[trickshot]

I have been carrying and using an old Schrade three blade pocket knife for 35 years, and it has served me well. I recently decided to replace it with a single blade pocket knife that would be good to use for self defense as well as for general pocket knife cutting tasks. I want a knife that can easily be opened very fast with one hand. I also want a knife that looks like a traditional pocket knife, not a tactical fighting knife, and definitely not black. I want a clip blade between 3" and 4" long. I would like a blade made from high carbon steel, but I know that's impossible. I do expect to find one with a blade made from a type of stainless that has a high carbon content. So far I have not been able to find a knife like this. Any suggestions?

[sm]

Welcome to THR.

I prefer traditonal pocket knives as well, and it is sad the Old Shrade company is no more.

I use Case brand, and prefer the yellow handles with Chrome Vanadium blades, non locking - by choice, and on purpose.
I personally am not planning on using a knife in a knife fight.
I have used a knife in a defensive manner, and one of my favorite patterns was used , that being the Case Barehead, Slimline Trapper, yellow handle ,with CV blades.

http://www.wrcase.com/knives/pocket_knives/browsefolding2.php?Family='Yellow%20Handle'&Folding='1'&Item='0031'

Now I have no personal experience, just the feedback from those that have these Moore-Maker brands.
I have handled and used other MM tools and I recommend them highly.

http://catalog.mooremaker.com/browseGroup.cfm?item_group_id=29383

http://catalog.mooremaker.com/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=727402
http://catalog.mooremaker.com/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=727406

Just a couple of ideas and the feedback is excellent on their 3 blade stockman knives as well.




This post has been brought to you by T&P a division of CRR

Traditional & Practical a division of Curmudgeons Reprobates & Relics

[JShirley]

Hm. A knife that's semi-traditional is the Spyderco Kopa Jigged Bone (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44803), but it's got a shorter blade than you want.

Not very traditional- but still not silly tactikewl- is the Spyderco Caly 3 (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=6345). It's a slicing machine, and would probably last you the rest of your life.

A knife I suggest to almost anyone who wants to get into one-handed knives is the Spyderco Delica (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4903). 3" blade, lightweight and strong, opens easily, doesn't scream DEATH KNIFE!!!1 If you think you want a little more knife, the Endura (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4894)has an inch more blade.

I would suggest the H1 (completely rustproof steel) Salt (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3863), as well, but this doesn't seem to be a priority for you. Others in outdoor environments, or with very corrosive sweat might like it, though.

I personally think it'll be too big for your needs, but if I knew I was headed towards a fight, and for some reason could only bring a folding knife, it would be the Spyderco Chinook (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=6330).

If you think you might like the pocket clip, thumb hole, and good steel of the Spydercos, but not want to invest for one of their more expensive models, you might try out the new entry (BARGAIN!) priced Tenacious (http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=44756).

Hope this helps, and have fun!

John

[trickshot]

Let me list again the features I want.
opens easy with one hand,
looks like a traditional pocket knife,
clip point blade over 3" long,
steel has a high carbon content.

[JShirley]

You are going to have a problem finding something that looks like a Case or traditional Buck, that is designed to open quickly with one hand.

All of the Spyderco knives are made of great steel.

[mr.trooper]

Let me list again the features I want.
opens easy with one hand,
looks like a traditional pocket knife,
clip point blade over 3" long,
steel has a high carbon content.

Mcusta 124 (http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/MCU124/MCUSTA_124_TACTILITY_QUINCE_WOOD_VG10_BLADE.html)
Mcusta 26 (http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/MCU26/MCUSTA_26_BASIC_FOLDER_QUINCEWOOD_VG10.html)
Lone Wolf T-2 (http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/LW14690/LONE_WOLF_14690_HARSEY_T2_RANGER_TACTICAL_FOLDER_FRENCH_WALNUT.html)

All have one handed opening, nice wood grips, high carbon stainless blades, and semi-traditional blade patterns. I think These are the closes you will find to your criterion list without going custom. The are all fine quality knives, with Mcusta being the more traditional to my eyes.

[JTW Jr.]

Kershaw Double Duty...

slightly under 3" though , but a liner lock with thumbstuds but has the look of a traditional.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7431

http://www.knifeworks.com/productimages/kershaw/KS4390.jpg

also the Case Mid Hunter.
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4834

I love traditionals , however I have ZERO nails left , grinding belts remove them faster than I can grow them back...as well as fingerprints. ;)

[ArfinGreebly]

Well . . .

