KasperFightingKnives
Scorpion Fighting Folder Gaunt
Edges² GRANDE Perfigo/Perseco Folders
Bob Kasper & Al Polkowski
Developing a practical system of combative knife skills is not an easy task. It’s even harder when you don’t have the proper equipment with which to work. Although there are many fine examples of fighting knives and carry systems available in the marketplace, none had the exact combination I was looking for. This led to the development of the Kasper Fighting Knife (KFK).
A knifist (combative knife expert) has certain needs as to how a knife should feel, carry, and perform during close combat. In order to get this combination I sought the expertise of custom knifemaker, Al Polkowski. Al specializes in fixed-blade concealment knives and Kydex carry systems. He has a very large clientele of police, military, and security professionals, all of whom carry knives on a daily basis. By listening to their needs, Al has designed a line of knives that are lightweight, extremely durable, and very practical to carry. It was for those reasons I collaborated with him on my fighting knife design.
Original KFK freehand drawing by Al Polkowski, 2/93
The KFK was designed to compliment the knife fighting system I developed called Kni-Com. Kni-Com is a modern American program of instruction (POI) which utilizes principles, techniques, and tactics from Western military and criminal schools of knife fighting.
Some major concerns when designing the KFK were grip, size, and carry. I wanted a concealable knife that would be controllable from draw to finish; large enough for the job intended; and comfortable while standing, walking, driving, sitting, squatting, etc. Other considerations were durability, weight, and accessibility.
Handle Design: The KFK’s handle was designed for one purpose - control. Control during the draw and throughout the knife fighting encounter. Control of your knife during the draw means proper hand/knife indexing from the initial grip, through unsheathing, to guard or contact. Improper handle design may leave you with one or two fingers hanging off the pommel, or with the knife twisted in the hand. This improper indexing could lead to dropping of the knife during the draw or while engaging with the knife. The KFK’s flat handle design has a single finger groove, palm swell, pommel flare, and pinkie hook which locks the knife into the hand to completely eliminate indexing problems.
Sheath Design: A vicious, violent encounter is not the time to be fumbling with flaps, snaps, and Velcro. You want to be able to easily grab the handle and pull it from the sheath. But you also want your knife secured so that it’s not jarred loose. The answer is Kydex. It is lightweight, durable, and very thin. The KFK’s sheath is only 5/16" thick. This allows for a very comfortable feel and low profile fit. Because it is molded to the blade and guard, it does not need a retaining device. The knife just snaps into and out of the sheath.
Bob Kasper's prototype KFK handmade by Al Polkowski, 1994
Carry Position: I’ve tried them all. The most practical is the in-waist-band front carry. This is the fastest, most practical and comfortable carry existing. The KFK has a 6" blade. It is carried in a handle rear cant position with the sheath laying in the crease of the body where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen. This allows the knife to be kept flat against the body without restricting movement what-so-ever. The clip is angled to provide full positive contact with the bottom of the belt. This helps to hold the sheath in the rear cant position and to keep the sheath stable during the draw.
The Kasper Fighting Knife is a direct result of over two decades experience, research, and practice of combative knife skills. The ATS-34 blade has a 6", large bellied, recurved primary-edge and 4 ½" progressive secondary-edge providing maximum fighting efficiency. The linen micarta slabs are water-proof epoxied and bolted to the full tang making the KFK a very durable knife. The honey-combed tapered tang keeps the weight down and the balance on the index finger. At 8.5 ounces the KFK ‘Bulldog’ is light enough to carry all day but heavy enough for knife combat. For those who don’t feel comfortable carrying a knife with a 6" blade, the 5" ‘Pug’ 4" ‘Companion’ and 4 ½" Scorpion are also available. Each model is designed to perform under the rigors of extreme, sudden violence.
Kasper Fighting Knives - American Designed & Handcrafted
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
The Pug came into existance when 'Jim Grover' of Guns & Ammo magazine asked for a 1-inch shorter version of the Bulldog. Pictured here is the original sterile model.
