This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
Working Title: Holding The Blade Backwards: From YKTTW
This Troper is confused at this conversation's content, and would like it to go on over here, yes?
- The kukri is a fighting knife that is designed to be wielded in this fashion. Not doing so is awkward, since the blade is curved and the edge is on the inner curve of the blade, rather than the outer edge as most other curved blades. Yes, this means there is more than one Reverse Blade Sword, but unlike Kenshin Himura's blade it's actually designed to be that way. Remember, the reason he intentionally uses a Reverse Blade Sword is because it's awkward.
- Speaking from experience, and owning one, This Troper asserts that a khukuri is not a knife. It is a chopper. The "awkward" curve of the blade makes it a lot easier to go clear through stuff, (having the majority of the balance right behind that blade) without even being that sharp, like branches, small trees, and bones.
- Alternatively, one can simply stab with it, or slash with a normal grip... but where's the fun in that?
- Especially when the forward-curved blade is intended to evoke the best features of a machete and a hatchet, and is why some call the kukri, "The closest thing there is to an un-powered chainsaw."
- Just ask Dracula
(random passer-by) I claim no unusual knowledge of edged weapons techniques, though the sources I've read would usually call this the "icepick grip" when employed with a dagger or bowie knife. Also, and again, someone who's been in the service more recently may have more current information, but what I have been told by relatives and acquaintances who served 20-25 years ago is that, at least for USMC riflemen, the edged weapons techniques involve the cross-palm "saber grip", as taught in saber fencing (in which the knife handle goes diagonally across the palm and the blade is held out forward, as parallel as possible with the long bones of the forearm), and a low crouching stance, knife in right hand, left side toward enemy, left arm and hand held forward and outward to block an attack or seize the opponent's wrist, and the knife low, at hip level, permitting slashes or thrusts at targets of opportunity... and the knife is only one weapon—the Marine may stomp or kick with his forward foot, or even head-butt his foe with his steel helmet. Supposedly this methodology was before 1985 or so nearly universal in the US and British Commonwealth militaries.
