Line #17 Main/ReverseGrip


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3	[[quoteright:350:[[Manga/VinlandSaga https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/thorfin_knife.png]]]]
4	[[caption-width-right:350:[[Music/MissyElliott I pull my knife out, flip it and reverse it.]]]]
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11	Also known as "icepick" grip, this means holding the grip of a dagger, a [[SwordFight sword]], a [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]] or whatever so that the business end points the direction opposite to the thumb, in contrast to the usual point-up or "saber" grip.
12
13	[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRB9h8D3xao There are advantages with this style]] of wielding a knife, namely that it facilitates certain grappling maneuvers (you can use the blade as a hook to assist in maneuvering the enemy, or to inflict damage during a grapple), defensive maneuvers (you can lay the blade against your forearm and let that take the blow of a heavier weapon instead of your wrist), allows for more powerful downwards and inwards strikes, allows for extreme angles of attack at extremely close range, and has sometimes been viewed as more intuitive (and thus easier to learn and apply) than the regular grip. That said, the wielder's reach is reduced compared to a forward grip, and it makes direct thrusts from below more difficult. Both point up and point down have their uses, and one may quickly switch between grips.
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15	The reasons for using a reverse grip vary, depending on the character and work. The grip might be a tactical choice to facilitate blocking, grappling, slicing, downward stabbing motions or any combination thereof. It might be used in conjunction with DualWielding to provide a more diverse range of strikes. It might be the most convenient grip to use on a weapon that is drawn quickly. It might be used to indicate that the user is a hardened or experienced killer. Of course, it also simply [[RuleOfCool looks cool]].
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17	The use of a sword in reverse grip takes the cool factor one step further, making for an exotic display of slicing in a figure of eight with a swimming motion of the arm and wrist. It can also be combined with spinning or dual wielding; a character with two swords can hold either one or both of them in reverse grip. Perhaps this is supposed to be the secret technique unknown to [[SarcasmMode all those chumps]] who swing their sword the usual way. In reality this is CoolButInefficient. Biomechanical limitations as well as the different nature of how swords are used in fighting cause the reverse sword gripper to lose reach, cutting power, ability to parry or exert leverage in the bind, and ability to protect the sword hand. Admittedly there ''are'' useful historical techniques that involve reversing one's grip on the sword, but these are more situational and limited in application than what you tend to see in movies. See the [[Analysis/ReverseGrip Analysis page]] for details.
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19	Related to GangstaStyle, with the difference beyond weapon types used being that the Reverse Grip can actually be practical if used in the right context.
20
21	----
22	!!Examples:
23
24	[[foldercontrol]]
25
26	[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
27	* Many ninja in ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' hold kunai in this position, generally for melee combat.
28	** Asuma Sarutobi's [[spoiler:and later Shikamaru Nara]]'s trench knife-style "chakra blades" are designed to be used this way.
29	** Post-timeskip, Sasuke holds his sword very often this way.
30	* Kensei Muguruma of ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' does this, most prominently in the chapters where Ichigo is battling [[spoiler:his inner Hollow]]. Appropriately, the shikai form of Kensei's zanpakuto is a bowie knife.
31	* Alita/Falis from ''Manga/MurderPrincess'' does the katana+wakizashi variety and switches from saber-grip to reverse-grip and back all the damn time with ease.
32	* In ''Anime/{{Gekiganger 3}}'' they used the Gekigan Sword this way against a ninja-like robot once.
33	* Kadaj of ''Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren'' does this with a double bladed (as in the blades are side-by-side) katana, despite the fact that this would be incredibly difficult in RealLife. He gets away with it, though, thanks to the RuleOfCool.
34	* Kaku of ''Franchise/OnePiece'' occasionally uses Reverse Grip DualWielding on a pair of katana. Also "Bohemian Knight" Doma who reverse-grips a saber in each hand. His fighting style seems to center around defeating opponents from behind him.
35	** Admiral Fujitora also wields his SwordCane this way when in battle and appears to use it to control his [[spoiler:GravityMaster powers]].
36	* Caldina from ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth'' favors this style when she's not just [[MasterOfIllusion manipulating her foes into offing themselves]].
37	* ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'':
38	** In ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' and ''Anime/DigimonTamers'', Leomon wields his sword with reverse grip.
39	** Predating [[WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars Ahsoka Tano]], Lobomon in ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'' wields a pair of {{Laser Blade}}s, most often holding them this way.
40	* Integra ''Manga/{{Hellsing}}'' reveals just how badass she can be by facing an army of vampires holding her saber in a reverse grip.
41	* Aoshi Shinomori from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'' normally grips his kodachi the standard way, but will switch to a reverse grip for his FinishingMove.
42	** Enishi Yukishiro reverse-grips his Chinese sword for his FinishingMove.
43	* [[AcePilot Kallen Kozuki and Li Xingke]] from ''Anime/CodeGeass'' actually have their ''HumongousMecha'' hold their blades this way.
44	* This is the usual grip for ''Characters/LupinIII'''s [[{{Samurai}} Goemon Ishikawa XIII]].
45	* [[OldRetainer Old Man Fuu]], Ling Yao's manservant from ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', wields his sword this way. He is, after all, a ninja-like character, despite being from a nation that's an {{Expy}} of China rather than Japan.
46	* Take a look at the standard cover for ''Anime/PrincessMononoke''. Either Ashitaka has the strongest wrists in the world, or things will become very unfortunate, very quickly.
47	* Rival player Yuujirou Kai in ''Manga/ThePrinceOfTennis'' plays normal-grip right-handed at first, but reveals he is actually Reverse Grip [[IAmNotLeftHanded LEFT-handed]] during his match with Kikumaru.
48	* Ryougi Shiki of ''Literature/TheGardenOfSinners'' often switches her grip several times over the course of a fight, and at one point even throws her knife from a reverse grip.
49	** Similarly, Tohno Shiki from ''VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}}'' (Same universe, no relation, though similar names intentional due to similar powers) sometimes reverses the grip on his knife. [[spoiler:This is actually a sign his [[SuperPoweredEvilSide Nanaya side]] is taking over.]]
50	* Kureha from ''Manga/{{Tokko}}'' usually wields her twin daggers with a reverse grip.
