Wortac flat slap, mr Janich?

[chambers]

Mr. Janich,

out of curiosity what's up with your suggestion of using the wortac or any knife as a slapper in the newest Tactical Knives mag? It's created something of a stir over on blade forums and I must admit to me it seems silly. However I readily acknowledge you as the knife expert so I'm wondering what you know that I don't on this idea. Perhaps you could elaborate a bit for those of us not quite in the know. Thanks.



oxxxxxx{------------------------

[Michael Janich]

Dear Chambers:

Thanks for your question. I haven't read the thread on Bladeforums so I don't know what's being said, but I'm happy to respond to your question.

If you do any research on police weapons, you'll see that the blackjack or "sap" has long been a popular weapon in law enforcement circles. In the old days, beat cops were quite savvy in the use of these items and often enforced their will with a subtle swat with one.

The disadvantage of the traditional blackjack is that it concentrates the force of the strike onto a very small area and makes breaking the skin very likely. To avoid drawing blood, the flat sap was developed. It still packed a lead-loaded punch, but spread the impact over a larger area and made breaking the skin much less likely. Interestingly, if you wanted to cut with one of these, you could use the edge and cut even better than with a blackjack. However, in normal use, it was a safer weapon that packed a serious whallop without drawing blood.

When I first got into weapons, I played with saps and blackjacks quite a bit. Prior to the development of the colapsible baton, I felt they were among the most effective close-quarters impact weapons available. When I picked up the large Wortac for the first time, it immediately reminded me of an old flat sap I had. Both the shape and the weight were comparable, so it made sense that the sap-style application would produce similar effects. And since the less-than-lethal application of a closed folding knife is widely considered a valid tactic, I don't see that there's much fuel for controversy.

Of course, if anyone on Bladeforums feels that I'm off base on this, I'd be happy to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strike on them. I'm sure their orthodontist would appreciate the business.

Thanks again for your question.

Stay safe,

mike j

Edited by - Michael Janich on 10/7/2001 8:07:50 PM

[Sochin]

Aw Mike, don't go sappin' anybody - we just don't know how you retain the knife after the blow. If it's hard enough to do damage, won't it be knocked loose?

<a href=" http://raisingcanes.net">The Fighting Old Man</a>

[Michael Janich]

Dear Mr. Chambers:

To ensure that I hadn't missed anything, I took a look at the Bladeforums thread. The comments there reminded me of the other quality of the Wortac that made in unusually suited to this unconventional tactic. As shown in the photos on pages 10-11 of the magazine, the pivot-pin end of the handle flares outward dramatically and the top portion features a number of grooves to ensure a secure grip. Although my "sap" grip appears rather tenuous, the flare in the handle actually provided a very secure hold on the knife - a hold that I tested by striking full force on Thai pads and other targets.

As stated in the article, this technique is limited primarily to the large Wortac and its large 5-5/8-inch handle. It is not recommended with the smaller Wortac or any other folder. It was a specific observation regarding a specific design.

Also, as stated in the Bladeforums thread, I also consider a yawara-style hammerfist with a closed folder preferable to a slap. If you'll examine the photo immediately adjacent to the "sap" photo in question, you'll see this demonstrated quite clearly.

Finally, realistic self-defense is about understanding your tools and applying the appropriate tool and tactic to the situation at hand. I would not respond to a lethal-force threat with a "sap slap" and never made any such claim in the article. Against a belligerant drunk, however, it could be very useful.

Thanks again for your question, and for referring the Bladeforums folks here for my reply.

Stay safe,


mike j

[Michael Janich]

Dear Sochin:

Please see my second response to Mr. Chambers.

Also, find a shop that has a large Wortac in stock, grab it like I did, and smack the palm of your other hand with it. Feeling IS believing.


mike j

[chambers]

Mr. Janich,
thank you for your reply. I did finally pick up my large wortac and smack my hand with it. You've definately come across an idea I'd have never thunk up. I think personally I'll stick to using the closed folder in a hammerfist strike. But I also think you've proved beyond a shadow of a doubt the validity of the technique in question, and for that I thank you.

oxxxxxx{------------------------

Edited by - chambers on 10/8/2001 4:37:49 AM

[Paul Rouleau]

Thanks for the idea about using the Wortac as a flat sap Mr. Janich.It is quite effective when used in this manner and gives me another less than lethal option when carrying this knife.

[Michael Janich]

Dear Paul and Chambers:

Thank you both for actually TRYING the technique yourselves before offering your judgement. I truly appreciate your objective, empirical approach and open-minded attitude.

Stay safe,

mike j

[blilious]

I too had my doubts after reading said article.

Your answer has convinced me one more time we all have a lot to learn...

[ronin203]

Hey chamber's, i'm back online at my old address.

[Michael Janich]

Dear Spyderholic:

There's nothing like a testimonial from someone on the receiving end to bring final closure to an issue. I'm glad you heal quickly and even more pleased that you learn from your mistakes.

Thanks for sharing.

Stay safe,

mike j