11) There are many types of knife fighting today, examples include Spanish, Asian, Indian, Israeli and more -- moreover, every country has their own knife culture.

False

Nowadays there are very few formal or codified knife systems available for study; most of Asia, like Europe, has a sword heritage, not a knife culture. In other words, there is no direct lineage, from generation to generation, where the knife is taught formerly.

Asian Styles:

Although many Asian cultures employ the knife, it’s usually integrated into a short or long sword system. Japanese, Korean, Chinese and other Asian arts never focused on the knife the way the Filipino’s have; where a distinct knife culture exists. Indonesia has a knife culture but it’s more intertwined with their use of short sword or bolo types of weapons.

European Styles:

Europe did have a knife/dagger culture that was linked to the sword, and there are pockets of Middle Age/Renaissance knife/dagger enthusiasts practicing in Europe and the U.S. today.

Spanish Knife:

The Sevillian knife fighting styles of Spanish gypsies is long gone. No matter what any “self-appointed authorities” say to the contrary, there is absolutely NO ONE teaching authentic Spanish style knife fighting (in Spain or anywhere else). Perhaps a gypsy father somewhere may show his son a few tricks here and there but formal training in this style is nonexistent.

Mexican Knife:

Mexico’s greatest contribution was the use of the poncho on the weak arm, protecting the body (using the poncho as a shield). This was adopted by U.S. forces in the early part of the 20th Century. Unfortunately it has been passed down to us incorrectly. Some fighter’s stick the non-weapon arm out without the poncho, putting themselves at grave risk.

Bowie Knife: (American Knife)

Thanks to the industrious efforts of James Keating, formal Bowie knife instruction is available. Unfortunately, many individuals who have taken his Bowie seminar have become self-proclaimed Bowie-knife masters. If you can’t get out to Oregon, contact him and ask for qualified local references. *Note: American Indian knife knifing is derived from Bowie methods. There is no formal codified Indian knife system.

Israeli Knife Fighting:

Many people today say they’re experts in Israeli-style knife fighting. There is NO such thing as a specific Israeli knife fighting style. Israel does NOT have, or ever had a knife culture. The techniques they use are borrowed from Filipino/Asian styles as well as techniques and concepts they feel work in the field.

Other Cultures:

India/Pakistan, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa all have various types of knife methods, but most of these have been lost of posterity, no formal codified system exists today exclusively for the knife.
 

12) It’s vital to learn forms and/or patterns, they will help you in a knife fight

False

There are several knife/kali styles who formally teach dozens or even hundreds of formal patterns -- but this is a major mistake. Knife attacks for the most part are fast and furious; you have literally milliseconds to deal with the threat, if you see it coming at all. Recalling a specific correct technique while being attacked will certainly get you killed fast. The most important thing to do is to deal with the situation as it comes!
 

13) If a knifer attacks you, you must kill him?

False

Surprisingly, there are many MA instructors espousing this nonsense. Unless you are looking for a sure way to go to jail; your primary goal is to escape. Not every knife attack is to the death; many are ego-based or opportunity driven. If you can’t escape then by all means do your best to attack with your own weapon, UNTIL you can escape. If you have to stick someone, do it until you have an opportunity to get out of there. Standing there and cutting your attacker after he’s disabled, will certainly make you a murderer in the eyes of a jury.
 

14) Knives are less lethal than guns

False

Knives are as lethal as any firearm, sometimes even more so! Not everyone knows how to use a gun. A gun may misfire, it may jam, and the safety might be on etc. Everyone knows how to use a knife; we’ve been using them since childhood. One thrust in the wrong place and it’s over fast. Even a child can be deadly with a knife.
 

15) There are no codified knife systems from the past which espouse knife or dagger fighting

False

There is plenty of evidence which points to the contrary. The Baratero and other books, see: http://www.varmouries.com/wildrose/fiore/section2.html  clearly depict the transmission of a systematic /codified means of applying the knife for self defense in the Fiore de Liberi!
 

16) Only crazy people such as Charles Manson know anything about knives

False

Many police and military personnel employ knives as part of their life saving duties in the line of work they are in! Good people use knives too, not just psychos!
 

17) If you fight against a knifer, expect to get cut

False

I certainly don’t, I know it can happen but expecting it will certainly make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. You may be cut but you’re trying not to.
 

18) To train in the use of the knife is to participate in criminal activity

False

Just as it should be the right of every law abiding citizen to own-carry a firearm so it is for those who prefer knives as well. Self defense works the same way irregardless of the weapon used!
 

19) The knife is the only weapon you'll need

False

For your own survival, it’s vital to be thoroughly familiar with firearms as well as a variety of methods to protect yourself when you’re unarmed.
 

20) Western fencing has nothing in common (or useful) with modern knife fighting

False

All of the combatives pioneers including Fairbairn, Sykes, Biddle, Applegate and many more had a fencing background; some of them even were at the champion level. Many of the combative knife moves that have come down to us today were adapted from modern sport fencing. Sport fencing not only teaches great footwork, timing, targeting and measure, the athleticism used is perfectly adaptable for countering a violent knife attack.

Furthermore, the majority of Filipino arts incorporate a great deal of western fencing in their styles, quite often 30%-50%. They are the only Asians that have a proper sense of point (from European fencing). Raymond Floro has successfully integrated western fencing and Filipino arts to the point that he dominates all comers during his sparring sessions.
 

21) There's no need for me to learn how to use a knife because I'll never carry one
 
False

Maybe you'll never carry one, or maybe it is illegal for you to carry any bladed weapon, but you can always improvise. You can use like a knife, a pen, a mobile phone, a short stick etc. these things would greatly magnify the effectiveness of your self-defense. In addition, the main reason you want to learn to use the knife is to become familiar with how someone will attack you!