS tracking of the dogs, it was likely a big hog.

As we drew near the GPS location, Andy asked if I could hear them on my side. When I responded that yes, I could, the truck came to a stop and we bailed out. A few dozen strides from the truck, the dogs came into view. In few more paces the boar was visible as well. Surrounded by barking dogs, the hog stood his ground wheeling quickly and sporadically in a circle to fend off each approaching hound.

Where the boar was bayed.
At 50 or so yards, it was clear that this was a pretty big boar. I’m thinking this is plenty close for a rifled and scoped slug gun especially with a target that size but Andy moved on and I followed. Our path wasn’t directly toward the hog but rather somewhat parallel between rows of planted pines about 6 inches in diameter. Unbeknownst to me Andy was continuing closer to gain an angle where we would avoid shooting in the direction of another of our hunters, Bob, posted on the other side of the wood lot.

The path brought us within about 30 yards when we stopped abruptly. We had only a few seconds to study the situation (I.e., a swirling hog and dog cyclone) when in an instant the boar swung in our direction and it seemed our eyes met. I sensed malice in those eyes and my intuition was confirmed when he leapt free of the dogs and came for us. Andy said, “He’s coming…” Followed by “RUN. WE GOT TO RUN NOW!”

Now, at my youngest and best self, I wasn’t going to challenge Usain Bolt in the 40 yd dash. At this age, in boots, carrying a shotgun, in three inches of pine needles, I’m far removed from my personal best. I’m running to be sure but not fast enough to suit Andy. Granted, he’s in a more tenuous position between me and the boar so he is clearly the more motivated of the two of us. I’m glancing back to see if the hog is gaining on us but I can’t tell. However, based on the force of Andy’s hands on my back, I’m guessing we’re losing the race. By the way, I think Andy must have been a good sprinter in his school days.

The running lane.
Again, unbeknownst to me, Andy knew that if we got some distance out of the boar’s line of sight, he might just veer off for open woods and leave us behind. And that’s what happened. I don’t know how far behind us he crossed but again based on the shoves and length of the instructions to “RUUUUN!” I’m guessing it wasn’t far.

When Andy realized the hog had passed by, we slid to a halt in the pine needles, turned, and began to chase the hog. Now one could question the logic in that but hey, when in Rome…, so I followed. I’d like to say at a sprint but it was probably more of a determined trot. As we ran, Andy yelled, “Martin,TURN THE BULL DOG LOOSE! TURN THE BULL DOG LOOSE!”

I wasn’t sure that Martin had complied until I caught a glimpse of that little dog that Andy kept in a separate box on top of the truck. She was running all out right at that hog. The fight was definitely on… 30 lbs vs nearly 300. The first few times she launched at the boars head, she got tossed aside. Initially, her head and chest were protected by a heavy leather bib but after a few hits by the sharp tusks, the bib was twisted aside. Although the skin of her necks was punctured at least once, the little dog persevered and finally got a mouth full of the pigs left ear. At that point, she was firmly attached and didn’t let go.

The bulldog after the fight.
As the boar spun to avoid the hounds and try to shed the bulldog, Andy rushed behind and grabbed the tail, then a leg and finally moved to get both back legs. If you’ve been in a two person wheelbarrow race, you know it’s hard enough to hold the legs of a willing partner. Much tougher with an unwilling boar who’s intent on biting you. Over the din of the barking dogs, Andy provided an instruction I had hoped I wouldn’t receive on this trip, “You’re gonna have to stick him!”.

On the night of our arrival, Andy had described hound hunting. He mentioned that occasionally the dogs would catch a boar as opposed to baying it. In the case of a big boar, it might be difficult to release it for a shot for fear that it would injure the dogs or charge a hunter in the process. This particular boar had already put the hike on us and injured the bulldog so clearly I had been dealt the “you gotta stick’em” hand.

The knife that Martin handed me was a Bowie knife with a deer antler handle. I learned later that Andy got the knife 25 years ago in Tennessee. I’m not sure if he bought it or pulled it from a stone. This knife would have made a good cutlery companion to Paul Bunyan’s axe. In fact, I’m pretty sure Crocodile Dundee would have slipped his blade back in its sheath and conceded, “Now that’s a knife.” You get the point, it was a big knife. As Doug Marcaida on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire show would say, “This knife will kill.” And amidst the darting hounds, twisting boar, grasping bulldog, and wheelbarrowing Andy, it did.
View attachment 716103
The Bowie knife at Andy’s side.
Andy estimated the boar’s weight at 275 lbs. The two shots we heard earlier were fellow hunter Bob taking another large boar. It seems likely that this boar was driven to Bob as the hounds bayed the second one. As the boar entered the path that Bob was standing on, he dropped it at 62 steps with 12 gauge 00 buckshot. Fine shooting using a Remington 870 with as pretty a wood stock as I’ve seen on a shotgun.
View attachment 716104
My boar.

