Eskrima Kombat

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In the video above I briefly review the Blackhawk Micro XSF. It costs between $20-30. It’s a dagger with Besh Wedge technology, which means the tip is very strong and less likely to break.

While it’s not a large knife, the whole point in my mind is deterrence, because nobody wants to get cut. If someone tackles me as part of the mob attack and he gets cut, he probably won’t notice the difference between a 2-inch blade and a 6-inch blade.

In the video, I outline 3 key features of knife carry for self-defense. In the past I have argued against a knife for self-defense, at least as a primary or sole self-defense weapon.

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1) Carry a Fixed Blade at the Highline

I used to carry a folding knife. In time I ealized that if I were really serious, I should carry a fixed blade. One problem with the folder is that it will always be slower to get into action, even if you have a switchblade or other assisted opener, and practice like crazy.

Another drawback is that opening a knife requires fine motor movements (requiring dexterity in the fingers) that crumble under stress. Imagine Jason the psycho killer bursts through the door, wearing a hockey mask and brandishing a bloody machete. If you have to text for help, you’ll be so nervous that you’ll be unable to type an intelligible message, but at the same time you’ll be able to throw that phone harder than ever or drop somebody by smashing the phone into his skull. Don’t count on being able to open blades with the thumb, hit buttons with the fingers, or adjust the orientation of the knife in the hand when under high stress.

If all your weapons are at your waist, anyone who wraps up your waist ties up all of your weapons. If your hands are up, and they should be up, you will not need to drop your hands to access your knife.

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2) Carry a Knife in the Open

For some reason, everybody wants to carry a concealed knife. Open carry is not only legal in most locales, but it is also faster. The same clothing that covers your weapon gets in the way when you try to draw.

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3) Carry a Knife Accessible to Both Hands

This generally means that the knife will have a straight handle. If someone grabs my right hand, or I have to fend off someone with my right hand, I want to be able to draw and grip the knife with the left hand, and vice versa. Many knives fit well in one hand, but not so well in the other hand if one is drawing from a sheath. Now is not the time for finger loops like a kerambit.