GRIPS--Saber/Reverse/ Advantages and Disadvantages

[Myers]

Hey Steve:
To each his own, and I don't mean to question your experience, but I don't think losing the knife has to be a disadvantage of a good sabre grip. After all, the grip originated with a much bigger and heavier blade than most knives and wouldn't have been common if it didn't allow the user to hang on to his broadsword/sabre. Whereas the hammer position tends to emphasize the forward two or three fingers to maintain the grip in a "wrapped" fashion, the sabre position emphasizes the rear three fingers to maintain the grip by pressing it directly into the palm. The thumb can be dropped into the hammer position in a split second should the need arise. Preference depends on the range you work from. Personally, I like to work from long range and keep as much distance between me and the opponent as possible. A sabre grip allows you to take full advantage of the length of your blade to keep the opponent "at the end of your point." That may be a "moot point" (pun intended) with a small blade, but definitely a factor with a big blade like a bowie.

Keith

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"Walk softly and carry a big stick!"
Teddy Roosevelt

 

[Airyu]

Great information from all of the posters!
Here is my two cents:
There are strengths and limits to each grip. Therefore you need to adapt to and learn to practice in both basic types. It is easy to say that you will only respond to an attack in sak sak(saber type) or pakal(icepick) but in reality you will grab at your weapon,(or something in the environment) in either of the two. Your drills should be practiced(whenever possible) in either grip. The attack should be in either grip, so you can see the limits of the tactic(or drill) that you are using. Since many of the drills taught in a variety of systems start with the knife out and in play, have you thought or added to your drill how that happened? Especially since many of us are carrying one or more folders. Remember to try and push the limit on the drills we practice, only then will you fully integrate the skills you will need to survive.
I hope this helps.
Slash and thrust
Steve