[Dollar An Hour]

My CCW instructor mentioned that the permit covered knives too, although most people carry a gun instead. But it got me thinking. :)

I'm a newbie to the knife world, and I figure in most cases I'd rather use one of my handguns in a SD scenario to defend my life or the life of a family member.

But I can see situations where the handgun could back up the knife if needed. I won't bring out the knife against multiple armed attackers for example. Besides, having a knife is just plain be useful.

Or am I out of my mind, and any situation requiring deadly force deserves a *GUN* period? :uhoh:

[Smith357]

I found the my first run double edge Gerber Applgate covert to be very comfortable to wear, other knifes I have carried required at least minor modification so it would not snag and scrape my hand when reaching in my pocket for change. For example I ground off the thumb serrations on my CRKT Apache, I've also had to round off thumb studs, meld pocket clips, and polish screw heads on other knives.

[ACP230]

IMO no one above the age of eight should leave the house without some kind of blade. As soon as kids are old enough not to lose them every few days they should have a pocket knife of some kind. There's just too many times when a blade is useful. Adults should carry a knife, or two, as part of their daily load of stuff.

I carry a couple of lockback folders every day. One small one for opening packages etc., and a larger one this is generally sharper because it isn't used much, "just in case."

For hunting, and for when I can't carry a gun, I have a Buck Ranger that is a bit larger.

I haven't found a fixed-blade knife that I can fit into my routine, although I have several on hand.

[Jeff]

"Or am I out of my mind, and any situation requiring deadly force deserves a *GUN* period?"

Not at all. I carry a fully serrated Spyderco Police daily. Aside from it being a very handy pocket knife, it would make a good dissuasion tool against any aggressive dog that sees my leg as a good meal.

I think anybody that walks or jogs or has a job that requires your presence in residential areas should carry a good tactical folding knife clipped in his pocket, to be used against the 4-legged variety.

[ReadyontheRight]

So is the distinction between a "CCW" knife requiring licensing and a permit vs. a plain old pocket knife determined solely by the length of the blade?

I often bring a folding knife with a blade less than 3" while traveling in different states (before 9/11, I had no problem carrying it in a briefcase, now it has to be in checked baggage).

Are there U.S. states or cities where a small knife would require a CCW license?

[Texas_Archer]

I always carry one of my 3 kershaw knives.

To work were I have to wear dress casual I carry a Kershaw Splinter

Everywhere else I carry a Kershaw Spec Bump or a Kershaw Boa.

[22-rimfire]

I have a Spyderco Native purchased from Walmart. It is a not as quick to bring to bear as some of the assisted blades, but I like it. It takes a practiced one hand or two hands to open it. It comes fitted with a clip that can be easily removed it you don't like the clip. Cost is about $40. Take a look at one at your local store.

[zahc]

Spyderco Endura Wave.

[wrc]

I've carried Emerson knives (CQC7, Commander), as well as some of the Spyderco knives mentioned above (Police, Military). I'm also partial to Benchmade knives.

As a last-ditch defensive weapon, a folding knife is not awful. It pays to have a knife that you use for everyday tasks, like opening mail, cutting up boxes, opening packages, etc. double as your backup or defensive knife. Just like a pistol, if you aren't experienced with how it works, you have more of a chance of failure under stress.

-Bill

[TMM]

i'm suprised no one has mentioned:
BENCHMADE!
I love them. great company, great knives. Get them from newgraham.com, they're usally about $20 cheaper there.

I currently have a 921 and a 551, looking at a 732, 635, or the Presido (forgot model #) for next.

~tmm

[real_name]

Every day carry.
CRKT M21 full size plain blade.
I can open it as fast as any assisted.
http://military.pl/m/images/items/NCRKTM21-02.jpg

Work
CRKT M16 spear point plain blade.
http://www.myknifesource.com/CRKT/CRM16-03Z.gif

Next knife I will buy.
SOG Trident folder.
http://www.tackletour.com/images/picsogtrident15.jpg

[aufevermike]

I either carry my Cold Steel Recon (not the one made in Taiwan) or my Spyderco Delica. In the woods I carry my Cold Steel Trailmaster. I still thoroughly enjoy the DVD that CS gives with their knives. They really do put them to the test.