. . . there's always this little number (http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_store/item14-8507.html)
Buck 110 (clone?) "Double Action" conversion
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_store/images/product_images/14_8507_1158966243_1.jpg
(Listed at $45)
. . . although I don't know what your legal status is for that piece. And I really have no idea what kind of quality you're getting for $45.

I imagine (for that price) it's likely not made in the U.S., but you would want to apply due diligence in any case.

[ArfinGreebly]

Slightly more dramatic, but still just within bounds, is the Buck Kalinga Pro folding hunter with Rosewood handle.
For around $100
http://www.dantesknife.com/images/B419.jpg
The blade is just shy of 4 inches, and it has a one-handed thumb stud. With a little practice, you can get it open pretty quickly.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I should also note that there is a thumb stud mod which attaches to the blade of a Buck 110 or similar class of knife and which allows one-handed opening. I believe it's been mentioned here before, and shouldn't be too hard to find.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


For what it's worth, I just started carrying a Buck 297 Sirus. It does not meet your specifications. It has a drop point rather than clip point. At 3.25 inches, the blade does meet your length requirement. It's an "ASAP" assisted opener, and very one-hand friendly. It's not particularly heavy, and it's pretty flat. It has a pocket clip, but that can be removed. Of all the "modern" designs I have, it's the least "tactical looking." The handle on mine is "gun-metal" grey and has no designs or patterns on it.

[markk]

Perhaps one of the Boker Copperliners (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Copperline%20Knives&srch=eqCATE%20CODEdatarq%3Dbo%26eqKEYWORDdatarq%3Dcopperline)

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/boker/images/4611.jpg

[Mandirigma]

http://mtknives.com/harbingerflipper.html

specs http://mtknives.com/harbingerfolder.html

[mr.trooper]

Well . . .

. . . there's always this little number

Buck 110 (clone?) "Double Action" conversion

(Listed at $45)

. . . although I don't know what your legal status is for that piece. And I really have no idea what kind of quality you're getting for $45.

I imagine (for that price) it's likely not made in the U.S., but you would want to apply due diligence in any case.
__________________

Yea, its a clone. Real Buck 110 conversions cost about $120.

[CZ.22]

Hmm. Case mid folding hunnter is very traditional looking but has a liner lock and pocket clip. Boker Trapperliners and Case Russlocks also open one-handed, but don't have pocket clips.
Also, the Kershaw Ken Onion Sapphire is a gentlemans folder with a kinda of traditional, and very elegant look.
http://http://www.militaria.tm.pl/foto/1373.jpg

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I was gonn say:

"Kershaw Splinter with assisted opening is the best answer, I believe:

http://www.dealerease.net/catalog/product.asp?pid=52106&ret_id=962849
"

But the Splinter is apparently not an assisted opener. So I'll have to think on this one and get back to you - It's a tougher question than it first appears. Anymore, Buck and Gerber use inferior materials to other makers, unlike the old days. Gerber is essentially junk, and Buck is just *meh* anymore. Stick with Spyderco, Kershaw, Benchmade, Emerson, certain CRKTs, etc.

If you want fast and easy one-handed opening, I recommend that you get one of these feature combinations:

1. Assisted opening spring (AO), with thumb stub
2. AO with flipper
3. Smooth action with flipper
4. VERY smooth action with large thumb stub
5. Auto knife

There are bazillons of models with these features which are NOT in the traditional mold that you want. Perhaps none or one or just a few that are.....I'll keep looking and thinking.

Right now I would go with Mr. Trooper's recommendations - they appear to fill the bill, even if not AO - they allege to fall under category 4 with "very" or "silky" smooth action. I prefer a flipper on any NON-AO knife, but if smooth enough, a thumb stud only will work, esp. with a little practice. Have to keep the knife clean though, to keep it smooth.

[sadlsor]

Take a look at a medium or large Cold Steel Voyager. Reasonably priced, fee-Bay available too, and you can get a regular, non-serrated clip-point for your traditional look. One-handed opening, but if you ever would need a knife for self-defense, you'd be best served with a blade that has a strong lock. Did I mention the Cold Steel Voyager?

The scales are black, the blade is not.

[trickshot]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. The recommendation to get a knife with locking blade was good. Something I had overlooked. I don't want an automatic knife. I like the Case mid folding hunter a lot, but don't think it has a locking blade. I might buy it anyway. I also like the looks of the Slimline Trapper with yellow handle, but it's not a one handed knife.

