Blade work

I was asked to comment on an article at NoNonsenseFighting.com titled "Lies about knife fighting".  I read it, and find a lot in the article with which I can agree.  Some falls into the realm of "Different strokes for different folks."  A few points I disagree with absolutely.  I'll start with the statement with which I disagree most: Item #14 "Where I really hit the roof on this mindset is when I see someone who comes from a empty hand fighting system attempt to "fight" an armed opponent in the same way that he would an unarmed opponent."

My martial skillset is founded upon Aiki, with Vo Bihn Dihn and Brazilian Ju-Jutsu (GJJ specifically) and in my world every attack is handled the same whether the attacker is armed or not.  A straight punch at the head is handled precisely the same as a straight thrust toward the head with a knife or brick: Control the arm by deflecting off the line of attack, close the gap to contact, and execute a technique that crushes the attackers physiology, and thus his ability to continue the attack.

Sometimes you succeed in executing a counter that ends the conflict right away.  Usually, you succeed in avoiding a killing blow while delivering some level of injury, or maybe you simply succeed in taking his balance, opening him to an effective counter.

I have added a few links below to columns I have written on blade work, which will help flesh out my two cents.  But I'll re-cap a bit here.

In my world a blade is usually an offensive weapon.  Whether used in offense or defense, its value lies in helping you kill the enemy faster than is usually possible with empty hands - you can hit something vital and get him to bleed out.  If you get the throat, you can keep him pretty silent as he begins the voyage to the other side.  But most situations in which I have been attacked by a man with a knife, I chose to leave my blade sheathed so I can have both hands empty.  I want to control his knife hand, get close, and then break his physiology in some manner that renders his blade irrelevant.

That said, my favorite defensive strategy regarding a knife fight is to be somewhere else.  If I must to face a guy with a knife who wants to kill me, the best weapon is a Chevy, at full speed.  Next - shoot that SOB. 

One reality is universal: Even if you "win" a fight with blades, you will be cut, and you may well die as a result.  You'd better have a medic close by.

As to type of blades: I have a Cold Steel folder with me at all times.  If I am in a fight and manage to survive his first attack, close the gap and tangle him up, I can deploy my folder with one hand and end it swiftly.  If I know I may be headed to a fight that will require a blade, I want a Cold Steel Tanto or KA-BAR tanto.  I prefer Cold Steel, because it has a pointed pommel that can be used as an effective weapon on a reverse strike. 

I am not a fan of double edged fighting blades, but that is a personal preference.  I do own a Gerber Mk II that I am very fond of, though I consider it a backup.  Double-edged blades are inherently weaker than a single edge with a stiff, thick backbone - a Cold Steel will break a double-edge design with a good block.

It boils down to this: If you are facing an enemy and he has a blade, you will be cut, you will be damaged, but your focus should be the same as in any fight - worry less about living through the fight and make it your highest priority to kill him.  That simple mindset will improve your odds of winning - and "winning" is not always defined as "living".

Here are a few of my past knife columns:

Blades One
Blades Two
Blades Three

I've been considering a DVD, but I am uncertain how much people would benefit.

Kerodin
III