Knife fight

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A knife fight or duel is a fight in which each combatant is armed with a knife. It is similar to a swordfight, except that knives are much shorter than swords, resulting in the combatants engaging at closer ranges.

There are many martial and military systems of knife fighting, which are usually distinguished by region and culture of 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.

[edit] Knife grips

There are multiple 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:

1. hammer grip - hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist
2. saber grip - thumb is placed on the top of the handle
3. modified saber grip - thumb is placed on the flat of the blade
4. palm reinforced grip - pommel rests against the palm of the hand, index finger is placed on top of the handle or blade spine

The following are variations of the reverse grip:

1. regular reverse grip - hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist
2. icepick grip - thumb is placed over the pommel

Variations in edge orientation are less common, such as forward and reverse grips with the edge facing in. 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.

[edit] Use in film

Knife fights are staged for dramatic effect in action film, as well as knife throwing stunts. In Under Siege, Commando, and Gangs of New York, knife fights are shown as climactic battles. A common theme in such films is for the hero to discard a gun or similarly superior weapon, in order to engage the otherwise unarmed villain in "fair" knife-to-knife combat.

In Kill Bill, a knife-fight occurs between the Bride and Vernita Green, during which the pair severely damage Green's living room, only to abruptly halt when Green's daughter is dropped off by the school bus and seen walking towards the house. Shortly thereafter, Green sneakily pulls a gun, and the Bride responds by throwing her knife, to deadly effect.

The Hunted features many scenes showing knife combat between Benicio del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones, which the former's character has a special affinity for knives, due to participating in various special operations missions under military service, which required use of a knife as a primary weapon.

Dune (1984, David Lynch) and the 2001 Dune miniseries, based on Frank Herbert´s Bestseller book Dune, show a world where a corporeal shield makes fire and laser weapons useless. Because of that, wars and duels are made by the knife-fight. The final duel, Kanly, between Paul Muad´dib and Feyd-Rautha, used only knives and martial arts abilities.

[edit] See also

• Backcut