I would be willing to pay a lot of money if I found a knife that was everything I want. After looking at all those and after much searching I have given up on finding what I want. Can't find anything even close. So I'm going to buy an inexpensive knife that is about the same size as what I want. I'm willing to get a drop point blade, and any kind of steel, but I think black knives are very ugly. Maybe I'll get a Buck Bantam BLW, it's not quite as ugly as black.

I thought about maybe buying a knife with a black handle and gluing wood veneer on the sides so it wouldn't look so ugly, but don't know if that would look very good.

Someday in the future I might have a knife custom built for me.

[sixgunner455]

The Slimline Trapper is pretty easy to use one-handed, and with a bit of very light modification, would be even easier.

Just sayin'.

[trickshot]

Please tell me how can I modify the Slimline Trapper so it is easy to open with one hand. I really like the looks of that knife.

[ArfinGreebly]

Anyone have a valid current link for the "One-Armed Bandit" thumb stud?

My google-foo seems to be in a funk today.

[sixgunner455]

Okay, first: The blade can be pinched between the thumb and index fingers instead of using the nail nick to open the knife as it comes from the factory.

To open, you would either do it two handed or take the blade, pinched between the fingers, tip pointed forward and the hinge in the palm of the hand, and snap the knife down sharply, holding onto the blade. The handle will snap open into your palm. This can be done with many knives, from traditionals to lockbacks. It can be hard on the hinge/spring/blade interaction of some knives, so if I was worried about it, I wouldn't do it every time I used the knife, just enough to learn and practice once in a while.

If you desire to modify it to be even easier to open, and make it easy to use one-handed, there are a couple of ways to do it. Steve (sm) can tell you how to use a match stick and pocket positioning to make it open like a one-armed bandit. I can envision it, but I've never seen it or done it that way.

The other way, which I have seen and done on some knives, is to take a half-round file and carefully slim down the handle in the area you pinch the blade. For me, on the Slimline Trapper, that would be between the upper handle pin and the shield. I haven't yet done it to the one I just got, but I've been considering it. Haven't as yet, because I'm just not convinced that I need to be able to open it one-handed all the time.

This would be done to personal preference/need/finger size. For example, you could just thin out the handle material on each side, but not cut into the liners. Or you could minimally cut into the liner to make more room for fingers, or on into it as deep as needed. This is already a fairly slender knife, so care must be taken not to cut too far, just as far as needed.

As stated above, it's usable as a one-hander from the factory, this is just enough modding to make it easier.

[CZ.22]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. The recommendation to get a knife with locking blade was good. Something I had overlooked. I don't want an automatic knife. I like the Case mid folding hunter a lot, but don't think it has a locking blade. I might buy it anyway. I also like the looks of the Slimline Trapper with yellow handle, but it's not a one handed knife.
Mid Folding Hunter has a linerlock, I'm pretty sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[trickshot]

I just re-read the description of the Case Mid Folding Hunter, and yes it is a linerlock. It looks like this knife has the features I want. Does anyone know how long the blade is? None of the web site descriptions say.

[trickshot]

I just found a web site that says the blade of Case Mid Folding Hunter is 3" long. Looks like this is the knife I will buy. Too bad they don't make one just a little bit longer and it would be about perfect. Thanks for all the help.

[sm]

Barehead Slimline Trapper is a favorite of mine and has been forever.
I prefer yellow handles and chrome vanadium blades.

Now this matchstick trick goes back before I was born, and works for any knife.
I was born in the mid 50's, and not all the Veterans from previous conflicts were whole, nor did they have a knife pattern called the One Arm Jack.

Ladies used this matchstick trick, even though the Switchblade knife was originally designed with ladies in mind - not all ladies had a switchblade.

I even use this tip/trick on Case Peanuts , Case small stockman and SAK Classic SD....

Two ways, one may work better for you, depending on you, the knife and all.

1. Matchstick is fitted so the tang does not come all the way down, leaving some of the tip up from handles.

2. Where blade fits into handle, apply and fit just back of blade tip.
Matchstick is a soft wood, it will not dull an edge.

Kitchen matches, or smaller match sticks, allow one to tweak to fit inside the handle and /or liners.
These stay in place quite well and still are easy to remove.


