[stdlrf11]

I'm in the market for a small fixed blade knife that I can clip to my waistband and easily conceal for those times when I can't carry my gun. Here are my criteria:
1. 3-4" blade. No longer, no shorter.
2. Easy to instantly remove from the sheath. It will be for self defense, so speed is essential.
3. Strudy, well balanced blade.
4. No double-edged boot knives. They are illegal to carry in Texas.
5. Simple design. I don't need finger holes, etc.

I've been looking at the small CRKT first strike and the Ontario RAT 3 online. I won't buy it until I can go to the store and see how it feels.

This is a little out of my area of expertise, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
stdlrf11

[Plumber576]

If you want a defensive knife that is THE quickest to deploy, it does not get any faster than an Emerson with the Wave feature. They are well balanced knives that were basically created for everything you just stated. Look here at www.emersonknives.com , find the model you want, then search the internet for the cheapest price.

I have carried my Emerson mini CQC-7B for 2 years now in a utility purpose and it has yet to displease me. It is a stong tool that is, in my opinion, worth every penny you wild pay over something like a CRKT.

Good luck with your choice.

Edited to add, Emersons are, for the most part, folders that I think you don't want to overlook. They can be carried comfortably in the pocket, and be deployed as fast as a fixed blade if the knife uses the Wave feature.

[Fosbery]

Er...the fastest knives to deploy are fixed blades, not the folding Emersons (though they are quick).

Benchmade Nimravus 145 is a high quality fighter with a 3.65" blade. I'd reccomend that. Benchmade outbounder has an older styled design but it still great. Should be quite a bit cheaper than the Nimravus and has a 3.75" blade.

[JShirley]

As I recall, the First Strike doesn't have much of a guard. I'd want one.

John

[Sistema1927]

Look at the Kabar TDI Law Enforcement knives.

[Plumber576]

i forgot to add that you might want to look into a hideaway knife, they are great buggers. http://www.hideawayknife.com/main.php

I had a strider, but a untility one can be had for under $70 IIRC.

[Fosbery]

Any good push dagger would be great, too.

[22-rimfire]

Check out Bob Dozier's knives. They are excellent and his Sheath A is very fast and fits horizontally on your belt. The Whittler, Canoe model, or one of the hunter models are excellent. Your choice. You can keep these knives scarey sharp which is what you want for a defensive carry knife. I believe A.G. Russell has some in stock as well for quick purchase. These are top flight handmade knives. You will mess with the sheath for hours (very fast) and you'll have a first class fixed blade. Links below: http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker/a_through_d/dozier_knives.html
http://www.dozierknives.com/

[Ohen Cepel]

Another vote for the TDI. I would suggest an aftermarket sheath (www.sheath mechanic can help you there) for it. However, I think the design is excellent and the price is very good! (I've bought 2 now).

I like the Hideaways that have been mentioned also, just haven't gotten around to buying one yet.

[stdlrf11]

Thanks for all of the responses.

First, I already have a TDI. It is great for an offhand backup knife, but I'm not sure it would be good for strongside use. It is mainly a slashing weapon, and the curved handle would make it difficult to thrust without changing your grip. If you think you can convince me otherwise, I'd like you to try.

Second, I'm not a rich man. There is no way I can afford to spend $200 on a knife. I can only spend $30-70, and $70 is a S-T-R-E-T-C-H.

Third, Push knives, daggers, dirks, double-edged blades and stilletos are illegal to carry in Texas, so they are out of the question.

Thanks again,
stdlrf11

[JTW Jr.]

I was gonna suggest the Kershaw Military but it it 4 1/2

Perhaps something in the Ontario Rat line up ????

Having carried Emersons , I find I can deploy my Strider AR just as fast. :)

all depends on how much you practice getting it into action.

[RyanM]

If you have small-ish hands, a Gigand Guardian might work. http://www.gigand.com/guardian.html

[Mac Attack]

I recommend a Strider SA or Strider DB. They are typical Strider, Big (3.5" blade and 7.25" overall) and Bada$$. I used to own a SA and it was a great knife that could have been used as a crowbar.

www.striderknives.com (http://www.striderknives.com)

[JShirley]

How much are the Striders? 5x what the man can pay isn't much help.

