|
Emerson Commander
We had a request from a training partner and knife aficionado to make this knife. Fortunately, I was able to meet Ernie Emerson at the 2010 Blade Show in Atlanta. What a gentleman! Ernie granted us permission to make a version of our polycarbonate trainer modeled after his famous Emerson Commander.
This is a special knife so we gave it our newest treatment for grips- machined rubber handles. We managed to capture each detail of the knife (except the wave opening of course). If you own the real thing, you owe it to yourself to pick up not only our fixed blade trainer, but also the Emerson Commander Trainer so that you can practice deploying the knife. The Emerson Commander is one of the finest knives you will ever handle- seek one out and try it!
|
 | ||||
|
Remember the Alamo ! (and the Texans that go along with it)
Our Bowies have always been very popular but several months ago, our supply ran low within a month and we were caught off guard. I kept seeing orders come in from the San Antonio area and they were always Bowies.
Finally, a student called in to place an order and I got the scoop- Sifu Gary Swan, 7th degree Black Belt, was starting up a Bowie training class and the students were gearing up. I've had the pleasure of speaking with several of the guys and they are a great bunch! If you live in this area and have an interest in Bowie training, get in touch with Sifu Swan at his school, NCKKA, near San Antonio, TX.
|
 | ||||
|
Push Dagger III
Long time coming but finally here. This popular small knife has its own techniques that need to be developed. Primarily a thrusting style blade, you can use this trainer to dial in your targeting without slicing holes in your heavy bag or B.O.B.
Remember the repetition rule- you've got to practice the strikes over and over to get pinpoint accuracy (and even that only works if your target stands still). Better yet, get your training partner to use a big focus mitt (and hand/ wrist protection) while you practice thrusting at a moving target. The targeting is very natural since you are "punching" with a closed fist as if you were trying to hit someone.
This trainer has our newest feature, a machined rubber grip for superior handling. The rubber prevents the knife from twisting or rotating in the hand.
|
 | ||||
|
Classic Bowie
Heavy Spanish and Mexican influences in this Col. Dwight McLemore designed Bowie. Nearly 18" in overall length, this Bowie has a surprisingly natural feel. When first viewed, the curved blade brings to question as to how well it works as a straight line thrusting weapon, however, the curved handle and attention to proper geometry, make this Bowie equally adaptable to thrusting as well as slashing cuts.
While Col. McLemore was researching Bowie Knives for upcoming presentations, he selected this design to be produced for training purposes. We were more than happy to make it a standard production piece so that everyone could enjoy this classic design.
The original blades were typically produced with stag bone handles so we added a very heavy palm swell to simulate the roundness of the bone handle. We upped the ante by using a leather wrap for a superior grip and feel. The palm swell and leather also creates a very nice shock absorber for hard strikes to a training post or pell.
|
 | ||||
|
Philippine Force Recon Marine Ginunting
One of the most respected swords from the Philippines, this Ginunting is the standard sidearm of the Philippine Recon marines.
This is one of the most serious, all-business swords ever produced. Excellent at piercing thrusts or inertia laden chops. Well balanced and fits the hand beautifully with the wide palm base. Wide, flat guard on the live version provides excellent hand protection not only from incoming blows but also the dreaded hand-crash from dead-stop thrusts.
The TAK Trainer is made from polycarbonate with a fused, machined rubber handle for excellent grip and retention characteristics. We matched the shape and choils of the live blade so that the feel is almost identical to the live version.
Learn more by reading Brian Vancise's review - CLICK HERE or,
see more pictures - CLICK HERE.
|
 | ||||
|
14 New Paracord Colors (25 total colors)
So why do we sell paracord? Well, we always have used it for the trainer handles. Paracord is very rugged, allows several different options for wrap styles (straight, twist, etc.), and has many different colors that allow us to tailor the look of the knife.
As time went on, people would ask for us to sell them a little on the side so we made it a standard item on the website. Then people started calling to see if we could order other Paracord colors and well, it just grew from there.
