I'm not going to say that Varg Freeborn is the end all be all of knife information, but to discount everything he says on the topic seems fool hardy.
His perspective is unique because he did grow up among the criminal element and witnessed a vast amount of crime. The fact is he has actually used a knife defensively, gone through the legal aftermath, and then witnessed (and was the target of) even more blade/knife/shiv attacks.
His experience doesn't mean he has all the answers, but it does mean his perspective and information is worth consideration. For what it's worth he has mentioned that he still carries a knife. I don't think he is against it rather that people need to be fully aware of what lethal level violence with a knife is going to be like, what legal battles can cost, and the serious nature of defense.
I'm more apt to pay attention to someone who has experience, and followed it up with a lot of training than someone who speaks academically based on their perception. That's not a slam at offering real statiatics, they do offer value. Declaritive statements about physiological and psychological stops seem completely void of context and assume way to much for me to buy into.
-Cory