51	* Death the Kid from ''Manga/SoulEater'' wields his dual pistols reversed. [[RuleOfCool Yes, he pulls the trigger with his pinky]].
52	* In the ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' movie, Shirou switches between several grips while fighting Archer, including reverse grip on one and [[DualWielding two blades]].
53	* Meanwhile, in ''Literature/FateZero'', there's a brief [[RuleOfCool but cool]] moment where [[http://24.media.tumblr.com/4777a931ee5613f68cf1266a2cbf55c8/tumblr_msf7ehDmk31r3maj7o1_500.gif Saber does this against Lancer]] during their second duel.
54	* Akira of ''VisualNovel/TogainuNoChi'' holds his knife like this whenever he's fighting.
55	* ''Manga/SaitamaChainsawShoujo'': Fumio Kirisaki does this, as the series' title indicates, [[ChainsawGood with a chainsaw]].
56	* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' characters will on occasion use this style, and it's usually a mark of extreme skill on the part of the pilot, since the MS's are usually designed to wield their swords normally. Users include [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam0083StardustMemory Anavel Gato]] during his mid-show duel with Kou, and [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE the Gundam AGE-1 Spallow]], which does this by default. [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeed Mu la Flaga]] (in the Perfect Strike) is also shown using this method during the {{Eyecatch}}.
57	* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' Lance Corporal Levi does this with the sword he holds in his right hand when he utilizes his SpinAttack technique. [[spoiler:This style comes in handy toward the end of the series, after he loses all the fingers besides his ring and pinky finger on his left hand. He picks up his blade in his typical reverse grip, with his remaining fingers on the trigger of the blade, and says, "Two fingers is all I need."]]
58	* In ''Manga/BattleAngelAlita'', Alita wields a pair of elbow-mounted Damascus-style swords during her Motorball career, making it a cross between this and BladeBelowTheShoulder. After she leaves Motorball, she keeps the reforged single blade wrapped in cloth in her apartment until [[spoiler:she discovers Ido has been kidnapped by Desty Nova]]. When [[spoiler:she is blown up by a doll bomb]] at the end of the original manga, it is [[spoiler:assumed to be lost forever]], along with Alita. In ''Battle Angel Alita: Last Order'', [[spoiler:Desty Nova integrates the heavily damaged blades into her new Imaginos body]], allowing her to summon one for each arm at will.
59	* In ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'', whenever Ash's Froakie/Frogadier/Greninja uses Cut attack, he creates [[DualWielding two blades]] that he holds this way. Perhaps he studied with [[WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars Ahsoka Tano]].
60	[[/folder]]
61
62	[[folder:Comic Books]]
63	* Cutter in ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' uses his short curved sword New Moon in a reverse grip to slash his opponents. Panel 5 of this page from #15 of the original series (WARNING: violent battle scene) is [[http://elfquest.com/gallery/OnlineComics/index.php?s=OQ/OQ15&p=27 the first time we see him use this technique]] [[note]] The manga ''Kamui no Ken'' (''Anime/TheDaggerOfKamui'') was a major influence on the artist, Cutter gets his technique straight from Kamui (which makes him some sort of elf-ninja).[[/note]]
64	* The ninjas from ''ComicBook/{{Empowered}}'' also do it this way.
65	* ''ComicBook/UsagiYojimbo'': Blind swordspig Zato-Ino typically holds his sword this way.
66	* ComicBook/DraxTheDestroyer tends to favor this grip. Given that he fights with knives instead of something longer (and that he isn't overall very concerned with avoiding getting hit, being a StoneWall), it suits him.
67	* In one short story of ''ComicBook/ThePunisher'', Frank provides a running commentary of one of the many fights he's involved in as part of his job, and one of the goons tries to stab him by wielding a knife in this fashion. Frank prefers to call this stance "the Creator/AnthonyPerkins" for [[Film/{{Psycho}} obvious reasons]] and labels the guy a complete amateur for using it (or at least for charging blindly while doing it).
68	[[/folder]]
69
70	[[folder:Fan Works]]
71	* In ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'', one of the new Pokémon Ash catches that he didn't have in the original timeline is a Farfetch'd (a Kantonian one, unlike the Galarian one he'd eventually catch in canon) whose fighting style revolves about wielding three leeks at once, [[DualWielding one in each wing]] [[CutlassBetweenTheTeeth and the third on the beak]]. He's often depicted wielding the left leek this way.
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73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
76	* This grip is favored by Franchise/{{Zatoichi}}, which makes sense since it saves him the trouble of changing his grip on his [[SwordCane walking stick]].
77	* John Preston absolutely ''owns'' everyone when he switches his katana(s) to Reverse Grip in ''Film/{{Equilibrium}}''. WordOfGod says that this was a ShoutOut to Zatoichi.
78	* Bride vs Copperhead in ''Film/KillBill'', where the Bride uses the reverse grip.
79	* Halle Berry in ''Film/DieAnotherDay'', but only while DualWielding, and only with her off-hand.
80	* Both hero and villain hold their knives this way in the climactic fight of the film ''Film/UnderSiege''.
81	* ''Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian'' does this sometimes, usually as part of a combination, but only for an attack or two before he switches back.
82	* In ''Film/{{Dragonheart}}'', Bowen briefly uses DualWielding two broadswords, holding one in a reverse grip.
83	* ''Film/TwelveAngryMen'' uses the trope as a point of contention between the jury. Allegedly the accused stabbed downwards into the victim using the reverse grip. However, Juror #5, who is from the slums, says that nobody who has experience in knife fights would ever use that grip with a switchblade: you have to hold the grip with your thumb on top to trigger the blade, and it would be suicide to pause for a second to change your grip in a fight.
84	* ''Film/TheRaid'': The protagonist, Rama, is an absolute beast with a KA-BAR, switching between forward and Reverse Grip as he carves a gory swathe through hordes of goons.
85	* ''Film/{{Avatar}}'': Colonel Quaritch holds a knife not only in reverse grip, but with the edge towards the arm, too. While in a [[MiniMecha three-meter-tall]] suit of PoweredArmour.