Now, there is a friend of mine who says it the best way I know: "You don't know you need it till you don't have it!". He is correct; once you have it laying around, you find many uses for it. It is very strong and has enough stretch to it that you can cinch things down tight with it. The new reflective colors are really neat at night. Jump on over to the Paracord Page to see more information and pictures.
Anyone who hikes, camps, keeps a bug out bag, rigs stuff in their backyard, or carries stuff on top of their car needs to keep Paracord laying around. It is much higher strength than Orange Box twine and much smaller/ flexible/ cheaper than marine rigging cord.
|
 | ||||
|
Water & Steel East 2010 (Jan. 29-31, 2010, Virginia Beach, VA)
Third year and going strong! Kelly Worden visited the East Coast again for the 3rd Annual Water & Steel East event. As it looks now, this gathering will continue into the future. Even with a fluke snow storm hitting the area, 46 attendees still showed up. Furthest travelers, other than Kelly, were from Ottawa, Canada.
Between training, eating, and a few adult beverages, there wasn't much time to focus on the white stuff outside. This event gets better each year as friends reacquaint with their extended families. The event is held at the 6th Street Ramada Inn (www.virginiabeachramada.com) directly on the beach. Mahi-Mah's is the on-site restaurant specializing in seafood and they have a great bar for getting together after a day of training. All the rooms are oceanfront so the wife & kids can have a great time while you train.
Listen Up !
We were very fortunate to have living legend Gary O'Neil return this year. He held several very enlightened discussion sessions that will make you think and analyze like you never have before. Gary indicated he will be back next year again to share his experiences and insight.
If you have never had the chance to see Datu Worden or Gary O'Neil, you owe it to yourself to seek out these men and learn from the best. These events, no matter where they occur, are once in a lifetime chance to tie all the arts together and get a true understanding of the mindset of a modern warrior.
|
 | ||||
|
Respect !
Some deserve an extra share. Especially the ones who defend our country, put themselves in harms way to save others, don't brag about their bravery, and go about their daily lives showing the utmost respect to their country.
Meet Colonel Van Barfoot, 90. He is such an individual. Here is the story:
He is one of the few remaining Medal of Honor recipients awarded during WWII. He recently moved into a subdivision near his family for assistance purposes. The subdivision has a restriction against flagpoles. Col. Barfoot wanted to continue showing his patriotism to this country the same way he has done for decades- by raising and lowering the American flag at dawn and dusk.
Sounds simple- right? The Sussex Village Home Owners Board would hold a meeting, make an exception, celebrate having a hero in your midst, and pat themselves on the back for being a good citizen. They wouldn't threaten to sue him would they ?!
Think again! That's exactly what happened! How could anyone be so insensitive and insulting?
Now, if at this point you're thinking "well -a rule is a rule", let me invite you to learn a little more about this gentleman. Please follow the link at the end of this paragraph and explore who we are talking about. I hope you come to the same conclusion that I have. This man is a hero, he deserves our fullest respect, we should be so lucky to know someone like this, and we should do everything possible to help support his continued respect and honor to this country.
John Stanley / President, TAK, Inc.
|
| ||||
|
Short Bowie with Leather Grip
The new Short Bowie was prompted by an associate's request for a waster sized Bowie. The Short Bowie takes its shape from a stag handled version from Sliver Stag Knives "Tool Steel Series".
This is a good example of a custom blade that we felt would make an excellent addition to our lineup. We obviously could not reproduce the stag handles so we did the next best thing- we made them from leather. While paracord makes a nice grip for trainers, leather is a step up. The feel of the leather, the superior grip, and even the smell of leather takes the trainer to a higher quality level.
The tan version is actually the customer's trainer. The height of the grip was reduced while the palm swell was made thicker to replicate the stag bone shape. The production trainers have the more traditional knife handle shape that you are familiar with.
|
 | ||||
|
Bodyguard Max Escrima Sticks
When the original Bodyguard Sticks were developed in 2001, we had experimented with everything we could get our hands on. The idea was not to carry a variety of stick materials that the customer would have to choose from but to have one very good stick that represented what most practitioners want- the weight and feedback of a rattan stick. The original Bodyguard stick accomplished this.
