Overhand knife attacks

Here is an interesting observation.

Peyton Quinn and I were talking about knives at the Animal List BBQ this summer, and he was telling me of some of the research he had done. He pointed out that many knife "experts" talk about how no one will attack you with the overhead ice pick grip ala "Psycho." Peyton said in his research, many or most, I forget the accurate number, of the prison attacks he was researching were done with the overhand ice pick grip. Yes, maybe the FMA knife expert won't attack you in the way, but it is a very common attack according to Peyton's research. This video clip reinforces that:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyiZLvHC2rM

(Please note the video is not the best, and it is a real knife attack, and may be too graphic for some individuals)

Some of the prison research can be attributed to someone using a shank that is only good for stabbing. Without an edge, slashing and cutting type of attacks would be useless. Regardless, it is an attack that is used, and something one should prepare for when training to be prepared for knife attacks.

Obviously, the best defense is to be aware and never let someone with a knife or shank get close enough to attack you with it. While this is the ideal, sometimes things don’t work out that way, and you must be able to deal with whatever is thrown at you.

Stay safe,
Alain