In what instances is a knife a viable self-defense tool?

Generally within a distance of 10–15 meters against an individual with a firearm, a knife is a perfectly viable self defense weapon. With appropriate training, a knife is no less viable. In some ways, it's actually better. read more

Generally within a distance of 10–15 meters against an individual with a firearm, a knife is a perfectly viable self defense weapon. With appropriate training, a knife is no less viable. In some ways, it’s actually better. read more

Short answer: No. Carrying a knife in New York City with the intention of using it as a weapon (defensively or otherwise) is illegal. Long answer: In New York City, blades - see article for restrictions - that are carried as work or utility equipment, can be legal to carry; in brief, fixed knives (non-folding) with blades of four inches or less, should be legal. read more

A knife is an affordable option that is available nearly everywhere, legal in one form or another (do your research) nearly everywhere, and an extremely viable personal protection tool with minimal (a few weeks) training time. read more