EDC SD Knife Suggestions

While I could use my EDC knife as a self defense tool, it would not be an ideal option. If I were carrying a knife I expected to use defensively, it would be a dedicated fixed knife. Yes folding knives and others are better to conceal. But when self defense matters, not even the best automatic opening or assisted knives can match the speed you can deploy a fixed blade.

My preferred fixed blade SD knives that are easy to conceal have been the TDI knives. Even the "Large" one isn't that big compared to a straight fixed blade.

https://www.kabar.com/search/searchResults.jsp

And for good surface level reference material, here is a dated video on the TDI knives when they first came out by John Brenner. You watch folks use folders in a timed SD situation to stab a balloon.

D.B. Cooper said:

That leek looks like it may be the one. I appreciate the comments, guys, and I get it: fixed blade is better, but there is just no possible way to carry one fully concealed. If I could open carry a knife, I've got an ASEK air crew knife I would carry. Anything I do must absolutely be 100% concealable. Thus, it's a folder or nothing.

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So do you want the freebie? I just dug it out and here is a photo of the knife. As you can see there are a few minor spots on the frame. It's still plenty sharp.

If you’re not gonna be a “Knife fighter”. The hawk bill blade is a serious cutter. Arms, wrists, hamstrings whatever you can reach, it will cut. Deeply. Very little training to use. And, kind of instinctive to slash.

I have a Civilian also. But, it’s pretty heavy and bulky.

The Tasman Salt 2 is exceptionally lightweight. I’d take the clip off and drop it in a pocket. I’d also get yellow. Is an “emergency knife”. Not a gutting knife.

D.B. Cooper said:

Sure you want to do that? Pretty spendy gift. Knife center is charging $60 for them.

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I'd rather see the knife being used than just sitting in a drawer. A dear friend who has passed on gave it to me and it will be the right thing to do to get the knife in someone's hands who wants it to carry.

hso said:

With a neck knife you're not whipping it out to cut boxes like an edc folder. You don't have a visible clip for anyone to comment on. It is on the midline and accessed by either hand. And as a fixed blade it has all sorts of advantages over a folder.

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Ok HSO, I'll bite, what kind of worn around the neck knife might be appropriate? Sounds easy enough to wear. Might be a little cold putting it around the neck in the morning during the winter.

dh1633pm said:

Ok HSO, I'll bite, what kind of worn around the neck knife might be appropriate? Sounds easy enough to wear. Might be a little cold putting it around the neck in the morning during the winter.

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I'm interested too. I'm also wondering about accessing the darn thing while I've got a hoodie on. And getting tired of the weight around my neck. I bought a SEARK while they were still available and benefitting one of our own. But I've never worn it. Very few Taliban rapists left here in SWMO, I think the Baldknobbers got most of them.

What is a SEARK? (South Eastern Arkansas College) Or something more nefarious?

If one can deal with a chilly stethoscope at an annual check-up, he or she can handle a neck knife. Besides, it can ride over a tee-shirt yet under the covering garment. Along with the intrinsic strength of a fixed blade, one also doesn’t need to worry about accidentally slicing their own thumb trying to deploy a folder under stress.

dh1633pm said:

What is a SEARK? (South Eastern Arkansas College) Or something more nefarious?

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Serrated Edge Always Ready Knife. A John Shirley design that was produced by Spyderco. Small neck knife designed for troops in AFPAK to be defense of last resort in a shower.

Do your state laws prohibit concealing a fixed blade?
Unfortunately, a lot of states still have onerous laws regarding knives in direct affront to the 2nd Amendment which is not only about firearms, but arms.
Knifeup.com has an easy-to-use summary of knife laws state-by-state, though it can be a couple years out of date. State legislatures are recently rescinding some of the most archaic statutes -- vague prohibitions on "switchblades" or BBK's.

Some states still have prohibitions on concealing "dirks" and "daggers." While you might not have considered carrying one of those, some states can interpret any fixed blade knife as a dagger. Worse yet are state laws that prohibit the concealed carry of any knife which could be considered a "dangerous or deadly weapon." Even if you have a CCW and lawfully carry a 44 Magnum concealed, concealing a steak knife can be unlawful. Grace is often given to anything meeting the definition of "pocketknife." Pocketknives are often defined as folders.

My favorite non-utility folders are the big ones from Cold Steel. Counterpoint, Frenzy, Espada, Rajah, Talwar, etc. Is a 13" long folder with a 6" blade a "pocketknife"? It fits in my pocket and it folds. To be sure of the legal issue, talk to your lawyer that's expert on the matter.

