It is our (my kwoon's) philosophy that in order to properly defend against a knife (or any other attack), one must understand how to fight with a knife (or any attack). The reason is that a proper edge awareness, and the realization of the myriad applications of a knife and its injurous effects cannot be grasped unless you spar with a knife (i.e. markers, short sticks, trainers).
If someone simply shows you how to avoid being cut, this isn't enough. Proper respect for the edge must be ingrained into the psyche. It is easy to say "I don't want to get cut." But it is hard to believe, deep down, that your life depends on avoiding such a small object (it could be a Swiss Army knife). It is even harder to realize that, once cut, your chances of escaping without serious consequences reduce dramatically. The body goes into shock quickly, and your hands become slick with blood.
You must understand where the major arteries are, and then realize how easy it is to cut them with a simple, quick swipe of the blade. After all, if you can do it, anyone can, and if you never practice it your subconscious may tell you it a thing needing skill. It isn't.
This is the glaring error in most Aikido dojos (though not all). They don't learn how to properly punch, and yet expect to defend against a punch. It is foolish. A real punch is very different than an uke's punch, and a real knife attack is very different from a slow motion "demo."
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A broken mace is still a weapon.
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