During this development phase, we produced a stick made form the exact same material but which had a solid core. This increased the weight enough that most practitioners preferred the lighter of the two. Therefore, we did not carry what we are now calling the Bodyguard Max.
In the past several years, we have discovered that there is a desire to have a heavier stick for practice, something that approached the weight of the very popular kamagong stick. So, after 8+ years of letting the first design of the Bodyguard Max sit on the shelf, we are now releasing it. If you want a stick that matches the weight of a hardwood stick, one that you can slam against a pell, pole, or tree as hard as you want without damage to the stick- the Bodyguard Max is now available (and it costs less than the original Bodyguard).
|
Original Bodyguard escrima stick on left
New Bodyguard Max escrima stick on right
| ||||
|
"Chukuri" Kukri
Kukris are known to be the most effective chopping blades available but this one has an added enhancement. Take a look at the blade shape towards the tip. Most kukris swoop downward so that their thrusting is somewhat limited but the design of the Chukuri makes it an equally effective thrusting blade as well. Live blade is designed and manufactured by Khukuri House (khukurihouseonline.com) based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The tip of this kukri has been heavily blunted to allow for serious "poking" during training sessions. The handle is made of twisted dark brown paracord wrapped over a thick impact absorbent palm swell. The twisted grip anchors itself to the palm for a very secure feel whether chopping or thrusting.
|
 | ||||
|
Classic Bolo with Dark Brown Twist Grip
This classically designed Bolo has a heavy palm swell and a twist grip to really anchor itself well in your hand. This trainer is 20" long and has a fair amount of weight towards the tip for serious chopping action. The beefy grip really helps during long training sessions on a pell.
One of our associate's family returned from a trip home to the Central Luzon area of the Philippines and they brought him the live version of this Bolo. He thought so highly of it he asked us to make trainers for him and his group. We were so impressed with the design, we couldn't resist making it a standard product for everyone to enjoy!
|
 | ||||
|
Introducing the Blaze Family of double edge daggers.
The original Blaze has always been a favorite. It is a boot size trainer and a lot of people have asked for a larger version - so we made 2 larger versions. These are perfect for template drills and the larger Blaze Max and Blaze Extreme really fit the hand nicely.
We also made a one time only run of the Blaze Max in dark polycarbonate to replicate a military finish.
The Blaze Max and Blaze Extreme trainers are also available in a brown leather wrap for the handle. The original Blaze retains its Black or Olive Drab paraline wrap for the handle.
Shown from left to right:
Blaze Black, Blaze OD
Blaze Max Leather, Blaze Max Black, Blaze Max Dark Poly w/ Black
Blaze Extreme Leather, Blaze Extreme Black
|
 | ||||
|
Rubber Band Training Guns
These guns are great for Reality Training! They fit very well in your standard holster and give great visual and tactile feedback when performing stress draws, evasion tactics, and disarm techniques while avoiding getting shot.
Much better than pellet guns which have a much higher possibility of eye damage not to mention you or anyone else cannot see the pellets while the event is occurring. Pellets have a tendency to bounce and roll everywhere and if you're running a class with 10 people using pellet guns, after 5 minutes, it's like walking on a floor of BB's! Cleaning them up is no fun either.
We have 2 versions; a revolver and a full sized semi-automatic. Each can hold up to 11 rubber bands. We also offer a modification to the semi-automatic that removes the trigger guard in case you plan on performing full speed disarm drill; this modification prevents the trigger finger from injury during the twisting action of the disarm.
|
 | ||||
|
2 New DVD's from Barm Frank and Professor Dan Anderson
In the Lapu Lapu Corto DVD, you will be introduced to Bram Frank's newest series of knives from the Gunting family. Some features of this unique tool are kinetic opening, indexing, teeth on the handle for improved grip, and the "puzzle lock".
Professor Dan Anderson and Bram Frank present " Stick & Steel West Coast Seminar 2008". This is the first comparative analysis of the different uses of the Modern Arnis cane and bolo actions taught in public. In this DBVD, Prof. Anderson teaches the double stick as well as the stick & dagger. Grand Master Bram Frank teaches the use of the double knife, single knife and the Presas Bolo.
|
| ||||
|
Redesigned for 2009: The Vietnam Tomahawk.