86	* In ''Film/TheChroniclesOfRiddick'', this is how the eponomous AntiHero holds his blades.[[note]] This is one of the very few styles of blade actually meant to be held this way, being curved around the front of the fist, you would basically use them like you were throwing a punch to slash your opponent.[[/note]]
87	* Rey in the ''Franchise/StarWars'' films ''Film/TheForceAwakens'' and ''Film/TheLastJedi'' alternates between using her lightsaber this way and a standard grip, which is actually [[JustifiedTrope Justified]], since she's used to fighting with a MartialArtsStaff (where she would be using a standard and reverse grip simultaneously).
88	** Reverse Grip DualWielding of lightsabers is also seen briefly in the background in ''Film/AttackOfTheClones''.
89	* Used in ''Film/Hero2002'' several times, both by the Nameless Hero and Broken Sword.
90	* In ''Film/{{Faster}}'', Wrestling/TheRock's character wields an icepick against a man with a larger knife. Ironically, it's The Rock who flips his weapon into reverse grip.
91	* This grip was also used by Mitsu in ''Film/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesIII'', with a small dagger. Blink and you'll miss it, but it really helps cement the character.
92	* The uncle in ''Film/{{Bunraku}}'' holds one of his sushi knives this way when he fights.
93	* Conan does this fairly frequently in ''Film/ConanTheBarbarian2011''. At one point he [[DualWielding dual-wields]] longswords, both in reverse grip.
94	* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
95	** In ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier'', the Winter Soldier wields his combat knife in this manner. When he needs more strength behind it, he grabs the pommel with his [[ArtificialLimbs cybernetic left arm]].
96	** Frigga's preferred method when wielding a blade, as demonstrated in her fight against Malekith in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld''.
97	** Loki is also fond of this style both in ''Film/ThorTheDarkWorld'' (when he fights the dark elves) and ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' (in a KnifeFight with Valkyrie).
98	* ''Film/{{Psycho}}'': The iconic shower scene features the killer stabbing downward with a reverse grip on a kitchen knife. The many parodies of this scene always include the reverse grip.
99	* The punk that tries to fight Hub in ''Film/SecondhandLions'' starts the fight with his switchblade in a reverse grip. Hub beats him up a bit and knocks the knife out of his hand, then hands it back to him [[DoWrongRight after suggesting he try a more traditional grip]]. [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments The punk still gets beaten up]].
100	* Starting with ''Film/HarryPotterAndTheGobletOfFire'', Voldemort starts wielding his wand in various showy ways in a version of this trope.
101	[[/folder]]
102
103	[[folder:Literature]]
104	* Averted in ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'', where professional killers think the dramatic, overarm backstabbing gesture favored by newspaper illustrators is much less preferable to the underarmed stab that goes under the ribcage and through the heart.
105	-->"The way to a man's heart was through his stomach."
106	* Creator/HBeamPiper's ''Literature/{{Paratime}}'': In ''The Last Enemy'', Verkan Vall picks a knife duel and blinks in astonishment when he notices his opponent using this style. After killing the fellow -- "Only eight seconds from the time you closed with him" -- Vall, who learned knife-fighting from pirates, remarks that he feels like a murderer of children; evidently Piper didn't think much of the Reverse Grip.
107	* There is a [[FantasticFightingStyle lightsaber combat style]] based on Reverse Grip in the ''Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse'' and ''[[Franchise/StarWarsLegends Legends]]'' called Reverse Shien, as it's a variant of Form V. This grip allowed the user to perform long, sweeping strikes to take down several enemies at a time, whipping the blade forward with the movement of throwing a punch. This variation was rarely seen and a matter of controversy among lightsaber masters due to its unorthodox nature. It is seen, for example, in Stackpole's ''[[Literature/JediAcademyTrilogy I, Jedi]]'' and used by several EU characters, including Adi Gallia, [[VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed Galen Marek]], and [[WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars Ahsoka Tano]]. Vader might also be accomplished in this style, considering that he taught the latter two. The style described in ''I, Jedi'' is a two-handed variant, with one hand on the grip and the other grasping the pommel, allowing the wielder to lever the blade around by its end using the grip hand as a fulcrum.
108	* Abbie Hoffman, in a section of ''Steal This Book'' focusing on knives, advocates against using this grip:
109	-->"Having seen too many Jim Bowies slash their way through walls of human flesh, they persist in carrying on this inane tradition. Overhead and uppercut slashes are a waste of energy and blade power. The correct method is to hold the knife in a natural, firm grip and jab straight ahead at waist level with the arm extending full length each time. This fencing style allows for the maximum reach of arm and blade. By concentrating the point of the knife directly at the target, you make defense against such an attack difficult."
110	** ''Prison's Bloody Iron'' by Harold Jenks and Michael Brown argues otherwise, pointing out that such a grip makes it easier to hold on to the knife, essential when blood is flying and your opponent is close enough to grapple with you.
111	* ''Literature/TortallUniverse'': Aly from the ''Literature/TrickstersDuet'' usually holds one knife in Reverse Grip and the other normally.
112	* The ''Literature/VorkosiganSaga'' never goes into exact detail about the technique involved in "the two swords", a relic of Barrayar's [[LostColony Time of Isolation]] used for [[DuelToTheDeath duelling]], but it's probably the sword-and-parrying dagger type of DualWielding so this trope likely crops up sometimes.
113	* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'', ''Literature/GauntsGhosts'':
114	** The knife technique of the Tanith First-And-Only has "the blade descending from the fist and tilted in towards [the] body".
115	** In the first novel, Gaunt is attacked by an assassin wielding a switchblade capable of instantly switching between "forward" and reverse grip.
116	* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'':
117	** The sword form "Heron Wading in the Rushes" has the sword held reversed over the head, while standing on one leg. According to the main character's teacher, it's good for practicing balance and [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome getting yourself killed]]. Used ([[ChekhovsGun at the end of the book it was introduced in]]) as sort of a weaponized TakingYouWithMe or MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning: by exposing himself to lethal damage, Rand gets his opponent to over-commit and thus expose ''himself'' to lethal damage.
118	** The get yourself stabbed to get the enemy move is called "Sheathing the Sword". As Lan but it: "There will come a time when you must achieve a goal at all costs. It may come in attack or in defense. And the only way will be to allow the sword to be sheathed in your own body... when the price is worth the gain, and there is no other choice left to you. That is called Sheathing the Sword. Remember it."
