Backup Blades: Force Multipliers

Using a knife as an auxiliary defensive weapon has become increasingly popular. In a deadly force scenario, a knife may be employed to gain physical balance, a dominant body position and leverage, or to create space before introducing a gun into the fight. Examples of where this may be necessary include when in a lethal clinch, when attacked from behind, on the ground in a bad body position or thrown over objects. A knife may also be employed as a weapon retention tool in the event of an attempted gun grab. And there are places where it’s permissible for you to carry a knife but not a gun.

Fixed-Blade vs. Folding Knife

Fixed-blade knives have significant advantages over folders in life-threatening scenarios. These knives are easier and quicker to deploy utilizing only gross motor skills, plus there is no locking mechanism that has the potential to fail. A fixed blade allows you to acquire a proper grip during the draw. There’s no need to transition from an opening grip to a different grip for fighting.  The differences in speed and gripping ability between a fixed blade and a folder are substantial. They become even more so in a violent, dynamic situation.

However, some argue ease and speed with which it can be employed are also liabilities as it can be used against you should an assailant snatch it from you. It’s the same argument made by anti-gun advocates against the carrying of handguns. Of course, the answer is proper training and discrete carry.

The only real advantage to folders is that they’re convenient. Folders are socially acceptable and legal to carry in more places, as well as being smaller and often more practical to carry than a fixed-blade of comparable size.

Carrying a Knife for Self-Defense

If you do choose to carry a folder for personal defense, it’s essential you practice with it until rapid deployment becomes second nature both under stress and from a variety of positions. Just be aware that even the most highly trained and practiced individual will be considerably slower with a folder than a poorly trained and less practiced individual with a fixed-blade. The simpler and more instinctive a knife is to employ, the more effective it will be in an actual fight.

You must be able to seamlessly transition from hand to knife and from knife to gun. You need to be able to draw your knife in a critical situation and still be able to rapidly transition to your handgun. Although it may be reasonable to secure a folder, attempting to do so with a fixed-blade can pose issues. Passing the knife between your hands, attempting to re-sheathe it or dropping it to the ground during transitions can create additional problems. If you drop a knife, you’re potentially giving it to an assailant. I prefer to employ a fixed-blade knife using a reverse grip with my support hand to facilitate transitions to my gun while allowing me to retain control of the knife.

Concealable fixed-blade knives are available that have a finger ring or hook for retention. These allow full use of the knife hand to perform tasks without having to let go of the knife. A notable example is the purpose-built Crush Everything / Dynamis Alliance SMR Blade designed by veteran US Navy SEAL and Tier 1 operator Dom Raso.

In some instances, it may be tactically advantageous to deploy both blade and gun in combination, such as to break contact or deal with multiple assailants. The key here is once again training.

How and Where to Carry a Knife

You should seriously consider how and where you carry your knife on your person before carrying. If you can’t access your gun, will you still be able to easily access and deploy your knife? Can you access it with either hand? Is it concealed? A concealed knife not only provides the element of surprise but also lessens the likelihood of an assailant grabbing the knife.

The side you carry your gun on and the side you carry your knife are individual decisions. The most natural positioning for most people is on the dominant-hand side. But when carrying a knife as a backup to your gun, could you still access your knife when you cannot access your gun? There are pros and cons to everything. Of course, nothing limits you to only one knife in one position.

I prefer to carry a compact fixed-blade knife offside to my gun and forward of my hip towards my mid-line where I have most control and access. The closer the knife is to the body mid-line, the easier it is to access and deploy with either hand. It’s also easier to access and deploy from a clinch or if knocked to the ground.

Other Considerations

Although you do give up reach with a compact, shorter-bladed knife, you gain maneuverability in cramped spaces. There’s less blade to clear. It’s still more than capable of doing what you need it to do. The mission determines the tool.

The sheath is to a fixed-blade knife as a holster is to a handgun. As with a handgun holster, the knife sheath must provide secure retention while allowing a rapid draw. The mounting options must assure positive retention of the sheath during everyday movement, in a fight, and during the draw stroke and re-sheathing.

I keep my “fighting” knife for self-defense only. This way I know it will always be sharp and ready should I need it. I carry a separate knife or multi-tool for everyday tasks.

Training With Self-Defense Tools

Proficiency with a blade and/or firearm requires more than just learning to how to use it. It also requires dedicated repetitive practice. Safety always comes first in training. Don’t use a loaded firearm or a real knife. A training blade that replicates your live blade can be employed either by itself or in conjunction with an inert replica handgun for safe training with a training partner or for solo training. Don’t neglect training on the ground or from a seated position. Employee extra caution when practicing with another person. Metal trainers can still cause serious injury despite their blunt edges.

Training to bridge the gap between empty hand and firearms skills is essential. By incorporating a few basic empty-hand blocks and strikes plus knife work with tactically sound defensive firearms techniques, you will be in a much better position to deal with a potentially lethal close-quarters attack.

I’m a firm believer that combatives should be kept simple and instinctive. Focusing on fewer skills and skills that require less precision will help you respond more effectively to an unexpected attack.

Carrying a knife as an auxiliary defensive weapon provides you with additional options in a deadly force situation. It’s a force multiplier.

Source:

Crush Everything/Dynamis Alliance: CrushEverything.com