Knife Fighting 101: Fact vs Fiction

Am Shooting Journal ^ | 3/5/20 | K Sipmann

[w1n1]

Have you ever noticed how everyone seems to be an expert on something these days? Whether it be geopolitics, food, parenting, guns, knives, survival techniques, self-defense, basket weaving … you name it and someone can tell you all about it online in a two-minute YouTube video. Well, knife fighting is not immune to this. There are many untruths, myths and opinions about knife fighting, also known as edged-weapon defense. I can’t address them all in this short article, but let’s try to separate a few facts from fiction.

I am a knife enthusiast, and I openly admit that I am no expert in knife fighting. So, to help educate myself on the subject, I reached out to a professional instructor of edged weapons defense, Fred Matison of Force Options Tactical Training and Security, to research the topic further and learn from an industry expert.

Probably the most well-known thing about knife fighting is that you don’t want to bring a knife to a gun fight – you don't want to be that guy. Also, another thing that Fred Matison discussed in his class is that it’s important to know there really is no such thing as a knife fight. He feels this is something Hollywood has invented to sell action movies, and I basically would agree with him. As a martial arts instructor myself, I understand that actual street fights can last several minutes, where many techniques may be used to subdue an opponent. When a knife is deployed for self-protection, there is only one technique needed to end the aggression, and it very well may end up in a death.

Many of the YouTube experts and internet-forum gurus would argue that you need a large tacti-cool knife to defend yourself in "battle." First off, a large knife is not practical in most every day carry (EDC) situations. If you live out in the desert on a ranch, a large knife probably is okay, but it isn't going to work out well for you at the office. You do not need a big tactical knife to defend yourself; but you do want a quality knife, so do your research and find the blade that fits your need. Read the rest of knife fighting 101.

[MrEdd]

A knife should be attached to the end of your rifle.

[READINABLUESTATE]

Gerber Guardian backup is my favorite, but sadly they are now discontinued.

[circlecity]

The Gerber Guardian was one of my favorite knives of all time. Some parking lot attendant stole mine out of my car.

[IronJack]

When I studied martial arts, our knife instructor told us that if you have to defend against a knife, just know that you WILL get cut. There’s no avoiding it. You just have to make sure you don’t get KILLED.

[Seruzawa]

Being unhappy with lowering IQs on the subject of guns the AM Journal now branching into knives.

[Boogieman]

“Have you ever noticed how everyone seems to be an expert on something these days? Whether it be geopolitics, food, parenting, guns, knives, survival techniques, self-defense, basket weaving …”

Hey, I have a triple A expert certification in self-defense basket weaving!

[Big Red Badger]

ParaCord is Next level,
Monkey Fist!

[PapaBear3625]

I did something I generally don’t do, and clicked on the article. Nothing really useful said.

[real saxophonist]

Have you ever noticed how everyone seems to be an expert on something these days?

That is THE most ironic thing 'Am Shooting Journal' has EVER published.

[Sergio]

bkmk

[Pollster1]

AM Journal now branching into knives

Next they will branch out into fresh fruit.

[Bonemaker]

For immediate openers if you can, make a slice across forehead. Gushing salty blood will blind them. If you miss you may catch an eye instead which is okay too. Just a suggestion.

[dfwgator]

But people be watching Kojak and s___ too much. They think they have to be [singing] *MACHO MAN* I’ll take that knife and shove it up your a__. [singing] I’m *MACHO MAN*!!!

You go from *MACHO MAN* to *DEAD PERSON*!

-Richard Pryor

[Sergio]

Story I heard from a veteran friend during bayonet training.

Instructor: If your bayonet gets stuck in your opponents body, firing a round will usually dislodge the bayonet.

Private: Sergeant, if I still have a round in my weapon, why am I using the bayonet?

Instructor: Private! Push-Ups! Lots of Push-Ups!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

This is my EDC. It's light, deploys quickly, and it has a hell of an edge to make it useful for light utility work. And it has that look that would give pause to any assailant. It takes practice to use but it's easy.

[MrEdd]

The correct answer of course, is to put your boot up to the puncture and kick him off.

[Clay Moore]

A Karambit knife makes for a good gutting knife.

Martial arts instructors have all stated, if you go against a knife, you best plan to get cut. You just have to guard the most vital parts. Don’t expose the inside of your arms and your guard needs to be arms in front of core, neck and face turned so that you are looking at the inside of your hands.

[wbarmy]

I saw an instructor go through any number of people who tried to “knife” fight him. Every single one lost. The instructor screamed like a wild banshee and stabbed constantly over and over rushing in. Each of the opponents got one short attempted stab in at him and he was on them like the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark, stabbing constantly.

The vast majority of Americans have no clue what to do with a madman. And neither do I, which is why I carry a gun or stungun. Put the sucker down with the first hit.

[Mathews]

Understand one thing about defending against edged weapons... you’re gonna get cut.