Which of the following is categorized as deadly force?

A knife is categorized as deadly force because it can cause serious bodily harm or death if used improperly or with intent to harm. The classification of deadly force generally refers to any type of force that can potentially result in lethal outcomes. Knives have the capability to inflict significant injury, and the manner in which they can be wielded makes them inherently dangerous in confrontational situations.

In comparison, other options, while they can cause injury, are typically not classified as deadly force under most circumstances. For instance, pepper spray, stun guns, and batons are generally considered non-lethal or less-lethal options intended for self-defense or incapacitating an aggressor without the intention to kill. While they may lead to serious injury in extreme cases, the baseline purpose and potential outcomes associated with their use distinctly differ from those of a knife, which is often viewed as more directly lethal.