What was the purpose of what I call "reversed" finger grips?

[frontier21]

I've seen them on older Randall fighters.

Like this:

Thanks.

 

[rodblder]

see below

 

[rodblder]

left-handed, supposedly going into a fight they wanted the sharp edge up so when they stabbed somebody they could pull the blade upwards.....just guessing

 

[tunefink]

The knife in the OP is mine. It is a 1942 Randall fighter. The original design was intended to be held cutting edge up with the index finger wrapped in front of the hilt. Not that there are only three finger grip slots.

 

[frontier21]

Thank you!

 

[Murindo]

Up edge was a sometimes fighting style from the past that took advantage of the natural upstroke when pulling a knife back from a thrust.

It hasn't survived the test of time but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be useful to someone who specialized in it.

Nice Randall!