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
The Scorpion is the latest design in the evolution of the Kasper Fighting Knife. It is a purebred fighter which demands respect no matter which side of the blade you're on. The slight bellied, recurved primary edge and progressive secondary edge give it an almost dagger appearance. It has a full 9-inches of cutting surface! Designed to use primarily with a natural grip this aggressive fighter is super fast in the hand. It is an excellent example of maximum effectivenss in a minimal package. This is without a doubt my all time favorite.
Bob Kasper's personal model with Gung-Ho Chuan logo
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
With the popularity of the folder at a peak frenzy and Kasper Fighter owners asking for a matching folder, it was only natural for the Fighting Folder to evolve. I used the Companion for the base design.
I needed to find someone I felt could handle the task of making a Companion that folded in half. The final drawing of the KFF looked very complex so I was worried that nobody would want to do it. The deep finger groove, rounded pinkie hook, raised serrated thumb ramp, and heavy duty look and feel needed the expertise of an experienced tactical folder maker. I contacted Pat Crawford.
Pat Crawford has been making knives for over 25 years. He has an extensive line of folders with a variety of different designs and locking devices. He makes folders in just about any size and material you may want. When I handed Pat the blueprint for the KFF and asked he if could do it, his reply was - "Yes, I don't see any problems." And obviously there wasn't any. The knife he handed to me at the Guild Show was exactly what I wanted - a tactical pocket folder that felt and handled like its fixed bladed cousin, the Companion.
Well, here you have it - finger groove, pinkie hook, Persian profile, aggressive blade and all. A Kasper Companion that folds in half. A knife designed to do what its cousin can do with a little more flexibility.
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
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KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
A few years ago I decided to throw my hat into the big knife arena. At that time I was doing an evaluation on Patton Knives. Rob Patton not only makes big knives but he also trains in their use via James Keating. I sent Rob a drawing of what I had in mind and he reproduced it exactly to my specs. This knife was originally designed for a home defense weapon but can also be used for concealed carry for those who dare.
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
I was reading James Loriega’s book Sevillian Steel, The Traditional Knife-Fighting Arts of Spain, when I was influenced to buy a Navaja and work with it. Soon after I decided to design a new folder based on the Navaja design but one that was thrust oriented. I also wanted a knife that was narrow in profile for comfort but long enough to be effective. Therefore instead of the traditional clip carry I opted for a belt stud so the knife could be carried comfortably in the waist-band like a Navaja. During this design period I witnessed someone getting struck in the cheekbone with a full power pommel strike. It was over. I was so impressed I added the pronounced pommel that also allowed for a longer blade. Again, I went to master folder maker Pat Crawford to realize my design. Thus, the Perfigo Folder, which translates from Latin – To Pierce Through.
Perseco Folder
For those who are into the cutting arts here is the Perseco. Perseco, which is Latin for - To Cut Though, was designed to do just that. I used it's sister knife the Perfigo as the base with a straight edge and centerline-tip blade design. This combination allows the tip to hit first on the slash creating an immediate cutting action. The dagger like tip configuration also makes for excellent thrusting. Thrusting, cutting, pommel strikes - the Perseco does it all. Thumb ramp is serrated for utility use and for those who like using the thumb for added power in slashing. This is quickly becoming my favorite carry knife.
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed
The Perfigo Fixed is another great example of Polkowski maximum effectiveness in a minimal package. This is a great low profile, lightweight, all business self defense knife. Pictured here with the an IWB sheath featuring a Kasper Clip, this knife is comfortable to carry, quick to draw, sure to grip, and "good to go." Forehand thrusts and backhand smashes are the Perfigo Fixed's perferred techniques. Gorilla grip the handle and nothing is exposed except both business ends of this sturdy fighter. Al added a serrated thumb ramp for those who like the saber-grip option.
KFK | Bulldog | Pug | Companion | Scorpion | Fighting Folder
Gaunt | Edges² | GRANDE | Perfigo Folder | Perfigo Fixed