Reverse edge tactics

47 · 17-09-2009, 15:33

Got it, thanks!

**ciappa_r** · 17-09-2009, 17:52

Hey 47,
Another thing that you should keep in mind is that although a single straight linear thrust be relatively easy to either parry away or counter, the idea when it comes to reverse edge tactics (with the blade facing in) is that the emphasis is more on multiple thrusts (perhaps likened to a sewing machine!) along various lines. Keep in mind that we are dealing with a life or death situation - In essence your your determined attack will both overwhelm and overpower a would be assailant in Extreme Close Quarters fighting0035

Need to get my hands on those DVD's as well though ...

Chat soon and BE Safe

Kind regards,
RobertC

DS · 07-10-2009, 10:43

I received a Blackhawk Kalista and here are some cursory observations:

1. it can be a cheaper option for a Reverse Edge/Draw Point fixed blade use and it will work well for the purpose and for other grip options

2. it is NOT a Disciple - the Disciple it much better finished, more comfortable to carry due to belt attachment method and finish of the grip, more secure and sure to get a good fighting grip, quicker on and off the belt (I do not like the paddle fitting of the Kalista see below)

3. the Kalista carries well with the belt loop attachment as it positions the knife a bit a way from the body - the paddle tends to angle the grip into the body and with the coarse G10 grips is decidedly uncomfy against bare skin but that can be remedied with judicious use of some sand paper, also the paddle for some obtuse reason does not allow for 1 3/4" belt width md217 where the belt loop does.

4. If you can afford it or just want the best knife for RE/DP use get the Disciple - it wins hands down and the sheath and mounting hardwear of the Disciple will last years - also you have the trainer option for the Disciple which is really really nice to have if you decide to adopt RE/DP as your method of application.

5. If you cannot afford the Disciple but would like to addopt the RE/DP platform then the Kalista will be GTG with a bit of fine tuning.

**Paul** · 07-10-2009, 14:05

This is of interest.

I trained in military CQB to use reverse grip and the punch and rip has always seemed perfectly natural to me. Gross motor skills are always a safer bet than funky monkey shit when you don't train regularly with any weapon. It's also almost impossible to dislodge the knife or disarm without getting rather badly sliced and diced.

47 · 07-10-2009, 15:13

Disciples are nowhere in stock at the moment. Decided to get myself a Clinch Pick in the meantime to try out.

**ciappa_r** · 07-10-2009, 17:05

Hi Khumba,
Thank you very much for Blackhawk Kalista feedback - Always great reading your thoughts/suggestions ;D
I currently use the TCCS system with the CQC belt attachment and find it to be very comfortable allowing for a fair bit of space between my body and the Kalista's grip, yet not revealing the fact that I am carrying a fixed blade. In line with my body type/shape it has proven to be a very comfortable whilst training and quick 'solution' for any potential daily occurences.

The only thing that irritates me is that Black PVD Coating seems to fade pretty quickly, but I guess this is to be expected if you train often with a weapon ... Would also be nice to have a trainer version of the Kalista but I have not seen one as yet

I hope to add a review of this fixed blade knife (and the TCCS sheath system) to my web site in due course

BE Safe guys!

Kind regards,
RobertC
www.pdssa.webs.com
www.pdssa.wordpress.com

**Gidsie** · 30-10-2009, 00:14

Originally Posted by 47

Disciples are nowhere in stock at the moment. Decided to get myself a Clinch Pick in the meantime to try out.

Where did you manage to find this ?

I am think about having one made.. What modifications would you make ?

47 · 30-10-2009, 08:39

Got mine from www.mdtactical.com

Modifications nothing really. Maybe another option for the Tek Lok system, or at least a spare or two.

Really sweet, and an easy to carry and access blade

DS · 30-10-2009, 10:42

I posted this link before but here it is again - a site that specialises in RE Knives - these knives were all designed and made by renowned makers especially for RE method.

They are in stock and would be worthy alternatives to the disciple which is unobtainium.

http://www.reknives.com/index.html

47 · 01-11-2009, 22:28

Have been carrying the Clinch Pick for about two weeks now, and here’s a couple of thoughts from a layman. Keep in mind that I’m not a “knife fighter” and don’t consider myself an expert on the subject at all or spend that much time training it.

First of all the reverse edge methods requires a bit of a mind shift. Most of us have been taught to keep the edge of a knife facing away and cut away from you and not towards you (except maybe in the case of cutting biltong). It is a kind of mental block, but with a little training it can be overcome.

The Clinch Pick set up is extremely good and quick to access, especially under stress and in close quarters. The blade itself is just big enough to carry comfortably and sits very well in your hand. The alignment of your wrist is optimal for strength and retention of the blade. Sometimes with a conventional blade, you have to bend your wrist and if you are not well trained you risk getting the blade knocked out of your hand. With a conventional blade, and especially if you have not trained for contact regularly, you may also find that your hand can slip over the guard and onto the blade with power thrusts.

Knife vs. knife, although not a large probability, is IMO a bit harder with reverse edge, but that is not what is was designed for. It really excels in close quarter access and confrontations.

The edge of the blade determines which way your attacker will be moving, i.e. away from the blade. Edge facing forward, attacker moving away from you. Edge facing in, attacker moving in towards you. That’s why IMO reverse edge is not a good idea for a lady or for a beginner. Here you need to keep them away from you. As you are keeping the attacker in close range with the reverse edge, IMO you also need to be well versed in close quarters combatives and clinch.

The Ka Bar TDI is IMO a good FB option if you are not into reverse edge methods. You have the same type of optimal wrist alignment on the grip, the edge is conventional and the tool is a gross motor skill tool that is very easy to access and use. And it is a whole lot cheaper.

Whatever you decide to get, you will need to get the trainer as well to understand the advantages and limits of the tool.

So will I be going back to the TDI? At this stage not. Although it definitely is my personal second choice for a gross motor skill edged tool. The set-up of the Clinch Pick is just too good. It is worth IMO studying the reverse edged system to see if you can make it work for you. It also is largely a gross motor skill system. If it doesn’t work for you, with the TDI you need not feel less armed IMO.