What is the minimum distance to create when faced with an edged weapon attack?

In the context of self-defense and responding to an edged weapon attack, maintaining a safe distance is crucial for personal safety. The recommendation of 30 feet as the minimum distance to create stems from the understanding of the reactionary gap needed to safely evade an assault by someone armed with a knife or other edged weapon.

The rationale behind this distance is based on the speed at which an attacker can cover ground and the time it takes for a defender to react. Studies and expert opinions suggest that an individual with an edged weapon can close the distance of approximately 20 feet in a very short time, often before a defender even has the chance to react effectively. Therefore, establishing a distance of 30 feet gives a defender an additional buffer of time and space to recognize the threat, formulate a plan, and potentially escape or prepare to defend themselves.

In scenarios involving edged weapon attacks, additional distance can help ensure that the defender has time to maneuver, find cover, or access self-defense tools if necessary. This distance is also aligned with defensive training principles that focus on proactive safety measures in high-risk environments, emphasizing the importance of space management in self-defense situations.