The researchers said a short pointed knife may cause a substantial superficial wound if used in an assault - but is unlikely to penetrate to inner organs.
Not impossible, but unlikely. For the most part...the heart and lungs are protected by the rib cage...so unless you get "compression" of this structure...little (if any) real damage could be done.I was under the impression that a blade of less than 2 inches could puncture either the heart or the lungs. Am I wrong or is their definition of "short pointed knife" really, really short"?
However, once you move away from the rib cage (to soft tissues)...a short blade IS still a very real threat for a couple of reasons:
1. The area around the stomach and lower back are easily compressed...allowing even a short blade (2") to reach vital organs with significant effect.
2. Anywhere I can take a "pulse" on your body (Neck, Wrist, Groin, Inner Bicep) I can sever major arteries/vessels with even a 3/4" blade (yes....I said 3/4").
ALL edged weapons should be taken seriously, but I think Excaliber explains the real problem in his excellent post above.
Flint.