We sometimes practice reality-based drills at speed involving knife draws from our pockets. So it goes without saying that having the right training knives will be vital. For new students or those who have yet to purchase gear, here’s a quick primer on how to select the right training knife for you.
Folding Knife Replica
The best training knives I’ve used replicate real “folders” in look, feel, weight, and operation — but have blunt blades and rounded tips. Since you will fight the way you practice, you should practice the way you fight. This folding knife replica will help you do just that.
Pros:
- Represents the most commonly carried type of knife.
- As realistic as you can get.
- You’ll feel the “cut” without getting maimed.
- They’ll take a beating and last forever with proper care.
- You can safely practice realistic draws under stress.
Cons:
- More expensive than other types of trainers
- Don’t simulate longer blades, such as kitchen knives or Bowies
Where to Buy:
Generally, I recommend going to a brick-and-mortar store to find the right trainer that fits your needs and preferences. But there are plenty of online options. Click on my top 3 recommendations for folding knife replicas below:
- Kershaw Emerson 6034 Trainer ($27)
- Spyderco Delica Trainer ($69)
- Benchmade Griptillian Trainer ($85)
Aluminum Fixed Blade
The second-best training knives I’ve used are made of aluminum and resemble fixed blades. They also have blunt edges and rounded tips for safety.
Pros:
- You’ll feel the “cut” without getting maimed.
- Aluminum construction lasts longer than wood, plastic, or rubber.
- Resemble fixed-blade knives in shape and length, adding a bit of a psychological edge to your training.
- Usually cheaper than the more expensive folding knife replicas.
Cons:
- Don’t fold like most knives found on the street.
- Lighter than real knives, meaning a less realistic feel.
- Requires an extra sheath when practicing drawing techniques
- Can get scratched up or dinged, which could potentially scrape your skin.
Where to Buy:
There are plenty of options available in stores and websites. Here are a few:
- Keen Edge Knives offers the best and widest range of aluminum training knives on the market. The best part is that it’s a family-run business based in Colorado and its founder, Steve Rollert, is an all-around nice man who happens to be an accomplished yet humble martial artist.
- Jukado Aluminum Training Knife ($13)
- MSE Aluminum Training Knife ($35)
- I&I Sports Aluminum Trainer Blade ($39)
Rubber Knives
Training knives made of rubber (or more likely one of its thermoplastic duplicates) are the cheapest option and will do if you have no other tools … but they also have the most disadvantages.
Pros:
- Usually the most affordable option
Cons:
- Don’t fold like most knives found on the street.
- Far lighter than real knives, meaning a less realistic feel.
- Bend easily, resulting in damage or complete breakage of the knife
- Offer no physical or psychological threat and prevent realistic responses.
- Usually don’t have compatible sheaths, so you can’t practice realistic draws.
Where to Buy:
I discourage students from buying rubber trainers. But if you’re low on funds and saving up money for class tuition instead, then consider these more rigid and realistic models from Cold Steel:
Wooden Fixed Blade
A staple of edged-weapons training for millennia, the wooden knife has proven to be a safe training tool. But how realistic is it?
Pros:
- You’ll feel the “cut” without getting maimed.
- They resemble fixed-blade knives in shape and length.
- With care, holds up better than synthetic-rubber knives
Cons:
- Don’t fold like most knives found on the street.
- Lighter than real knives, meaning a less realistic feel.
- Aren’t made with compatible sheaths, resulting in unrealistic drawing techniques.
Where to Buy:
I generally dissuade my students from buying wooden swords. However, if budget constraints leave this type as your only option, consider researching eBay, Amazon, Century Martial Arts, and other online sites. Also, I’d recommend going to a brick-and-mortar store to handle one in person.