119	[[/folder]]
120
121	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
122	* This style of wielding a blade makes a number of appearances on ''Series/{{Highlander}}''.
123	** Duncan [=MacLeod=] has reverse-wielded his katana many times. He also does it with a claymore in "Homeland", and with a wakizashi in "Revenge of the Sword."
124	** In "Brothers in Arms", both Charlie [=DiSalvo=] and Andrew Cord reverse-wield their weapons during their knife fight. In the same episode, Cord pulls off the unlikely feat of reverse-wielding a cavalry saber in a fight against Duncan.
125	* Richard does this quite often in ''Series/LegendOfTheSeeker''. In the books, he's occasionally mentioned as doing this with his off-hand dagger.
126	* ''Franchise/SuperSentai'':
127	** The Green and Pink Rangers of ''Series/SeijuuSentaiGingaman'' and ''Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy'' would often wield their swords this way, while the others stuck to normal grip.
128	** The SixthRanger in ''Series/SamuraiSentaiShinkenger'' and ''Series/PowerRangersSamurai'' combines this with ''[[IaijutsuPractitioner iaido]]'', the art of sheathing and unsheathing your sword for a fast strike. AwesomeButImpractical, you say? [[LethalJokeCharacter Don't bet on it.]]
129	** Another example is ''Series/ZyudenSentaiKyoryuger'''s Kyoryu Green, who specifically developed his feral reverse-hand grip style in opposition to his father's strict swordsmanship.
130	** The Green Rangers of ''Series/KishiryuSentaiRyusoulger'' and ''Series/PowerRangersDinoFury'' occasionally hold their swords in reverse grip. Izzy is seen doing this even when not morphed.
131	** Before all of that, [[HumongousMecha Turbo Robo]] of ''Series/KousokuSentaiTurboranger'' would perform its [[FinishingMove Turbo Crash]] in this manner.
132	* Masato Kusaka, Kamen Rider Kaixa of ''Series/KamenRider555'', does it mostly by necessity, since his sword blade extends from the butt of his gun. There are a few times he flips the weapon around and wields the sword in a normal grip, [[spoiler:such as an instance where Takumi was incapacitated and Kusaka was preparing to murder him]].
133	* In ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'', Sam and Dean often hold flashlights like this, for reasons described in the "Real Life" section of this page.
134	* In the third episode of ''Series/StargateSG1'', Carter fights the [[SpaceRomans Space Mongol]] chieftain with her combat knife in a reverse grip.
135	* Eliot from ''Series/{{Leverage}}'' demonstrates the difference between cooking and combat:
136	-->Hold a knife like this (places knife blade-down on cutting board), slice an onion. Hold a knife like this (switches to Reverse Grip), slice through like, eight Yakuza in four seconds.
137	* An important plot point in one episode of ''Series/QuincyME''. From the angle of the knife wound, Quincy could tell that the murderer stabbed his victim using such a grip. This cast doubt on their prime suspect, because their prime suspect had been in the Army and military people are taught to stab upward, with their knife in a forward grip.
138	* Mulder and Scully more often or not held their flashlights in this manner on ''Series/TheXFiles''. See "Real Life" below for an explanation why.
139	* On ''Series/TheWalkingDead2010'', Daryl Dixon can often be seen holding his knife in this grip when facing off with zombies.
140	* In the first episode of ''Series/TheWitcher2019'', Geralt fights Renfri and her gang holding his longsword like this.
141	* When Kerra in ''Series/{{Britannia}}'' is ambushed by Regni, she fights them off with her sword held like this.
142	* After being disarmed of her primary lightsaber, [[spoiler:Ahsoka Tano]] switches to her signature reverse grip style with her offhand lightsaber in ''Series/TheMandalorian'' chaper 13.
143	[[/folder]]
144
145	[[folder:Music]]
146	* Richard and Roland of Music/SonicSyndicate occasionally held their ''microphones'' in reverse grip.
147	[[/folder]]
148
149	[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
150	* In ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}: Martial Arts'' holding a weapon this way makes certain attacks more effective and others more difficult. It's most effective with knives and tonfas.
151	* The Red Mantis Assassins in ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' are noted as DualWielding ''both'' their sawtooth sabres in Reverse Grip, in emulation of mantis claws.
152	* The original model for Drazhar, Master of Blades, a Dark Eldar special character in ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'', did this with two swords.
153	[[/folder]]
154
155	[[folder:Theater]]
156	* ''Theatre/TwelveAngryMen'': The murderer used a reverse grip on a switchblade to kill the victim. The defendant's experience with knife-fighting is used as evidence against him. However, one of the jurors is familiar with switchblades and states that street toughs like the defendant never use those in a reverse grip.
157	[[/folder]]
158
159	[[folder:Video Games]]
160	* In ''VideoGames/ConquerorsBlade'', the Dual Blades hero weapon consists of two daggers which are ''always'' held in reverse grips.
161	* Corvo of ''VideoGame/{{Dishonored}}'' uses a reverse grip when he's in sneak mode, using his sword for stealth kills from behind. When he stands up straight, he holds the blade by the hilt.
162	* Vader's apprentice Starkiller does it in ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed'' and ''VideoGame/SoulCalibur IV'' with a [[LaserBlade lightsaber]]. While still not ''wholly'' practical, this is probably one of the best opportunities to use it since it's an omni-directional blade.
163	** It's worth noting that in some situations he does adopt a regular grip, probably to get over the range handicap that reverse-gripping can produce. In ''Soulcalibur IV'' he always holds his saber with a reverse grip for his entire moveset.
164	* Imperial Agents in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' use their vibroknives in a reverse grip. However, their primary weapons are their blaster rifles - their vibroknives are only [[IaijutsuPractitioner pulled out at close range with the purpose of stabbing]] and are quickly placed back.
165	* Vyse in ''VideoGame/SkiesOfArcadia'' uses two swords. He holds the sword in his right hand the proper way, while holding the sword in his left hand by the hilt in a reverse grip. Vyse justifies this in-universe by saying that the second sword is used for defending.
166	%%* Shiki in ''VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}}'' often does it when the situation gets dire. It is usually the first sign that [[spoiler:[[SuperPoweredEvilSide Nanaya]]]] is taking over.