We have finally released the new paracord version of the Vietnam Tomahawk. This new model features a twist wrap on the bottom 3/4 of the handle. The twist helps grip retention and limits twisting in the hand. A flatter surface allows more consistent indexing of the hawk.
Shock absorbing material between the polycarbonate frame and the paracord inhibit impact shock back to the hand.
The question occasionally comes up, "How hard can you strike with these?" The answer is, "As hard as you want on just about anything"! Polycarbonate is also known as "Bullet Proof Glass". Next time you're in a bank with a full barrier between you and the teller, take a look at the clear piece of polycarbonate. Usually they are sized for thickness to stop a 45 caliber bullet and will not shatter or break in the process.
|
 | ||||
|
New Box Cutter, Fighter Bowie, & Swiss Army Knife Trainers !
Add a Box Cutter to your gear bag. They are everywhere! Learn new disarm techniques since the blade is so short.
The Fighter Bowie has been redesigned and is now 1/2 of the original price! Available in 2 versions, natural brown leather or stained, sealed, and hand rubber Prairie Brown leather. Classic Bill Bagwell style of Bowie.
The SAK is now in stock. One of the most common pocket knives in use. Requested by those who practice shank defense. Good for Sheriff department training.
|
| ||||
|
New 550 Paracord (parachute cord) in standard issue Military colors.
Top Coil: Army issue "ACU" (Army Camouflage Uniform).
Bottom Coil: Marine "Desert Camouflage".
Look for commemorative models of training knives coming soon to celebrate the brave service and honor of our armed forces.
|
 | ||||
|
Kelly Worden at the Water & Steel East 2009 seminar in Virginia Beach, VA on Jan 9, 10, & 11th, 2009.
This was Kelly Worden's second visit to VA Beach for a seminar. It was one of the most informative, humorous, and practical sessions you could ever attend!
Stay tuned: Promoter Gary Mah has announced that Kelly will return again for Jan. 2010 for another seminar. Details will be on this site once announced. You do not want to miss this event!
You will learn more useful techniques in this 2-3 day class than you can imagine. It is a true privilege to train with Kelly Worden- DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE! As a bonus, Gary O’Neil attended Water and Steel East 2009 and shared an in-depth Historical Military and Lifestyle Lecture on Saturday Evening!
|
 | ||||
|
New Dwight McLemore Tomahawk video shoot is complete!
Paladin Press has completed shooting of the upcoming video based as a follow up to Col. McLemore's book, The Fighting Tomahawk. Shooting took place beginning of Oct. 2008 and release is estimated for Spring of 2009.
Click on the following link to see behind the scenes pictures, links to upcoming video clips, the live and training Tomahawks designed for the video, and the participants themselves. MORE INFO
Available now- the TAK McLemore/ Ridge Training Tomahawk produced for the video (see pictures at the above link) or click here. Leather and Paraline grips available.
|
 | ||||
|
New Worden Special Forces Training Machete available now!
Designed by Kelly Worden, proclaimed by the late Professor Remy Presas as the First American Datu and Senior Blademaster of Modern Arnis.
The live version of this machete is produced by Ontario Knife and was designed as a multipurpose long blade for the military. Versatile as a self defense weapon as well as a utilitarian tool. Click here.
|
| ||||
|
New Colors available for Tiger and Predator Training Knives
Military Coyote Brown available on the Tiger Training Knife. Military Foliage Green available the Predator Training Knife. Click here.
|
| ||||
|
Just Released: The Fighting Sword book, The Argument of Movement Part 3 DVD, & Combat Knife Throwing book.
The second in Dwight McLemore's Fighting Weapons series, The Fighting Sword began as a way for the author to chronicle his experience of commissioning a custom-made sword and then designing a training program to use with it.
Joseph Simonet has taken his street-proven Argument of Movement form and made it even more effective by adding the blade in Part 3 of the series.
Ralph Thorn incorporates in Combat Knife Throwing the very latest developments in equipment, theory, techniques and training to show why weapons throwing is even more suitable for actual combat today.
|
| ||||
|
Karambit trainers back in production!