[innerpiece9]

I always, always, carry one of my many Gerbers... and my CRKT M16-13Z...


ip9

[tellner]

A lot depends on the laws in your state on concealed carry of knives. Are autos legal? How about double edged? Is there a difference between folders and fixed blades?

In general I prefer fixed to folders. They don't close accidentally. They are quicker to deploy.

Autos are cute, but a good thumbhole or thumbstud folder is almost as quick doesn't have a spring that will fail at a crucial moment.

Find one that's sturdy, made of good steel, is comfortable in your hand, gives you a firm grip and won't let your hand slide up onto the blade if you hit something hard like bone.

[ColoradoKid]

I favor the larger CRKT folders. Heavy duty, fast to deploy and intimidating. I own several and switch off models, as I wish...

[JShirley]

I think looking for an intimidating knife is a major mistake. If you're forced to use a knife to protect life or limb, your opponent shouldn't see the knife before it's in use.

If you have a good choice, a knife makes a poor defensive weapon in most
cases. Weapons that will give you, the lawful defensive user, distance are the way to go...

John

[Valkman]

If I wanted a knife for protection I'd carry a waved Emerson. Fastest deployed knife there is, and that would be important. But if I can carry a gun (and I do) I am never pulling a knife for protection. If deadly force is called for then use your gun and not the knife.

[Hikingman]

When I'm walking the dog in the neighborhood, I usually carry a Schrade CH18 cliphanger, inexpensive, and I really believe I could have shaved with it, out of the box. Nearly 8 inches extended, lockblade. It spells BUSINESS when open!
http://www.outdoor-knives.com/Pix/4160036B.jpg

[proud2deviate]

I've carried a plain edge Spyderco Police for about four years now. I keep that sucker stropped to a razor's edge, and it has never failed me. I feel naked without it.

[jcopeland]

BenchMade Automatic and SpyderCo Cricket with serrated edge.

[MadMercS55]

Some good pieces to consider for defensive and utility carry would be the Spyderco Manix, Benchmade 806D2, BM Rukus, Skirmish. I can't say enough good things about Benchmades in general. I've always thought that the knife and gun go together as part of the "whole" self defense package. If possible, a good fixed blade would be better than a folder for ease and speed of deployment.

[hso]

Or am I out of my mind, and any situation requiring deadly force deserves a *GUN* period?

There are very few "periods" in self defense and whether a gun is the only tool you need is certainly one of the "periods" professed by the ignorant. Your choice to add a knife to the defensive toolbox puts you far ahead of more "experienced" shooters who have little real defensive experience and who are completely dependent on their gun for every defensive problem.

The key is less the knife and more the training. Get at least a seminar on retention and use of the knife to aid in retention followed up by a defensive knife course.

I do agree with John that a big ugly intimidating knife is not the way to go. I also agree with him when he says, Weapons that will give you, the lawful defensive user, distance are the way to go, but I gotta say that very few self defense sceanrios will give you much distance. You have to learn to defend at bad breath range and 10-30 ft. Beyond 30 ft. you have little chance to need to defend yourself, but it can occur rarely, so you need to work on 30-60 ft. Beyond that, bug out. I'm a proponent of learning to use your hands and feet, knives and stick, pistols and rifles.

Look up what you're allowed to carry as a CCW holder and then get a fixed blade that fits the bill and carry it IWB.

[tellner]

"The gun and only the gun" substitutes one form of dependence - "The police will save me" - with another - "The gun and only the gun will save me." If you think of the gun as just another special-purpose tool you have a much better chance of prevailing. If it isn't there, isn't legal, isn't appropriate, or can't be used safely you will do something else. If your only response is "Gun!" you will be left with a pattern break.

