Does anybody have a common sense solution

[Cary]

72. Avoiding the situation?

Absolutely workable. I have spent 52 years, mostly in Chicago. I have never been in a real situation.

Running? Not as effective but still workable, avoidance fails.

Grabbing something and using it as a weapon, not ideal but at that point where 1 and 2 have failed it's the best alternative you have. Again, if the opponent has a knife you usually never see it and if you get cut anywhere your capabilities diminish because you're in shock. The knife is very deadly in the hands of someone who knows how to use it, and the learning curve is very short.

Throwing the wallet and running the other way may help. Again, it is a fallback position.

Low kicks are probably the next alternative but if the opponent has a knife it only prolongs things. Most empty hand disarming techniques, forget about it.