Fighting Knives "Reality Check"

[Les Robertson]

I have been reading the thread on the "best fighting knife" with great interest. I especially want to thank all those who have posted pictures.

For those of you who have commented, why is it that you would use the particular knife that you have talked about or posted a picture of?

Have any of you actually been in a knife fight? If so, what knife did you use then.

Have you received any training on using a knife. If so what kind of training.

The saying goes, "the best knife you can have in a knife fight is the one that is in your hand when the the fight starts".

Which brings up several pertinent points in what does make up the "best fighter".

First and foremost the knife has to be able to be carried and be accesible when you need it.

Many of the knives discussed/pictured are to large to carry on a daily basis.

Another factor to consider is the type of training you have or are currently taking. As each system has a different way to use a knife. Consequently, the knife would have to be designed to make maximum use of your training.

I noticed some of the knives had polished handles, probably not the best choice if you tend to manipulate the knife.

Other considerations are:

What are the concealed carry laws in your state

What is the legal blade length

With AIDS and other blood borne diseases present is a knife the best answer to a threat to you and your loved ones.

Generally, threats to you and your loved ones do not come from a single person. Consequently, thought has to be given to whether a knife is the best defensive choice against multiple assaliants.

Lastly, you have to ask yourself if you possess the intestinal fortitude to actually stick a knife into someone. Understanding, that if you are close enough to do that. Then the other person is close enough to get their hands on you.

The options as to what is the "best" fighter are endless. Just take into your experience level, concealbility and remember no matter what knife you choose, train as much as you can with it.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com

"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein

 

[UW Mitch]

Recently a friend of mine asked that if we got mugged or attacked, would I pull out my folder and stab the attacker. She was shocked when I said "Hell no! But I will run really fast and call the cops on my cell phone."

It's my opinion that if someone is brave/crazy enough to "jack" someone on the street, they probably don't have a lot to loose. Who knows they may be on some drug that will make them not even feel a stab wound anyway.

I like "tactical knives" for their craftsmanship, engineering brilliance, and aesthetics. I would hopefully never use a multi hundred or thousand dollar knife (or any knife actually) against someone.

~Mitch

 

[e_utopia]

Well, I didn't post in that thread, but if it's still going in a month or so, I may have some eye-candy to post.

First, yes, I have had to draw a knife (two, actually) in anger, but I was (luckily) able ot intimidate the other guys (yup, plural, but people seem to have more fear of knives than guns, nowadays), so I haven't had to get into an actual knife fight.

They were just those cheap utility knives with the long blade which is scored so it can be broken off in sections as it dulls. Not exactly the best choice for a knife fight, but I was working in the shop and that was all I had within easy reach. Just like that saying you posted.

I have no 'formal' training, but the more I read up on the formal types of knife fighting, the more I realise that I already seem to know most of what they teach. I have some sort of instinctive knowledge of knives, which probably explains my affinity for them.

I don't know what you mean by 'too large to carry on a daily basis.' In some areas, yes, you can't get away with carrying a large knife, but there are many areas where you won't draw a second glance. My solution is to have multiple knives of variosu sizes.

And yes, your style of knife usage defines what is the best fighter for you. Personally, I happen to be fond of the type of knives Jerry Hossom makes, as they work with my style (especially being so light, so I can change directions quickly). For someone else, maybe a blade-heavy machete is the best answer. This is part of why I didn't post in that thread, as there is rarely a 'best' anything.

Handle design is also very important. I like canvas micarta (with a decent texture to it) for grip, and the shape of the handle must fit my hand. If you can't hold onto the knife, what's the point in having it? Along with this is the question of a guard. Some knives posted/mentioned have no guard, which makes me basically say 'that isn't really a fighter.' I can't imagine specifically choosing to have a fighter without a guard, but I guess some people do...

Always check the laws.

As far as AIDS and whatnot, what are you comparing a knife to? A gun results in a large amount of backspray of blood, so it is possibly less ideal. The flow of blood from a knife wound is at least possible to avoid, whereas the spray from a bullet impact is too fast to dodge.

Well, as I've said, multiple assailants ran when I pulled a couple of knives, so who knows what will happen?

Personally, I have no problem with 'dispatching' one of those predatory types, as I feel I would be doing us all a favor, and helping to prevent someone else from being victimised in the future. That's my philosphy, anyway (knowing some rape victims makes you really care very little for those who prey upon others).

Well, how was that?

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

 

[KnifeArt]

Hello Guys,

Some good points made here - about knives.

All I ask is if we keep discussion of topics such as "blood born pathogens" and "stick a knife into someone" out of the custom collectors area. If not, I will close this topic.

Thanks,

Larry


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KnifeArt.com - Fine Custom Knives
KnifeDirectory.com - Online Knife Guide

 

[Loki]

I think most of the talk of knife fighting is done by us "Walter Mitty" types. I've never been in a scuffle that escalated to weapons of any sort. In fact I've not managed to have a physical altercation since about age 13. The babble about what makes for the best figter is mostly entertainment. Given the choice I would certainly opt for a firearm to defend me and mine. That being said, howerver, I don't think I'd have much compunction about defending myself with a knife should I be forced. No, I'm not a trained fighter but then the vast majority of stabbings in this country aren't committed by trained knife fighters or even experienced street fighters. Grit, determination, and luck will come to play a more important role than the kind of knife used. Reality should peek in every now and then - I don't think for all of the talk many of us would really care to be in a desperate fight for our lives - knives or not.

 

[Les Robertson]

Larry,

Blood borne pathogens are part of the reality of a knife fight.

It is on topic and not gratuitous. As such it should be discussed as a consequence of using a knife in a defensive/offensive situation.

Just as the laws for using a concealled weapon should also be discussed.

For my part, I have always found it interesting how those who sell the instuments of death and destruction can at the same time be offended by the discussion of their use.



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Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com

"If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor"
Albert Einstein

 

[Spark]

It's on topic for BladeForums.com, but it's off topic for the Custom Forum.

I'm moving it to the Practical Tactical Forum, feel free to continue the discussion there.

Spark

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Kevin Jon Schlossberg
SysOp and Administrator for BladeForums.com

Insert witty quip here