Shivworks, "a collective mind trust for alleyway solutions," is the brainchild of a narcotics enforcement agent who calls himself "SouthNarc" on the Web (as he cannot use his real name indiscriminately).  In cooperation with Shivworks apprentice instructor Daniel Long and Russell Wong of MD Tactical, SouthNarc has designed and is marketing a series of knives and training material that is available commercially through Mr. Wong.  For evaluation purposes, The Martialist procured three Shivworks blades and the Shivworks reverse-grip knife fighting DVD.

From left to right:  Shivworks Disciple, Clinch-Pick, and Li'l Loco.

The DVD

In an easy, soft-spoken drawl, SouthNarc introduces the concepts covered in the DVD, reviewing the curriculum.  He has an impressive background that includes military experience, 25 years in the martial arts, and his current occupation interdicting narcotics in high-risk environments.  I normally don't place too much emphasis in resumes alone, but SouthNarc's experience in the field translates directly to the knowledge he is imparting.  When this man describes how to put a knife in someone in order to fight for your life, he is not speaking strictly from theory.

The principles behind Shivworks' instructional material are excellent.  SouthNarc focuses on economy of motion and simple, gross motor skills coupled with aggressive, overwhelming force to dominate an opponent.  He emphasizes the commonality across weapons platforms – knives, guns, empty hands, etc. – and performs everything in the context of extreme close quarters battle (CQB).  This is very sound conceptually.  I was immediately pleased with the content of the video.

Production is adequate and not bad at all for an initial offering.  SouthNarc and his demonstration partner Daniel are bright and visible throughout the DVD, though the lighter background is a little washed out.  The sound is slightly tinny but very good, as SouthNarc is entirely audible for the duration of the video.  There is one minor problem during the final segment of the DVD in which the audio is not quite in sync with the picture, but this is minor and occurs during a static explanation of the Shivworks knives.  If a problem had to occur, this is the best place for it, as the viewer is focusing on the tools and not on SouthNarc.  (One minor video glitch also occurs here.  The Clinch Pick is not visible during its final appearance on screen.)  There are a few graphic wipes and the DVD is divided into logical segments for the sake of instructional clarity.

The Clinch-Pick:  Forward grip, edge up. (Grip shown is for photo only;
the thumb should not rest on the spine in application, as there's no guard.)

The bulk of the DVD is comprised of SouthNarc demonstrating reverse-grip, edge-in knife fighting with the Shivworks Disciple and forward-grip, edge-up methods with the Shivworks Clinch Pick.  He explains that the knives must be positioned around the body in such a way that they can be drawn with a locked wrist.  (The less joint articulation, the stronger your grip.)  The Shivworks techniques are likewise geared to this.  No sooner does the knife clear the sheath than it moves straight into the target.

The forward edge-up and reverse edge-in orientations facilitate hooking and shearing of the opponent's limbs.  SouthNarc explains that the primary technique is a knife jab – a vicious, pumping thrust that travels straight into the attacker.  When the attacker attempts to intercept or jam the incoming knife, the the edges on the Disciple and Clinch Pick mean he'll pay for his attempt with severed flesh.

Drawing the Clinch-Pick from its position forward of the hip
in a cross-draw position (to the left of your buckle).

Drawing the Clinch-Pick (shown prior to
closure of grip around handle – flagged
thumb is not intended as a technique).

With Daniel, SouthNarc demonstrates combining knife jabs and overwhelming follow-ups with simultaneous striking using the live hand.  In a typical combination, for example, he jabs with the Disciple, delivers a brutal palm strike to Daniel's helmeted head, and follows up with more knife work.

Those with a background in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) will take to this material readily.  SouthNarc's FMA experience is evident in the way he moves.  While beginners will have to work a little harder to master the Shivworks curriculum, the beauty of this program is that it is fairly simple.  SouthNarc reduces all possible striking angles to two, for example – forward and backhand.

The Disciple positioned forward of the hip.

Drawing the Disciple into reverse grip.

If you're curious about "Pikal" – the reverse-grip, edge-in methodology SouthNarc advocates – this is a superb introduction to it. Conceptually I can't remember the last time I saw a DVD this good.  The material is efficient, effective, and extremely brutal – the very definition of what SouthNarc calls "assaultive, not dueling."

What this DVD does not cover is the legality of these methods.  Obviously, we assume that you are in fear for your life or you would not be using deadly force.  The video does not touch on the possible legal ramifications of pumping a knife into a mugger "like a sewing machine."  The methodology shown maximizes your chances of success in taking down an attacker using your Shivworks blades – but it's very possible a court would look askance at "running over" an attacker in this fashion.

The DVD leaves it up to you to adapt your carry methods and personal blades to the principles and methods demonstrated.  Throughout the video, SouthNarc uses the Disciple and Clinch Pick, which he designed and which viewers can purchase through MD Tactical.  In the last portion of the video, SouthNarc presents each knife for the camera.  He includes a third knife, the Li'l Loco.

The Blades

All three knives are made of S30V steel.  The Loco has no handle as such.  The Disciple and Clinch Pick have nicely rounded, attractive G10 handles.  All are equipped with Kydex sheaths.  The larger two have fully adjustable small Tek-Lok belt clips.  The Disciple and Clinch-Pick also have lined lanyard holes.

All three knives are very ergonomic and were shipped to me with razor-sharp blades.  The tiny Loco is a nod to the OSS thumb dagger – an easily concealed little cutter that can go anywhere.  The shape of the handle locks into even my big paws and provides great control of this miniscule blade.  It may be small, but this knife could do serious damage to an attacker.  Unlike knives of similar size, it feels secure when wielded.

The Li'l Loco, which is tiny but powerful.

The G10 handles of the Disciple and Clinch-Pick are smooth but not too smooth.  They provide good traction and are extremely pleasant to the touch.

The Loco can be used as a neck knife.

If good design is also simplicity, these knives are great.  They are clean, aesthetically elegant, and extremely functional.  They conceal easily under an outer garment and are small enough to be legal in many places.  (The Disciple has a 3-inch cutting edge and is 7.5 inches overall.  The Clinch-Pick has a 2.5-inch cutting edge and is 5.5 inches overall.  The Loco is 3 inches overall with a 1.5-inch cutting edge.)

The Clinch-Pick, showing detail of the Tek-Lok.

The only possible drawback to the design of these blades is that placement forward of the hip points will be uncomfortable for those with... shall we say, larger... stomachs.

Shivworks: Get 'Em

I can't remember the last time I became so enthusiastic about a product line or curriculum.  This is great material married to excellent tools – efficient, ruthless knifework and purpose-built implements for delivering it.