Barehead Slimline Trapper-
Simply retrieve knife from whatever pocket, and just catch the tip on jeans, pants seams, pockets.
Everyone has a preferred method of carry and dress.
Just see what works for you, and make it one fluid move.

I catch on front pockets, and rear pockets, right or left don't matter to me personally, I have been doing this too long.
Catch on a shoe, boot, cardboad box...

This is like a Gov't model of 1911, and left stock, the gun is so easy to run , if not mucked up with all the goopy curb feelers and fuzzy dice folks stick on 1911 clones guns today.

When I stay in practice, I can get one open faster than some with assisted opening.
Buck 110 users , have used this trick along with another, and these Lockback users, Buck 110, or Case Mako Shark, or Shrade equiv, were back when and still can get these out faster than some with newer designs.

Just in a area, with no locking knives allowed , and having to be less than 3" closed...
Case Peanut , Buck Lancer, Boker Pen knives and others, can be opened rather quickly and still be legal under workplace restrictions.

*curmudgeon*

I grew with mentors that shared learning correct basic fundamentals, and not learning with a crutch.

So I still use a pocket knife, I do not even own a locking knife.
Anything I learned from correct basics , transitions to newer offerings.

Tang: It will not hurt that knife to have a matchstick under the tang.

That tang was designed to be tweaked as the knife was used, and sharpened over years and years, which often means the tip does stick up, depending on how person sharpens.

Remove a smidgen from the tang, and the tip is below handles.

Many do not know this, and many current knife mfgs do not mfg knives as they once did, one reason is the collectors, another is folks are not using knives even if they don't really collect, another is the knife mfg do not know the correct basics themselves , and of course, we have the tactical designs.

Look real close at the old patterns, history is a great teacher, and the old patterns made as they were, were made that way for a reason.


I learned to use a pocket knife, and learned a lot more about "opening" and "closing" one, than any mfg can ever design into knife.

If a lock breaks, one has a blade with zero tension it just flip flops back and forth...

[trickshot]

sm

I like Chrome Vanadium Steel better than stainless steel. I like the looks of the Barehead Slimline Trapper. I think it also has a lot longer blade than the Case Mid Folding Hunter which is another plus. This is the first time I have seriously considered using a pocket knife for self defense and I don't know much about the subject. But it seems to me if used to stab and/or slash an attacker, because of the shape of the knife and the fact that the blade does not lock; wouldn't it be likely that the blade would fold back on your hand? If there is a way to avoid that, please share.

[JTW Jr.]

not that a slip joint cant be used for self defense , if you attempt to cut the wrong way , yes it is more than likely going to close on you , but face it , if you are in that much of a bind you use what you got. Slip joint is less than an ideal choice for self defense. A lock back would be the minimum choice.

If I had my choice when if the time ever came , I would prefer a small fixed blade over a slip , lockback , liner lock or framelock.

I know SM and others prefer the match stick trick , I however prefer to have the tip of whatever knife I carry well below the liner of the knife.

If you want fast out of the pocket , it is hard to beat the Emerson wave , though most of the time I can equal it with the dbl thumbstuds on my Strider AR , by catching them on the pocket on the draw stroke.

With all the good choices out there , if one can't find a knife that meets their needs/requirements , they haven't looked hard enuff.
:)

[ArfinGreebly]

Oh, my.

Trickshot, have you searched this forum for threads on defensive use of knives?

The short answer is defense with a knife is generally a bad idea.

If you really must use a knife for defensive purposes, then a locking knife is preferred over one that doesn't lock.

I may have neglected to mention that defense with a knife is generally a bad idea. Messy. Contact distance fighting means you are as close to him as he is to you.

If you just absolutely must use a slipjoint for self defense, I'm sure it could be done, but in my humble opinion (based on no personal experience) you would not want to stab, but rather to slash (think "straight razor").

I have no training in knife fighting. I used to fence, and I have some small degree of confidence in my ability with a sword, but fighting with knives just gives me the willies. I'd rather engage with a rolled up magazine or newspaper. Or an umbrella. Or a cane. Or a roll of shelf paper.

I once had a guy tell me he'd rather take on a knife-wielding attacker with his bare hands rather than try to use a knife. Of course, he was pretty good with his hands.

Anyway.

I just though I'd mention this so you'd have an opportunity to consider your options.

[sm]

*grin*

I mean I do the traditional bit and toss in how to shake a cane and say "git outta my yard!" for nuthin'.

JTW Jr is gonna toss in his two cents...

