Knife fight

A knife fight (also called a duel) is a hand to hand combat in which each fighter is armed with a knife. It is similar to a swordfight, except that the knives are much shorter than swords, resulting in the combatants engaging at closer ranges.

There are several martial arts and military systems of knife fighting each are usually distinguished by region and culture of their origin. Proponents of knife fighting systems utilize sparring and drills to hone their skills. This practice is rooted in historical effectiveness where knife fights were more common.

Knife fighting is also emerging and quickly growing as a sport known as knife fencing where simulated knives are used to strike scoring zones for points.

Knife grips

There are several ways a knife can be held for offensive or defensive use. The two most common are the forward and reverse grips with the edge facing out.

The following are variations of the forward grip:

• Hammer grip - hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist.
• Saber grip - thumb is placed on the top of the handle.
• Modified saber grip - thumb is placed on the flat of the blade.
• Palm reinforced grip - the handle rests against the palm of the hand, index finger is placed on top of the handle or blade spine.
• Filipino grip - hammer grip, but the thumb is along the spine, either floating above the spine, or in contact with it. The grip is based on Filipino Martial Arts concepts.
• Forward grip edge up - similar to a sabre grip, but with the knife handle rotated along the axis of the forearm, so the edge is facing upwards.

The following are variations of the reverse grip:

• "Regular" reverse grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge out" or RGEO, where hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist with the thumb capping the handle, edge facing away from the forearm. Sometimes refer as the Serial Killer (or Murdering) Grip due many villains in slasher films using it to kill their victims; the first movie popularizing it was Alfred Hitcock's Psycho in the infamous shower scene.
• icepick grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge in" or RGEI, but with the edge facing the forearm. Also called pikal (or pakal) grip.

Each grip has advantages and disadvantages. Holding the knife in one of the forward grips allows for more finesse and a longer range, while a reverse grip allows for more power and a shorter range. The reverse grip is regarded as more difficult to utilize in knife on knife combat due to a closer proximity between opponents.

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