Man vs Bear with Knife: How realistic?

[YukonKnife]

I read stories of 19th century Mountain Men and Native American indians and others defeating large bears (Black, Brown/Grizzly) with large daggers and knives. How realistic is that and could the same be done today or would the person most likely take severe damage that leads to death or hospitalization? Also, could a trained person who has a large enough blade defeat a polar bear in hand to hand combat if it was necessary or there is no way?

 

[Uncle TK]

Depends on the size and weight of Bear!!!!!

 

[sklfco]

Depends on the size and weight of Bear!!!!!

And how hungry it is

 

[dan45]

If I see a bear with a knife I'd probably shoot it...

 

[DavidMcmillan]

I was wondering what a bear was doing with a knife. Bound to be illegal in most woods.

 

[diggler1833]

Anecdotal evidence should be taken lightly as I highly doubt anyone who ever lost lived to tell about it...that would greatly skew the success/failure rate.

"Fish stories" existed long before the internet, and I suspect a good amount of tall tales and exaggeration like we see with many other stories of the old west.

While a "chance" always exists, the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of the animal that is 2 - 3x the weight (or more) and strength...let alone the paw-full of 2" knives of its own (and canines).

Just me thinking out loud.

 

[cowadle]

but-but-but----danel boon?

 

[dennishoddy]

You don't need a danged knife. Just shove your arm down their throat.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...down-grizzly-bears-throat-to-stave-off-attack
Or wrassel em.

https://www.themeateater.com/conser...lers-fight-off-grizzly-attack-with-bare-hands
At the million dollar bar in Jackson Hole Wy, there is a mounted grizzly bear with a news story included. Some guy actually killed the bear by strangling it. The bear was mounted and placed in this bar.
I'll try to find the story.

 

[DavidMcmillan]

I remember part of that WY story…

 

[RickN]

They never mention that most of the bears killed with a knife were year old cubs.