Sorry Sanchin, wasn't sure what you were lookin for originally.

Kubotan are LEGAL?!? Wow, talk about learnin somethin new every day....

Well there's no doubt a martial artist with a weapon stands a helluva lot better chance than he/she does without, but it would be tricky to project self-defense using some of the above items mentioned.

Gotta be careful in this day and age, even defending yourself can land your butt in jail if the jury doesn't see it the same way you do.

Any thoughts on what situations would be deemed "appropriate" in what situations?
(other than obviously any and everything goes when it comes to life or death).

Has anyone here used a weapon in a self-defense situation? Share the experience! Spread the 1st hand knowledge!

My thoughts on the matter are very simple, Sanchin, I have trained with a knife, outside of what is taugh/required for AKK. I obviously don't carry it with me everywhere, but there are a few places I would have my knife on me, and even the pocket knives I carry are long enough to suit as a weapon if needed. As to actually using one in a fight, I haven't had to, fortunately. But yes, training with a knife, knowing how to use it, and having one on me often enough that it makes a difference does increase my survivle that little bit. Oh, and for the sake of avoiding an argument, any pocket knife I carry has a locking blade.

I have a koboton with cs gas/pepper spray sometimes, and sometimes I carry an expandable baton. I would rather not carry a knife, as I feel that they are more difficult to avoid killing somebody, and possibly easier to have used against you. I think that the ability to put up a mist of gas is a great advantage in a self defence situation, and an expandible baton is one of the all time great self defence weapons.

Granted, the knife is more likely to be used lethally, but the fact of the matter is, if I'm pulling a knife out, then I am in mortal jeopordy to begin with (moreso than an emtpy handed fight). Pepper spray can be good to have, but in CA, the law requires training and certification to use it in many scenarios (last I heard).

Always liked that knife Crocodile Dundee pulled out...."now that's a knife"

Notice the key ring on the kubatons,you must have keys on this or it's illegal.
The point of the thread was that a trained martial artist have a better chance with a weapon than just some guy carrying a weapon with no experience.

Most definitely, being trained is to using a weapon as the tracks are to a train. Controlled, precise movements with a nearly instinctual reaction is the key.

I have a question for those who have use knifes for self-defence. If one has not previosuly train in using knife for self-defence, would it hinder with your hand-to-hand techniques?

I don't quite get what you're asking. I can give a generic answer, though. If you train to use a knife, you will be better at using a knife. If you train (properly) to fight empty handed, you will fight better empty handed. If you train both, well then, you will be in much less trouble should you need to defend yourself.