[tyme]

fixed: spyderco kumo (4.125"/3.75" sharp)
folder: any benchmade axis lock

[Gordon]

The Camillus 7" 'Gibbs' special CUDA MAXX does it for me in a folder. It is Ca. legal!:neener:

However I feel much safer with a Mad Dog VooDoo Cat fixed 6" knife , which in Ca. is NOT legal:confused:

[Geno]

Even when I was a junior high/high school principal, I believed that it was perfectly fine for a student to bring a "pocket-knife" to school, BUT, to leave it safely in the pocket. Oh how the world of education has changed with the ZERO tolerance law!

However, for adults, in Michigan, it is not permitted to use a knife for self-defense. Or, so the CCW (Director of the County S.W.A.T. team & a practicing attorney told our CCW course). It has to do with the fact that, save for a head-shot, one-shot, instant-kills are truly rare! Most people with a knife in hand, can cover about 40 feet before being stopped by pistol fire! That means that most people would get cut if they BG really wanted to do so, inasmuch as most defense situations occur at about 7-10 feet. Add to this that kevlar does NOT stop a knife, and one understands why knives are not permitted for self-defense carry (in Michigan).

He told us, carry your knife by all means, EVERYONE should, BUT, if pulled over, tell the police that you work at Xxxxxx" store and shooting range, and that you use it to open boxes. :) Okay.

Personally, I take one of the following:

1) Cold Steel Land & Sea Rescue
2) Leatherman Tool (Original Model)
3) Sheffield razor (Locking, folder)

Care to guess my favorite? Exactly--the Leatherman Tool!

Doc2005

[tellner]

Doc, what exactly do you mean? Is it illegal to carry a pocket knife in Michigan? Is there a special law which states that it is a crime to use a knife in self defense? I'm a little skeptical.

Knifelaw linked to a site (http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/mi.txt)with information about the law in Michigan. Carrying with the intent to use unalwfully is a crime. Concealed dirks, daggers are out. For some reason the law has weird attitudes about things being carried in cars. Other than that I can't see where a pocketknife or non-concealed fixed blade knife is illegal to use in lawful self defense or to carry.

Strangely enough, knapped stone is specifically excluded from the definintion of "dangerous stabbing instrument". Guess I'll have to get obsidian and an antler if I plan on visiting Michigan...

[Topgun]

I carry this one, Benchmade Stryker 910 plain edge....but they are stopping production.
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/8422/stryker6ox.jpg

Also like the little Spyderco Delica with fully serrated edge. Smaller and handier and a better cutter if not as neat.

But.....when thinking SELF DEFENSE.....stick to a gun or pepper spray.

Knives will get you hurt.

[tellner]

At very close quarters you're at least as well off with a knife as a gun. They don't run out of ammunition. They are dangerous in more than one direction at once. They are legal in places where guns aren't.

Pepper spray? For self defense against people who really want to hurt you? Not if you value your life.

[JShirley]

I dunno. I'm fairly confident with a knife, but then, I'm quick, agile, and determined.

And I have years of training. Oh, and I've actually killed large animals (deer) with knives. Still, there are good reasons to be cautious about using knives if there are any other options...blood-borne diseases being just one of the potential issues.

John

[Valkman]

If you're going to pull a weapon that's considered a deadly weapon, and you have a choice of a knife or a gun, you'd be nuts to pull the knife IMHO. If you're a master combat ace with a knife fine but I'm not getting into a knife fight with anyone unless both Kimber mags are empty. I'd carry a BUG before I carried a knife "to back up the gun" if I was that worried about it.

[KarbineKrazy]

I believe the knife as a last ditch weapon, or a weapon retention tool to be carried on the weak side. If some azz hat has his hand on your gun, you grab your gun. If he doesn't let go, you CUT HIM! Atleast, that's the training I've recieved.

