'It feels like you're being sliced' ... but there's no blood

[Are_grits_groceries]

A Winnipeg inventor has won a $10,000 award for creating an electrically charged replica knife that helps police, border guards and other law enforcement types learn what it feels like to get slashed.

Police officer Jeff Quail invented the Shocknife in 2005 to add an element of authenticity to law enforcement training, which he found didn't properly prepare officers for the real-life threat presented by knives, screwdrivers and other edged weapons.

Four years later, the Shocknife is used by more than 500 agencies worldwide, including the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Canadian and American militaries, and many major police agencies across Canada, including Winnipeg's.
<snip>
Quail's Shocknife is a 7,500-volt tool that simulates the feel of a real knife.

"It doesn't feel like you're being shocked. It feels like you're being sliced," he said. "On the lowest setting it feels like a paper cut. On its highest setting it feels like you're being cut with a butcher knife."

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Good_News/2009/09/08/10785371-sun.html

This could scare the crap out of somebody.

[MrModerate]

1. And this makes someone a better cop how?

I can understand tasing cops so they know what it feels like, the degree of incapacitation it delivers or doesn't deliver, and whether it's appropriate to tase people in a variety of situations; I can understand training them on the effects of bullets when they enter the human body so they have some respect for the danger they face and the damage they might deliver with their weapons.

But training on how it feels to be cut by a knife? Sounds like a boondoggle to me.

[vadawg]

2. i got to say this is actually a good thing, having been cut a few times before

nothing can prepare you fo thte shock, though i got to say ive found you are okay until you actually see blood or the wound then thats when shock hits you, the actual cutting feels like a punch or a slap...

[ejpoeta]

3. maybe they can start using it like tasers against suspects??? who knows.

[SmileyRose]

7. No maybe about it.

it's only a matter of time.

[charlie]

4. 500 agencies worldwide

A few of them tickled to have a new torture tool, I'll bet. Walk in with a knife, promise a slow death from 1000 cuts, and start whacking from behind with a Shocknife. Send him home babbling about torture, yet curiously unblemished.

[Locrian]

5. torture

>>> A few of them tickled to have a new torture tool,

That was my first thought. Dick Cheney probably wet himself over this new "toy"...

[lilwunder]

6. clueless

Does anyone understand the amount of damage that edge / blade weapons cause? Does anyone understand the high percentage of blade attacks there actually are against law enforcement? Ask any cop about the dangers of defending against a blade, most cops are trained to 'expect to get cut'. Well, believe it or not, most of these cops actually put their lives on the line EVERYDAY, and this is a tool that will help them tremendously. There are excellent self defense programs that train cops in all aspects of blade defense, but any amount of training will NEVER takes away the fear of being cut. A tool like this can add a 'real world' aspect to their training if you will. This can add to experience while training against blades. I'd bet a lot of cops are happy to be able to train with these.

[Are_grits_groceries]

8. Clueless???

I understand the training aspects of them.

However, if you think that will remain the only use then you are clueless. This opens up a whole new realm of dark possibilities, and don't tell me nobody will do that. They will.

[charlie]

9. Dear Li'l Incensed Wunder

Wait until somebody impugns cops before you swoop in. Then you can stand tall defending Truth, Justice, and the American Way, instead of looking like a dork. Worldwide -- sound it out -- world and wide. As in badge-wearing goons from places like Uzbekistan.

Since you brought it up though, I can think of another good these things can do. Maybe future Abner Louimas will only get Shocknifed, instead of having nightsticks lodged north of their kidneys.