frac,
I own 4 handmade pieces made by J.S.P. and can attest to their craftsmanship. I too have looked at the website that is maintained by JSP and wondered about the applicability of some of the items offered there. I have been involved in martial arts for years, and weapons are an integral part of that training. Most of the items used in MA weapons training such as the sai, bo, kama, 3 section staff, etc, came from items used by farmers and common people after the ban of edged weapons. Many everyday items can be turned into lethal weapons. Even a rolled up magazine in the porper hands. I have no firsthand personal knowledge of Mr. Piorek, but understand he has a background in martial arts also. Liability is the catch word of the day, regarding anything remotely lethal (Such as edged and concealled self defense items.)We have today a society full of parasites and preditors that like nothing better then to blame others for their bungled attempts at plying their trade. If the items on the BladeRigger website had details posted on the uses of the items offered, or even suggested uses, it would only be a short time (IMHO) before some slime trailing slug (or his attorney) blamed(et al:sued)Bladerigger and Mr. Piorek for said slugs use of a garotte on some poor elderly woman while robbing her home!
It is truely a sad time we live in I know... But one only has to look at the headlines to be convinced of this. While I cannot speak for JSP, I can only assume that because of the very nature of the product offered, Mr. Piorek may feel that those interested in such items, should have a firsthand understanding of their potential lethal use or some training in the MA for their application. More importantly, the techniques and circumstances under which they can be used as self defense tools. As with any "self defense" weapon or system, one has to be knowledgable enough to know when and how to employe the weapon or MA system. And the mindset to do it without reservation, hesitation, or emotion. Anything less, would only give your aggressor an opportunity to to take the weapon away from you, and use that very weapon against you.
As far as JSP COST vs VALUE, that alone could be debated for hours on end. I for one believe that any product that I rely on daily to protect mine and my families lives, is an area of NO COMPROMISE. The debate rages on in the gun world over what caliber is the best suited for personal protection, the debate will go on as to which edged weapon is the best to carry. My personal philosophy is the largest caliber I can conceal (.45acp) and the most expensive I can afford!
If you were allowed to select, and strap on a $80.00 parachute vs. a $2500.00 parachute, knowing full well in advance that you were going to have to jump out of a plane, I am sure the $2500.00 chute would be your choice! If, as I have felt, is the case with many visitors on the forums, one is simply looking at the knives for decoration, or investment, there are lots of fine makers out there that probably fit the bill better then a JSP original. And that decision should be left to the individual.
That's my 2 cents......
