Sirau and their use

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by David

hmmm....perhaps they are simply utility knives. From their shape and form and usual size (large ones can be found, but they are generally smaller blades) i don't get the impression that these are made to be fighting knives at all. Of course, any sharp edge in a jam i suppose, but i wouldn't search too long or hard for some kind of martial art form attached to these blades...

I too tend to think they are utility knives or were originally. To me they have a feel of a very quick and easy rice cutter with good ergonomics, however like all utility items, I am sure they have at one time or another been used for other needs and likely saw some martial development at some time

From the one with me, there is only one grip that feels comfortable or natural and that is the pommel in the palm of my hand and my thumb and forefinger gripping the forte. It is a strong grip that offers the point at mid knuckle level and seems very capable of deep puncture. A back hand would rip the skin deep as the point is very robust but it is a rip as there is no edge on the inisde as is known. Should you end up behind someone, drawn across the throat is game over, the power of the grip and curve of the blade would show no remorse.

Zonneveld refer to Fischer 1918, does Fischers work/s nominate any further details?

[VVV]

Originally Posted by freebooter

Zonneveld refer to Fischer 1918, does Fischers work/s nominate any further details?

Gavin, if you give me the exact reference I can maybe look it up. I am traveling so I don't have van Z with me but I do have a copy of Fischer on my computer.
The Siraui is a utility knife and with small adaptions (like the way the knife is shifted in for instance Silat Bondawasa, for those of you who have trained with Uncle Bill) all the 6 listed grips are possible. I suspect that they were intended to be used, utility-wise, in a forward grip with edge down.

Michael

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by VVV

Gavin, if you give me the exact reference I can maybe look it up. I am traveling so I don't have van Z with me but I do have a copy of Fischer on my computer.
The Siraui is a utility knife and with small adaptions (like the way the knife is shifted in for instance Silat Bondawasa, for those of you who have trained with Uncle Bill) all the 6 listed grips are possible. I suspect that they were intended to be used, utility-wise, in a forward grip with edge down.

Michael

Michael, no exact reference is given other than the date

I am not familiar with the art of or grips of the Siraui, perhaps someone can show this style of knife in these grips

Gavin

[David]

It seems to me that the grip would be somewhat determined by what task you were applying the utility knife to....

[Lew]

The only way to really use this style knife is pistol type forward grip edge up. Any other grip would seem too awkward to me.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Lew

The only way to really use this style knife is pistol type forward grip edge up. Any other grip would seem too awkward to me.

Unless for utilitarian use, Lew .
I think this is a non-combat oriented form .
Reminds me of the 'Moro/Bagobo Women's Knife' configuration .

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Rick

Unless for utilitarian use, Lew .
I think this is a non-combat oriented form .
Reminds me of the 'Moro/Bagobo Women's Knife' configuration .

Agree with you that this are mainly utility knifes and when used in combat the only way which make sense is the one Lew described.
I have had the same thoughts in this thread, post #8: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=siraui