TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JANICH
Above: Reverse-grip edge-in positions the knife in an “icepick” grip with the cutting edge facing back toward the user. Here it is demonstrated by renowned custom knifemaker and combatives expert, Fred Perrin.
Some knife grips are particularly effective. Reverse-edge tactics, as their name implies, are edged-weapon skills based on the practice of gripping your knife so that the sharp edge faces back toward the user. Sometimes called inverted-edge or edge-in skills, this approach to knife fighting is not new and has been used in many different cultures throughout history. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly popular as a self-defense option and has inspired the design of many knives specifically for this style of fighting.