167	* Twin Blades in ''VideoGame/DotHackGU'', as well as the original four games, [[strike:always]] usually hold their blades like this; Sora from ''Anime/DotHackSign'' averts this standard by using a pair of katars.
168	** In the games, the blades come in x general variants. A rough description of each would be daggers, katars, bladed shields, and claws. The daggers are held in a reverse grip, while every other weapon fits over the hand and wrist. Most Twin Blade weapons are daggers, and it is considered their "iconic" weapon. The purpose, in any case, is so that the character model can quickly go from a resting position to an attack strike, rather than having to raise its arm for leverage, like every other class. It's part of their LightningBruiser motif.
169	* Ayame from ''VideoGame/{{Tenchu}}'' uses her daggers in this fashion. The prequel indicates that she started off using a reverse grip in one hand and a forward grip in the other before switching to a double-reverse grip later on.
170	* Used in ''Manga/DragonQuestTheAdventureOfDai'', for the 'Avan Slash' attack and other based on it. Dai does this with knives, short swords and BFS alike.
171	* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'':
172	** Grey Fox holds his katana this way.
173	** Snakes (as in Solid [Old] and Naked [Big Boss]) hold their CQC blades this way, but that makes sense as it's in their off hand and it's basically dual-wielding, but with a firearm in the strong hand. Big Boss actually talks about it in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater'' when he's whittling the grip on his shiny new 1911.
174	* ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'':
175	** Baiken does this with her katana (which is her main weapon -- she doesn't have an offhand weapon because she only has one arm, but she stuffs a lot of weapons in her other sleeve WesternAnimation/InspectorGadget style). In her case, however, it's partly out of practicality and partly out of habit - she lost her right arm, which was most likely her dominant arm. Considering the weapons crammed into her right sleeve, a sheath there might get in the way, and so she wears it on the left, usually drawing it in a reverse grip because that would be the easiest way to draw it when the arm and sheath are on the same side. Of course, some of her fancier RuleOfCool steps in.
176	** Can't bring up ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'' without mentioning Sol's fighting style, too. According to WordOfGod, the way he holds his sword is based on [[Music/{{Queen}} Freddie Mercury]]'s [[RuleOfCool way with a mic stand]].
177	** Or [[VideoGame/BlazBlue Ragna's]].
178	* When playing for the Lotus Clan in ''VideoGame/BattleRealms'', Blade Acolytes dual-wield their swords this way.
179	* The Dragon dagger is the only weapon to be wielded that way in ''VideoGame/RuneScape'', all other daggers are wielded normally.
180	* Most classes in ''VideoGame/ProjectReality'' that aren't able to [[BayonetYa mount a bayonet]] on their main weapon will usually still carry a knife, and will often wield it this way when using it.
181	* ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'':
182	** Krauser in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil4'' holds his knife this way. Justified as he's clearly had military service (U.S. SOCOM). He also defies part of this trope in that, in his knife-fight with Leon (who usually uses a sabre grip), he didn't win. The fight was also something of a showcasing of various knife grips, seeing as they both switched from one grip to another so many times.
183	** Jill held her knife in a reverse grip in [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil the original 1996 title]].
184	* In ''VideoGame/DiabloII'', all dagger-class weapons are wielded in Reverse Grip, thus distinguishing them from swords.
185	* In the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series, dual wielded daggers are very commonly seen in the hands of thief and ninja characters and classes.
186	** Zidane Tribal of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' was possibly the first one, though the dual wielding part was purely visual.
187	** The Thief Dressphere in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2''
188	** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'', "katana" (which are actually ninja-to, kunai, and wakazashi) are always held like this. Naturally, the one class that gets skill in these weapons is Ninja, and it quickly gains access to DualWielding capability.
189	** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'', Judge Magister Gabranth holds the smaller of his two blades, ''Highway Star'', in this manner when he splits [[DoubleWeapon his weapon]] in two. Which is odd, because the artwork (particularly the iconic logo) depicts him wielding both blades in a standard grip. The player obtained Ninja Sword weapon type are all wielded this way by all six party members as well.
190	** The Rogue class and Ninja job in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV''. The /changepose command, when used by a male as a Samurai with the katana drawn, will perform some WeaponTwirling and then idle with the katana in a reverse grip; it's performed by a hired blade in one of the job quests, who is styled as a samurai. [[DeconstructedTrope Your job tutor immediately points out that it's no way to hold a katana]].
191	** Ignis and Noctis will at times wield daggers this way when equipped in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV'' but they will also flip them to a standard grip just as frequently.
192	** Rem Tokimiya in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyType0'' though she's more of a mage type than a thief type.
193	** Locke Cole in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyNT'' uses a pair of daggers this way in contrast to the single dagger he normally uses in other appearances.
194	* Hawkeye from ''VideoGame/TrialsOfMana'' holds his [[DualWielding two daggers]] in a backhanded fashion when fighting.
195	%%(ZCE)* Rei from ''VideoGame/BreathOfFireIII'' uses daggers like this.
196	%%(ZCE)* Kid from ''VideoGame/ChronoCross''.
197	* Fiora from ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles1''. She holds her knives this way, paired with DualWielding. [[spoiler:Although she changes her weapon of choice after she is turned into a RobotGirl]].
198	* Jyuji Kabane from ''VideoGame/{{Gungrave}}: Overdose'' deserves a special mention as he '''[[DualWielding dual-wields]] [[SwissArmyWeapon gun]]-[[KatanasAreJustBetter katanas]] in reverse grip''', thereby making him an automatic badass. He also happens to be an undead, blind swordsman with a penchant for fire, but [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot that's....]]
199	* ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty'':
200	** Knives in every game starting with ''VideoGame/ModernWarfare'' can only be used in this way. In earlier games it could be interpreted that the reasoning is for a [[QuickMelee quicker draw]]. ''VideoGame/CallOfDutyBlackOps'' added a ballistic knife that could have its blade shot out to kill enemies at range, which would be harder to aim properly in a normal grip, but then its sequel lets you forgo a primary or secondary weapon and just use a knife all the time, which is also held in this manner just because.
201	** Humorously enough, in ''World at War'''s American Marine campaign, failing the [[PressXToNotDie quick-time prompt]] when assaulted by a charging Japanese soldier results in the poor Marine getting a bayonet rammed through his chest, his hand (holding a knife in normal grip) slumping over to his side as he dies. If you succeed, he'll knock the bayonet aside just in time to get a stab in his attacker's neck, with the knife held in reverse grip. Being cool saves lives, people.
