Since the age of ten I’ve studied numerous edged weapon systems including Filipino, Russian, Israeli, Apache and more. In some of those systems, there are about ten different knife grips. This doesn’t work well for us because the more options you have, the more time it takes to execute your options; it’s Hicks Law. Confusion in dangerous, high-stress situations is the last thing you want. I’ve narrowed all those knife grips into the two most effective, game-changing grips that every warrior should master: The Standard Grip and the Ice Pick Grip.

Knife Mistakes

One common mistake is neglecting the grip's firmness. If your grip isn't tight enough, a strike against bone could lead to losing control of your weapon, a fatal error in a life-or-death situation. The solution? Master your grip, ensuring it's as strong as your determination to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Another error is overly complicated techniques. In the heat of battle, simplicity reigns supreme. Complex moves might look impressive, but they can slow you down. Stick to the essential techniques, practice often, and they will serve you faithfully when it matters most.

A mistake worth mentioning is not locking your blade out if you have a folding knife. Be sure to lock that sucker so you don’t lose any of your fingers. This is why I like fixed blades; that’s one less thing to be concerned about.

Now let’s get into the two most effective knife grips.

Ice Pick Grip

Now, with the Ice Pick, you want to hold the knife with your thumb on top or around the side, giving you ultimate force control and directional precision. Be sure you have a tight grip so you don’t lose your knife if you hit bone or go for a stab. In close combat scenarios, this grip is a lethal extension of your will, allowing for swift and calculated strikes.

2. Standard Grip

It’s simple; picture gripping a hammer, firm and unyielding. You’re gonna align the blade with your knuckles so those cutting lines are directly in line with your arm for maximum for, penetration and depth. This technique give you control in chaos, enabling precise strikes and maneuvers. That's the essence of the Standard Grip.

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Knife Mastery

At Intuitive Self Protection, we don’t just offer self-defense classes; we provide transformative experiences. Our renowned Anatomy of a Knife Attack Course is the culmination of decades of expertise and real-world testing. This is the same stuff we teach military and law enforcement special teams and thousands of guys have come back and said, “Because of your training, I’m here alive today”. This course is a comprehensive, battle-tested system where we use a revolutionary training tool that gives you immediate, accurate and memorable results. Click here for a taste of what that course is like. If you think it’s for you, enroll in a course and develop into the warrior you were always meant to be; confident, prepared, and ready to defend yourself and others.

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About The Author

Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.