Recently we have had multiple requests for this trainer again so we decided to bring back 2 versions- black straight wrap and coyote brown twist wrap.
The live version of this blade was designed by Ernest Emerson and has a really good fit to the hand. Now you can practice spinning a Karambit without spearing yourself in the wrist! Click here.
|
| ||||
|
We have teamed up with Dwight McLemore to make a trainer based off one of his favorite Bowies. The live blade was custom made by Tim Ridge of Swamp Fox Knives. Click here.
From Tim Ridge:
The Bowie I made for Dwight was from his design, modified slightly for the way I make knives. The blade was hand forged from, if I remember correctly, 1095 high carbon steel. I believe the handle was hickory. It's been a while since I made it and I've made hundreds of knives since then, but I believe this is correct. I don't mind making a few (more), but all my work is one off stuff and sometimes depends on what my arm can stand up to, the old adage I ain't gettin' any younger applies here.
Tim can be contacted through his website: www.swampfoxknives.com
Photo: Dwight McLemore with Swamp Fox live blade and TAK Trainer.
|
 | ||||
|
Sharkee Training Knives
An economical, entry level training knife suited for beginning students, schools, or whenever you need to watch the $$. Rigid polypropylene construction, black finish, and 2 styles to choose from.
The Dagger has a nice feel and is well balanced. Very cost effective at only $13 each.
The Folder replicates many popular pocket knives on the market such as Spyderco, Benchmade, and Kershaw. Priced at only $12 each.
Both models have very bunted tips and well rounded edges for extra safety.
Great for schools where knife training is only taught as a "sideline" to the main curriculum.
|
 | ||||
|
New Books from Michael D. Janich, Dwight McLemore, James Loriega.
We have exclusive author signed copies of Dwight McLemore's Bowie and Big-Knife Fighting System, Advanced Big Knife Fighting, and Fighting Tomahawk.
If you love knives, no collection is complete without ALLIED MILITARY FIGHTING KNIVES by Robert A. Buerlein. A very comprehensive look at the history of the knives used by the military.
Read The Logic of Steel if you want to see how real world attacks happen. An eye-opening book, with over 250 attacks analyzed, that will wake you up to what really happens on the street.
|
| ||||
|
Training DVD's from Michael Janich, Kelly Worden, James Keating, Kelly McCain, Bram Frank, Christopher Petrilli, and Joseph Simonet.
We have assembled some of the best instructional DVD's ever produced. For those who want to learn from the top instructors but aren't willing to move the family to where they live, this is the next best alternative.
Michael Janich offers very comprehensive technical instruction, especially in the smaller folder style knives. Recognized as one of the top knife instructors in the US.
Kelly Worden offers real world, practical, and highly effective methods of training. No dancing and flashy showmanship here- just ruthless, to the point methods of dealing with bad situations. Hard to find a better "real world" scenario instructor.
|
| ||||
|
Conceptual Stick back in stock again. One of our best selling DVD's. A very good deal at only $25.
All the key elements are here just like you would cover in the first 6+ months of stick training. In this volume, you will learn 12 strikes, walking the blocks, block, check, strikes, disarms, and much more.
|
 | ||||
|
- DISCOUNTS on Training Knives, Escrima Sticks, and Paracord rolls now available to all! Small groups or collectors can now buy at discounts. MORE INFO.
|
Mix or Match any combination of 10 Training Knives, Bodyguard Sticks, 1000' Paracord Rolls and receive a 20% discount on your order.
| ||||
|
- Shock Absorbing Palm Swells now STANDARD on Blaze, Filipino Jungle Bolo, Gurkha Kukri, Predator, Combat, Equalizer, Protector, Warrior, Lawman, AF Comabt Folder, Defender and many more.
3 thickness' depending upon live blade:
• "slight" for some folders, just enough to contact the palm for a good fit,
• "moderate" for big pocket knives and swords,
• and "thick" for knives such as the K-Bar replicas to simulate the round grips.
