The downsides (which I think you're overexaggerating, it's not like we're talking about swinging a mace here....) are vastly outweighed by the lack of possible self-amputation.

I'm not talking about a mace at all -- something the weight of a two foot length of broom handle generates a lot more momentum with a wild swing than a knife does. You have to open up wider, and your follow through is longer. So each strike takes more time, but isn't very dangerous at either end. Your effective angles are more limited.

The added self-danger of the knife, as long as you keep holding onto it -- not that bad. Unless you're enough of a klutz that you'd be a danger to yourself unarmed.

Just think -- how much more constantly effective a knife held between you and your opponent is -- a menacing gesture with a hammer is an open gesture, unless you're one of those Filipino-trained people. And even so -- your average kitchen knife that can cut is probably less awkwardly weighted for combat use than a hammer (unless you're Hec and pound nails with a warhammer).

Those swinging weapons, MUCH easier to get around than a stabbing and slashing one.

(unless you're Hec and pound nails with a warhammer).

Actually, I've let JZ do all the hammering with a non-war hammer. Cf., JZ's black bruise under her left thumbnail.

Unless you're enough of a klutz that you'd be a danger to yourself unarmed.

t waves

I am going to start a new martial art. The Martial Art of Defense Against The Self. A.k.a. "Betsy, stop bumping into things!"

OK. I am convinced. If I am by some freak chance, trapped in the three linear feet of my apartment where the kitchen/closet are closer than the door or window, I will grab a knife instead of a hammer. Actually, the knives would be more convenient, anyway.

something the weight of a two foot length of broom handle generates a lot more momentum with a wild swing than a knife does.

Are you sure you don't just get really overzealous with your hammer swings while pounding in nails?

I mean, there's some difference, but if we're talking about truely wild swings, hammer, knife or marlin are all probably equally as effective/ineffective if your opponent is remaining at all calm.

Now I see that you'd be more likely to swing wildly with a hammer, because you'd need the momentum to knock somebody out. A knife you'd be trying for precision, not power.

But still, my main takeaway from this discussion is as follows: Avoid being trapped in apartment with person intent on hurting me.

But still, my main takeaway from this discussion is as follows: Avoid being trapped in apartment with person intent on hurting me.

Now that's just crazy-talk.

if we're talking about truely wild swings, hammer, knife or marlin are all probably equally as effective/ineffective if your opponent is remaining at all calm.

The whole point of a weapon like a hammer is momentum, Sean. If you're not generating it, what's the point? You don't need momentum for a knife to be dangerous. Swinging attacks have certain characteristics, and stab/slash ones have a different set.

The whole point of a weapon like a hammer is momentum, Sean. If you're not generating it, what's the point?

Okay, when driving a nail, the whole point is generating as much momentum as possible too, yet there there's at least *some* emphasis placed on concurrent accuracy.

I mean you don't just swing wildly at the nail until it's in, why on Earth would you want to toss accuracy out the window just because you're trying to hit the much bigger target of your opponent's forehead?

JZ's black bruise under her left thumbnail.

Left pointer finger. t /picker of nits