Gunting and MBC

[Interloper]

As I understand things the Gunting was developed specifically for Martial Blade Craft. My question is do I have to train with the Gunting training tapes or can I use the MBC training tapes? I am curious are the Gunting techniques and drills that much more intricate than those used in basic MBC? There is much to like about the Gunting knife, the publicly acceptable blade length, good purchase with the grip, and an available drone. However do the techniques used with the Gunting take that much extra practice to master, are they practical? Is it similar to embarking on a life long journey of learning Aikido or an esoteric art? Would I be better served with an Endura or Delica with the appropriate drone? Or dare I say another knife other than a Spyderco? I am willing to commit both the time and money for the Gunting and equally priced drone, and the training tapes. Out of curiosity are there any plans for a MBC class in Puerto Rico. I realize I have asked many questions. But I try to educate myself as best as I can before making a commitment learn any art. Thanks for your assistance and advice.

 

[Rex G]

The Gunting can be used to do all the MBC stuff, and also do Bram's stuff. I like my Gunting because the lock is as strong or stronger than anything else on the market, and the handle fits my hand so well edge-up or edge-down in forward or reverse grips, and whether I am using the classic saber grip, "hammer" grip, or Michael Janich's recommended Filipino grip. The ramp and the "horns" are bonuses that make a excellent knife even better. I have grown to REALLY like kinetic opening. The ramp doubles as a very effective guard. The only down side to the Gunting is that it is best carried in a sheath, but after losing a knife which was clipped into a pocket, and nearly losing several others, I do not trust clips anyway. The sheath need not be fancy. I use Skunkworks sheaths that carry the Gunting folded, and a sheath from www.survivalsheath.com that carries the Gunting in the open position. When I do not want to wear a belt, or have a visible knife on my belt, I use a pocket holster from Michael's of Oregon/Uncle Mike's, size 3, made for small handguns. It keeps the Gunting upright in the pocket and the ramp from trying to wear a hole in the pocket lining. Remember, do not try kinetic opening on your leg or other large body part! In fact, I do not recommend using kinetic opening on any body part until you have seen the training tape, or been shown by a trained person. I have used kinetic opening often, sometimes on my forearm or the heel of my hand, with the live blade, and have never cut myself. I learned FIRST with the training drone. The Gunting is safe IF the handler understands the "rules" of handling. BTW, I train with the drone! When I said I use kinetic opening with the live blade, I am referring to utility usage, at work and in the field, and I normally use the edge of the sheath, my duty belt, or a boot heel.

 

[Rex G]

OK, one thing the Gunting will not do is open by inertia alone. There is a difference between using inertia and kinetic opening. Many jurisdictions prohibit flip knives, and knives that open with gravity or centrifugal force, so that means the Gunting is legal in many more places because it will not open merely by flipping, flicking, or whatever the current terminology might be. Some LE officers will try to flick/flip a knife open, and make an arrest based on that test. I can, for example, flick my Civilian open, and could do the same with my Benchmade CQC7. It will not work with the Gunting, and that was Bram's intention. It is not simply a matter of loosening the pivot bolt; the blade's center of gravity is near the pivot. Kinetic opening is more reliable than inertia opening anyway, and takes less space to accomplish, so I am happy.

 

[cpk]

Rex,
I like your idea of using a pocket holster for your Gunting. I will have to go look around in my collection. I have quite a few I use for S&W 642 1st generation Thanks.

 

[Rex G]

Just remember tip DOWN! Tip-up carry in the pocket will not work because the ramp can snag the pocket lining and pull the blade open before it is intended, which can result in injury. BTW, this is not unique to the Gunting. Thumb studs on knife blades can do the same thing. I know from personal experience! I now only use tip-up with folders that have no projections of ANY kind on the blade.

 

[BRAM]

MBC is MBC..whether Mike or I teach it..
You can use any knife from any manufacturer..Helps to have a dRone..so the dElica and Endura are good calls...
The Gunting is the next step up do to the fact it's a multi tasking tool.
It does things other knives can only dream of..
from use closed, KinOp, locking, pain compliance...for example
You can use a Gunting to do anything MBC..
Doing straight MBC is very cool..great tools..
Mike and I both teach Filipino variations on knife usage..
As I tell my guys..if you can do MBC thats not necessarily a trusism that then you can do Gunting MBC..
If you can do Gunting MBC..you CAN do MBC...
Can Mike teach Gunting? well can and do bears do it in the woods..ROFL..
Mike is a great teacher...
When the Yojimbo comes out the MBC program he teaches will jump up a notch..cause it has a specifically designed tool from its instructor..

As for Puerto Rico..
I love Puerto Rico...
I used to teach seminars there..
The guys- read that Karate & TKD schools sponsoring me just never called back after awhile..
They moved onto a group to get paper & belt rankings..
We used to have 125 or so people per seminar..
I would do several seminars over a couple of weeks..

be safe

Bram

Thanks Rex for the great replies to Interloper!!!!