Hi Tribe!
Many of you have asked me about the knives I own and use. In this post, I will showcase all of my knives and endeavor to explain why I favor each particular model. I have divided this post into three sections: combat blades, bushcraft / utility knives, and throwing knives. In this post, I will focus on combat blades.
Below you can see all the knives that I have.
In this photo are also knives that I am not using them neither for combat, throwing or utilitarian activities.
I want to underline from the beginning that I rarely use a folding knife as a primary combat tool, and when I do, it's typically because I don't have any other option available. Why do I avoid using folding knives? I will address this question by outlining some general weaknesses of folding knives, as well as specific drawbacks of the particular model in question.
First and foremost, folding knives are constructed from multiple parts, which increases the likelihood of malfunctions. Perhaps I need to quickly deploy a folding knife, only to find that the blade is stuck or that the opening mechanism, especially if it relies on a button, fails to function. Moreover, opening a folding knife requires fine motor skills, which can be compromised in a high-stress situation where adrenaline is coursing through the body. Even if the folding knife features an Emerson opening mechanism, extracting it from a pocket still necessitates a delicate grip, which may prove challenging under pressure.
While carrying a folding knife in a side pocket may facilitate quicker blade deployment, the presence of a clip makes it conspicuous, diminishing the element of surprise. In contrast, fixed-blade knives do not suffer from these weaknesses. Regarding one of the specific model of folding knife that I possess and you can see in the picture below(Spyderco Tasman Salt 2), its highly curved blade makes performing stabbing attacks difficult. Given that penetration movements are often effective in stopping a target quickly, this curved blade design is less than ideal for combat scenarios.
I primarily carry this folding knife for utility tasks and perhaps emergency situations, such as cutting a seatbelt in an accident. Of course, in the absence of other options, it is still preferable to being unarmed.
The folding knives that I have are the next:
Spyderco Tasman Salt 2
Spyderco Delica 4
CRKT M16-01S
Leatherman Skeletool
Non of this folding knives are not equipped with the an Emerson system for fast deployment. This system will make the process of opening the blade faster easier.
As an idea, I was already sharing in one of the preview video a method to improvise an Emerson system using a plastic zip tie. I will show again here in case you skipped that video.
Now, I will turn my attention to the fixed-blade knives that I carry specifically for combat purposes. These knives are reserved solely for combat and are not utilized for cutting boxes or other utility tasks. In the following image, you can observe the assortment of knives I carry, which vary depending on the environment and the nature of my activities.
I use 4 types of knives and one Metal Spike.
Obake from CRKT
Disciple from Shivworks
Acta Non Verba M050-001
The Impaler from Bjorn Knives (personalized handmade knife)
TAC-P Microtech
From all this the ones that I use the most today are the Obake and Acta Non Verba.
The Obake is remaining the best EDC fixed blade that I am carrying for the past 3 years and this knives was never disappointing me. The design of the blade is perfect for what I teach in TCS regarding the combat, striking and accessing shock zones on the target's body by using penetration, stabbing attacks. In this years I was testing this knife different animal tissues and the power of penetration is superior to other knives. Some of the Tribe Brothers were acquiring the same blade and their feedback is similar to mine.
Now again I will underline why this type of knife design is superior to other and here I am not talking about the brand but all the knives that have the same characteristics like the Obake.
In the realm of combat, whether it be on the street or within the confines of a correctional facility, the choice of weapon can often mean the difference between life and death. In such high-stakes scenarios, the fixed-blade knife with a sharp pointed tip /spike emerges as the weapon of choice for many, including inmates seeking to fashion improvised weapons. This preference is not arbitrary; rather, it is rooted in the inherent advantages that such knives offer in terms of accessibility to deadly and shock zones on the body, as well as their ease of use in delivering powerful, fast movements without requiring advanced training.
One of the primary reasons why fixed-blade knives with sharp pointed tips and spike design excel in combat situations is their ability to access vital and shock zones on the body with remarkable efficiency. Unlike other knife designs that may have limitations in penetrating clothing the sharp pointed tip of a fixed-blade knife allows for precise targeting of vulnerable areas.
The sharp pointed tip enhances the knife's ability to penetrate deeply with minimal effort, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of both seasoned combatants and individuals with limited combat experience.
In correctional facilities, where improvised weapons are often crafted out of necessity, the preference for fixed-blade knives with sharp pointed tips is especially pronounced. These improvised weapons, commonly referred to as "shanks" or "shivs," are prized for their simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness in close-quarters combat. The sharp pointed tip allows inmates to inflict maximum damage with minimal effort, making them highly sought-after tools for self-defense or aggression within the confines of the prison walls.
Stay safe all!
Part 2 coming soon...
CRKT got some great stuff! I really like the Kershaw caper too. Thankyou for sharing this information and your collection Brother 🙏🏻
Wonderful collection and very useful information, can't wait for the second part 🤗