US ARMY FM 21-150 - Hand To Hand Combat - Modern Prepper

FM 21-150The handle should lay diagonally across the palm. Point the blade toward theenemy, usually with the cutting edge down. The cutting edge can also be heldvertically or horizontally to the ground. Use the straight grip when thrustingand slashing.(2) Reverse Grip. Grip the knife with the blade held parallel with theforearm, cutting edge facing outward. This grip conceals the knife from theenemy’s view. The reverse grip also affords the most power for lethalinsertion. Use this grip for slashing, stabbing, and tearing.b. Stances. The primary stances are the knife fighter’s stance and themodified stance.(1) Knife fighter’sstance. In this stance, thefighter stands with his feetabout shoulder-widthapart, dominant foottoward the rear. About70 percent of his weight ison the front foot and 30percent on the rear foot.He stands on the balls ofboth feet and holds theknife with the straight grip.The other hand is heldclose to his body whereit is ready to use, butprotected (Figure 5-27).5-42