January 5th, 2022
6minute read
This article is directed towards civilian concealed carry practitioners.
Officer survival mindset training is also a crucial component.
These training and mindset lessons are equally applicable to civilians when it comes to weapon retention.
This mitigates some of the gun grab concerns.
It cannot be stressed enough that civilian weapon retention starts with proper concealment habits.
Situational awareness is paramount.
Many CCW enthusiasts carry a folding knife.
A quick look at all the pocket clips adorning pants would seem to confirm this.
However, in my mind, this is not the answer/solution for fending off a violent gun grab attempt.
The addition of a fixed blade to your everyday carry is a key first step.
Thinking equipment alone without training will suffice, however, is more ill-placed optimism.
But choosing the right blade is a solid first step.
The compact nature of the Spyderco ARK FRN is both a strength and a weakness.
The ARK FRN blade measures 2.56 with an overall length of just under 5.
However, a larger more robust fixed blade is probably the way to go for our task.
The other two Spyderco offerings Ronin2 and Street Beat have proven themselves as very worthy candidates.
The Spyderco Ronin2 features a 4 Wharncliffe profile blade.
It is based on an earlier Michael Janich design.
The Spyderco Street Beat is a compact Bowie-style knife patterned on Fred Perrins design work.
The blade is 3.5 with an overall length of just over 7.
A non-reflective black ceramic coating covers the blade.
The ergonomic handle is injection molded directly onto to the blades tang.
Perrins signature index finger choil helps to keep the users hand locked in place during use.
A significant characteristic of the Bowie design is the clip point.
This brings the tip of the blade lower than the spine for better control.
The clip point profile maintains a sharp, stabbing point.
Most Bowie knives have a bevel ground along the top of the clip.
This is referred to as a false edge as from a distance it looks sharpened.
The Ronin2 and Street Beat both arrive with sheaths featuring multi-adjustable G-Clip attachment.
A better way to carry small-fixed blades is static-line cord carry (550-cord for example).
You attach the static cord to your sheath, then you loop it onto/around your belt.
This can be accomplished without even removing your belt with a simple pass through girth hitch.
Along with Martial MBC duties, Janich is Special Projects Coordinator for Spyderco.
His suggestions regarding applicable fixed blades are reflected in the Spyderco Ronin2 and Street Beat contained in this article.
Conclusion
Fending off a gun grab is a life-or-death struggle.
Thoughts of fancy moves or an easy path to success after a couple of slashes or stabs are unrealistic.
Open-hand and blade skills are an important component of personal defense proficiency.
However, choosing the right blade is a solid starting point.
Im not going to offer an absolute recommendation of a specific knife just guidance based on my journey.
I will advocate a fixed blade accessible from the weak side optimally by either hand.
Go to forum thread
Spyderco
Martial Blade Concepts