[22-rimfire]

I have a couple SOG Field Pups. Has a 4" blade. Nice knives. Take a look. You can buy them for around $35 usually at some of the online knife places. You will have to get a sheath rigged up though as the sheath that comes with it is a vertical sheath. http://www.sogknives.com/fieldpup.htm

In fact, you could get Bob Dozier to make you one as he will make one of his sheaths for most knives. I know how you feel about expensive knives. I felt the same way. Until you start handling some of these, you never really know the difference. The Field Pup is a knife that could be used around the kitchen; quite handy actually. Razor sharp.

Another possibilitiy is the SOG Topo Contour: http://www.sogknives.com/Fixed-Blades/contour/C47.htm I have not tried one of these. It looks a bit "modern", but it might be what you are looking for.

I bought a 12" machete a while back. No sheath. I am going to have a kydex sheath made for it. Unfortunately, the sheath costs more that the blade.

[Mac Attack]

How much are the Striders? 5x what the man can pay isn't much help.
Good point, I only read the posters first thread.

Second, I'm not a rich man. There is no way I can afford to spend $200 on a knife. I can only spend $30-70, and $70 is a S-T-R-E-T-C-H.
In that case get yourself a nice fixed blade Buck from Wally world. I have seen some good usable stuff in the price range of $30-$50.

[Tom Krein]

Based on your requirements I would like to recommend the

Benchmade BM14100

I think this fits your stated needs very well. While it does have some holes in the blade I do not think this affects its ablility.

Here is a link to a website that has them priced well under $70.00...


www.knifeworks.com

I would recommend getting a good quality kydex sheath built for it and you would have a very good package for carry!

Tom

[22-rimfire]

And the kydex sheath will add another $25-$50 in cost. I don't personally have a issue with the cost, but when you put these absolute limits on buying a knife that you say you will use to protect your LIFE.... I just don't get it. What is your life worth? Cheapest way to go is to get a quick folder and forget the fixed blade. Now you don't have a sheath issue.

The extra $100 in the purchase of a knife means nothing in the grand scheme of things if the knife really works for the situation you envision. Save money where it is practical to save money, not on the important things. This is one reason I do not buy cheap handguns. (Sorry for my rant!)

[stdlrf11]

In the "grand scheme of things," paying for food on my family's table is more important than buying a sharpened piece of steel that I may/maynot have to use to hurt someone with someday ;) After paying bills this month, I have $40 of "me money." I don't have hundreds of dollars to drop on the coolest new trendy knife or a custom made pig sticker. I'm supporting a family of 3 with one paycheck. If I'm going to spend $200-300 on a knife, I might as well drop a few hundred more and buy another handgun.
Okay, now that my rant is over....:)

Thanks for all of your opinions. I've pretty much decided to stick with my folders. I couldn't find a fixed blade that I liked, so I'll just keep my CRKT and Kershaw folders and carry my P-01 more often.

As for the money, I'll buy a new mag for my rifle and one for my CZ.

Thanks again,
stdlrf11

[Boom-stick]

Try these,

http://www.szaboinc.com/index1.html

I haven't got any of them but they do look good:evil:

[Fosbery]

Ooooh, nice :)

[hso]

Dan,

I don't think Szabo has anything in his price range.

[tellner]

I dunno. The Szabos look cool, but I have some concerns about them.

1) Too many sharp corners near fingers.
2) The protrusion on the back of the kerambit is wierd. Flipping it over is easy enough without it, and that maneuver isn't a terribly common one.
3) Some of the knives seem a tad expensive for what you get.

[Boom-stick]

The Szabos are really the kind of knife you buy because they look cool and you think would do you proud in a knife-fight, but when it comes down to it you'd probably wind up smacking the BG in the head with a brick just to protect the knife:D

As for the whole price range issue, if he finds something he really, really wants/likes I'm sure he'll find the money. (I know I do;) )

+1 on the HAK's I'm just thinking about which style to go for

And Coldsteel do a competitive price range of blades too.

Although it's a UK site check out www.heinnie.com for a good range of blades.


I noticed in a post further back about double edged blades being illegal in Texas, what would be the standing on say, a cold steel push knife with one edge ground down?

[stdlrf11]

You can't grind down one edge and call it legal. Unless you are REAL friendly to the cop, he'll get you for carrying an illegal knife. I was looking at the CRKT Hamond ABC knife, but with the serrated sawback blade, it is considered "double edged."

