Customer Reviews

Bowie And Big-knife Fighting System

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"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...

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.

Bowie and Big-knife Fighting System begins with a brief history of the Bowie knife, and offers a bit of insight into the life of Jim Bowie himself.

While the Bowie knife is perhaps not commonly carried in today's society, skill with this weapon can still serve one well. And... it should be noted that while a Bowie knife may not be a common sight on a man's belt any more, it is still quite possible for a man to have his Bowie knife close at hand.

Bowie and Big-knife Fighting System shows the grips, holds, stances, guards, and presenting of the large knife. Then there is an excellent and detailed discussion of the proper application of both the thrust and the cut when using the Bowie knife in combat.

Bowie and Big-knife Fighting System is well-illustrated with numerous drawings, demonstrating the proper application of the knife, and helping one visualize the instructions in the printed text.

I found this book to be an excellent training guide, as well as offering an enjoyable insight into early American history and American fighting knives and knife fighting concepts.

Highly Recommended!

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."

In an age where the single shot pistol gave you at most one chance to dispatch your assailant, a reliable backup weapon was critical. The common man's choice was not the gentleman's small sword, but the big knife--the Bowie. BBKFS is a fascinating historical reconstruction of what big knife fighting of the early 19th century may have been like.

McLemore has successfully documented the dynamics of the bout using a combination of still images (line drawings) and continuations (vectors) for feet, blade and hand. He also explores the possible history/origin of the big knife fighting technique--an adaptation of small sword fighting to an even shorter length weapon. His illustration skills are excellent. He is a very effective communicator in this medium. Even so, this material cries out for a companion dvd.

The drawings and labeling are generally accurate, but there are a few mistakes which better editing would have caught.

o p.73 (Timetable for death) "Subclavian" should be "Femoral"; on the Brachial Artery diagram, loss of consciousness should be 14 seconds (not 5 seconds), death 1 1/2 minutes (not 12 seconds); on the Radial Artery diagram, loss of consciousness should be 30 seconds (not 30 minutes). [This information is a restatement from Fairbairn's "Get Tough"]

o p.94, p.95, p.121 (Angles of attack). Which drawing is correct? I had to conclude p.95, since most of the labeling on subsequent drawings is consistent with this figure.

o p.101 (View of Angle 5 on the opponent) The leftmost drawing mistakenly labels this as angle 6.

o p.102 (View of Angle 6 on the opponent) The leftmost drawing mistakenly labels this as angle 5.

Grip, stance, guard, presentation, thrust, cut, parry, legwork--this book reads like a fencing manual. Add to that Mr. McLemore's skill with the conte crayon. Agrippa meets Bridgman.

After reading his works, and having viewed the video by the same name, I have learned that Dwight McLemore knows more about BIG KNIFE FIGHTING than anyone I know. His written material and video material is well paced, and exceptionally well informed. For people who wish to be instructors, he peppers his material with a type of trivia that adds to the colour of his instruction. As we can not all have the vast experience McLemore has had, we need to make secondary reference to material. McLemore's material is perfect for this purpose.

There are other works that cover material, but it is the organization that is key. After all the phone book is filled with information, but it is the organization and the quick access to information that is important. McLemore has a very straightforward, and no nonsense type of style. I have enjoyed his written work.

With his written material, his videotape, and a few like minded friends, the techniques become alive.

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

Thursday, November 15, 2007
Weapons of Modest Destruction
Weapons of Modest Destruction

Stop me if you've heard this one. Two lawyers, a bear, and a duck walk into a bar... Wait, the legal department has just handed me a memo. It seems that jokes about lawyers are out. Lawyers don't think they're funny, and no one else thinks they're jokes. I'm also required to write the following before getting to the meat of the column:

Misuse of the weapons featured in this column could result in serious injury or death. The author, publisher, and distributor of this column disclaims any liability from damage or injuries of any nature that a reader or user of the information may incur. Moreover, it is the reader's responsibility to comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to possession, carrying, and/or use of said weapons. This column is for academic study only.

Highland Knife Fighting by Christopher Scott Thompson: This book traces the historical roots of the dirk and provides step-by-step instructions and photos to show how the Highlanders used the knife. Also included are exercises and drills, including the advanced quick draw drill. Remember, there can be only one...

Tomahawks, Traditional to Tactical by David Grant: Soldiers and woodsmen have armed themselves with the tomahawk. Its design is simple and extremely effective at both close range and throwing ranges. It doubles as a field tool, is durable, easily repaired, and available without a permit or license. The book includes an instructive chapter on choosing the best tomahawk for your needs. You say you have an axe to grind???

The Sling, for Sport and Survival by Cliff Savage: The sling is the ultimate lightweight weapon. It is silent, compact, inexpensive, and ammunition is free. This handy book shows how to make and use slings, and is great for survivalists and weapon enthusiasts. Now, I wonder what Goliath is doing today???

Blowguns, the Breath of Death by Michael D. Janich: The blowgun may be the perfect weapon, capable of delivering a variety of projectiles accurately and silently in an inexpensive package. This book includes how to make your own, where to acquire modern blowguns and projectiles; how to shoot a blowgun; how to maintain and store your blowgun. And everyone said I was just full of hot air???

Bowie And Big-Knife Fighting System by Dwight C. McLemore: This well-known fighting arts instructor, bladesman, and Bowie aficionado provides insight into Jim Bowie, the Bowie knife, and the fighting systems associated historically with both. Contains great illustrations and practical training drills. I say walk softly and carry a large knife...

The New Bullwhip Book by Andrew Conway: Ever want to run away and join the circus? This book introduces you to whip basics, parts of the whip, the different types available, as well as the three basic cracks, and step-by-step instructions on how to master them. I say whip it. Whip it good...

Flashlight Fighting by Phil Elmore: A simple flashlight can be a potent weapon if wielded properly, and it's still legal to own one. You might think you are in trouble if the only weapon in a self-defense scenario is a flashlight, but a short length of rigid material can target soft body parts, joints, and other vital areas. Martial artist Phil Elmore shows how to choose a suitable flashlight, deploy it quickly, and use it to disable an attacker who thought you were unarmed. Better be sure those batteries are ever ready...

From the dawn of humanity, weapons and tools have been a crucial part of human development. A weapon is a tool used to injure, incapacitate or even kill, but it is just that, a tool. Tools shape both our physical and mental worlds. The knife is the most ancient weapon in our arsenal, and a versatile tool. Extend it, and it's a sword, extend and curve the blade, and it's a sickle. Tools help feed us, shelter us, defend us and assure our survival. Mankind has always relied upon his wits, the opposable thumb, and the mastery of tools. Mmmm, perhaps our greatest tool is really knowledge...

author of "Hobo Finds A Home" and editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

This book and the follow-up volume on advanced Bowie techniques are superb technical resources on the use of big fighting knives. The author gives a little historical background which teases us, making us want to know more. The techniques are described in clear text and with a series of terriffic drawings. The drawings themselves are worth the price of the books. I highly recommend Mr. McLemore's books for their graphics and his explanation of how to fight and defend with the famous American icon, Bowie knives.

I love this book.. i felt like i went through it too quickly. I read it about four times mentally visualizing the movements and then trying them myself.. the illustrations are very helpful even though i am left handed so I have to mentally flip all the pictures to get it correct. I bought the second book in this series also, very recommended.