The Palm Swell serves 2 purposes:
1) to make the blade fit the hand like the live version and,
2) on larger knives and swords, the shock to the hand is reduced when delivering hard strikes. Example: Training hard against a Pell, B.O.B., tree, or swinging tire with a normal large blade can cause shock waves from strikes to kick back into the hand. After about 5-10 hits like this, the pain in your hand becomes intense. The shock absorbing palm swells on the larger trainers help to reduce this shock allowing you to train longer and harder.
Photos at right:
Top: Barongs with moderate palm swells under a suede leather wrap.
Bottom: Gerber Combat Folder with slight palm swell to match thickness of live blade.
|
  | ||||
|
- All Training Blades are now "GENERATION 2" designs!
All models now have rivet or hardware to anchor the paracord wrap instead of bulky, messy, and melted paracord knots.
All models now have the same smooth, buffed edge finish as the Custom models. Machine tools marks are a thing of the past.
All models have increased edge chamfer which is buffed smooth.
Certain models have Palm Swells to replicate the shape and feel of the live version.
|
| ||||
|
- VirtualBlade Marking Systems are now in stock!
What is VirtualBlade?
The VirtualBlade is the tool that turns virtually any edged training device into an instrument of instantaneous feedback. The second you touch or are touched by your opponent, you know it! No more doubts! Never again will you have to endure the," Gotcha!!" “No you didn't”, "Yes I did!" routines.
|
| ||||
|
- Combat and Lawman trainers redesigned for 2007 with leather wrap and thick palm swell to replicate live blade handles. These training knives are similar to the K-Bar large and small knives that have served our military for so long.
|
 | ||||
|
- New Filipino Jungle Bolo Training Sword with moderate palm swell.
Many requests to make this traditional training sword allowed us to make this as a cost effective trainer. Nice Palm Swell makes the grip fit the hand well. Light weight allows moderate contact while sparing (try using an aluminum version against your partner and see how short your session becomes!).
During testing, we were surprised to see how well the hand stop at the butt end of the sword actually keeps control of the blade from rotating out of the hand- the original designer knew what he was doing!
|
 | ||||
|
- New La Sevillana Commemorative Trainer. Originally designed for Bowies on the Beach 2006, Navajas in the Sand, with Maestro de Armas Blancas James Loriega, this trainer is now available as a standard product.
Similar to the Cold Steel Voyager X2. This trainer gives you 2 ranges depending upon hand placement.
|
 | ||||
|
- New Abaniko training knife complete with indexing hole and red safety standard grip.
Redesigned for 2007 initially to keep production costs down, however, we actually ended up with a better design! Indexing hole works amazingly well and handle design allows for multiple grips.
The original design TAK Abaniko Trainer which was sold during 2005/ 2006 is officially a collector's item; they will not be produced again- so don't let them stray too far from home.
|
| ||||
|
- Lower prices and wider selection on Paracord! 1000 foot rolls now available. 650 and 550 versions now available. Learn about the differences by clicking: LEARN MORE
- Coyote Brown and Foliage Green 550 Paracord and 650 Paraline now stocked!
|
| ||||
|
- New Training Tomahawk based on the Cold Steel Vietnam Tomahawk and American Tomahawks' VTAC Tomahawk. Comes with contoured handle. Go full force against heavybags, B.O.B.'s, or use during controlled training.
Originally built as a Custom Trainer, we had several requests once the picture was posted on the website. Collaboration with Rick Donia, Tomahawk Specialist, allowed us to optimize the grip design to prevent twisting during sparing. This model had 5 grip redesigns before everyone was satisfied!
Photo at far right:
Testing 2 versions of TAK Vietnam Tomahawk. Rick Donia and Lee Gersrter go at it pretty hard during evaluation. LEARN MORE
|
| ||||
|
- New TOPS Scalpel Training Blade. Originally designed for Surgeons deployed to Iraq who wanted to train with a tool similar to what they would be using during their normal job- Smart! They carried the live version as a multiple use field tool.
|
| ||||
|
- New Gerber Combat Folder Training Blade.
The live version was designed by the legendary Colonial Rex Applegate.
|
 | ||||
|
- New Grip Tape. Use for wrapping stick handles, knife handles, tools, or for taping up your rattan sticks. We've done the research on selecting the best grip tape for these applications.
|
|
