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I was recently asked why I’m so quick to recommend a knife, not a gun, as a primary personal-protection tool. For the purposes of this article, what I mean by a “knife” is one of the very commonplace folding knives found in almost any sporting goods store, or a small fixed-blade knife. Both of these…
MDTS Defensive Knife Response Guide, page 13 of MDTS Practical Small Knife Skills Student Info Guide. This guide carries over well to knife-like objects and improvised defensive tools as well. On December 1, Rob Pincus and I had discussed improvised defensive tools on the PDN Live broadcast. While we had the opportunity to talk with…
Understanding and utilizing a final fighting grip for a knife in a personal protection situation may be dictated by the urgency of the situation or the advanced preparation of the knife carrier.
Transition: tran•si•tion; tranˈziSHən,-ˈsiSHən/ The process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. “Students in transition from one program to another.” Synonyms: change, passage, move, transformation, conversion, metamorphosis, alteration, handover, changeover. Structures, vehicles, armed, unarmed, standing or grounded: transitions are points of vulnerability. These include: Transitions between locations Transitions in and…
Every-Day Carry (EDC) of personal protection tools is a highly individualized subject. EDC is often developed around specific mission requirements, personal experience, previous training and environment. How and why a law enforcement officer carries tools is quite different than how and why a citizen may carry tools. I hope to explain the benefits and efficacy…
Considering the recent active-shooter killings in Colorado and Wisconsin, these spontaneous/flash-type domestic “terrorism” incidents are a burgeoning personal protection problem. Though such an incident may not have occurred in your area, that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. Because of this, our personal and family awareness levels have to be elevated and congruent with the…
“There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt FEAR: A distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Anticipation of what’s going to happen, anticipation of the unknown. Fear is always there, just under the surface,…
The critical incident you never wanted to happen just did. The fight looks over: Your assailant is down and your family is momentarily safe. Your heart is beating out of control, mouth bone dry and legs trembling. There seems to be a lull in the action, so what are the next steps? You have spent…
Movement is a critical component of surviving a combative encounter. Armies understand the value of movement, boxers spend as much time on footwork as they do on punching, and offline lateral movement during close-range gun battles has been proven to drastically increase survivability. Two or more combatants rarely remain stationary for very long while engaging…
For years, I’ve carried one form or other of small impact tool as part of my everyday carry gear. A number of excellent, highly concealable handheld tools that can be readily utilized for proactive or reactive personal protection are available today. Small impact tools (SIT) offer the user another force option and are an effective…
Chris Fry
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Knives & Improvised Tools
Conventional and Unconventional Knife Grips
Transition and Vulnerability
Off-Centerline Tool Carry – Every-Day Carry (EDC)
Readiness Considerations
The Combative Mindset, Part 2: Fear Management
After the Action
Movement and Survivability
Small Impact Tools: Options and Considerations