202	* ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'':
203	** [[VideoGame/KidIcarus Pit and Dark Pit]] can split their bows into two swords. They hold one normally, while the other is held like this in order to speed up the reattaching process.
204	** From ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU'' onward [[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade Roy]] was changed to hold his sword in reverse grip for many of his attacks, in an attempt to declone him (and eventually declone his Echo Fighter Chrom indirectly in ''Ultimate'') and make his Sword of Seals look heavier than Marth and Lucina's Falchions.
205	** [[VideoGame/Persona5 Joker]] wields his knife this way when in idle and for most of his close-quarter slicing attacks. Its also lets him indulge in showy WeaponTwirling when he switches grips for particular attacks.
206	** [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII Sephiroth]] holds his katana Masamune this way when he's not using it, mainly because it's [[{{BFS}} so long]] that it would stick out awkwardly if he held it any other way.
207	* ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'':
208	** In ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI'' Altair holds the short blade like this. Appropriately, the short blades are slightly better than long swords when surrounded by multiple enemies, drastically reducing the times needed to parry blows, dodge, and counterattack (the downside being less base damage).
209	** His descendant Ezio Auditore follows in his footsteps with his own short blades. He actually draws and replaces them from his belt in a standard grip, then flips it over in the transition to his fighting stance.
210	* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'':
211	** In ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'' Ven wields his Keyblade like this. While his starting blade is designed with this in mind, with the grip offset from the shaft, all of his other blades are standard, straight Keyblades.
212	** Saïx wields his [[{{BFS}} claymore]] in a reverse grip.
213	** And in ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHearts358DaysOver2 358/2 Days]]'''s Mission mode, secret character Sora flips to a reverse grip for the last hit of his ground combo when wielding the Dream Sword.
214	** Sora in general is prone to this since [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI the very first game]], with [[OneHitKill Zantetsuken]]. It carries with his Drive forms sometimes granting him a second Keyblade that he held in a reverse grip, [[spoiler:serving as foreshadowing the fact Sora's heart houses Ventus' heart. He also temporarily uses Riku's Keyblade in an RG OUTSIDE of a Drive during the final battle.]]
215	** In Riku's final cutscene [[spoiler:prior to the TrueFinalBoss]] in ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance'', he does this to break free from [[spoiler:Ansem-[=SoD=], who was sitting on top of him: he "un-summons" his Keyblade, only to re-summon it immediately, only backwards, in order to swing it upwards.]]
216	** Mulan in the Land of Dragons also holds her sword in a reverse grip after abandoning her disguise as Ping, where she used the standard grip instead.
217	** ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsIII'' shows that Lea wields his new Keyblade in an unorthodox way, wielding it by the ''hand guard'', in a manner reminiscent of his chakrams.
218	* The Spy from ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' uses standard grip when attacking normally, but switches to Reverse Grip when {{Back Stab}}bing. Despite the fact that a reversed blade would be harder for actually stabbing someone other than in the back of the neck, the effect is actually designed for player convenience. Since taking a swing with the knife drops the spy's disguise effect, the animation of turning the knife indicates "if you swing now, you'll get your backstab". A handy tool for novice spies not yet used to the exact of their melee weapon yet. Experienced spies learn to fire off the stab within frames of the animation starting. Though the Spy does a backstabbing motion without the grip reversal when he performs a CriticalHit, except there are two limitations to this: the attack isn't insta-kill and the Spy's knives cannot perform a CriticalHit naturally.
219	* Knife-wielders in the ''Franchise/FireEmblem'' games, or at least Sothe and Volke, appear to wield their knives this way in combat.
220	** Though in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' it appears to be limited to the Thief class, as Volke switches to a much more relaxed forward grip.
221	** There are no knives in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'', so all classes that would normally utilize knives use swords instead. Units in these classes hold their swords in a reverse-grip, which looks rather awkward (holding a long-bladed weapon in this fashion doesn't seem very comfortable or effective). Ironically, while [[VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade Roy]] doesn't use the grip in his game, many of his attacks in Super Smash Bros for 3DS/Wii U has him swing his sword this way.
222	** Zig-zagged ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'', which brings the daggers back, but includes them with shurikens as "Hidden weapons". When the Nohrian Butler or Maid class uses them, they use them in a standard grip wherein they slash with them. But when the Hoshidan ninjas use them, they hold them in a reverse grip and slash or stab (Depending on the animation.)
223	** Knives don't exist as weapons in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'', but those with the Assassin class will hold their sword like this.
224	* More ''VideoGame/SoulCalibur'' fun. Taki carried two ninjato into battle; her primary seemed to be held conventionally, while her secondary, on the rare occasion it's used, is held this way. In addition, in ''Soul Calibur 3'' you could give the 'Wave Sword' skill set to a generic character; these were twin swords used normally that just curved around the wielder's hands like a basket hilt then continued downwards.
225	* ''VideoGame/SamuraiShodown''[='s=] Nakoruru seems to use this form often. It also applies to Cham Cham; even though it's a giant boomerang, when she holds it in paw and swings it, it's done this way. Starting with the 3rd game, Ukyo Tachibana holds his sword this way for several of his attacks, usually strong normal sword strikes. Sogetsu Kazama also uses it, mainly in his standing strong slash. In ''Warrior's Rage'' though, this is a standard for Haito Kanakura.
226	* The Bard from ''VideoGame/TheBardsTale'' can learn to dual wield a sword with a dagger, holding the latter backwards.
227	* The Crowmaster enemies in ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersiaWarriorWithin'' are seen wielding scimitars in a reverse grip.
228	** The Prince in ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia2008'' shifts his scimitar into this position when in a defensive/blocking stance.
229	* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI Garland]] wields his sword this way in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy''. It makes sense considering that [[{{BFS}} said sword]] probably weighs more than him, [[TinTyrant armour and all]]. There's no way even he could wield it the normal way.
230	* Lancelot (or Shadow) does this in ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight'', with a freaking sword that's as [[{{BFS}} TALL AS HIMSELF]]. ''[[NoIndoorVoice WITH ONE HAND]].''