The Tourist is going ride up on Black Betty with his Professional Sharpening angle.
(I finally got a chance to use that pun)

Valkman, is going to toss in his two cents when his dawg ain't using his 'puter.

hso will share with us health and safety angle, some history and all...

JShirley will razzle and dazzle with a picture and good information...

etc.

Listen, the best thing one can do if they ask about a Pocket Knife around this joint, is to just collect the whole set.

I mean it is all good, and we have a good time, but you have to be nuts if you think you are going to have just one knife be recommended.


Hey, beats TeeVee don't it?


*grin*

[JTW Jr.]

whoa...wait a cotton pickin minute.... Valkman is letting his dog use the puter ? First the mill , and now the PC ??

man that town of Pahrump is going to the dog's I tell ya.

Get yerself a nice traditional to use..and maybe a locking folder or small fixed blade if you think you might need to use it for defense. The best defense is avoidance :)

as SM said , knife defense aint gonna be pretty either way. Fighting with a knife is best left to those that dedicate their training to fighting using a knife.

Me ? I have enuff trouble fighting with these stupid blister packs they package kids toys in or fighting with the wife over buying more knives...I dont mess with her , she has a gun...and PMS , that defeats any locking blade I could have. ;)

[trickshot]

It seems like there is a lot more violence nowadays, and its getting worse all the time. A lot more crazy doped up violent people around everywhere, even here in the rural midwest. I'm getting older and because of chronic illness I'm a lot weaker than I used to be. Hopefully I'm wise enough now to avoid trouble. But I thought if I should ever end up in a situation where someone is trying to beat me to death I would like to have a daily carry pocket knife that would also work well as a weapon. Thats all. I'm also going to get a permit to carry a concealed gun and if I should ever have to defend my life, shooting would be my first choice.

[JShirley]

That's a good stance, and one that I think just about all of us can agree on.

I personally favor other things for defensive use- a full 16-20oz drinking bottle of water or Coke, applied to an attacker's temple, could ruin their whole day. A mini Maglite could do the same thing. A closed folding knife, held with the end protruding from the bottom of your fist, adds quite a wallop to a hammerfist.

If you had a small metal light on a lanyard, you would have even more reach to keep yourself out of harms way, and the darn thing would be handy to have, anyway. Just some thoughts. :)

John

[sm]

trickshot,

I and too many others around here fully understand how you feel.

I am 53, and I spent most of my day around evil persons, in a restrictive area, where I could not have any weapons.
No gun, no knife, no nail file, nail clippers, mace, - nothing.

Metal Detectors, wands, and subject to search.
One setting, where I parked was some distance from the structure.
Another one my vehicle was subject to search .

I ran into persons from my past that do not like me very well, and do not wish me good health.

Yes, I can empathize, as can others around here.

Stick beats knife.

See, I do not want to get that close to evil, especially with a knife, or anything edged , either them or me, never have.
I have had to and this was in my youth.
One time if I had not had the damn gun in a holster, I would not of had to use the next tool I could get to, a Slimeline Trapper.
BTDT and I did not get cut.
I stopped an immediate threat, and I mean I did.

Cane or walking stick is low profile, and allows distance.

I carry a Case Peanut for my EDC .

Now when out and about, I prefer a screwdriver to a knife.
Criminals use these, proven street tool, and was proven before gun schools come to be.

Weapon retention, a cane, bottle of water, or scredriver works, and looks better in front of first responders, grand jury and jury of 12 peers.

Screwdrivers do not fold, or cut the user.
When a knife is used, somebody is going to get cut, and most times the user is going to get cut as well.

I am not trying to talk you out of one hand opening knife, or one that locks.
I care.
So me being me, has to share my thoughts and suggest folks think about a knife for a defensive tool, being at the top of the list when they also ask about a pocket knife.

Just me.

One might want to consider a cane, walking stick or even investigate a rolled up magazine when in a setting they cannot have a knife at all, and left the cane at home.


I really do understand how you feel.

[sixgunner455]

I also understand how you feel, though I'm not quite as... "experienced" as Steve. ;D

I use a cane/walking stick daily. I do not "need" it daily, but I have some issues that crop up intermittently and usually unexpectedly that, when they do, demand the cane if I am to stay ambulatory. Sometimes, just to stay vertical when I would prefer to be.

