first kirpan experience

[rrss 96]

So I got my first kirpan (standard shape). My first reactions:

Although it is a decent size, I was disappointed- it's not much of a 'weapon' at all.

I'm much better off protecting myself using unarmed combat than with a kirpan.

Also the standard gatra design doesn't seem to be very efficient. it would appear to come in the way if I had to fight hand to hand and present the possibility of getting caught onto something or be used to pull me. There are better ways to strap a knife onto the body.

I will be going to some classes to learn safe kirpan handling and use however I'm just not very impressed, especially as I've had an image of a menacing and very practical 'weapon' in my mind all these years (something more like a hunting knife)!

Is it just something to have to get used to?

[Wingz23 190]

Seriously, not much of a weapon? you will definitely get used to having and using it as a weapon!

[Wingz23 190]

also if kirpan doesnt work, try using a machette :lol2:

[rrss 96]

Yes. As I said, the standard kirpan style doesn't do it for me and the way the gatra is designed is not very efficient in my view. A double sided sharp/serrated blade hunting knife in a leg strap sheath would be more practical and useful. I know some martial arts and really think that the kirpan+gatra as it is designed would be more of a hindrance in hand to hand combat than of much practical use.

Also is the kirpan meant to be really hard to pull out from it's sheath?

Maybe I just need to get used to it and find a way to make it work for me.

[rrss 96]

Also is the kirpan meant to be really hard to pull out from it's ceremonial sheath?

[Singh559 2,670]

It's not much of a weapon to an unskilled and unfit person.

If you have even some martial arts knowledge, you can turn a pen into a lethal weapon.

I'm suspicious whether you're even a Sikh.

[rrss 96]

It's not much of a weapon to an unskilled and unfit person.

If you have even some martial arts knowledge, you can turn a pen into a lethal weapon.

I'm suspicious whether you're even a Sikh.

Not a very useful comment. You did not comment on the efficiency of the gatra strap either.

It doesn't matter if you don't think I'm a Sikh. As long as Guru ji is happy I'm happy.

[TheFancyBanana 753]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-p22QPA3k

the kirpan just needs to be sharp. just learn how to use it effectivly, learn boxing etc. too or karate. if you are going through a rough area show the kirpan a bit. people ARE scared.

keys can be used as a weapon, even my baaj (thing you use to tuck hair into the pagh) can be used to hurt people (person experience ).

[rrss 96]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc-p22QPA3k

the kirpan just needs to be sharp. just learn how to use it effectivly, learn boxing etc. too or karate. if you are going through a rough area show the kirpan a bit. people ARE scared.

keys can be used as a weapon, even my baaj (thing you use to tuck hair into the pagh) can be used to hurt people (person experience ).

Thanks, first serious comment so far! I am trained in Karate but I have not had formal weapons training.

I'm commenting specifically on the typical hand kirpan with curved tip and blade on one side. A double edged hunting knife with one serrated edge would in my view be more practical, even allowing for easy cutting through rope etc.

I have no intention to scare people or hurt them. Only if violence is authorised as per my understanding and with Guru's kirpa I would use a weapon. Let us look at 2 scenarios: 1. someone skilled in using kirpan + unarmed combat expert: I dont think kirpan person will stand a chance. 2. both highly skilled in unarmed combat: someone highly skilled in unarmed combat engaged in hand to hand fight in my experience would rather not use a small kirpan. That said my karate training makes me biased in this view.

As I said before, part of my disaapointment is due to my having built up a mental image of something else in my mind over the years.

Is there any rule that the kirpan and gatra must be of the standard style available to count as a kakkar?

[Singh559 2,670]

It doesn't matter if you don't think I'm a Sikh. As long as Guru ji is happy I'm happy.

I'm happy about that, I guess I'm just in a cranky mood.

[KhalistaniGunMan 291]

Not a very useful comment. You did not comment on the efficiency of the gatra strap either.

It doesn't matter if you don't think I'm a Sikh. As long as Guru ji is happy I'm happy.

Bro drop the gatra..its useless...singhs used to woear kamar kassa...the weapon is secure and can be unsheathed quickly and efficiently...gatra is for people who see the sri sahib as a symbol..kamar kassa is for those who see it as a practical weapon..the way maharaj intended

[KhalistaniGunMan 291]

I'm happy about that, I guess I'm just in a cranky mood.

you americans are always cranky...you need to be relaxed like us englandees are :cool2:

[Singh559 2,670]

Bro drop the gatra..its useless...singhs used to woear kamar kassa...the weapon is secure and can be unsheathed quickly and efficiently...gatra is for people who see the sri sahib as a symbol..kamar kassa is for those who see it as a practical weapon..the way maharaj intended

I wouldn't go as far as to say gatra is useless, but it will wear out very fast. A leather gatra or kammar kassa would be more practical. In everyday setting when you're going to school/work a good cotton gatra is nice.

you americans are always cranky...you need to be relaxed like us englandees are :cool2:

Noooo! Californians are chillll. :lol2:

I'm just tired lol

[rrss 96]

Bro drop the gatra..its useless...singhs used to woear kamar kassa...the weapon is secure and can be unsheathed quickly and efficiently...gatra is for people who see the sri sahib as a symbol..kamar kassa is for those who see it as a practical weapon..the way maharaj intended

Ah, that makes sense, thanks for sharing. So for kakkar purposes, is an Amritdhari allowed to wear a more lethally designed kirpan in a practical sheath and waist or leg strap?

[N30S1NGH 3,176]

I just bought belt type gatra..its much more practical and comfortable ....i think belt type gatra used to be traditional..i m not sure whose idea was to come up with across type gatra as khalistan veer said, they made it as pure symbolism as opposed to actual shastar.