Knives are a must in kitchens and during BBQ sessions, but do you need them while running? It turns out that you do! A knife might be just the thing that saves you from a potential kidnapper or from being attacked by an animal during your running session. But is it safe to carry a knife while running?
The most straightforward answer is, yes. Keeping a decent everyday carry knife is safe for runners. And it might also come in handy in various scenarios such as self-defense, first aid, scaring away predators, and other everyday applications, like opening boxes.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to carry a butcher’s knife in your pocket! You need to have the right type of knife that doesn’t interfere with you while you run. This article discusses why you should carry a knife while running. We have also mentioned the best knife to take along for your exercise session. So, let’s get started!
Why Do People Carry a Knife While Running?
The primary reason most people choose to carry a knife while running is for personal protection. For people who run in the evening or in rural areas where wildlife is prevalent, having a means of self-defense is very important. In addition to self-defense, knives also come in handy for first-aid, as well as for survival scenarios in case you were to get lost.
Here are some of the top reasons that might make you consider carrying a knife while you run::
1. Self-Defense
According to a recent survey, 60% of women have experienced some form of harassment while running. Most people only carry a phone, keys, a water bottle and a wallet while running. Suppose someone jumps out at you or begins following you. What if your phone battery is dead, and you are unable to call for help? In such a scenario, throwing your phone or wallet at an assaulter probably isn’t the best option. This is where having a knife can come in handy. Even if you don’t intend on ever actually harming anyone, having a knife can be a good deterrent to thwart would-be attackers.
2. First Aid
If you are running and accidentally step in a hole and break your ankle, having a knife can help you create a splint so that you are able to get yourself to safety. If you were to witness a car accident and someone was trapped in their seatbelt you could also use your everyday carry (EDC) knife to cut them free.
Knives can come in extremely handy in a wide variety of first aid situations, and having one can literally mean the difference between survival and death.
3. Scare Away Animals
A pocket knife isn’t the best tool to fight a grizzly bear, but it can potentially help in keeping animals at bay and give you a last line of defense in the event of an attack. For some animals, merely seeing a weapon might be enough to deter them from attacking. It you were cornered, or actually attacked, having a weapon that you could quickly access can literally be the difference in being able to survive.
What Type of Knife Should I Carry While Running?
Not all knives are meant for personal carry. Selecting the correct knife can save you time and money, and prevent you from accidentally injuring yourself. EDC knives come in various shapes and sizes. Generally, they are classified into two categories: folding blades and fixed blades.
Folding Blade vs Fixed Blade Knives
Both types of knives have a sharp blade that can cut with minimal effort. The main difference between them lies in their construction. Folding knives have a cover, while fixed-blade knives don’t.
People usually prefer folding blades, as they minimize the risk of accidental injury. However, most people don’t consider their practicality. For instance, opening a folding knife requires a certain degree of muscle memory,.and most people’s fine motor skills worsen under pressure. Therefore, if someone sprints to attack you, chances are that you will struggle to locate and unfold the knife quickly enough to thwart the attacker.
Fixed-blade knives, on the other hand, are more functional, as they are ready to use immediately upon removing them from their sheath. They are usually slightly heavier than foldable knives, but the difference is typically negligible.
Therefore, the best type of knife to carry while running depends upon your personal preference.
How to Carry a Knife for Running Safely?
The last thing you want is your blade falling out of your pocket while running, or worse, injuring you! To avoid these scenarios, you should place your knife somewhere accessible, yet safe. Here are some options:
1. On Your Belt
Attaching the knife to a belt offers easy access. All you have to do is reach for your belt, and grab it from the sheath. The downside to using a sheath that attaches to your belt is that most people will not be wearing a belt when they are running.
2. Around Your Neck
You can also thread a string through the knife and wear it around your neck. You could then remove it like an ID card to use it. The downside here is for runners who live in a hot climate that run shirtless or remove their shirt mid-run.
3. Waist Pouch
Almost all runners carry waist pouches to hold their phones, keys and other essentials. One of the most popular techniques to store your knife for running safely is tucking it in your waist pouch. You are less likely to lose the weapon as belt pouches have zippers. However, this method can make it more difficult to locate the knife in the event that you need it quickly.
Cons of Carrying a Knife While Running
Carrying a knife while running may have various advantages, but it also has several disadvantages. Here are some things you must keep in mind when considering a pocket knife as a safety option while running:
1. Accidental Injuries
Carrying any type of weapon, whether running or not, comes with a risk of accidental injury. If you fall, or don’t have your knife properly stored, it can become a risk. It extremely important to know how to properly use, store and sharpen your knife. It has often been said that a dull knife is much more dangerous than a sharp one.
2. Illegality
Carrying knives is illegal in some places, and other places have very specific laws regarding concealed carry of bladed weapons. For example, you can’t carry a blade longer than 4 inches in New York City. Likewise, several states prohibit carrying specific types of knives. You risk being fined or imprisoned if you are unaware of your local concealed carry laws.
3. Choosing the Wrong Knife
If you select a knife you can’t use, it will do nothing but collect dust. So, always choose a knife that you can comfortably use in emergencies for running safely.
The Best Knife to Carry While Running
You know a brand is top quality if wilderness survival expert Bear Grylls has used their products. We are talking about the Gerber Gear Remix Tactical Knife, which was specifically designed as a multi-purpose everyday carry knife. Gerber designs their knives to be used, and come with a limited lifetime warranty in North America.
This tactical, folding clip knife features a 3-inch serrated tanto blade with a slim, lightweight, stainless steel handle with an ambidextrous thumblift that allows the user to open it with one hand. With an overall length of 7.86 inches and weighing in at just 4.6 ounces, this knife is just the right size for an everyday carry.
The circular ring built into the handle provides added stability when in-use and the liner lock mechanism ensures that the knife won’t open while running or hiking. The built-in pocket clip also makes it easy to secure in your pocket or waist.
Conclusion
Carrying a knife is one of the best options for survival and safety while running. It can help protect you from animals and attackers, and it can be extremely useful if you find yourself in a serious survival situation. The best option for running safety is a fixed-blade knife due to their functionality and ease of use. One of our favorite fixed-blade knives is the Gerber Gear Ghostrike due its quality, weight, size, sheath, and more-than reasonable price.
Need more safety tips? Check out “How to Share my Location while Running“