If I were to get into a serious wrestling match with a strong, reasonably sized young man, if I got twisted wrong (very easy to do in a wrestling match), I would shortly be in enough pain that I would probably be unable to continue, regardless of desire. If that person wished me ill, it would put me at the same kind of disadvantage that a more "experienced" member of our society would be in.

I look to my stick as being a deterrent and distancing tool, preferable to wrestling myself away from harm or sticking "harm" with a knife -- I am not above doing so, though the one time I had to stick a person with something, the only pointy implement I had available was a pen. It worked. Whenever possible/legal, a good pocketknife and pistol are also my constant companions, still, I have never been denied the use of my stick or a pen, even on commercial flights, and can't imagine a situation that would require giving either up.

Bottom line is, you always have options available, even if your preferred option isn't, and even if physical limitations (injury, age, whatever) put you at a perceived disadvantage.

[lovegbt]

Need to be fold of be still the knife of straight line

All long: 20.5CM
The blade is long: 8CM
The blade is thick: 0.3CM
Blade material: 440C
Degree of hardness: 58HRC
Handle material: Natural shadow wood
Net weight: 125g
The surface handle:Ash titanium

Carefully:This knife is fine to open Feng and the abnormality is sharp!


http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=77620&stc=1&d=1209799091

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=77621&stc=1&d=1209799091

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=77622&stc=1&d=1209799091

[Valkman]

Darn dog lookin' at puppyporn.com!

Anyway, I've always been big and strong and never, ever carried a knife as anything but a tool. Never a weapon - If needed I used my fists except for the time I got robbed at gunpoint (worked at a gas station) and a knife wouldn't have done much good there.

Now I'm much weaker and afflicted with arthritis everywhere. I live where CCW is easy to get so I carry a gun all the time, especially when going to Vegas. Whether I'm carrying a Strider, Emerson or Case the last thing in the world I want to get in is a knife fight. If you can get a CCW then do that as deadly force is deadly force whether by knife or gun and I'd much rather be the one with the gun.

The cane is a great idea, and I have a good one but never carry it. Not sure why, how I'd be perceived I guess. Weird! :)

[eliphalet]

Isn't a devise that will clamp to the blade so it can be opened "one handed" available? If so pick the knife you want, like, or fills your needs the best and buy it.

That Browning is a good looking knife, I like it, want to see one in the flesh,
Looking at the nice Browning buck cut out causes me to wonder if that would not substantially weaken the blade making it a whole bunch easier to break there under heavy working conditions?
What do you knowledgeable knife makers think?

[CZ.22]

I'm no expert, But I don't think so. Lots of manufacturers cut holes in perfectly good blades. Spyderco, Benchmade, etc.
Again, I'm no expert, but I don't think it would harm the knife.

[sixgunner455]

I guess that all depends on whether you are using it as a knife or as a pry bar.

[sixgunner455]

Trickshot, to go back to your original post and request, I have found a 1075 carbon steel, German made single blade locking trapper with a thumb stud. Looks pretty good, actually. On the Moore Maker website:

http://catalog.mooremaker.com/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=724260

[sm]

I thought I suggested that one earlier...

MooreMaker tools and other things I have used, and these are quality products.
I have not actually used their knives or their small stone, still everything I do hear, is great.

One of their knives, and that 3 1/2 " stone of theirs is proven by quite a few folks doing farming, ranching, timber marking, hunting, guiding and so much more.

http://catalog.mooremaker.com/viewProduct.cfm?item_id=392629

[sixgunner455]

Yeah, guess I missed that, Steve. Looks like a nice piece.

[hignhappy00]

I find a deal for Gerber Paraframe & Mini Paraframe Knife Set. (http://www.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=73361&ru=283) It is $21..
I got these for my husband and he loves them. He has always liked keeping a small pocket knife on him at all times and this is small, lightweight and perfect for him.

[JShirley]

Maybe we've covered this in the past: I'm not sure.

I often caution folks who want to carry a knife for self-defense. This is not because I am not perfectly aware that knives can be quite effective on flesh, but because our culture seems to have gotten this weird idea about knife on knife duels.

Knife duels are just silly. Silly to contemplate, and damn silly to be involved in.

Distance is your friend. The firearm has two advantages over almost any other weapon system. The first advantage is short train-up time, since it takes less time to become dangerous than almost anything else. Before the advent of reliable firearms, months or years were required to become truly proficient with any weapon. 30 minutes of explanation and weapons familiarization, and a hour at a range, and a person can be dangerous to attackers with a firearm. Yes, practice will be needed, but that same amount of time with most other weapons systems will give you much less return.

