You are safer without a knife

[Rhyfelwyr]

Why on earth do you start a thread complaining about a study if you agree with said study...?

I am agreeing that if you can trust yourself to be responsible then having a weapon as a last resort would be no bad thing. Because if you are facing a group attacking you for the sake of attacking you, then the situation can develop in a way that leaves you with a few options:

1. Run - if its works, great. If not, then you are stuck with step 2
2. Stand your ground (without weapon in hand) - if it works, both sides can back off, if not, then we will presume the other side in the aggressor. Taking you to step 3
3. Conflict - now, if they just want fisticuffs, there no need to up the odds. But if they pull out a knife and clearly make a move to use it, well then unless you are a lot stronger than them or know some fancy moves then a weapon would be useful. Plus taking out a weapon yourself may act as a deterrent, just like nations with nuclear weapons.

So its good to have something up your sleeve just in case.