So, Glock 23 in IWB strong side rig, NAA .380 in pocket, Sheffield Razor in lefthand pocket... Ready to rock and roll

[scbair]

The wisdom re: clothing for the outdoors is "layer it." Several layers of lighter clothing (t-shirt, flannel shirt, light sweater, windbreaker/water-resistent jacket, for instance) are much more adaptible to changes in weather & activity than a shirt and a heavy coat. You can use what's needed and pack away the others.

I employ the layered approach to self-defense. Alertness, first. If that fails, awareness and use of retreat and/or cover. If that fails, I want a defensive handgun. If situation prohibits the use of a handgun (can't legally carry, or it immediately becomes a contact-range conflict, innocent bystanders in the area, etc.) I want a sharp knife.

Advantages of a knife are: contact effectiveness (requires less brute strength than an impact weapon); difficult for an assailant to disarm me (grab what's exposed, if you want to . . .) and psychological shock value (the sight of one's own blood may act as a deterrent to further assault).

Now, if I can't avoid an assault, my handgun is either back in my vehicle or has malfunctioned, and my knife blade snaps, then and only then will I consider empty hand techniques (yes, I train, but I really don't want to have to rely on this alone).

As I want immediate access and great strength in my knife, but am legally prohibited from carrying a fixed-blade, my current daily carry is a Benchmade Axis-Lock specimen. A variety is offered; pick one that suits your needs.

[Sgt Stevo]

Check out the new benchmade assisted opening OSBORNE knife. I replaced my emerson withthis knife.

fast and strong.

[swampdog]

I currently carry a Spyderco Endura C10PBK. Light weight, good steel, no
spring to fail when you need it.

If you're forced to use a knife to protect life or limb, your opponent shouldn't see the knife before it's in use.

Excellent advice. If someone approaches you with his knife held behind his hip,
weak hand forward for blocking or grasping, he's probably experienced and serious.

[Dollar An Hour]

There are very few "periods" in self defense and whether a gun is the only tool you need is certainly one of the "periods" professed by the ignorant. Your choice to add a knife to the defensive toolbox puts you far ahead of more "experienced" shooters who have little real defensive experience and who are completely dependent on their gun for every defensive problem.

The key is less the knife and more the training. Get at least a seminar on retention and use of the knife to aid in retention followed up by a defensive knife course.


I am going to look into a defensive knife course and available training in my area.

I look at a knife as an alternative to a handgun, not usually better, but not always a worse choice either. ;) Nothing wrong with having another option!

There may be places where a firearm is prohibited by CCW holders, but a knife is not. :scrutiny:

My CCW instructor wasn't specific on type of knife when he said "it's OK to carry a knife". I will look at state law but I believe a fixed blade is OK. I'm thinking a fixed blade IWB would be easily hidden.

One advantage of a knife is much less chance of a civil lawsuit because your shot missed (or overpenetrated) and hit an unintended target.

I must ask, if you have to stop a BG in self-defense and you have a knife, where is the best place to actually stab him?

[SRMohawk]

They're very expensive, but look at both MercWorx and Strider knives. Only knives I know of with which you can open a man-hole cover or hack the head and legs off a 250-lb feral hog carcass and still have a perfect edge!

[ruger357]

Benchmade. I usually carry the 705 but it's being replaced by the 707 tomorrow.

[JShirley]

While there may be times and places where one can carry a knife but not a firearm, the inverse may also be true.

Georgia, for instance, allows carry of firearm concealed with CCL, but does not allow knives "carried for offense or defense".

John

[middy]

Can't recommend a folder for self-defense.

I like the Spyderco Bill Moran drop-point; light, tough, razor-sharp, awesome sheath (I took the TekLock off and laced paracord through the eyelets, much more concealable).

[ocelot777]

Carry a knife for utility mainly (I think they cut stuff better than guns) and this provides a (truthful) reason for having it on your person if you need to use it for SD.

As regards efficacity, all other things being equal I'd rather have a knife than not:) , but this only really applies if you know how to carry, produce and use it.