I’m not sure this qualifies as self defense as the OP asked but it was an interesting experience.

Very nice.
Weight until you get one mean enough that the catch dogs turn to bay dogs
And you still have to use the knife.

 

[jeanes]

Well one thing about knife fighting.
Expect everyone to be cut.

One of the old jokes is the knife fight loser
Dies on the floor the winter in the ambiance on the way to the hospital.
There very bloody and it seems like everyone involved gets hurt.

My son's Krav Maga instructor says pretty much the same thing, if knives are involved you WILL get cut. I'm glad he knows what he's doing. I'll pass.

 

[Red Leg]

My son's Krav Maga instructor says pretty much the same thing, if knives are involved you WILL get cut. I'm glad he knows what he's doing. I'll pass.

Absolutely correct - if the other guy has a blade.

 

[thriller]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a MS-13?

They are a very violent drug gang. They also like to tattoo ms-13 all on them so it helps with identification.

 

[PARA45]

In 1987 I went to Honduras and was assigned to the Army at Palmerola Air Base. Four of us went out to town (Comayagua), for dinner and drinks. I was the designated walker to ensure the drunks made it home safe. We were walking back to catch out bush when some locals wanted to pick a fight. I stepped in and try to defuse the situation since I'm fluent in Spanish. That didn't work and one of them was coming towards us. I pulled my trusty knife and said something along the lines that this was not worth it and someone was going to go to the hospital. When they saw the blade of my knife and that I was not backing down, they turned around and walked away. I was shaking so back, I couldn't get the knife back in the sheath. I didn't buy another drink while I was there.

My good friend Sergio and I were hunting hogs around Lake Okeechobee. After my friend Sergio shot his hog, I had the great idea of killing one with a knife. Well, I had never done that, and the guide gave me a brief how to do it, and I was set. Stupid! The dogs bayed the hog and I was able to grab the back legs like the guide told me and dragged the hog while the dogs were bighting his face. I did my part and stabbed him right behind the shoulder with my Cold Steel double blade knife. Once the hog was dead, I let it go and pulled my knife and stood there watching the hog. The adrenaline was wearing off and the first thing that came to my mind was "Well, that was stupid", we laughed and loaded the hog in the buggy.

 

[CBH Australia]

No,

We have strict knife laws in Australia and you may be questioned if you are seen carrying a knife.

Unfortunately we import refugees that use machetes in knife crime and attacks on each other or people they target.

A knee jerk reaction banned machetes for all residents of Victoria. This applies to campers, hunters and out doors people. You can apply for an exemption or permit for some long blades but the “Ban” is now law and you are required to hand them in into a specially installed collection bins that cost the public a fortune.

And, gangs are still using machetes in fights and attacks regardless of the law.

 

[pilar]

No,

We have strict knife laws in Australia and you may be questioned if you are seen carrying a knife.

Unfortunately we import refugees that use machetes in knife crime and attacks on each other or people they target.

A knee jerk reaction banned machetes for all residents of Victoria. This applies to campers, hunters and out doors people. You can apply for an exemption or permit for some long blades but the “Ban” is now law and you are required to hand them in into a specially installed collection bins that cost the public a fortune.

And, gangs are still using machetes in fights and attacks regardless of the law.

Sounds like California, tons of illegal peoples and strict laws preventing people from protecting themselves, anti guns and knives, bear spray!
My sister In California had guy try mugging her when I was visiting and I had to step in and prevent him from stealing her backpack, she chewed my ass and said “ I would have gladly given him my stuff, “ I told her while I was with her and her kids that nobody would ever make them a victim “
When a government brainwashes you in being a victim or hobbles you with laws
It’s IMO time for a change of government!!!

We just had a local guy who had his hands chopped off, by a Venezuelan gang for calling the police on them ! Luckily the police contacted I.C.E and Border Patrol
M4’s vs machetes = a bus ride to the holding pen at the new immigration facility!

 

[bigborelover]

Yes

What happened ? if you dont mind me asking .

 

[Hunter-Habib]

What happened ? if you dont mind me asking .

Nobody goes into the details of incidents involving shooting/stabbing/killing/maiming people on social media where thousands of others can scrutinize them. No matter how justified it is/was.

If they do, then:
A) They're psychopaths who obviously enjoy taking human life
Or
B) They are lying because they think that killing people is "Cool".

 

[bigborelover]

Nobody goes into the details of incidents involving shooting/stabbing/killing/maiming people on social media where thousands of others can scrutinize them. No matter how justified it is/was.

If they do, then:
A) They're psychopaths who obviously enjoy taking human life
Or
B) They are lying because they think that killing people is "Cool".

Sorry for asking such a insensetive question