Miscellany: ShivWorks Clinch Pick review

Someday I'll get around to debriefing the ECQC class I took with Craig Douglas, but suffice it to say that one of my main takeaways was the importance of having an accessible self-defense weapon on both sides of the body. I noticed there were plenty of times in wrestling for control of a GLOCK 17T (i.e.,  mimicking a situation justifying deadly force) when I managed to free my left hand, but had nothing I could do with it besides ineffectually striking or grappling.

Mr. Douglas must have noticed the same thing a long time ago, since ShivWorks sells a knife called the Clinch Pick designed for just that situation:

The Clinch Pick is a small fixed blade with a few unique characteristics. First, it has a reverse edge (similar to the Spyderco P'Kal, another ShivWorks design), making it ideal for close-in ripping motions (think Dr. Grant's monologue in the beginning of Jurassic Park). Second, it has a short egg-shaped grip, which seats the knife into the palm regardless of how the knife is oriented when it's drawn.

I wear the Clinch Pick like Craig recommends - on the belt at about the 11 o'clock position, with the handle angled diagonally downward and inward in line with the inguinal crease:

Worn in this fashion, the knife can be concealed with a T-shirt, and drawn with either hand when standing, sitting or prone. And it's infinitely faster and more reliable to deploy than any folding knife.

Downsides? Well, the Clinch Pick is a dedicated weapon - you aren't going to be cutting any apples with it, and it might not even be legal to carry a fixed blade in your jurisdiction. Strictly considered as a weapon, the knife is a bit small, so if you're anticipating a lot of protracted knifefights, you might want something bigger...or you might want to move to another country.

Still, if you're looking for a knife for fighting in a phone booth, the Clinch Pick is one of the best choices out there.