I think talk of where best to stab a guy in a knife-fight is discussed extensively elsewhere (and has the potential to make us sound psychotic:eek:

Finally, as a side question, what is this "Sheffield razor (Locking, folder)" of which you speak doc? Also mentioned by Karbinekrazy . . . Not shaving razors I presume?

[12-34hom]

KaBar - TDI. on duty and off.

12-34hom.

[hso]

You're not going to be taking a course to "stab" someone if you're looking for a one day defensive knife seminar. The course will focus on using the knife to get someone off of you and your sidearm.

You may eventually take course that will take use of the knife to that level, but that's a later discussion.

The "sheffield razor knife" is a chinese POS knockoff of the Superknife. Both are folders that incorporate a utility blade into the design so that you don't have to sharpen the blade when it gets dull. Just toss the dull blade and replace with a sharp one from the box. GREAT utility knives that you don't have to worry over wrecking the blade on staples. Not so great fighter because it's a piss poor knife for thrusting/stabbing and the exposed blade section is small enough to require very precise strikes to shallow ligaments and tendons to disable an attacker. It's difficult to be precise when you're belly to belly at bad breath range with someone you're kicking and biting and trying to sever the tendons and ligaments on.

[ugaarguy]

I've carried quite a few knives both as a civillian, and now entering my third year of active duty service in the USAF. I've packed an Emerson CQC7, a couple Kershaws, a CRKT Pat Crawford design, a Spyderco Endura and a Centofante collaboration, Benchmade mini Stryker, mini TSEK, and Benchmite auto. They've rarely seen use since I picked up a Benchmade model 551 Griptillian. The 551 is great - lightweight, great ergonomics, great utility blade. I always carry a blade for general utililty, but I wouldn't be shy about pressing one into defensive use if it came to that. I like my 551 the most, but I also like the others. Get a knife from any major maker that you can open easily and that fits your hand well. Carry it, play with it, use it, get comfortable with it.

[ocelot777]

Thanks hso!

[Jeff Timm]

I believe the one weapon requiring more training than a handgun, is a knife used in self defense.

The type of blade would be dependent on Local Laws (and be VERY careful) and the training available.

Note that not all states define knives the same, and that while Gun carry may be preempted by state law, the blade is still regulated by both state and local laws.

Geoff
Who wishes he was rich enough to be escorted by bodyguards and full time lawyers. :barf:

[Sgt Stevo]

learn to use it. or die trying to fake it. Good classes are all around. Cold steel in ventura has a good one. But they are in most areas.

Most Infantry or ex infantry types can help you as well. I took a class From a guy when i was in camp Doha. Kuwait. he made me learn stuff I would not have thought of.

If you pull a knife, just like a gun , Be ready for whatever may happen. I got stuck in bar outside Fort Jackson SC. I was breaking up a fight between my buddy and local type.

It turned into a malee, and somebody slashed my left side and cut my belly. I did not know it until after the fight. Got some good scars and that 1986.

Point is, dont take it lightly. Dig:cool:

[wa_cowboy24]

I have read alot of your replies fellow members and it seems to me that someone should address the most important issue in my personal opinion when deciding to carry any form of weapon for personal protection : I am ready to take a life in defense of mine or my family, I am emotionaly ready to accept the consequenses both moraly and legaly for my action, and most importantly I am ready to stand before a jury of my peers to be judged for my action.

I was taught never to unholster a gun or knife unless I am going to end a life in defense of my own, in my opinion too many people carry weapons because it gives them a false feeling of security.

I dont mean to demean anyone but how many of you have truly asked yourselves this question, a weapon in the hands or on a person who is not 100% comitted both pysically and emotionaly to use it is worse than having nothing at all because crime statistics show this evry year. my intention is to provoke thought who here agrees with this?

[JShirley]

Most Infantry or ex infantry types can help you as well

I heartily disagree. Someone who happens to be in the infantry may also happen to know some knife skills, but the knife skills are not present because they're in the infantry.

Even bayonet training was not taught for a while. It's being taught again, but it's understood it's an agression exercise; no-one expects you to execute a bayonet charge. How much less "knife fighting"!

