"Sounds like an excuse." Spike said with extra snark, and showed no fear of the knife. His unoccupied hand went to grab Ardyn's hand that held the blade to immobilize it. Keep a hand on him as well. It freed up the one he'd used to grab the shirt with to aim an elbow at the man's face. The motion twisting him more into the other's guard, as Spike moved a leg in position to try and trip the other as well.

Nor was he pulling his 'punches' so to speak.