Looking for a reply to 1. c4 that I can use

Yes, I need to find a reasonable response to 1. c4 that I can use all the time. Now, before you start suggesting moves, I should mention that there are a few prerequisistes:

I do not like openings with lots of analyzed theory and long opening lines. (so that means no Reverse Sicilian or Symmetrical English)

It needs to be perfectly sound. It can be risky or even unorthodox, but it can't be something completely silly.

If possible, I would like an opening that can be considered "counter-punching" or tactically sharp. For reference, other openings I like include Alekhine's Defense and the Chigorin Defense.

Thank you in advance for helping me! In case you're wondering, my current reply is 1...b6 (Is this the English Defense?).

I like to aim for a King's Indian with 1...g6.

Thanks for the suggestion, but the King's Indian is a perfect example of an opening that I would prefer not to use. It's got lots of theory and tons of players are all "booked-up" on the latest fashionable lines and opening tricks that might net them a quick advantage straight off the bat. I'm more inclined to openings where no one knows anything.

well what do you play vs d4?you can try to play something similar?

Well, if so, 1. ... b6 is a reasonable reply that hasn't got too much theory, so you can stay with it. Or you can play 1. ...Nc6 and try to transpose into Chigorin.

You could try to go into a QGD with e6 and d5.

What I use is simple..

1. c4 c5 2. Nc3 (probably the most common move) d6 3. g3 Bd7?! 4. Bg2 Bc6?! 

Have used this with a 80% score

maybe something u can try is c4 Nc6 that could transpose to chigorin def.

Gary Lane's book Ideas Behind Modern Chess Openings: Black takes that approach.  It's a repertoire book that uses the Chigorin Defence and also covers 1...Nc6 lines against the English Opening if White doesn't transpose to the QGD.  Most of the book is about the Chigorin.  The 1e4 defense in that book is the Qd6 Scandinavian, fwiw. 

Against 1. c4 I play 1.  ... c6 then 2. ... d5 against whites 2. d4 (Slav Def.) or 2. e4.

Hey azure, you never told me what to do against 6 (or is it 7?) d4 as opposed to d3.

I am an English player myself. The symmetrical English and the reverse Sicilian are the two most common things I see, and therefore what I am most prepared to meet. Two oddball lines to try would be...

1. The Anglo-Scandinavian (1. c4 d5)

 http://www.chess.com/opening/eco/A10_English_Opening_Anglo_Scandinavian_Defense

2. The Anglo-Dutch (1. c4 f5)

http://www.chess.com/opening/eco/A10_English_Opening_Anglo_Dutch_Defense

I would recommend the Anglo-Dutch. The Anglo Scandinavian is very similar to the standard Scandinavian, except you are trading a central pawn for the c-pawn, which I am totally fine with as white. But either of these will take many english players either out of book, or at least deeper in their book. Most of us can play 1.e5 or 1. c5 in our sleep, but 1. f5 requires some thought.

i always turn it into a QGD

e6 for me

Have you ever thought about playing 1...c6 and transposing into a Slav or Anti-Caro-Kann? Or are those too theory-heavy for your liking?

He wants something that is sharp, completely sound, and requires little or no study. Wouldn't we all want this ?

I agree with AnthonyCG.  The Botvinnik setup doesn't require a lot of memorization, as it's more of a system, and it can lead to some pretty dynamic positions for black.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I may have used the wrong words to describe my preferences earlier. I don't mean "perfectly sound" as in fact-checked by engines and what-not. I meant that I didn't want an opening like the Damiano Defense (1. e4 d5 2. Nf3 f6).

So far what appeals to me most is the possible transposition to the Chigorin, but what happens if White decides that he/she doesn't want to transpose? Say they play 2. Nc3, 2. Nf3, or 2. g3? Then should I still try to transpose or would it be safer to simply play "reasonable" moves?

I might also take a look at the Botvinnik setup or some of the others mentioned in earlier posts. Regardless, when I've made my decision, I'll play it until I find a good reason not to.

Just one more thing: 1...b6. Is that the English Defense and what type of game does that move usually lead to?

Lane's book that I mentioned earlier suggests what some others have been recommending on this thread--play some type of Closed Sicilian Reversed if White doesn't play 2. d4.

examples(games referenced in Lane's book in parentheses):

1. c4 Nc6 2. g3 e5 3.Bg2 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5. e3 d6 6. Nge2 h5 (Hansen-Hodgson 2001)

1. c4 Nc6 2. g3 e5 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. e4 d6 6. Nge2 Nge7 (Ocampos-Akopian 2001)

1. c4 Nc6 2. Nc3 e5 3. g3 g6 4. Bg2 Bg7 5. d3 f5 (Soppe-Rodriguez 2004)

1. c4 Nc6 2. g3 e5 3. Bg2 g6 4. Nc3 Bg7 5. Rb1 a5 (Hickl-Nakamura 2004)

According to Kosten's book on the English, playing 1. . .b6 is likely to get black in a hedgehog setup, so you're more likely to be playing a slower, more positional game.  Kosten says that it's maybe a bit dubious, but come on, when are guys like us going to have to worry about playing guys like him.  How have your games been going with 1. . .b6?