I was privileged to meet Hank several times, and participate in one of his lectures on knife fighting. At the time, the man was 30 years my senior and I would not have wanted to rumble with him.
His Book of Knives was written largely in the 1970s, compiled and published after his death, with assistance from his widow and friends. It follows his Book of Swords.
The first half, in Hank’s voice, is entertaining, anecdotal and informative. It covers various lessons learned from fights he observed or was involved in, in some seedier areas of the country. In very honest language, Hank informs us 1: Not to get into a knife fight. 2: If you must, bring a gun by choice. 3: If you must use a knife, be fast, brutal and effective. There are no Queensberry rules in a knife brawl. The winner is likely to go to the ER. The loser will likely be going to the morgue. The stories are accompanied by clear drawings of how to engage each tactic.
With advances in knife design, some of the recommendations on knife choice are a bit dated, but all the advice on how to fight remains vital and current. All revolve around engaging fast, disabling the opponent, with attention to his knife hand and vital areas, rendering him incapable of pursuit, and evacuating the area. This is not a book for the squeamish.
There is an interlude with comments from Hank’s friends and students, including Massad Ayoob and Michael Janich.
The second half, compiled from his notes by Greg Phillips, one of Hank’s students, continues on with information on more modern knives, and some very excellent exercises on how to practice deploying a knife, accurately striking a still or moving target, and cutting effectively, with inexpensive practice targets of rope, water bottles and cardboard tubes. Practicing these drills will most certainly improve one’s handling of a knife as either tool or weapon. There are instructions on how to make foam and plastic practice knives for sparring.
I have two criticisms with this section. First, Phillips has strong opinions on knife choice, voiced almost as universal facts. However, knives are a personal item, and choices and effectiveness will vary from person to person, just as with guns.
Second, he advocates carrying a knife specifically for fighting, never to be used as your working knife. The problems I have with this are that one is far more likely to need a tool than a weapon; that one should be avoiding a fight; that if a fight is inevitable, one should be using a gun if at all possible; and if one is in a jurisdiction where guns are restricted, the authorities are unlikely to look more favorably on a knife. A knife with tape residue, gum and grease on it, as a tool pressed into emergency use, is far more defensible to the authorities [or a jury] than a custom knife carried specifically for fighting. I also disagree that a dagger is a good choice, since its non-weapon utility is low and it’s very clearly intended as a weapon, once you wind up in court. The same cuts and thrusts can be accomplished with a variety of more useful knives.
However, opinions do vary, and this book is an excellent introduction to developing skills with hand held blades. The fighting and practice techniques are simple, straightforward, and recommended for improving one’s tactical knife use.
Hank’s preferred book dealer was The Missing Volume. Glennis LeBlanc offers excellent service. The book can be ordered through her site.
Hank’s Book of Swords (referenced above) covers design, development, crafting and use of swords, while debunking a great many myths about them. I recommend it for those interested in longer blades.
Note; I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher. – (SurvivalBlog Editor at Large)