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| Bowie and Big Knife Fighting System | 
 enlarge | Author: Dwight Mclemore
Publisher: Paladin Press, Boulder, CO
Category: Book
List Price: $35.00
Buy New: $22.90
You Save: $12.10 (35%)
New (4) Used (2) from $22.89
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 417402
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.7
ISBN: 1581603894
Dewey Decimal Number: 796.8
EAN: 9781581603897
ASIN: 1581603894
Publication Date: March 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: NEW from the Publisher! APO/FPO Orders Welcome. Order from a VETERAN-OWNED Bookseller. Every order shipped with Delivery Confirmation, Please E-Mail us directly with any shipping questions.
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 6-9 of 9 | | « PREV | | |
The best book of its kind June 27, 2006
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This was a great book! Profusely illustrated by the author, showing closeup detail of each technique, with motion simulated well. This is the ONLY knifefighting book I've seen that clearly shows variants of the "back cut" technique.
Dwight obviously spent years researching the history of Jim Bowie, the Bowie knife, and those who fought with large knives during the 19th century. A number of little known facts about Bowie's checkered past are revealed, and several of his legendary exploits are questioned. The fact that no-one really knows what kind of knife Bowie used at the infamous Sandbar Duel is also revealed (it was likely a butcher-style hunting knife, which was later believed to have been lost in the woods). This book would be of value to historians as well as martial artists.
Dwight has a solid background in the martial arts, and practices Bowie techniques regularly -- he doesn't spar with rubber knives or practice his cuts on cardboard boxes either -- full contact sparring with protective gear and padded training knives, and cuts are practiced on heavy logs (a practice that would quickly destroy most folders and "tactical" knives). The man is very experienced, unlike some other authors who speak primarily from theory.
And, finally, a book that acknowledges that the eye is not necessarily considered a "lethal" target. I've read dozens of books stating that the brain can easily be accessed through the "eggshell thin" socket -- even with the thumb! Again, authors speaking from theory who likely have never even handled a skull in an Anatomy course. Dwight provides a very accurate targeting chart, and discloses that Fairbairn's famous "timeline of death" (regarding arterial cuts) has been proven inaccurate, according to various medical reports.
This is an outstanding introduction to how to fight with a Bowie, or large Bowie-style, knife -- although many of the techniques could be applied to smaller knives as well. It is true that almost no-one actually carries a Bowie-sized knife anymore, but most of these techniques (with the exception of the back cut) could be executed with a 10" chef knife (found in most kitchens).
Highly recommended for anyone who is considering sparring with training blades. IMHO, far easier to understand than "Knife Fighting Encyclopedia."
Superb March 7, 2005
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
Knives are almost ubiquitous weapons these days, and many kinds of high-performance, combat folders are very popular as carry knives. Hence, it behooves the student of martial arts, peace officer, and even private citizen to familiarize himself with their use and their defense. Granted, one can't learn to really defend oneself against a knife-wielding attacker from a book, or even in many months of training with an expert, but a book like this is a great way to begin your knowledge and training. In the Filipino bladed arts, there is the concept of knife-familiarization known as "encounter with the blade" (I forget the Tagalog term) wherein one begins for the first time to learn the basic techniques and becomes at least familiar with the blade. If you're already a student of the bladed arts, this book will be a valuable addition to your martial arts library.
Before I get into the discussion of the book, I'd like to mention something of my own background.
I am a karate and kali/escrima instructor of more than 30 years and specialize in close quarters combat and weapons training with the knife. This includes adapting classical Asian styles to knife fighting as well as researching and teaching the more specifically knife-oriented Filipino arts.
I have also, although I haven't been able to formally study it (although I've been to a few seminars) intensively researched Pentjak-Silat through purchasing many videos on over two dozen different styles, which many of you will already know is another knife oriented art. Silat has become almost popular in the U.S. over the last ten years in some venues, a development I was very pleased to see, since Silat is a formidable bladed art itself.
I have a number of books on knife-fighting and over 70 videos on kali/escrima/arnis, and over 40 on Indonesian Pentjak Silat. I used this material to research the different knife-fighting styles of the Pacific Rim arts, in addition to my own training under several gurus, in order to develop my own approach to knife-fighting. Basically, I've seen almost every video or book by every bladed weapons expert of any note, and this is one of my favorite books on knife fighting, and specifically large knife fighting. Anyway, that was all by way of saying this is a field I know my way around pretty well, and I know good research and information when I see it.
