(not a knife fighting professional, just have learned a lot and have combat training, and enjoy tactical gear and a good blade.)

vs bowie… Tanto for a close-combat fighting knife where piercing is important. Plus this is a beautiful blade that will offer aesthetic enjoyment while not fighting. (Learn grappling along with this, though. Controlling limbs is imperative in knife fighting.) With the anti-gang, switchblade bans from the 50’s relaxing, look at the automatic tanto blades by microtech and benchmade. Nothing sweeter than a high quality automatic open and close blade for one handed operation. As it threat, the blade slapping out on its own is effective. As a surprise, you can palm the knife and outcomes the blade only when needed. In a car crash with a broken arm, you can still open the knife with one hand and cut the seatbelt without fumbling. Many benefits to single hand operation.