Hi Chris,
Given the stated goals in your post above, the first thing I would do as the knife holder, would be to reverse the blade. The second thing I would do would be to focus on evasive movement, and let the movement power the reversed blade with the blade out for slashing as I moved past opponants. The third, and last thing, I would do would be to occationally use really hard thrusts with the blade (hilt against my breast bone, kisaki out to opponant) to "finish" specific individuals isolated by evasive movement.
I have no experience in knife fighting, so...take it for what it isn't worth...
Best,
Ron