Col. McLemore spent years researching the book and it shows. Well written and beautifully illustrated (just as the originally 18th and 19th century training manuals were), the book provides a wonderfully organized and detailed course on Bowie knife fighting. Taking the student step-by-step through the various technique and practice drills, McLemore gives the student a thorough grounding in the basics, as well as the more advanced techniques.
Blocks, parries, traps, stabbing, thrusting and slashing techniques, footwork, combinations, and countering methods are all covered in detail. The normal saber grip versus the reverse grip is also covered, since the methods and capabilities of each style are distinctly different. The skilled student of the blade should be familiar with both styles even if he prefers to use only one in his training, in order to know how to defend against either one when he encounters it.
In knife fighting footwork is critical, and it is said there are no great knife fighters without great footwork. Footwork skills and drills are covered as well. Furthermore, I would add that once one has gained proficiency in the basic footwork and parrying skills, that one add body shifting methods such as dodging, ducking, dipping, rolling to the inside and outside, and so on, to one's repertory of defensive skills. When it comes to potentially serious or lethal encounters with the blade, it's all about giving yourself options, and thus increasing your chances of winning and or survival.
Another thing to remember in such an situation (and that I explain to my own students), is that in a deadly or weapons based encounter, your goal is not really to win, but not to lose and to escape with your life, because winning might require using more risky techniques and thereby expose yourself to a deadly counter. Your goal is simply to survive the first few seconds and then disengage and run if at all possible.
If you liked this book and want something further, James Keating's videos on both the Asian blade and American and European knife-fighting are excellent as well as Kelly Worden's videos. In his 10 volume video series on Natural Spirit Kuntau, there are two videos done by him and Keating that specifically deal with the blade. I also highly recommend the four volume series by Rey Galang and Christopher Ricketts on Kali Ilustrisimo. In addition, I like the four volume set by Jim Mahan and Roger Lewis on American Wagi Kali Silat, which contains a very detailed and well organized and logical training progression that I had adopted to organize the enormous amount of information and training drills I've accumulated during my own studies and for my own students.
But getting back to the present book, overall, a great contribution to the field and a must have for any serious student of the art or enthusiast in the area of historical combat techniques.
Would make ol' Jim proud! January 31, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
THis work from Col. McLemore is the end result of many years spent researching the bowie knife and it's rich, and often misunderstood, history. Col. McLemore takes a strong scholarly approach to the use of the bowie knife, combining historical documentation and accounts with fighting styles common during the bowie's "Golden Age". He examines the various cultural influences of the time and how they blend together to create a highly effective training and combative system for the bowie. Col. McLemore takes a no-nonsense approach in his presentation, clearly letting the reader know that while there are no existing manuals on the bowie knife, the techniques he presents are in fact both period accurate and documentable, drawing from the many period manuals of other weapons of the time.
The techniques are clearly and beautifully presented in a series of hand drawn illustrations (just as was done in the period manuals), and the book is worth having just for the artwork alone.
For those interested in the use of the bowie and other large knives, or for those simply interested in the history of Jim Bowie or the fighting arts of early America, this book is a definate MUST have!
Steven Huff - Founder, Historical Martial Study Society
Best Book for the Best Knife- the Bowie Still Reigns! August 3, 2003
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
"Bowie and Big-Knife Fighting System," by Dwight C. McLemore is a true jewel. What is seen by others as theory, impossible, or something unexplainable, is now reality, available to all, and easily understood. Although the Bowie is shrouded in the mists of time and myth, McLemore has stripped both away, and shows us a weapon of amazing design, versatility, and ferocious power. The Bowie is examined in the features of its design, history, techniques, and application. All of the "bases" are covered. With consumate skill, he teaches and enlightens the reader in the usage of what many consider to be the greatest fighting knife of all time. His illustrations are first rate, bringing to life the things he has put into print. The combination of illustration and writing is superb, for nothing is left to chance, nor is there anything left to a wrong interpretation. Of all my knife books, this holds first place in being most studied- I carry it everywhere. If you own, or are considering the acquisition of a Bowie Knife, congratulations. To get the most out of this work of art, you need to learn all you can about it. Study and practice are things that McLemore encourages. Get this book- fast! Following this magnificent work, I'd reccomend "Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades" by Bill Bagwell, and "Slash and Thrust" by John Sanchez. All books are available through AMAZON.COM, and are published by Paladin Press. If you want great videos on knife fighting, I suggest James Keating's "Legacy of Steel." With any of these titles and authors, you cannot go wrong- and what you learn, may keep you alive... I gave McLemore's book Five Stars- only because Six Stars weren't an option! Get it, study it, learn it, love it, and if necessary, use the wisdom and knowledge McLemore's imparted to you! A "Must" for all lovers of the blade...
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