The Sicilian Blade

Just finished re-reading The Sicillian Blade by Don Quattrocchi. I disagree with him on several points, but overall, this is better than the average knifefighting text.The advice he gives on how to quickly open an old style lockblade is something I'd never seen before. The section on sparring with nail files is something I recall from another book, but never realized this was traditional amongst Sicilian youth. A lot of good advice on pressing the attack. Quattrocchi, unlike nearly every other instructor, says to keep the non-knife hand behind you so it won't get cut, as anyone with any skill will slice up someone attempting to block or disarm them . . . he makes a valid point.I disagreed with the premise that one should use the saber grip on a small knife. Sure, it makes one's moves more precise, and adds over an inch of range, but upon impact with a solid target one could either drop the knife or find their fingers sliding over the blade. The instructions on sharpening the blade were unclear, and continually sharpening a blade will eventually ruin the edge. And the suggestion that one attempt to execute a "back spinning kick to the face" of an armed opponent? That was the only part of the book I found laughable. True, the armor thing was amusing, but Quattrocchi made it very clear that such armoring was only if one knew in advance that he was going to be engaging in a duel, so it's valid.I do not know how historically accurate this book is, or how much was gleaned from other texts, as Quattrocchi himself states that you can't trust anything a Sicillian tells you, but there is some good information here, and this little book should not be overlooked.

After studyingThe Moroccan Blade, The Nicaraguan Blade, and The Columbian Blade, this was the obvious progression. Let me tell you, this book is as knowledgeable as it is entertaining, as it not only teaches you specific skills and techniques but it also gives you some of the religious, mystic, and spiritual beliefs behind the reasoning of learning such ancient skills. This book is as much about pride and honor as it is about the glorious dance of knife to knife combat. It’s a truly beautiful dance that everyone should learn because the lessons can be attributed to every day life scenarios. In a bar fight? In chapter 5:Defensive Tactics, it’ll teach you to use your surroundings to your advantage. Pick up a barstool and hold it on your free hand as a defensive shield. Again, these are valuable lessons for every day life. Have a coworker you can’t stand? When they approach you, position yourself behind something to keep a buffer and allow yourself to dictate the interaction and the outcome. Sir Don Vito Quattrocchi writes simply but beautifully and full of pride and humility. He also is beyond knowledgeable and a master of any craft he broached in this book, as I’m sure he has mastered any other craft he has tackled in his life. The type is discipline taught in this book translates and seeps into all aspects of ones life. This book hits the mark like a stiletto to your enemies eye. 10 stars would be too few.

not exactly what i was expecting, but had some interesting stuff. some of it about the culture, which is fascinating! after reading it i seriously went out and ordered book II by the same author - have yet to receive it. Some of the things i read - disturbingly - i had heard of inamtes doing. Very 'street' oriented, with the gun craze of the current culture here in the usa i am not sure how practical but a great read nontheless, I WILL NOT being 'loaning' or selling this book - ever.

A very short, right to the point, and a good teaching book on knife fighting. Not much on frills. After reading it, I felt more capable of using a knife to defend my wife. I am 60 and not too healthy. Which is why I need something other than my fists.

Nice

This book is an absolute rip-off. Crude drawings surround chapters devoted to the most common stances and thrusts; given fancy, exotic names. The historian in me enjoyed the author's recollections of life in Sicily fifty (or so) years ago. However, as a knife fighter's text, this book lacks.

very informative

Its short and to the point but it has very interesting tips that you won’t find in other books, along with some cultural tidbits that the amateur historian in me finds interesting. I’ve found myself revisiting it several times. It’s on I’ll hold on to and I appreciate the author passing along this information.