How To Choose the Right Knife Grip
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Knife Grip·Schrade Knives
In this Schrade Quick Tip video we’re going to take a look at a few different knife grips that can be used to save time …
Knife Grip
SubFamilyナイフグリップ(Naifu Gurippu)
TransliterationTranslation: knife grip
Overview
The Knife Grip subfamily covers the fundamental ways a combatant holds a knife, each grip offering distinct advantages for cutting, thrusting, retention, and transitional actions. [1] The two primary knife grips are the forward (saber/hammer) grip and the reverse (icepick) grip, with each grip favouring different angles of attack and defensive capabilities. [1],[2] Filipino martial arts and modern tactical knife systems also train grip transitions — switching between forward and reverse grip mid-combat to adapt to changing distances and angles. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Knife grip methodology has been studied wherever blades are used in combat, with Filipino martial arts developing the most detailed grip-transition training. [1] Modern tactical knife instructors such as Michael Janich and Kelly McCann have systematised grip selection based on threat assessment and intended application. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Knife grip selection (forward/hammer, reverse/ice-pick, and variations) directly determines the available techniques and range of the knife fighter. [1]
Lineage
Different knife-fighting traditions emphasise different grips: FMA uses both forward and reverse, silat favours reverse grip with the kerambit, and Western combatives typically use the forward grip. [1]
Competition Record
Knife grip techniques are demonstrated and applied in FMA competition and training events. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From ready stance (chudan-no-kamae or equivalent) — Assume guard position, establish distance (ma-ai), execute the cut or thrust when an opening appears
From engagement distance — Use footwork to close to striking range, execute the technique with proper edge alignment (hasuji)
As counter — Wait for the opponent's attack, deflect or avoid, and counter-cut to the exposed target
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WEKAF — Legal in padded stick competition {srcHEMA — Legal in applicable weapon categories {src
Training Notes
✓The grip is the foundation of knife fighting — it determines the available techniques, range, and tactical options for every exchange (Amberger, The Secret History of the Sword, 1999)
✓The two primary grips — forward and reverse — each create a different fighting system with distinct strengths and weaknesses
✓Grip selection is tactical: forward grip extends reach and favours thrusts, reverse grip increases close-range power and favours cutting
✓The grip must be secure but not rigid — a death grip fatigues the hand and slows transitions between techniques
✓The thumb position varies: on the spine for control (forward grip), wrapped over the pommel for security (reverse grip)
✓Advanced knife fighters train grip transitions — the ability to switch from forward to reverse grip and back during combat
✓Proper grip alignment ensures the blade edge is oriented correctly for cutting — a misaligned grip reduces cutting efficiency
Common Mistakes
!Gripping too tightly — a rigid hand fatigues quickly and prevents smooth technique execution
!Using only one grip exclusively — both grips have applications; limiting to one reduces the tactical toolkit
!Holding the blade with fingers extended beyond the guard — exposed fingers are vulnerable to being cut
!Not aligning the edge properly — the cutting edge must be oriented correctly for the intended technique
!Gripping too close to the blade — the hand should be firmly on the handle, not creeping onto the blade
!Not training grip retention — the ability to maintain the grip when the hand is grabbed or struck is essential
!Ignoring grip transitions — the ability to switch grips during combat creates unpredictability
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Ready Position — assume the guard stance appropriate for the weapon
2Distance Control — manage spacing relative to the opponent
3Execute Technique — perform the offensive or defensive action with correct form
4Return to Guard — recover to a defensive ready position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Bubishi: The Classic Manual of Combat (Patrick McCarthy, 2008)
1BookFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)
2BookThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1997)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationFilipino Martial Arts (Inosanto, 1980)
Alias sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1994) [2] Hoplology (Burton, 1884) [3] Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (Draeger & Smith, 1969)
5CitationThe Complete Book of Knife Fighting (Cassidy, 1997)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Filipino Martial Arts (Wiley, 1997)
Community
Athletics
Requires
wrist control for edge alignment, grip endurance, footwork precision
Favours
quick wrists, strong forearms, good posture
Key muscles
forearm extensors/flexors, deltoids, core, calves
Sub-techniques
Forward Grip
GenusThe Forward Grip (also called saber grip or hammer grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the thumb side of the fist, as one would hold a hammer. [1] This grip provides the greatest reach, strong thrusting capability, and intuitive cutting motions along all standard angles of attack. [1,2] The forward grip is the most commonly taught knife grip in both military combatives and Filipino martial arts because of its versatility and natural biomechanics. [2,3]
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Reverse Grip
GenusThe Reverse Grip (also called icepick grip) holds the knife with the blade extending from the little-finger side of the fist, point downward. [1] This grip excels at close-range downward stabs, hooking cuts, and weapon retention, as the blade is difficult to strip when held this way. [1,2] Filipino martial arts systems like Pekiti-Tirsia Kali use the reverse grip extensively for close-quarters combat and for pakal (reverse-grip) drills that develop fluid slashing and trapping combinations. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main safety rules I should follow with any knife grip?
Always be aware of others within arm's reach, never cut towards yourself, and avoid carving in the triangle area formed between your knees and crotch, as a knife wound there could prove fatal. If you find yourself cutting toward yourself, stop and switch to a safer grip.
What should I do if my current grip is making me cut toward myself?
Stop immediately and think of another grip to accomplish the task in a safer way rather than continuing with an unsafe cutting angle.
How does the Knife Grip work?
The Knife Grip subfamily covers the fundamental ways a combatant holds a knife, each grip offering distinct advantages for cutting, thrusting, retention, and transitional actions. The two primary knife grips are the forward (saber/hammer) grip and the reverse (icepick) grip, with each grip favouring different angles of attack and defensive capabilities.
Where does the Knife Grip come from?
Knife grip methodology has been studied wherever blades are used in combat, with Filipino martial arts developing the most detailed grip-transition training. Modern tactical knife instructors such as Michael Janich and Kelly McCann have systematised grip selection based on threat assessment and intended application.
Is the Knife Grip legal in competition?
WEKAF: legal — Legal in padded stick competition; HEMA: legal — Legal in applicable weapon categories
How dangerous is the Knife Grip?
Danger rating 9/10. Extreme — knives and short blades are the most common weapon in real-world assaults; high lethality
How do I set up the Knife Grip?
The standard setup chain: Ready Position → Distance Control → Execute Technique → Return to Guard.
How do I defend against the Knife Grip?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Knife Grip?
Common variants: Standard cut (primary cutting angle from the ready stance); Thrust (tsuki) (straight thrust targeting the throat, chest, or face); Rising cut (kiri-age) (upward diagonal cut from low to high); Diagonal cut (kesa-giri) (downward diagonal cut following the kimono line).
How effective is the Knife Grip in competition?
Knife grip techniques are demonstrated and applied in FMA competition and training events.
What are common mistakes when doing the Knife Grip?
Top errors to watch for: Gripping too tightly — a rigid hand fatigues quickly and prevents smooth technique execution / Using only one grip exclusively — both grips have applications; limiting to one reduces the tactical toolkit / Holding the blade with fingers extended beyond the guard — exposed fingers are vulnerable to being cut / Not aligning the edge properly — the cutting edge must be oriented correctly for the intended technique.
What are other names for the Knife Grip?
The Knife Grip is also known as Naifu Gurippu, Hawakan, Knife Hold, Blade Grip.