Knife Fighting: Edge Alignment Practice

Recently, the uncomfortable weather of summer has subsided and the soothing touch of autumn has blown in over the land where I find myself. This brought me outside with comfort for the first time in many months. I took the opportunity to practice “edge alignment.” That is, my ability to keep the sharp edge ofContinue reading “Knife Fighting: Edge Alignment Practice”

Iconic Weapons: Stiletto

The stiletto is a classic weapon that may have evolved from the rondel dagger, or “dagger of mercy,” used by knights in the Middle Ages to penetrate armor and finish downed opponents. Thus, it seems to be somewhat of a scaled down version of a rondel dagger, often featuring an unsharpened blade that could beContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Stiletto”

The Importance of Weapons and the Overestimation of Bare Hands

Throughout my nearly three decades of life as a martial artist, I have routinely encountered a superiority complex among people who either have little to no combat experience (simulated or otherwise) or have not had recent experience for too long. Honestly, this is a problem I also had during my adolescence. The main issue IContinue reading “The Importance of Weapons and the Overestimation of Bare Hands”

Knife Fighting: More Recent Understandings

I have been studying knife fighting – particularly forward-grip, edge-out styles – for quite some time now. At this point, I feel very comfortable with the blade in my right hand and am gaining comfort with it in my left (I am right-handed). There are quite a few things I have learned and some misconceptionsContinue reading “Knife Fighting: More Recent Understandings”

Knife Fighting: Early Understandings

Earlier this year, I started studying the use of the knife. I have carried one for as long as I can remember; twice as long as I have carried a gun. It was during some of my earliest memories when I first picked up the weapon, as knives are cheap and readily accessible. However, IContinue reading “Knife Fighting: Early Understandings”

The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance

Everyone knows it is essential to keep weapons clean and well-maintained. Saying it can seem like beating a dead horse, so to speak. Although, there are some nuances that bear discussing and some critical points which may be lesser known. I know for myself, cleaning and maintaining the weapons I own is something that canContinue reading “The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance”

Iconic Weapons: Bowie Knife

The Bowie knife is a large knife that was in prominent use throughout the 19th Century in the United States. Its design inspired many knives which would be used throughout the 20th Century and into the modern era. The knife takes its namesake from Jim Bowie and the Vidalia Sandbar Duel which was popularized byContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Bowie Knife”