The distance protects against stabbing weapons

"The Knife. The Most Common Everyday Threat" is the latest SPARTANAT Black Book. In 168 pages, Mario Nowak shows how anyone can effectively arm themselves against knife attacks. This pocket book is an essential companion for private individuals, security personnel, and rescue forces in action, as well as for anyone who wants to take responsibility for their own safety.

SPARTANAT: What motivated you to write this book about knife violence? Are there experiences that particularly shaped you?

Reporting on knife attacks has taken up significant space in the media for some time now. In doing so, objectivity sometimes falls by the wayside, which inevitably leads to insecurity among parts of the population. My aim is to counter the hype with a bit more realism. Over 40 years of police service have shaped me. They provided me with countless opportunities to gather experiences with pretty much every form of violence.

SPARTANAT: Ideally, nothing happens. What do you see as the most important preventive measures to protect oneself from knife attacks in everyday life?

Constant and everywhere practiced situational awareness is the best protection against any form of violence in public spaces.

SPARTANAT: When it gets serious: Are there specific behaviors that can make the critical difference between life and death in an emergency?

Distance protects, especially when cutting and stabbing weapons are in play. If I can no longer withdraw from the danger zone, I must sell my life as dearly as possible. What will certainly kill is inaction. Better to make a wrong decision than none at all!

SPARTANAT: In brief: How do self-defense strategies differ for laypersons and for emergency responders like police or security services?

Not quite briefly answered: Emergency personnel in the police deal professionally with violence and offenders every day. They are trained and equipped for this. This is usually only partially true for the private security industry. The layperson is left to their own devices in a defensive situation, without specific training and suitable equipment. They hold the short end of the stick.

SPARTANAT: What message would you like to convey to readers with your book to raise awareness of knife dangers?

The message is relatively simple: Take responsibility for your personal safety. You are responsible for it yourself. Your behavior determines how safe or insecure you feel in your environment. Face this responsibility and do not push it off onto others.

"The Knife. The Most Common Everyday Threat" by Mario Nowak, SPARTANAT Black Book 16, paperback in pocket format, 168 pages, Euro 15.90 – available directly from us HERE