Fighting knife OAL abd Blade Length Suggestions

[jeremy1517]

I'm trying to research what is considered the ideal fighting knife. In particular, I would like to know what would be the ideal blade length and OAL/Handle length in a fighting blade.

Is there a standard that the military world uses as well as the martial arts community uses? I'm thinking about a non-sword...

Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

[tinkerer]

You're going to get a bunch of conflicting ideas, for sure.

My basis for a true fighting knife is from first knuckle to elbow overall length. In a true fighting scenario, that translates into a reverse grip with the knife lying under my arm held with the tip of the handle in my hand and the tip of the blade at my elbow for blocking and reverse cutting. For me, that the Ontario large tanto with a 10" blade, or an overall of 15". at least. There are lighter, smaller fighters, but I prefer that.

Larry
Tinkerer

 

[bpeezer]

No such thing as "ideal", the closest thing to "standard" I can think of would be the Kabar USMC knife. Definitely wouldn't be my first choice if I was stuck in a knife fight though. Different martial arts train with different weapons, so there are kind of standards within each art but not really across all the arts. I guess the short answer is no, sorry

 

[glocker199]

As big as effing possible.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

EDC?
Fast to deploy and very hidden until you need it. This way you have the element of surprise.
--> Small <4inch blade
Its weight and size should not bug the hell out of you and be easy to EDC. What good is a knife at home in the drawer because its too big and heavy?

Now if you know advance that you get in a fight, then please don't take a knife with you. Call the cops and if that's not possible then some fire arm.
If firearms are not allowed and cops cant help then get a big blade to be able to keep your distance, but also not too big in case the other guy is too close or you hit your apartments wall with it.
15-17inch would be small enough for inside a house and also still be able to maneuver if somebody is lying on you while wrestling on the ground.

Double edge is nice because the other guy cant push your knifes spine since there isn't any and will cut himself more easily when trying to disarm you. But a double edge also increases the chance of hurting yourself when rolling on the floor.
I'm a klotz, especially when adrenaline flows, and would prefer a single edge.

Pepperspray is good for untrained people. Have used it myself and its good for keeping a distance. Don't get the stream, its hard to aim if the target moves fast (dogs) and your hand is shaky (scared or holding a child with the other arm etc.) and there isnt enough spray in a bottle to waste it trying to hit something. Cone spray works best for me.

Disclaimer: Never been in knife fight and just applying what I learned in unarmed fights and martial arts classes.

 

[truth-seeker]

Sometimes I,ll carry my a 4 or 6 inch fixed blade I like my nielson forged utility knife, it,s flat and I can conceal it easily, but things woud have gotten real bad before I considered using it for defense, like both my guns empty.
I,ve never been in a knife fight but I,ve seen three, the worst one two gangs in merced CA decided to go at each other in the mobile home park I lived at back in 1975, one had a buck110 another a seatbelt using the big steel buckle as a weapon and one a shovel believe it or not, by the time it was through 6 or 8guys were bleeding, the three main fighters all went away in a ambulance covered in blood. Even at that age ( i was 9) I thought if one brought a gun it would have been over in seconds and the one with the gun wouldn't be bleeding like a stuck pig, the way I see it no one wins in a knife fight especially with all the diseases floating around now. P.S I know sometimes such as military or no gun zones you may have no options but knifes of canes. ( I,d prefer the Cane)

 

[GIRLYmann]

some knives are designed specifically around a particular developed martial art.
others build an art around no particular blade type.
eventually, it's all about the fight in the man, and not the weapon in particular.
however it would be ideal that any given knife should not feel cumbersome.
and preferably be perfectly well balance to allow quick wielding.
taking into consideration that a knife's length be proportionate to height
and be no longer then a said individual's forearm.
application is a mixture of thrust and slash motions.
some even use the pommel or skull crushers for impacting.
there are variations as to what an ideal "fighting" knife
should encompass within the mind of every individual.
and then there are "outside factors" or "special considerations"
which automatically places a limitation on a wearer's blade's length.
by device or design, concealable knives are born.
methods differ on how it's worn.
truly, another realm altogether...