John

[hso]

Most Infantry or ex infantry types can help you as well.

No offense, but you were uniquely lucky that someone in uniform was available that knew much beyond the most rudimentary level in using a knife in a fight. The generalization that everyone else in the infantry is so knowledgeable doesn't follow. My personal experience has been that prior military and active military personnel come looking for training once they realize the need for learning to fight using a knife.

[AndyC]

Mark "Animal" MacYoung's thoughts on knife-fighting (http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/knifefighter.html)

[JShirley]

I didn't have time to read it all- have a lot of work due tomorrow- but from the above site: Knife "fighting" is an oxymoron
To start with let's clarify something: There is no such thing as a professional knife fighter...

However, the fact remains that there are people out there who are damn good with blades...and for the most part, they ain't martial artists. Call them what you will, the fact remains that these people will easily dispatch 99% of all martial artists trained in "knife arts." Because they ain't there to fight you, they are there to kill you.

Many years ago Peyton Quinn rightfully observed that most knife attacks are not fights, but rather assassinations.

Yes, they are murders. Or attempts at the same. Sometimes they are hot and enraged, other times they are cold-blooded and calculated. Very seldom is a knife used in a manner that is consistent with the claim of "self-defense"

As I have observed in my tapes on knife fighting, knife-to-knife altercations are rare. I made the observation then and I still stand by it that in a culture where everyone doesn't go around openly armed, knife to knife altercations are a mistake. Somebody screwed up. Usually the attacker who missed his initial assault. Or in the case of preexisting conflict, he was seen approaching and his "victim" had time to pull his out too.

Another way it can happen is when both parties are so emotionally screwed up and intent on "winning" an argument that they pull knives to "posture." When this threat display doesn't have the desired effect of making the enemy run away (submit) then both in a fit of temporary madness escalate it up another level and start slashing at each other.

In truth though, knife-to-knife conflict almost never happens. The idea of combat is to win, therefore it is usually a case of one upsmanship (i.e. knife against empty hand, club against knife, gun against knife, or just driving by and shooting the guy). You seldom will meet up against the same weapon you have.

Therefore the idea of training extensively to be involved in a long, drawn-out, knife-to-knife "fight" is both a waste of time and a fantasy. It doesn't happen that way in the real world.

THAT'S all on the money. I don't know if I'd use the term "murder", but I think of it like this:

If I am in a situation where I only have recourse to a knife, I have no safety margin. The distance is intimate, and there >is no time<. I must cut until my
assailant is not a threat, and the only sure ways I know to do that quickly are fatal.

This means that, although firearms are much more effective in general, if I am
forced to use a knife defensively, chances are very high that my attacker will
die. Why? Because I am neck deep in the doo. I can only hope that I won't
be going with my assailant.

John

[RS2]

However, for adults, in Michigan, it is not permitted to use a knife for self-defense. Or, so the CCW (Director of the County S.W.A.T. team & a practicing attorney told our CCW course). It has to do with the fact that, save for a head-shot, one-shot, instant-kills are truly rare! Most people with a knife in hand, can cover about 40 feet before being stopped by pistol fire! That means that most people would get cut if they BG really wanted to do so, inasmuch as most defense situations occur at about 7-10 feet. Add to this that kevlar does NOT stop a knife, and one understands why knives are not permitted for self-defense carry (in Michigan).


Huh? This guy told you he was a practicing attorney? Very interesting.

[mercop]

For martial purposes a fixed blade is always preferred. My two favorite worn on a mercharness are the Tom Krein TK8 and Mark Terrell Harbinger. Visit www.mercop.com and just click on their logos.

If you must carry a folder and it is to back up a pistol I would advise a Emerson Karambit worn weakside.

[tellner]

Eh, there are lots of decent folders. A fixed blade is a better choice if it's legal and practical. Getting hung up on one particular brand or style is almost always a mistake (unless it's a Randall :) ). With so much variation in human hands and all the rest there are often many good choices for an individual. They probably won't be the best ones for someone else. I personally don't like the Emerson Kerambit all that much. It's not comfortable and is a bit pricey. I carry the Spyderco Kerambit with a cable tie. YMMV. Use only as directed. This post not authorized by Major League Baseball.