The second and most important advantage of the firearm is distance. The more highly trained, vicious and effective your attacker is, the more important keeping them from closing with you becomes.

If a firearm is not an option, anything to deliver force over distance to an attacker should be used.

How NOT to use a knife.

Should one be without a firearm, and feel the need to use PLF (I'm going to call it potentially lethal force, because the use of even so-called lethal force weapons is usually survived), the knife should almost NEVER be displayed. Small knives are tools to be used against attackers that DO NOT know you're armed with a weapon. If a small knife is displayed and brandished, a potential attacker, even if not previously using a weapon, will most likely escalate to one. (This is part of the reason I laugh, somewhat sadly, when folks talk about the "intimidation factor" of a particular knife. Your honor, I was badly intimidated by the deceased. He scared me badly. Why did I shoot him ten times? Your honor, I ran out of ammo.)

Other weapons are usually preferable to knives for defensive use. The best way to use a small blade defensively, is when one has somehow been taken by surprise, or been overcome and taken down in a life threatening situation. In those cases, a knife can be used to cut the way clear. Because it will need to be instantly accessed, knives used for this purpose should be accessible.

This is why I feel the Daily Carry Knife should usually have a pocket clip and quick opening mechanism. Like a holster for a handgun, a clip can hold a folder in a familiar and instantly accessed place for right damn now use. Depending on how you've been attacked, your enemy's hands might be an ideal target for a cut, especially if one or both is holding you. DO NOT LOOK at your target if in this situation.

Maintain situational awareness. Look at your enemy if he's facing you. Don't look in his eyes, look about as his eyebrows with an open gaze so you can see as much of his movements as possible.

I am of course not talking about simple misunderstandings between friends, I am talking about life and death. Have a plan before you get into trouble. Then try not to get into trouble. If you do get into trouble, if you have several programmed responses to certain attacks, you don't have to consciously think about those responses. They're already trained in, so your mind is free to do other things like figure out how to escape and evade once you're clear of the immediate threat.

There is only so much that can be taught without direct interaction. Knives have a place in the defensive pyramid, but they're the tools you may have to use when you're about to have your lights put out, perhaps permanently. If you're using a knife, things have probably gone very bad. Learn some effective targets with knives, and carefully practice cutting, but learn other things, like running, how to use pepper spray, medium to large dogs, firearms, canes, and even by god, vehicles, if it comes to it.

Y'all be safe out there.

John

[sm]

JShirley,

Thank you for your post!

[eliphalet]

cut out causes me to wonder if that would not substantially weaken the blade making it a whole bunch easier to break there under heavy working conditions? I guess that all depends on whether you are using it as a knife or as a pry bar.Key was "heavy working conditions". If your cleaning a deer or young elk and using both hands to pull that blade hard enough to split his brisket, or boning a critter in the field and working around joints or a hundred other ways a working knife can be used without abusing it or using it as a pry bar. The knife I carry in the field better be capable of these chores or it's about worthless as a tool unless cutting veggies or the like.
For me at least this is how a large folding knife has a very good chance of being used so to cut out about 75% of the blades strength so it looks cool seemed excessive to my old eyes, but then again maybe I am missing something. I like stuff that looks pretty as well as the next guy but looks don't always get the job done was kinda my train of thought.
Still that is durn good looking knife.

[hso]

Isn't a devise that will clamp to the blade so it can be opened "one handed" available?http://www.themartialist.com/images/bandit.jpg

[sixgunner455]

I remember seeing those aftermarket thumb studs years ago, somewhere or other. Interesting.

[Cosmoline]

I can't stand the "tacticool" knives everyone seems to have these days. For pocket knives I snatch up vintage Case XX's with solid brass trimmings. Using a blade for self defense is mall ninja stuff, but in a pinch you need something with a pointy end.

[sm]

Cosmoline,

I thought about you this morning while at the feed and store where they have Case knives.

Young man, of a friend of mine and she asked me assist with this fella, about to turn 21 years old.

He chose a Case Sodbuster Jr, yellow handle, CV blades, and simple cattle cane.
Something she and I had discussed with him, and assisted him on all this.

His CCW will be an older Colt Detective Special.

He "got fed up" with his peers, gun magazines and all.
Sold that fancy bike, he had to have, and found a plain old fashioned one.
Glock 26, magazines said he had to have, and he was given, that went toward the Colt DS.
His tactical knives, nice ones, some expensive, he got rid of.