231	* Tatsumaru from ''VideoGame/{{Tenchu}} 2''.
232	* Nero from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'' uses a RG for his launcher move, compared to Dante's standard grip. Dante also switches to RG when using his Drive shockwave move.
233	* In ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarOnline'' and ''Universe'', all daggers are held with a reverse grip.
234	** Rare ones, at least. The generic photon daggers have the blade come out the top, and actually circle around the knuckles so that they're effectively wielded reverse style.
235	* In ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors 6'', Gan Ning holds his two daggers with a reverse grip.
236	* In ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'', the [[SuperSoldier Spartans]] from ''VideoGame/HaloReach'' onward do this with their assassination knives. ALL the time. Even in midair.
237	* Edge of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' does this in the DS remake after you've input a command but before he's done it, as well as his artwork for ''The After Years''.
238	* Kotaro from ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'' holds his ninja-to like this. In the anime, the one time Sasuke is shown wielding a katana, he holds both the sword and its sheath this way, so he can effectively dual wield.
239	* In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', "Reversed Grip" is an advanced DualWielding technique (unlike in the first game, dual-wielding is only possible with daggers in part two).
240	* Titus and Tactical Marines in ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000SpaceMarine'' use the reverse grip when wielding the [[SwordAndGun Bolt Pistol and Combat Knife]].
241	* While Yosuke of ''VideoGame/Persona4'' uses a standard grip with his weapons, he switches to reverse when summoning his persona.
242	** Also the persona [[EvilCounterpart Magatsu Izanagi]] holds his lance like this.
243	* In ''VideoGame/DarksidersII'', [[RuleOfCool Death dual wields his scythes this way.]] [[AwesomeButImpractical Scythes already have extremely short range]], but then again, '''he's friggin' Death!'''
244	* The VisualNovel for ''VideoGame/PhantomOfInferno'' has [[ReiAyanamiExpy Ein]] train [[BadassNormal Zwei]] in using a reverse grip fighting style with combat knives, the [[FridgeLogic logic]] behind it being that the length of the blade doesn't lend itself to a traditional grip. The style she trains him in revolves around using the the blade to deflect any swipes or stabs from an enemy in order to create an opening to be exploited.
245	* In ''VideoGame/NinjaGaiden 3: Razor's Edge'', [[CanonImmigrant Kasumi and Ayane]] wield their weapons this way. Kasumi with her [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana]], and Ayane with her [[DualWielding two wakizashi]].
246	* [[HumansByAnyOtherName Ethian]] women (or {{player character}}s, at least) in ''VideoGame/{{Rift}}''.
247	* Frank Fly's battle sprite in ''VideoGame/{{EarthBound\|1994}}'' has a knife in both hands, with the left one in the reverse grip. Due to the constraints of the battle system, how this benefits him is never actually shown.
248	* A number of dagger-type weapons in ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'' use this grip, such as the Ceramic Dagger and Dual Ether Daggers.
249	** According to Geoff Crookes, the Animation Director of the development team behind Warframe, the Blind Justice stance mod applied to Nikanas (aka Katanas) is based on the reverse grip fighting style practiced by the fictional Japanese swordsman Zatōichi. [[spoiler:The name of the stance also alludes to Zatōichi's blindness.]]
250	* ''VideoGame/DustAnElysianTail'' has the titular Dust holding his sword in a reverse grip when out of combat, but during combat can swap to a normal or double-handed grip as needed.
251	* Ken Ryugasaki's mecha in ''[[VideoGame/{{Genocide}} Genocide 2: Master of the Dark Communion]]'' is holding its sword in a reverse grip instead the normal grip from the previous game. It's not just for looks though, as you can block some attacks by holding the attack button while standing or crouching.
252	* ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'' has Threaded Cane, when you are wielding it in transformed mode, you are essentially carrying a whip in reverse grip.
253	* In ''VideoGame/HyruleWarriors'', [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword Ghirahim]] holds his sword this way when running, but flips it the right way around for attacking.
254	* In ''[[VideoGame/DynastyWarriorsGundam Dynasty Warriors Gundam: 3]]'', the Knight Gundam holds his sword normally, but during a few attack animations, he will ''let go of his sword and change his grip midair'', performing a strike that way.
255	* Employed by Cassima in ''VideoGame/KingsQuestVI''. When Al-Hazred duels Alexander, Cassima contributes to the fight by sneaking up on Al-Hazred and stabbing him ''right'' in the shoulder.
256	* Colet in ''VideoGame/JeanneDArc'' wields his dagger in a reverse grip.
257	* Stealth Elf in ''VideoGame/{{Skylanders}}''.
258	* Shaco in ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends''.
259	* The standard pocket knife in ''VideoGame/CryOfFear'' can be switched between a standard grip and a reverse grip at the press of a button. Reverse-grip is more powerful, but slower than swinging it normally.
260	* All assassins in ''VideoGame/{{Iji}}'' wield their laser blade this way. Assassin Asha carries this over to ''VideoGame/{{SlapCity}}''.
261	* In ''VideoGame/SleepingDogs2012'', Wei uses kitchen knives like this when picking them up in random fights.
262	* ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' has it's ninja girl Ibuki, who [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/streetfighter/images/a/ac/Vs191113-009.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20191114043642 does this]] as part of a win pose in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterV'' and her [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/streetfighter/images/4/43/HDPVRPRO60_20200214_195158_103.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20200713213545 generic point introduction]] in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterXTekken''.
263	* In ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'', daggers are held in reverse grip regardless of profession and regardless if the weapon is held in the main hand or the offhand.
264	* All the flashlight-wielding characters in ''VideoGame/SongOfHorror'' use them in tactical (icepick) grip. One is a police officer and another is a security alarm technician, but an arts student and a publishing firm employee also do it.
265	* In ''VideoGame/UltimaVIII'', the Avatar always wields daggers with a reverse grip, not only during combat, but even in his picture in the status window.
266	* Seth from ''VideoGame/UnderNightInBirth'' wields his Eliminators in this way.
267	[[/folder]]
268
269	[[folder:Web Animation]]
270	* ''[[WebAnimation/AnimatorVsAnimation Animator Vs. Animation's]]'' "Monster School" episode has the Skeleton, who can't shoot a bow to save his own life. When Red secretly flips his bow backwards, he ends up being ''better'' at aiming and holds his bow that way from there on out.
