What is the immediate tactical priority when facing a knife attack from an assailant who is already within striking range?

The immediate tactical priority when facing a knife attack from an assailant who is already within striking range is to create distance and protect vital targets. Because a knife is a close-quarters weapon, increasing the space between you and the attacker significantly reduces the likelihood of being stabbed. Simultaneously, it's crucial to protect the vital targets, which include the head, neck, and torso, by raising your hands and arms in a defensive posture. This doesn't necessarily mean attempting to block the knife directly, which is extremely dangerous, but rather using your arms to create a barrier and deflect or parry the attack if possible. Shifting off-line, moving laterally away from the attacker's forward momentum, can also disrupt their attack and create an opportunity for escape. The overarching goal is to avoid direct confrontation and create an opportunity to disengage or gain a tactical advantage.