His granddaddy spent time in Alaska on the pipeline back in the day.
He carried a Colt DS, Simple Case Knife and had a simple bike.
Often toted a simple cane when in some shady parts of town...

He has Granddad's Colt and Case knife...those are set back, and sentimental.

"Them old farts knew something, and one can learn from history..." shared

Just something a 20 year old shaking a cane and saying "git outta my yard".
I need to work with him on that part a bit more...*lol*

Seriously, down my way, quite a few young folks, guys and gals are either getting rid of new and fangled, and going traditional or not even interested in getting involved with new, fangled and tactical to begin with.

Lady carries a 70's vintage Case quite often, since that one is sentimental, she has a newer one like it.
She totes a Model 19.

She never even considered a new and fangled when they come to be.

[eliphalet]

I agree Cosmoline. Got real lucky this weekend and found a older Gerber folder. It was their answer to Bucks folding hunter only thinner, introduced about 1970, I believe. Brass with wood scales. One if the scales is missing on this one but the way they are made that doesn't really affect it a bit. Besides, whatdayawant for 50 cents. Love them yard sales.

[trickshot]

Today I bought a Case 61048 CV slimline trapper, old red bone.
www.vintageknives.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jncnnqfno

I think I will be happy with this knife. I'm going to buy a one-armed bandit stud attachment to put on it and see how I like that. Thanks to everyone for all the good advise.

Tonight I watched the movie Monty Walsh for the first time. A good Western and I'm at a stage in my life where I can relate to the characters.

[sm]

You are really going to appreciate that CV blade and that Old Red Bone is such a good looking and classic handle!

This calls for a celebration...I gotta go get me a Dr. Pepper after reading your post.

*here's lookin' at you*

[sixgunner455]

You will like that knife a lot. I am enjoying my yellow delrin version every day I carry it -- it's a smooth, trim, nice package.

[SleazyRider]

You ought to check out the SOG Twitch XL, and others made by SOG.
My favorite is the $20.00 Blink. Although the blade isn't long enough for your specifications, a handier knife isn't made. It carrys flat, has a money clip, and an unconditional warranty.

[trickshot]

I like my new knife a lot. It is like a larger version of my old Schrade pocket knife that I have used for the past 30 years, except this new knife only has one blade. This is a high quality knife. It has brass liners and brass rivets. The finish is perfect. And it looks terrific. I'm glad I chose this as a replacement for my old pocket knife. It's just the right size. It is small enough and light enough that I don't even feel it in my pocket. If it was any bigger it would not fit in my pocket as well. If the blade was any longer it would be too long for everyday pocket knife cutting tasks. At 3 1/8", the blade is long enough to use for self defense if I had to. The handle on this knife is large enough that I can get a good firm grip on it. This knife is everything I wanted and I'm very pleased with it.

[Todd A]

You picked a great knife. While I don't own any Case knives,cept Grandpa's Army Air Corps issue knife,I do carry a Schrade slimline Gunstock trapper.

Slightly smaller than yours 3 7/8 " closed with a 3 1/4 " blade and a brass liner lock,it is a near perfect knife. A great classic design.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/todda/194ot2.jpg

[sixgunner455]

That's a great knife, too, Todd.

[sm]

Shrade Old Timer Gunstock Trapper is a proven knife that has BTDT and is still proving.

[Brian Dale]

I think that I've lost the Ulster (later became part of the Schrade company) carbon-steel slipjoint folder that's been my everyday-carry knife for a while. I've got One Damned Pair of trousers with what I call "lose-y pockets:" stuff falls out of 'em, and before now, it was only a few coins.

A Case CV slimline trapper might be in the works for me, too.

It's a tool, though, not a weapon for me; I don't have the skills for knife fighting. I agree with you, trickshot:Hopefully I'm wise enough now to avoid trouble.My primary tool for not losing fights is my set of car keys: I put them in my ignition and be someplace else when the fight starts.

Edited to Add: I took a notion; went out and dug my Ulster slipjoint folder from the crevice next to the car seat--Oh Happy Day!

I might still need a Case CV Sodbuster Jr or Barehead Slimline Trapper (or maybe a Muskrat or a Medium Stockman) as a spare. ;)

[sixgunner455]

Oh, you probably do need to do that, then, Brian. They are good.