271	[[/folder]]
272
273	[[folder:Webcomics]]
274	* Kit from ''Webcomic/FeyWinds'' holds one of her swords with a normal grip, and the other reversed.
275	[[/folder]]
276
277	[[folder:Western Animation]]
278	* In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', as well as in its sequel, many firebenders apply an aggressive combat style using "fire daggers" which they wield as if holding real daggers with reverse grip.
279	* Rayla in ''WesternAnimation/TheDragonPrince'' sometimes does this with her twin blades, such as when she fights Runaan in "Moonrise".
280	* ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'' holds his sword in his left hand like this, when his right arm is incapacitated in "Jack Tales".
281	* Ahsoka Tano from ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsTheCloneWars'' and ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels'' uses the reverse grip when wielding her lightsaber, and later includes it in her {{Dual Wield\|ing}} style, holding either one or both sabers with the grip.
282	* Leonardo's incarnation in ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2012'' is more prone to holding his swords in reverse than in other series in order to emphasize his speed.
283	[[/folder]]
284
285	[[folder:Real Life]]
286	* Work-blades such as wood-blades and cooking knives are typically held this way when not in use, specifically because it makes stabbing or cutting things (especially oneself) significantly more difficult and thus less likely to do by accident. Go to any professional kitchen, look for anyone with a knife who is walking rather than standing at a work station, and you'll see this grip, usually with the blade laid along the forearm for extra danger-reduction and control.
287	** If you trip over with a knife in reverse grip, the consequences will be considerably less dire. Tripping into someone with a knife in forward grip could eviscerate them. Doing so (accidentally) with a knife in reverse grip is almost impossible. Furthermore, the natural reflex when falling to the ground is to break your fall with your hands, spreading them palm down. This will place the blade of the knife to the outside of your hands, instead of potentially directly under your throat.
288	* There is a similar distinction in table tennis: the shakehand grip is the "traditional" grip with the racket's "blade" above the thumb, and the penhold grip is the reverse with the racket's grip pointing upwards, as if it were a pen.
289	* Flashlights are often held this way by police and other security and emergency workers. Not only does this bring the beam of the flashlight to eye level and prevents visual obstruction from shadows popping up, it also places the arm, the hand, and the light itself up into a defensive position to protect your head should the need arise. It also allows you to keep your sidearm steady, should you need it: you can [[http://www.combatreform.org/harriesstanceandgrip.jpg rest the wrist across the flashlight arm to keep better control over the weapon and shine the light at the same time]], or you can [[http://www.hendonpub.com/assets/articles/2471/c135c81c-ad2e-480d-ac43-7041cc163d24.jpg hold it close to your head to also illuminate your sights and keep your usual center of balance]]. That, and in case the flashlight [[ImprovisedWeapon has to be employed as a weapon]], this positioning allows the user to strike with the tail end[[note]]sturdier and with less breakable parts than the front end[[/note]] of a big Maglite-style light, while smaller models can be used as a Yawara-like impact device; particularly nasty when it has a bezel full of teeth and it strikes a PressurePoint. And finally, it's the simplest and most comfortable way to hold a flashlight with a switch on the rear end, especially if you have to bring something up close to your eyes like when reading a map or a book.
290	* Some styles of Kung Fu, when using a short knife as a weapon, will teach students to use a backhanded grip. Most techniques from this grip are strikes or jabs with the pommel, rather than blade techniques; it's the defensive techniques that use the blade, and mostly for non-flashy disabling cuts. "Yeah, you're not using that arm without some serious surgery..." The stabbing motion with the backhand grip also uses the same action as the (karate) chop, which lends itself well to open-hand styles.
291	* Some swords and daggers / combat knives operate mainly by punching holes into vital organs and arteries. A sword with at least an arm's length allows one to impale another without being touched in return, so it is used in the forward grip maximizing the reach, while using the pommel and crossguard as a secondary weapon against the head up close. A dagger or knife doesn't work at range, and the reverse grip is used to more easily reach the vital spots on the neck and chest in a brawl, as the forward grip results in much less deadly strikes to the gut and legs.
292	* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhqKifRdjC8 baselard]], a popular 14th and 15th century dagger, was commonly welded with a reversed hammerfist grip for a stronger underhand stab.
293	* In a street fight or brawl, reverse grip is very efficient for both offense and defense. It allows you to keep your hands up for blocks, while still letting you attack without having to extend your whole arm for a thrust. In addition, if you try to punch someone and whiff, you've still got 4 or 5 inches of sharp steel following your hand to follow up and allow for sweeping slashes.
294	* In UsefulNotes/{{Cricket}}, some unorthodox strokes, such as the Reverse Sweep and Reverse Hook, are done by reversing one's grip and swinging the bat in the opposite direction to normal. [[https://youtu.be/o9AudAW9ytw Glenn Maxwell demonstrates the reverse sweep here.]]
295	* Reverse grip in medieval fighting, as it turns out, is a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVhQbOREvPw rather more complex topic]] than just watching one Lindybeige video conveys.
296	%% * A British [=WW2=] veteran [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDGHKyB3T_U demonstrates why using a reverse grip with a knife in combat is a bad idea]].
297	* Some riot-control drills call for officers to stow their batons in a reverse grip (held behind the forearm) when not in a direct confrontation. Much like the kitchen-knife example, this is supposed to appear less threatening than waving the baton around, and thus should (at least in theory) help officers to avoid provoking a violent response. It also allows them to keep the weapon handy in case things really do go south, in which case it takes less than a second to shift to a standard grip.
298	* The side-handle baton and the Okinawan tonfa it is derived from are designed to be used equally with reverse and forward grips. The reverse grip braces the shaft of the baton against the forearm, protecting the arm and providing a stronger block to incoming strikes. The foreward grip provides more leverage and range when hitting things.
299	* [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baselard Many]] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollock_dagger medieval]] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rondel_dagger daggers]] were designed to be used this way, in an "icepick" fashion. The handle is shaped to help lock the hand in position and transfer more force. Being designed to pierce through chainmail rings, with the edge being just a secondary capability (in some stilettos, almost as an afterthought), that's not surprising.
300	[[/folder]]

Context Main / ReverseGrip