Blade/wound experts needed

TwoTrees said:

In a combat situation, A (who is already injured and doesn't want to be left to the enemy) persuades B to perform a 'mercy killing'. A has a sharp knife and general knowledge of anatomy.

(1) Where does A cut for the fastest and least painful end?

(2) Approximately how long will it take B to bleed out?

Thanks!

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Cut the throat. If you sever the carotid artery, then unconsciousness will be immediate; although actual death will take a few minutes. If the throat is cut completely through, so that all of the arteries will be cut, then unconsciousness will be immediate and there will be no pain.

With a heavy blade, you could go for the spine (popular method with the Romans and Samurai for mercy killings). The knife probably isn't suitable for that.

Knights had the misericorde, the mercy stroke. A knife used to stab through the eye and into the brain of those too wounded to treat.

The throat would be psychologically easier for the user, but would be messier. I have been assured that there tends to be a lot of gasping and thrashing, that it's really quite horrible to watch.