What do you do when you can’t carry a firearm? Do you maintain a blade, or do you go without anything that could potentially save lives? Perhaps you rely on a silver tongue or over-confident MMA skills to get you out of tight spots. Carrying a knife is standard for most folks, but the type of knife matters more than you think. When carrying a gun isn’t an option, edged weaponry offers many choices.
The early years in knife making set the pace for today’s edged weapons, and by early, I mean over the past 200 years. Many of the techniques we’re using today were used years and years ago. CNC Grinding, CNC Milling and modern, variable-speed grinders make today’s knives better than previous generations. However, all the information now available on the Internet can serve as a knife maker’s greatest tool.
Through research, makers develop new blades based on ancient designs. Knife makers utilize time-proven designs – THAT CONQUERED NATIONS – for today’s warriors and EDC practitioners. Of course, materials change over time, but techniques largely remain the same. As an EDC guy, I need to decide how today’s blade design and style fit into my everyday life.
Much like selecting an EDC firearm, which knife to carry resides upon the user. Rob Cabrera of DoubleStar describes a person’s decision of blade choice difficult given the current landscape of knife makers. “There are a
million options out there, so picking a knife isn’t easy, especially for newbies. Do they choose between fixed or folded? My choice is simple. I carry both.”
Rob believes folders are a secondary option for knife confrontations and utilitarian purposes. During an attack the fine motor skills required to deploy a folder from a pocket can cost carriers dearly.
It should be noted, Rob deliberately uses the phrase offensive response instead of knife defense. “If you’re defending you have mentally taken a submissive position in a knife attack. Edged weapons require continual movement and attacking. Sitting back and waiting to defend a knife never works well for the defender.”
Each knife Rob and DoubleStar designs drives home his outlook on carrying a knife. “I look for a blade that tests a combatant’s willingness to fight any further.” Take the recently launched Drakon, which features a scalloped-beveled edge to cut through the heaviest textiles. The minimalistic and naked design streamline the imprint, making it ideal for carry. Ringed retention continues as a leading design for when palms get bloody.
A key component to knife carry is training, as knife skills are perishable without constant rehearsal. EDC gun folks understand this more than most groups. Training develops confidence in any carry method, and combat-oriented martial arts like Kali, Silat, Krav Maga and certain schools of MMA lead the way when training knife skills. Rob immerses himself in Pilipino Martial Arts such as Kali, Arnis and Escrima. “The Pilipino people possess a centuries old blade culture. The fighting skills developed over hundreds of years of war revolve around fighting with the blade.”
No matter what, a concealed knife becomes a force multiplier when carrying a gun isn’t allowed. Selection, on the other hand, is a more difficult decision. A single blade to rule them all doesn’t exist, but with today’s technology built on traditional designs, the right blade is out there for you. ~ KJ
Kevin Jarnagin
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma, but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter, and knows his way around a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.
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