Knife Fighting Basics

A knife fight (also called a duel, cut-and-thrust, or “snickersnee”) is a fight in which each combatant is armed with a knife. It is similar to a swordfight, except that knives are much shorter than swords, resulting in the combatants engaging at closer ranges.

There are many martial and military systems of knife fighting, which are usually distinguished by region and culture of origin. Proponents of knife fighting systems utilize sparring and drills to hone their skills. This practice is rooted in historical effectiveness where knife fights were more common.

Knife fighting is also emerging and quickly growing as a sport known as knife fencing where simulated knives are used to strike scoring zones for points.

Knife grips
There are multiple ways a knife can be held for offensive or defensive use. The two most common are the forward and reverse grips with the edge facing out.

The following are variations of the forward grip:

hammer grip – hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist
saber grip – thumb is placed on the top of the handle
modified saber grip – thumb is placed on the flat of the blade
palm reinforced grip – pommel rests against the palm of the hand, index finger is placed on top of the handle or blade spine
Filipino grip – hammer grip, but the thumb is along the spine, either floating above the spine, or in contact with it (Janich’s modified Filipino)
Forward grip edge up – similar to a sabre grip, but with the knife handle rotated along the axis of the forearm, so the edge is facing upwards.

The following are variations of the reverse grip:

“regular” reverse grip – more specifically, “reverse grip edge out” or RGEO, where hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist with the thumb capping the pommel, edge facing away from the forearm icepick grip – more specifically, “reverse grip edge in” or RGEI, but with the edge facing the forearm. Also called pikal (or pakal) grip. Each grip has advantages and disadvantages. Holding the knife in one of the forward grips allows for more finesse and a longer range, while a reverse grip allows for more power and a shorter range. The reverse grip is regarded as more difficult to utilize in knife on knife combat due to a closer proximity between opponents.