The distribution and appearance of defensive cuts vary with the weapon and the victim's attempt to grasp or ward off it.
Cuts from grasping a blade
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Grasping a single-edged weapon during stabbing produces a single cut on the palm or on the bends of the fingers or thumb.
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A double-edged weapon produces cuts on both the palm and fingers.
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These cuts are usually irregular and ragged because gripping the knife loosens skin tension.
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A typical knife defence wound may occur in the web between the bases of the thumb and index finger when the blade is grasped.
Distribution and interpretation
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Raising the hand or forearm during an attack may result in cuts on the hand, wrist, ulnar border of the forearm and fingers. Their depth and distribution are often irregular.
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The source states that defence wounds indicate homicide and, in females, suggest sexual assault.
Absence and overlapping hand injuries
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Defence wounds are absent when the victim is unconscious, taken by surprise, attacked from behind, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Knuckle abrasions and contusions can result from either offensive or defensive efforts.