I would not try to make too many suggestions over the internet about such a topic. The best material I have seen is available on video though.

Check out the STAB (Survival Tactics Against Blade) program from Karl Tanswell. www.karltanswell.com

and...

Red Zone developed by Jerry Wetzel. www.centerlinegym.com

Both of these systems compliment one another and are functional and provable under non choreographed, full contact training conditions.

The counter knife tactics I teach with our program is heavily influenced by these systems.

If I have the choice, I'll draw my pistol on a person holding a knife.

Like has been said before, you don't always have time to make that choice though. Luckily I've never been in that situation.

From a personal standpoint as a security officer, I wear slash resistant gloves to minimise injury if caught up in a bladed encounter- it would (in theory) give me a little leeway to grab/trap the knife itself as oposed to worrying about getting past it to the controlling arm.

My father was in L.E. for close to 30 years, and has always said if a fellon uses his open hands, use your baton, if they have any weapon, be it oppertunistic or premeditated, Draw your sidearm to either take controll through coersion and to ensure their compliance , or if need be to shoot the SOB and remove the threat.

I like your dad's philosophy cord.

I've had the opportunity to know a few LE personally, and train on the FATS II with the local PD when checking into the Explorers program here. I most certainly agree with the rule of using a firearm against a knife. They had severaly scenarios involving a knife wielder, and in all of them, only one variable scenario had the guy drop the knife. Being prepared to use lethal force is necessary, regardless of how a person holds their knife.

Richard Beaupit teaches what he calls two on one. Which means two hands on the on knife hand. I found it works quite well in sparring.

If you really wanna test your knife defence have your friend come at you full out with a small stick or other substitue. As if it was a knife. Then just keep practicing.

Perhaps an even better drill would be to have two friends approach you, one will pull a hidden knife and attack. Simulating a more street like incident.

try using a large marker or permenant pen and then count the number of lines left. if its permenant the lines will serve as bit of a reminder as well for the next few days.