In some ways a knife that you actually use may be a better choice. Sure, it might not have the MilSpecOpMoFo Eviscerator Attachment, but if it's familiar and comfortable in your hand and "comes when called" that counts for a lot.

[enfield]

I carry a Kershaw Whirlwind. Fits all of my needs. You'll get 101 recommendations from 100 people. :)

[Gunz]

Last ditch knives are intended to be deployed in panic and unfavorable conditions.

I avoid the folders and autos. Too many fine motor skills to pull, open, flick, or press. Also, you may have to remember which end is up on that folder: tip up or tip down.

I carry my CKRT Ryan Plan B fixed 2.5 in blade or so. I really like it. It has a minor curve like a karambit. Very economical. Nice grooved grip panels to drain fluids. Small, to the point, and available. This is my personal choice. Legal or not, it is a last ditch device. I just plan on pulling and slashing or thrusting. I may be blinded, in pain, or both. Still, I can pull, slash and thrust with gross motor skills.

I also agree that knife fights are choreographed events which look great on film. In the real world, it is a butcher shop moment.

I remember in the movie, "Eraser" when James Caan said, "I can't believe he got me with that cheap mail order ????!" That was when Arnold threw some belt buckle knife at James Caan on the aircraft, after being drugged. It does boil down to having some kind of sharp pointy thing to do the work. Old fashioned ninja stars are not the high-end 154CM or ATS34 steel jobs. They just poke and make people bleed.

For a non-edge knife, I like the FGX Nightshade Cold Steel offerings. Light. Cheap. Only designed to punch and make a hole. Legal? Not sure. Functional? You bet. I bought some of the push dagger models, and boy, they do a number on 8 layers of cardboard. Sometimes, I carry a simple push dagger FGX version. Glass filled polymer, I believe. Grivory. $6.

[Medusa]

I've thought of getting a decent blade. But my knowledge in that matter is severely limited... Is the folder really that bad? Or are it's uses limited (requires fine motoring skills under pressure). What's the pros and cons for both fixed blades and folders?

What I have laid my eyes on, Glock field knife (they say it has even balance for throwing, how useful and realistic is that?) and Ka-Bar Mule folder. Any comments on these? Or should I look at smth else?

Or what to look at (features, that is) when selecting knife for SD/utility?

[tellner]

Fixed blade knives are faster to deploy, but folders aren't teh 3v!l that a lot of people say they are. I've used them under pretty severe stress and not had a problem drawing and opening quickly. It's much less complicated than, say, opening a retention holster, drawing a 1911, knocking down the safety and adopting the Weaver stance. They have the advantage of being legal in a lot of places where fixed blades will get you arrested and raising fewer eyebrows generally.

[hso]

(they say it has even balance for throwing, how useful and realistic is that?)

"They" are full of crap. The knowledgable person doesn't throw his last ditch weapon away anyway.

I don't care for the Glock considering the wealth of stronger knives out there. The folder is just fine.

Where in EST Europe are you? There are many good euro knife manufacturers and knife makers that have good products at reasonable prices.

[Dave P]

Carry a big knife to go with that big revolver. You DO have a trench coat, DON'T YOU?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/Finster123/Knives/Thor44Mag.jpg

[Medusa]

Where in EST Europe are you? There are many good euro knife manufacturers and knife makers that have good products at reasonable prices.
EST is the country code, or EE (depends which system to look). But small country - small selection.

Hey Dave, knife must match the gun, eh? What about M16/long sword combo? Or M249/halberd?

[tellner]

Words of Wisdom from the Guru Bollers and his grandfather:

"If you need a gun, carry two and a big knife. If you don't need a gun at least carry a .25 automatic. And if you need a gun to go into that bar, don't go into that bar."