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The effect of knife handle shape on stabbing performance
Ian Horsfall1, Celia Watson, Steve Champion
1Royal Military College of Science, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 8LA, UK. i.horsfall@cranfield.ac.uk
Applied Ergonomics
|May 17, 2005
Summary
Understanding stabbing mechanics is crucial for body armour standards. This study found individual differences in stabbing ability significantly impact energy transfer more than handle design, though finger guards increase delivered energy.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biomechanics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Establishing protection standards for stab-resistant body armour requires quantitative data on stabbing ability.
- Understanding the mechanisms of force and energy transfer during stabbing is essential for validating performance measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of handle size and shape on forces and impact energy during stabbing of an armoured target.
- To investigate the influence of specific handle features, like finger guards, on stabbing performance.
Main Methods:
- A series of tests were conducted involving participants stabbing an armoured target with various knife handle designs.
- Measurements focused on forces and impact energy delivered to the target.
- Variables included handle size, shape, and the presence/absence of a finger guard.
Main Results:
- The primary variable influencing impact energy was the individual test participant, overshadowing effects of handle size and shape.
- The inclusion of a finger guard (hilt) increased the mean delivered energy by approximately 5 Joules compared to handles without guards.
- Grip position relative to the guard significantly affected energy delivery characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Individual variability in stabbing technique is the most significant factor in energy transfer to a target.
- Finger guards demonstrably enhance the energy delivered during stabbing impacts.
- The findings support previous research on the serial nature of momentum transfer in stabbing impacts.