[LooseGrouper]

I recently found out that carrying a locking folder in my city is illegal (see this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=179788&highlight=San+Antonio+Knife+law). So now I'm looking for options in a new EDC.

I could legally carry a small fixed blade (with the possible exception of on base...rules are fuzzy), but I like the convenience of a folder. I'm not planning on using this for self defense unless. Even if I end up without a handgun and had to use it, I'd probably opt for using it closed like as an impact weapon (thing loaded fist/Kubotan).

That being said, I'd like some advice on my options. Preferably I would like a one-hand opening, pocket clip type just like your standard "tactical" folder, but without a locking mechanism. I don't know of anything that meets even two of those three requirements. If I can keep it under $100 that would be great, but I would not mind going up to $150. Anything pricier than that and I'd just start carrying my old yellow handled Case again (Sodbuster).

Ideas?

[hso]

Preferably I would like a one-hand opening, pocket clip type just like your standard "tactical" folder, but without a locking mechanism. I don't know of anything that meets even two of those three requirements.

That's because there isn't anything that I'm aware of. "Tactical" folders all lock.

Try the guys over at http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=slipjoint.

[ocelot777]

How about the Spyderco UK penknife: S30V, good pocket clip, blade a bit less than 3", G10 scales IIRC and a strong slipjoint. This is legal for edc in the UK, so should probably be legal anywhere in the US (and most of the rest of the planet, except for Denmark apparently).

The Spyderco Danish penknife is even more legal, due to its partially occluded thumbhole . . .

I haven't handled one, but all the reports I've seen are very positive.

[Flashpoint]

Sorry, wrong button.

[hso]

Dang, Ocelot if that doesn't look as close as he might get! What's tragic is that any government, the U.S. or U.K., would disallow a fundamental engineering safety feature to keep a tool from collapsing on the user and maiming them.

http://www.hellzteeth.com/reviews/Spyderco_penknife/penknife7.JPG

That said, before I'd use a slip joint I'd find a way to carry a fixed blade. With all the neck knife options out there I can't see picking any slip joint that isn't a SAK.

[ocelot777]

What's tragic is that any government, the U.S. or U.K., would disallow a fundamental engineering safety feature to keep a tool from collapsing on the user and maiming them.



I totally agree (obviously;). Locks were allowed in the UK until some barrister managed to persuade a judge (a poor judge of anything, I would say) that an opened locking knife is effectively a fixed blade:fire: (he'd obviously never seen any really crappy liner locks . . .).

Bizarrely, locking knives can be carried in the UK (if the blade is less than 3") if you can demonstrate a legitimate need for one. I personally need to retain all my digits; how about you judge?

The Spydie looks great I think, and the choil forward of the grip is some protection against phalanx-lopping, but then the thing was designed by the estimable Mr Glesser with mucho input from the guys at the britishblades forums.

By the way hso, I've worked out TANSTAAFL, but what is this "molon labe" that I see all over?

[carpettbaggerr]

There's always the Balisong, if it's legal in your backwards neck of the woods. It's the only folder I'd trust without a lock. There's no way for a butterfly knife to close on your hand, at least once it's open......

[Bob]

For something that looks very traditional you might check the folding hunter type knives. Case 6165 is a single blade, very strong backspring, very slim profile. Buck 317 is a two blade version as is the Case 6265. You can also find examples from Kabar, Western, and Queen. The Queen has a D2 blade. Check ebay and search for folding hunter knife.
Bob

[Lee Lapin]

Loveless City Knife perhaps?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=lwlc12200

Or Spyderco Pride...
http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10expand.asp?productcode=spypride

Not a lot comes to mind, frankly. Hope you find something useful,

lpl/nc

[LooseGrouper]

Thanks a bunch for all the inputs, fellas. I'm deciding whether I want to go on the seemingly very cheap side with the Spyde "Pride" or drop the extra cash on the UK knife. Now I just need to find some site that sells the UK version in $ instead of pounds. :D

I've been thinking that one of those HideAwayKnives might be a decent option, but they are surely pricey for what they are (okay, same could be said for the UK folder). Anyone have an opinion on the HAKs?

