The system began formation in the mid 80's during the time Keith commanded a Security Interdiction Team at an explosives production plant. There were absolute firearms restrictions on the operational areas of the facility. Even police officers had to surrender their sidearms before entering. Unfortunately, rules are only followed by law abiding people, and there were occasional brushes with attempted thefts from the explosive storage magazines, poachers cutting through the fenceline and setting up tree stands on remote parts of the property, and even a wannabe satanic cult that infiltrated an abandoned part of the operation to perform 'rituals'. Often times, these encounters included inebriated locals, particularly in the case of the poachers. Since the carry of a crash axe was instrumental in dismantling said tree stands, and doing expedient breaching, it was usually at Keith's sideResponders Edge is a multi-blade martial arts and utility system, derived primarily from Native American and Filipino Martial Blade Techniques. It is meant to be an open carry system for both utility and self defense, particularly for responders who are not firearm enabled. Therefore, it is designed with the axe/tomahawk, and knife in mind. This combination compliments each tools abilities, creates a huge variation of moves, grips, and techniques, and is arguably the most discreet of all the mutli-blade, open carry systems.

Keith's definition of an expedient weapon is anything designed for purposes other than combat, the use of which is still better than being empty handed, for the purpose of self defense. An optimized weapon would be a firearm, with military longarms leading the example. They use what they use for a reason. Obviously, for a civilian, the absolute best solution is avoidance, however, in the case of emergency response, or hazardous environment survival, that's unfortunately, not always possible.

Expedient vs Optimized Weapons - Why is this important? Responders Edge FAQ by Keith.

Q. Why dual blades?

A. A weapon in each hand may seem redundant to some, but with long knife and hatchet, it’s a 100% force multiplier and a backup, all in one system. In a system with one edged weapon, when you lose or break your primary, you’re done.
Besides, you have two hands right? Why leave one empty?

Q. Why not use a large tactical folder for the knife part of the system?

A. If you are comfortable with a large folder, you can work it into the system. I only espouse what I use myself however. Due to a slight deformity in my knife hand, I’ve haven’t carried a folding knife since childhood. My EDC (every day carry) Knife is a small, unobtrusive fixed blade, which I carry on my belt. When asked if I have a knife, most people express surprise when I pull it from the sheath, as they never actually noticed I was carrying it in the first place. Yet, it’s instantly accessible, and, not illegally concealed. Another point is trying to manipulate a folder under stress. Not the same as whipping it out to cut open a box top, is it? Both tools must be quickly and easily deployable. Fixed blade knives require only gross motor skills to bring to bear, while folders usually require fine motor skills, that may be lacking when you most need the knife. I find that a fixed blade knife with an overall length of 8” to 12”, used in the reverse grip, is ideal for the system. I’ve seen the system used with a big bowie knife, but the purpose of those knives, survival wise, is their ability to chop. In AB, that’s what you have the axe for. Save the heavy work for the axe, and select a knife that will allow you to accomplish small tasks more readily. I will be working with Spyderco 'waved' opening folders in '07, and evaluate their effectiveness in the system.

Q. Why a knife and a hatchet/axe, instead of two knives or two hatchets or two whatever’s?

A. Although both knife and hatchet/axe are tools as well as EW’s (edged weapons), they have entirely different handling characteristics, which also compliment each other. A knifes strength is in slashing, sometimes thrusting, and it can be manipulated more intricately than a hatchet. Due to leverage, a hatchet can transfer much greater kinetic energy on target than a knife can. A hatchet/axe can also be used to smack, pound, punch, or hook an object, giving it even greater versatility. There is also the perception factor to take into account. Someone responding to an emergency, or just walking out of the woods for that matter, with a knife and a hatchet on their belt, could reasonably be seen as being utilitarian in nature, especially seeing as how these two tools serve different functions. Someone with two of the same type of tool, or EW, on their belt however, are more likely to be seen as being martial in nature. Tactical Combat Escrima, with two machetes, or Kali with Kuhkris, is elegant to watch practiced, and deadly as a duo. Two machetes, or large knives on a belt however, would raise most people’s eyebrows higher than a knife and an axe would. The AB system is arguably as low key as you can get with two fixed blade EW’s. For some, this is not a concern. For us however, discretion is the better part of valor.

Q. How do you select the ideal axe?

A. To begin, it has to be easily wieldable with one hand. Many axes, and some tomahawks, are too cumbersome for that. Strictly for martial arts, I prefer a longer hafted, lighter headed hawk. It depends on what type of material you feel you’re most likely to encounter. When I train or carry though, the martial part is not the sole issue, utility also has to be considered. My light MA hawk would never stand up to the abuse a heavy utility tool is meant to take, but a heavy utility tool is
often harder to fight with. What you gain with some EW’s as fighting tools, you lose in the overall utility of those tools. It’s a compromise, depending on how you prioritize uses. Vietnam type tactical spiked tomahawks are popular now, but pose two problems with our system. First, the realization must be reached that when an opponent suddenly closes to grappling distances, the spike might very well be forced into your face, neck, or shoulder. You must ALWAYS be aware that you have a live edge facing you at all times. Even on the utility side, we know someone who almost met witrh disaster as he yanked his spike hawk out of a tree. Second, you lose the less lethal option of spinning the head around, and striking with the back end of the hatchet or axe. This can be a useful utility function as well. Finally, there’s the perception issue again. Hatchets and light axes are more readily viewed as a tool. Most hawks are simply associated more with weapons. There are two purposes in which spiked axes/hawks due excel though. Throwing, since you have an extra sticking point, and anything that requires the sheer penetrating power of the spike, which is greater than the opposite, wider, cutting face of the hawk head.

Here Dina demonstrates some underlying principles specific to RE MBC.

This illustrates why Keith does not use a spiked hawk, and does use knife reverse grip, while performing RE. Keith considers the use of a spiked hawk, and saber knife grip, so dangerous, that he will not even have it modeled live blade. While changing stance, grip, Etc. there is certainly the oportunity for your arms getting crossed up, especially if you are rushed. Here you can see what could happen with a saber or hammer grip. The blade edge would contact her forearm, wrist or hand, and in the case of a spiked hawk, the spike could be rammed into her torso, neck or face.

Ahhh yes... RE lends itself to the Hammer Poll Hawk, and the reverse grip provides the least risk for cutting yourself when switching things up.

If these weren't props, would you mess with her?