Scored a Civilian, talked to James Keating

JohnAPA · #1

So I went on e-bay and I put a low-ball bid on a new Civilian, for no other reason than I've always been intrigued by them and low an behold I won it!

I was rather pleased with myself so I Googled some reviews on my new tool. I found a link to James Keating's website and found that he produced a video about tactical application utilizing the Civilian some time ago. The website had an e-mail address and a phone # to call for ordering videos. I wanted to get my hands on it ASAP so I called the phone # and Jim answered the phone!

Well, we talked for over an hour about knife styles, fighting techniques and systems. Mr. Keating believes in not limiting ones' self to one particular system, or knife style but rather garnering a broad experience, being versatile, and using what works best for you. Always important to keep learning.

I have always been curious about the Spyderco Chinook because of it's blade shape. He explained that the Chinook was designed with the sweeping bowie blade specificly to take advantage of a technique called "the deadly back stab." There a video about this technique so I ordered it too! Now I just need to hook up a Chinook! :D

What a wonderful conversation I had. Mr. Keating is quite a philosopher and he just strikes you as one of the amazing people that you only run to every so often.

BTW: Perhaps most importantly to most of you, look for a new Spyderco/Keating collaboration in the future. Don't pump me for more information, he just let it slip in passing, and that's all I can tell you.

Jay_Ev · #2

JohnAPA wrote:BTW: Perhaps most importantly to most of you, look for a new Spyderco/Keating collaboration in the future. Don't pump me for more information, he just let it slip in passing, and that's all I can tell you.

Aww, man! That's mean :p

Can't wait to see the Chinook 4!

jezabel · #3

That's great hear that we might see another Keating collab. I love the handle design of the Chinook's, they really allow a "relaxed" comfortable grip. The Chinook's great curved belly sucked me in strait away. Though admittedly the Chinook III's blade shape doesn't really suit my edc needs so it isn't carried as much as I'd like. But after all this is a SD knife.

Jez

Halfneck · #4

Mr. Keating is great to talk knives too, even better to get instruction from. I have nothing but good memories, and even remember some of the training, from going to Riddle of Steel back in 1995.

v8r · #5

My Chinook 2 is almost as close to the perfect knife as I have ever found.The only things I would change would be put a CBL on it and change the scale color .I hope they go back with the hollow ground blade.

dragonram7 · #6

civilian and chinook are on my list. I'm in a holding pattern until the next chinook is released. It seems like the chinook is a very versatile design.

markg · #7

I know it was heavier, but a sprint run of the Chinook I would be uber-cool.

JohnAPA · #8

BTW, he didn't say Chinook 4. He merely referenced a future collaboration.

sarguy · #9

I don't suppose he mentioned doing Riddle of Steel again, did he? I didn't see anything on his site about it when I last looked.

JohnAPA · #10

sarguy wrote:I don't suppose he mentioned doing Riddle of Steel again, did he? I didn't see anything on his site about it when I last looked.

I was unfamiliar with his previous training endeavors, however I did ask him if he put on seminars and he said that right now he was doing a lot 1 on 1 training with clients who come to his place for a few days.

ldun33 · #11

I EDC the Chinook. I feel confident in the back slash move. It is a heavy knife but the same strategy for supporting a gun holds true for a knife. Wear a good thick belt. Weight will not be a factor. I also love the Civilian and carry it sometimes, however, I just feel more confident with the capabilities and strength of the Chinook.

Aimless · #12

Anylinks to this deadly back stab DVD? All google is kicking out are magic swords for World of Warcraft :/

Rex G · #13

Try "back cut" in your search engine, or go directly to jamesakeating.com . See a copy of Bill Bagwell's book for a VERY good explanation, and still photos.