New Spyderco Reverse Fixed Blade

[Shao]

Exactly how do you hold a knife forward grip, have it in front of your face, and not risk stabbing yourself upon getting hit? I'm not being smart, I'm genuinely asking. As I play with a pen at work I can't find a method that avoids self stabbing, gives me a decent guard, and is in a good position to strike.

I should have clarified that my post was specifically regarding knife jabs in terms of the sneaky angle. In my experience, with properly executed knife jabs, reach is the same. That surprised me greatly because I thought for sure FG would be further. If there is an advantage in reach for one or the other, I was unable to find it.

Exactly why I think the whole concept is stupid. I was always taught to keep the dangerous part of your weapon pointed towards the enemy. I've been EDC'ing a Spyderco P'Kal since 2007 and I wield it blade out. When waving, it naturally falls into your hand blade facing out anyway. I've actually had a discussion with Sal Glesser on the subject. He carries a P'Kal on occasion and from what I gathered from the conversation, he doesn't agree with the technique Shivworks is teaching either. The knife is actually more comfortable to hold blade out for me anyway.

I have a pretty extensive martial arts training background and I would have little problem stuffing that blade back into my attacker if they came at me with the blade facing inward. It's just a bad idea all around.

[newyork]

I don't disagree with Shivworks teaching or reverse grip. I have a ton of respect for both actually . Both have plusses and minuses. I just think a knife made to be held in reverse grip is overblown and unnecessary. Any knife (almost every) can be held in pikal grip. The technique isn't new and specific to Shivworks.

[Shao]

I don't disagree with Shivworks teaching or reverse grip. I have a ton of respect for both actually . Both have plusses and minuses. I just think a knife made to be held in reverse grip is overblown and unnecessary. Any knife (almost every) can be held in pikal grip. The technique isn't new and specific to Shivworks.

The only time I would hold my blade in a reverse grip like that is if a 350 lb. gorilla-man got me in some kind of bear hug. I would carve my name in cursive in his kidney area.

[newyork]

Haha! He'd be pissed. Held your knife like what though? In my pic? That was only to show reach at its maximum, not as a hold or technique.

[Shao]

Haha! He'd be pissed. Held your knife like what though? In my pic? That was only to show reach at its maximum, not as a hold or technique.

Just reverse grip in general - as in upside down, blade facing you... If you keep the knife at torso level, you run a serious risk of having your knife side-kicked into your sternum. Any higher and it's the neck. Seriously, the only use I see for that technique is if someone already has you under some form of control and your knife hand is free somehow. The cons greatly outweigh the pros in my book.

[Voodoo_Man]

Just reverse grip in general - as in upside down, blade facing you... If you keep the knife at torso level, you run a serious risk of having your knife side-kicked into your sternum. Any higher and it's the neck. Seriously, the only use I see for that technique is if someone already has you under some form of control and your knife hand is free somehow. The cons greatly outweigh the pros in my book.

The situation should determine the grip you take. Some require a reverse grip for application-specific reasons.

[newyork]

Sorry I misread you. I thought you were saying the opposite. I agree I many ways. I am in no position to go into depth as I've not been learning very long but, reverse grip can be good for pulling, ripping and tearing. Such as an unexpected grabbing of an extended arm (controlling the guard) to pull off balance and cause damage simultaneously.
Having said that my teacher isn't big on reverse grip either. He only teaches some techniques in case a knife is picked up that way in an oh shit moment, not as a primary grip or go to.

[newyork]

Agreed Voodoo.

[sadmin]

I was under the impression that reverse grip was primarily chosen when distance is closed on you and you aren't carrying a weapon that has no distance limiting factors like a gun. Do you gents prefer forward grip even if your CC? I guess I feel like these little reverse grip sub 3.5" provide me with better retention and I'm still able to use the knife hand for controlling. I'm a noob at this though so I'm interested.


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[SpyderMan2k4]

I've rotated through a number of options, but for the most part whatever folder I have is drawn to RGEI. If I'm only carrying one knife, it is the p'kal. Most of the time now a days I have a clinch pick as the more dedicated defensive knife, and a self waved SOG Trident for utility, but still set up to draw to RGEI for social encounters if needed.

It is ultimately personal preference and playing with options and see what you like best. FG and RG can both work great for both attached and unattached strikes.