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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on May 24, 2011 at 15:37

I use that type knife almost every day and have never used a strap. You guys like a retention strap?

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 24, 2011 at 17:02

Robert,

The only time I have ever seen Donnie use a lanyard is on the boat.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on June 2, 2011 at 22:09

Well to answer the question "You guys like a retention strap?" I don't really know I was looking for one to test run. I became curious when I saw this YouTube video on the Crowell/Barker Custom Cutting Competition Knife.

Here is the video: Crowell/Barker Custom Cutting Competition Knife

Looks like a really good idea if you are like me and do a lot of chopping in the brush. I'm always sure to stop a few times and wipe the sweat off the handle of what I'm using. Better safe than sorry. Since I stared this I recently made a lanyard from braided leather works good so far and is comfortable. Just another thought that crossed my mind, why do all the choppers and machetes I see have lanyard holes in the first place? Hopefully not just for decorative fobs.

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Permalink Reply by Halicon on June 3, 2011 at 8:42

Unless you're using the knife for something it isn't meant for you won't need a lanyard.

It helps you establish a larger and more secure grip on a smaller blade in order to cut something that the blade nor handle was really made for.

 

With that said, for larger bush knives the grip is established from the pinky and up. Technically you secure the handle with your pinky and ring finger (also called the plum grip) and the most powerful swinging grip which is what we use in the bush. No thumb on the spine or anything like that since the shock would transfer right into your hand.

 

Anatomically a lanyard will allow the user a greater swinging force while not relying on the finger strength but the hand as well. It's basically a short-cut to greater strength either because of lack of technique/skill or force, or if we stretch it really far, exhaustion.

 

Personally I only have one knife with lanyard; my bush chopper. Only use it when my muscles are filled with lactic acid. For everything else my sword arts has taught me that a strong and good grip is the first thing you get down before you start waving anything around.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on June 3, 2011 at 10:54

Scott, if a strap makes you feel safer by all means wear one. I think alot of people perfer not to use one. Handle shape on your bush knife might require it. I think each person needs to see what best works for them.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on June 3, 2011 at 12:28

Thanks for the information. I carried a Ka-Bar most of my life and only since retiring have I started using Machete / large bush knives for clearing brush. 

Halicon said:

Unless you're using the knife for something it isn't meant for you won't need a lanyard.

It helps you establish a larger and more secure grip on a smaller blade in order to cut something that the blade nor handle was really made for.

 

With that said, for larger bush knives the grip is established from the pinky and up. Technically you secure the handle with your pinky and ring finger (also called the plum grip) and the most powerful swinging grip which is what we use in the bush. No thumb on the spine or anything like that since the shock would transfer right into your hand.

 

Anatomically a lanyard will allow the user a greater swinging force while not relying on the finger strength but the hand as well. It's basically a short-cut to greater strength either because of lack of technique/skill or force, or if we stretch it really far, exhaustion.

 

Personally I only have one knife with lanyard; my bush chopper. Only use it when my muscles are filled with lactic acid. For everything else my sword arts has taught me that a strong and good grip is the first thing you get down before you start waving anything around.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on June 3, 2011 at 12:34

I appreciate the advice and now after using a lanyard for extended periods of time on a couple of occasions have found it is more comfortable without one. While looking for a lanyard that would be useful I came across tons of fobs. I cant see having a fob on a knife I'm going to use as it would be in the way.

Robert Burris said:

Scott, if a strap makes you feel safer by all means wear one. I think alot of people perfer not to use one. Handle shape on your bush knife might require it. I think each person needs to see what best works for them.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 3, 2011 at 19:23

I have always felt the same way Scott, just seems to get in my way

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Permalink Reply by Halicon on June 4, 2011 at 9:06

The only retention/wrapping I like to use is; this

 

The man wrapping it isn't utilizing the traditional reverse edge, only reverse grip though. Reverse edge is vital to open up for the in-type fighting.

The good thing with this type of wrapping is that more bloodshed only makes the grip stronger as the cotton absorbs and increases in size. The forearm joints and muscles are a prime target in Filipino Martial Arts with the reverse edge knife since you aim to disarm through bloodshed and this is literally the best way to counter it - all you need to do afterwards is suck up the pain and sink your blade in his opened soft spot (liver) and tug back with your waist, shoulders, calves, feet and the "reverse" muscle groups.

 

Pretty stuff I know, it's on the house ;)

 

Seriously though. This type of wrapping works for all knives and all grips. Works with paracord (pretty harsh on the skin though), thick cotton string (personally my favorite) and so on. I've never really liked a lanyard "in" the grip but much rather prefer to secure the grip around my hand - saves a ton of energy if you're in a survival situation too.

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Permalink Reply by Scott on June 4, 2011 at 10:09

Now that is interesting. I saw many butterfly knives in the PI when I was stationed there in the mid 70's but never saw anyone use that kind of wrap. It is good food for thought. Thanks

Halicon said:

The only retention/wrapping I like to use is; this

 

The man wrapping it isn't utilizing the traditional reverse edge, only reverse grip though. Reverse edge is vital to open up for the in-type fighting.

The good thing with this type of wrapping is that more bloodshed only makes the grip stronger as the cotton absorbs and increases in size. The forearm joints and muscles are a prime target in Filipino Martial Arts with the reverse edge knife since you aim to disarm through bloodshed and this is literally the best way to counter it - all you need to do afterwards is suck up the pain and sink your blade in his opened soft spot (liver) and tug back with your waist, shoulders, calves, feet and the "reverse" muscle groups.

 

Pretty stuff I know, it's on the house ;)

 

Seriously though. This type of wrapping works for all knives and all grips. Works with paracord (pretty harsh on the skin though), thick cotton string (personally my favorite) and so on. I've never really liked a lanyard "in" the grip but much rather prefer to secure the grip around my hand - saves a ton of energy if you're in a survival situation too.

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Permalink Reply by Halicon on June 4, 2011 at 10:15

Oh, no that's a "combat" type wrapping. The only time you would see one is if someone is about to get killed, a bit dated now though and lies quite deep in the FMA system before you're taught how to wrap.

 

It was the days of when people fought with blades though, today it will rather be a gun but as you say it's food for thought and it does serve as a method to save energy and make our needs out in the bush a little safer.

From my own experience it works tremendously well for polished horn handles and super-slick synthetic handles, the ones that always wants to escape your hands.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 4, 2011 at 17:28

Same timeframe I was there Scott, but to young to be paying attention to the knives.  Shame. 

 Hal, Thats one way to not lose your knife!!

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