Why does ponyboy do when the socs pull a knife on him?

When the Socs pull a knife on Ponyboy in "The Outsiders," he feels a surge of fear and realizes he is in a dangerous situation. Instead of trying to fight back, he relies on his instincts for survival, ultimately escaping the confrontation. This moment highlights the stark differences between the Greasers and Socs, illustrating the constant threat of violence in Ponyboy's life.