I'm not an authority on the definition of illegal knives in Texas, but I know what the statutes say. Most cops have differing views on what the vauge law means, which puts you in a tight spot when you have to explain yourself to them. There is a lot of discretion in this area. It is best to be safe and stick with what you know is legal.

stdlrf11

[Fosbery]

Cold Steel make high quality, low cost knives. They make a good few lil ones for easy concealed carry. Dart and Spike come to mind.

[Terrierman]

A. G. Russell's Sting would fill the bill and stay in budget. Ooopsie, it's a double edged boot knife so never mind.

[LooseGrouper]

I think these were designed for the exact purpose you're trying to fill:

http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/Action/Vendor_Show/Id/726

I have one and I love it. It feels really good in the hand even though the handle is very flat/slim. Mine came with two Kydex sheaths. One is for belt carry, and the other is for IWB. I checked out the CRKT site but they don't seem to be carrying them any more. Just type "CRKT Polkowski Kasper" into a search engine and you'll come up with tons of vendors still selling them in various configurations.

LG

[EricO]

I'll second LooseGrouper's suggeston of the Polkowski CRKT. I have both of the folders and have always been a big fan of anything Polkowski, especially Kaspar designed. I'd love a Pug! It's a very decent knife and when you factor in the inexpensive price it's a deal. Don't use it for utility purposes and keep it sharp. And if you want kydex for a replacement sheath, try out Tom Krein's custom kydex work, he rocks! ;) :D Hey Tom!

If you go up in price, there are many knives out there. I have a penchant for small fixed blades for some reason. For true self defense purposes I would look at the Shivworks models along with SouthNarc's training video. Devasting stuff! :eek:

EricO

[stdlrf11]

LooseGrouper and EricO,
I think you found it. That looks like exactly what I need for the price I can afford.

Thanks,
stdlrf11

[LooseGrouper]

Great. Glad I could help. Let me know what you think if/when you get it.

LG

[tellner]

Go to a place with a good selection of knives. Pick up and handle a bunch of them. If it doesn't fit your hand comfortably with a positive grip don't take a second look at it. Find the ones that feel good and have decent engineering and materials. There will be a bunch.

Remember, it's your weapon to fit your hand and your needs, not anyone else's.

[stdlrf11]

I've gone to the stores around here. I wasn't impressed with their knives. The only one I keep considering is the large TDI tanto serrated, but I'm not sure it could be used for anything more than a slashing weapon with the curved handle. I think it'd be hard to thrust it with your wrist at a weird angle.

What do ya'll think?

stdlrf11

[leadcounsel]

I run 4 miles daily with a backpack. I recently attached this S&W knife, handle pointed down, to my pack shoulder strap. The knife fits snugly in the sheath and pulls out smoothly and in 50 miles has never fallen out of the sheath. Comfortable handle, good steel, nice edge.

It was $15 + shipping. I think it is cheaper and no shipping at Sportsmans warehouse.

http://www.knivesplus.com/smith-wesson-sw-hrt3bf.html

[loandr.]

should give ya some options...enjoy

LD

[stdlrf11]

Here are my daily companions right now.
CZ P-01, CRKT Crawford Falcon, KA-BAR TDI, Kershaw Vapor II, Streamlight TL-2.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g197/stdlrf11/100_1432a.jpg

I want a strong side fixed blade for when I can't/don't want to carry my P-01.

stdlrf11

[loandr.]

:-)

[commygun]

Another (belated) vote for the CRKT P/K.
Stout, sharp, and 19.99 at eknifeworks.com.

[ready4shtf]

Here is the Texas penal code regarding illegal knives. Doesnt say double edged is illegal. Where are you pulling your information?


6) "Illegal knife" means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half
inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab
another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk,
stilletto, and poniard;
(D) bowie knife;
(E) sword; or
(F) spear.
(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is
capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or
stabbing a person with the instrument.



http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.010.00.000046.00.htm#46.01.00

[Fosbery]

(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk,
stilletto, and poniard;

A dagger is a double edged fighting knife. If it had a plain edge and a saw edge, it wouldn't be a dagger, but otherwise I don't see how it couldn't be.

