I created this thread because everyone seems to have a different take on knives and their uses for self defense. Some say it is only a last ditch thing, others argue it is only a tool, etc. What is your view and why? Also, have you had some sort of martial arts/self defense training? If so, in what and how long? (I’m curious to see how this affects your answers, as I know several years of Hapkido have changed my view on this.)

Please note that I am speaking of civilians using knives for self defense. Military, law enforcement, etc. we already know the answer to.