Knife fight

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A knife fight (also called a duel, cut-and-thrust, or "snickersnee") 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:

hammer grip - hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist
saber grip - thumb is placed on the top of the handle
modified saber grip - thumb is placed on the flat of the blade
palm reinforced grip - pommel rests against the palm of the hand, index finger is placed on top of the handle or blade spine
Filipino grip - hammer grip, but the thumb is along the spine, either floating above the spine, or in contact with it (Janich's modified Filipino)
Forward grip edge up - similar to a sabre grip, but with the knife handle rotated along the axis of the forearm, so the edge is facing upwards.

The following are variations of the reverse grip:

"regular" reverse grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge out" or RGEO, where hand is wrapped around the handle as if making a fist with the thumb capping the pommel, edge facing away from the forearm
icepick grip - more specifically, "reverse grip edge in" or RGEI, but with the edge facing the forearm. Also called pikal (or pakal) grip.

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, as well as knife-throwing stunts, are staged for dramatic effect in action films. 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 the 2002 film version of The Count of Monte Cristo, the main character, Dantes, agrees to engage in a knife fight against Jacopo, a member of a smuggler's crew (the captain of which calls Jacopo "the best knife fighter I have ever seen"). Dantes defeats Jacopo but spares his life, gaining a pivotal ally in his future endeavors.

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 (2003, William Friedkin) features many scenes showing knife combat between Benicio del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones, which each 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. Also Friedkin's Bug (2007) features a knife-fight.

Dune (1984, David Lynch) and the 2000 Dune miniseries, based on Frank Herbert´s bestselling science fiction novel Dune, show a world where a corporeal shield makes fire and laser weapons useless. Because of that, wars and duels are settled by knife-fighting, which is altered by the presence of the shield: a fast-moving knife bounces off the shield; a slow-moving knife can penetrate the shield to reach a vital organ. The final duel between Paul Muad´dib and Feyd-Rautha, used only knives (no shields) and martial arts abilities.

Michael Jackson's music video Beat it features two men knife-fighting using switchblade knives, with their wrists tied.