Reading

[9mmforMe]

I'm looking for some reading recommendations re: the use of a knife in defensive situations. I read something from Michael Janich and it was helpful to some extent, but I'd like to read more on the topic. There is a good deal of stuff out there and I was wondering what you found helpful? Thanks for your suggestions in advance.

 

[sidheshooter]

I don't have as much on knives in my library as I should, but I have found these titles-in addition to the work of Janich-to be informative:

May as well start with Janich:

http://www.amazon.com/Knife-Fighting-Practical-Michael-Janich/dp/0873647408/ref=pd_vtp_b_1

Blade master, by Ryan:

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Blade-Secrets-Deadly-Fighting/dp/1581600488


A classic by MacYoung:

http://www.amazon.com/Knives-Knife-Fighting-Related-Hassles/dp/0873645448/ref=pd_vtp_b_1

and then there is the late Bob Kasper:

http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Kaspers-Tactical-Knives-Training/dp/1581607482/ref=pd_vtp_b_4

http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Kaspers-Sting-Scorpion-Fundamental/dp/1581606974/ref=pd_vtp_b_1


I've also found that some publicly available .PDF downloads of various branch's field manuals to be worth running a search on (search field manual and combatives, that should get you to some pages that will allow copious download of training manuals)

I do not think myself expert enough to truly critique any of these works, but I liked them.

FWIW.


As an aside, I'll be training with Janich in a few weeks; I'll ask him who else he likes for recommended reading...

 

[hso]

You get much more for your money taking a course than reading or watching video so if you have the chance to attend a seminar by Janich, SouthNarc, etc. I recommend spending the money.

 

[conw]

In my opinion the problem with knife books is they are unidisciplinary. The knife does not really deserve a whole book. There are better modern perspective on knife use that mesh with modern use of handgun, h2h, et cetera.

If I had to recommend one knife book that does an OK job getting the point across it would be the one by Don Pentacost. But best to skip straight to a course or video with SN. He packages his techniques in very effective, lean skillsets.

 

[9mmforMe]

Thanks Gents, I really appreciate the information. I would love to take a course with someone who is both knowledgeable and "real life" experienced.

-Best

Geoffry

 

[9mmforMe]

After doing some research, it seems dizzying to find someone who is qualified in my area (Bloomington, IN) I'm willing to travel by car up to 300 miles to see an expert, but really need to know if that person/system is worth the time and money. Any suggestions? Again, thank you, if you are able to help.

 

[Persev]

For local training you might look for any schools teaching Arnis,Kali,
Pentjak-Silat or Jeet Kune Do.The Filipino Martial Arts are especially strong
in knife skills.

 

[glistam]

Call me a healthy skeptic, but I wonder how many authors and in-person trainers have actually put blade into flesh, more importantly, came out of that situation on top physically and legally. Not saying that they're unskilled, but knives seem like a tricky subject. Though I have heard MacYoung might fit that bill but I have not seem specifics.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Keep an eye on http://shivworks.com/?page_id=2

Look for IEK/EWO at http://shivworks.com/?page_id=881 for a course description

Some video at http://www.youtube.com/user/ShivWorks/featured

 

[sidheshooter]

If you're willing to travel, somebody should be coming close to you. As mentioned, I will know more about Janich in a few weeks myself, but he comes highly recommended (obviously), as does "southnarc" above. I've had some good seminars with guys going back as far as Erik Remmen, and as recent as Felix Valencia, and all of them had a bit of the suspected stink of reality on them; they've at least gotten close enough to be of value, IMHO.

So far as books vs. training: of course no book will make up for lack of hands-on myelination. That said, I've always found something of note in each book I've read, and they make for good preview/review of the author's seminars, should you choose someone who is active as a trainer.

The book you don't read won't help you. And, yes, neither will the course you don't take. That's why I read and train.

YMMV.

(I hasten to add that I am no pro operator, and the closest I get to the stink of reality is the evening news, so take the above with a grain).

 

[9mmforMe]

Thanks again guys...I feel much more prepared to start learning the skills I wish to acquire.