[waterhouse]

Anyone have an opinion on the HAKs?

My favorite knife now (I have the cheaper "utility" version), and it hasn't left my pocket for months other than when I have to get on an airplane. It is pricey for it's size, but not for what you get.

Don't expect to get one quickly though unless she already has one in your size. It took a couple months to get my first one and I've had a couple more on order for several months now.

Here are some pics and my original review.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=165167

All I can say is that I like it even more now. I typically carry it in the "coin pocket" of my jeans. The sheath fits perfectly and the pocket is snug enough to hold onto the sheath when I draw.

[texascarl]

By the way hso, I've worked out TANSTAAFL, but what is this "molon labe" that I see all over?

http://www.molonlabe.com/

[ocelot777]

Thanks texascarl, but hso was kind enough to explain:) We could do with some more of that attitude in the uk, but too late now I fear:(

[Mute]

A non-locking folder is not something I would want to use in a self defense situation. I'd work a little harder to get fixed blade that is legal to carry.

[RyanM]

How about a Douk-douk? No lock whatsoever. http://www.szaboinc.com/dd.html

[bratch]

My non locking folders are Case Stockmen. Just got another one today.

[mp510]

Thanks a bunch for all the inputs, fellas. I'm deciding whether I want to go on the seemingly very cheap side with the Spyde "Pride" or drop the extra cash on the UK knife. Now I just need to find some site that sells the UK version in $ instead of pounds. :D

I've been thinking that one of those HideAwayKnives might be a decent option, but they are surely pricey for what they are (okay, same could be said for the UK folder). Anyone have an opinion on the HAKs?

If you have a credit card, buying the UK knife shouldn't be a problem. If you are trying to figure out the price, check this page out http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/

[ocelot777]

This is one possibility (and I think it's probably the best price for this knife in the UK):

http://www.extremeoutdoorgear.co.uk/production-models-spyderco-c-544_555_714_773.html

I've found them very helpful; if you email them I'm sure they could help. Alternatively, you could try Spyderco direct:

http://www.spyderco.com

[LooseGrouper]

mp510, thanks, but I was just trying to be humorous.

To those who have said "I wouldn't use a non-lock for defense...find a way to carry a fixed blade," I agree. Per my original email, this will be used for utility purposes, not self defense. I just like the convenience of the "tactical" folder style (pocket clip, one-hand operation).

ocelot777, many thanks for the sight. That is by far the best price I've seen. Probably explains why they are backordered!

Maybe we could talk some maker into making a folder with a flange at the top of the blade the lays flat against the handle when opened. Then you would essentially "lock" the knife by gripping the handle. Sound feasible?

[hso]

http://www.worldknives.com/images/andnav2.jpg

Old primative styles used this.

http://www.worldknives.com/product.asp?produid=237&typeuid=3

[Valkman]

Maybe we could talk some maker into making a folder with a flange at the top of the blade the lays flat against the handle when opened. Then you would essentially "lock" the knife by gripping the handle. Sound feasible?


Not really, unless "holding it open" helped the spring keep it open - it would be hard to concentrate on what you're cutting and keep a proper grip on the knife. Sounds like a liability nightmare for the maker!

Lots of makers make non-locking folders but with a limit of $150 you're not going to get close to them. I met a guy named Kelly Carlson at the last knife show, and his slipjoints are incredible. Magnetic action holds it closed and it's the smoothest knife I ever tried. But they were like $600 and up.

[Knob Creeker]

You could always carry a straight razor. Hold it by the steel shank and it couldn’t close on you. Although not ideal for everyday use or self-defense, it will do a good job at cutting and you should still have all your fingers at the end of the day. I’m not sure how they measure blade length in your area, length of sharp edge or from tip of edge to end of tang, but a razor’s cutting edge should be less than 5.5”. Be sure to check the laws carefully because a lot of states strictly outlaw the carry of straight razors.