[JShirley]

When you have the funds, Tom Krein does make great sheaths- I have one- and, if you save up, something like his TK-3 (http://www.kreinknives.net/tk_3.htm) would ideally fulfill a small EDC FB function.

John

[stdlrf11]

I've spoken with many cops about what they would consider an illegal knife, and many stated that if it looked like a dagger (whether it IS double edged or not) then they would consider it illegal. That isn't to say that you would be arrested or charged with a crime, but I sure as hell don't want the hassle. The safe bet is to get a tanto or clip point knife and call it a life. Any "boot" knife, whether double edged or not, isn't for me. I have too much to lose spending the night in jail.

Thanks,
stdlrf11

[EricO]

Stdlrf11, here's a couple of nice small fixed blades I own currently.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/ArchieGoodwin/c21ca12e.jpg
Lynn Griffith and Busse Assault Shaker, both with custom Dwayne Puckett (armoralleather.com) horizontal belt sheaths.
Below is a pic of a custom sheath Tom Krein made for a Busse Natural Outlaw I once owned. Nice work Tom!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/ArchieGoodwin/IMGP0886.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v384/ArchieGoodwin/IMGP0884.jpg
Loandr, that's a very, very nice collection of fixed blades you have. Very interesting collection also. 1st pic had a couple Perrins, correct? I've always thought the street scalpel with the horizontal sheath was a neat little pc.
Ciao,
EricO

[fedaykincmndr]

+1 for the P/K Companion great knife but kind of wide. It looks bigger than it actually is. If you've sheeple in TX I'd be careful whippin it out to open a box or something. It does have a false edge on top but you can tell by looking at it that it's not sharpened. I'd give it a shot. If you're into traditional an Anza makes a GREAT knife all around. All this tacti-cool stuff is kinda gettin' on my nerves. The best defensive blade is the one you have on you. If you're looking for tacti-cool then be prepared to pay more; that's where the demand is these days. However you may look at the Benchmade Snody Instigator (35 USD) if you're into the tactical thing. It looks like it'd be a great utility blade too. Just my $.02.

[kid_couteau]

Hi All

I would recommend that you carry a small bladed hunting or fishing type knife.

You really don't want a self defense blade for this you want something that says, "Hey I am not a dangerous knife I am the knife Granddad used for skinning out a partridge or whittling."

Anything that looks or says "fighter" is gonna buy you a hassle.

Just my opinion folks and worth just what you paid for it.

Kid

[stdlrf11]

I've narrowed my choices down to:

CRKT First strike, either the military or the smaller one
Cold steel Kubon
KaBar large TDI tanto serrated
Cold steel 4" gunsite (folder)
Spyderco 3.5" endura (folder)

Any advice?

stdlrf11

[hso]

The Sting is a dagger.

I think the Kasper Companion is one of the finest small fixed or folding knive designs ever made.

I do like the Endura/Delica knives from Spyderco.

[Joe Talmadge]

CRKT First strike, either the military or the smaller one
Cold steel Kubon
KaBar large TDI tanto serrated
Cold steel 4" gunsite (folder)
Spyderco 3.5" endura (folder)

Any advice?

If you go the folder route, get the waved endura 4, the best bang for the buck and has a wave to boot. But you're way better off with a fixed blade.

Regarding your choices, the First Strikes have had lots of reports of absolutely terrible edge geometry, and you want something that cuts. For self defense, I'd go with neither a tanto nor serrated, so i wouldn't go with the that particular TDI. The Kubon is okay, a tanto again, very little finger protection, but cuts well. None of your fixed blade options would make it anywhere near my short list, but that's me. Of the suggestions on this thread, I like Tom Krein's suggestion of the Benchmade best. Also like the CRKT Kaspar/Polkowski Companion if you're trying to save max pennies. Another really strong contender, and probably the best matter separator of the bunch, is the Spyderco Temperance http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SPFB05 These will be the least cool-looking but best pure cutters of the bunch. Look around, they are on closeout at some places, and can be had for even cheaper than at that link.

If you were to relax your budget a bit, I'd look closely at the Gryphon M10 http://www.elinemerchandising.com/GPM10.html The top edge is not sharp, it's not a dagger, unless Texas would consider an unsharpened swedge enough to be a dagger.

Joe

[Coop de Ville]

Spyderco Ronin.