I can tell you that my preference for self-defense is OC spray. I've been in circumstances where both firearms and OC spray were prohibited, but pocket knives were not. If I had any choice, it wouldn't be a knife. The only time I can imagine choosing a knife for SD would be in the wilderness. I like my Cold Steel Bushman. Put that on a sturdy shaft and it's a formidable tool.

Under $100? Folder? Spyderco Delica, unless inflation has affected the pricing, since I last noticed. Be sure to find, and add, the edgeless trainer version, if it is still offered, when the budget permits. The availability of the trainer is a major reason to select the Delica for defense. The blade is legal-length, in most places that have such limits. There was, and may still be, a shorter-blade version, with the same handle dimensions.

The Spyderco Matriarch may be under $100, for those who want to use a hook-y beak-y defensive blade, and can resist the urge to ruin the tip, by using it for utilitarian purposes. Using a curved blade, for defense, is NOT for everyone, but can be very effective.

Blue Jays said:

If one can deal with a chilly stethoscope at an annual check-up, he or she can handle a neck knife. Besides, it can ride over a tee-shirt yet under the covering garment. Along with the intrinsic strength of a fixed blade, one also doesn’t need to worry about accidentally slicing their own thumb trying to deploy a folder under stress.

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I seldom wear a tee shirt under anything. Still hard for me to figure out how a neck knife would deploy in a hurry if ever needed while a person is actually dressed for the street. Especially wearing what I have on today - a hooded sweatshirt (no tee under) and bib overalls up over where a neck knife would rest. I do like the idea of a neck knife. Just question their practicality in most situations. SEARK excluded for it's intended use. And I still wonder about getting tired of it around my neck. I can't even wear a crucifix. Did dogtags back then, but I didn't have any choice. Now I do.

Don't get any digits close to that SEARK when getting it out of (or in) that sheath then. That little thing is dangerous to the careless person - or the rapist.

Boattale said:

"…I seldom wear a tee shirt under anything. Still hard for me to figure out how a neck knife would deploy in a hurry if ever needed while a person is actually dressed for the street. Especially wearing what I have on today - a hooded sweatshirt (no tee under) and bib overalls up over where a neck knife would rest. I do like the idea of a neck knife. Just question their practicality in most situations…"

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You will be very happy with high-quality merino wool tee-shirts. They keep you warm in cold weather, cooler in hot weather, and never stink. They hang-dry almost instantaneously when washed. Truly one of the most utilitarian and comfortable garments ever invented.

In the clothing situation you describe I would wear the neck knife hanging outside the tee-shirt and outside the coveralls (on a breakaway cord or chain) at a height you find suitable. Then it is just a matter of reaching beneath the hoodie sweatshirt to pull the knife directly downwards from the kydex sheath. I too noticed the initial weight of neck knives and then one eventually grows to not even notice the modest weight.

Just wait until you try the wool tee-shirt thing…you will be lovin' life with that garment.

I've worn this Barry Dawson. I'm a skinny guy at $132#'s and for as bony as I am, a slightly loose polo type it doesn't "print" as much as I would think it would. It hang's quite flat:


I received several of these Ulticlips clips to test carry options recently. Not so much suggesting his style knife carry but the clip itself allows the knife to be positioned in a variety of ways. The shorter Slim 2.2 has one slot that may be good for horizontal carry as well as being able to allow vertical-inverted options provided the sheath has similar inverted retention capabilities.

I didn’t get a chance to read the whole thread, so my apologies if already discussed, or decisions already made.

Michael Janich makes a compelling argument for a wharncliffe blade shape. I have no knowledge of SD knife use so I have nothing to actually offer. I watched a video with him explaining the concept and it seemed sound enough for a neophyte such as myself, but I also don’t carry a knife for self defense, either practically or theoretically. I carry a slipjoint these days!

A Delica Wharncliffe comes in nicely below your budget and has a very solid steel in VG10.

Be sure to check the laws of any state you will carry a knife. I live in PA. I have a k-Bar folder. It is legal on PA, but the blade length makes it illegal in DE which is just a few miles from my home. I go to DE to shop for many things to avoid the PA sales tax. So I have PA and a DE folders.

If you intend to carry a knife for SD, you best be sure to understand knife fighting. It is about slashing not stabbing. You wan the keenest edge you can find. Consider the Tanto blade. When the slashing is over and it is time to stab, the Tanto is probably the best blade for that purpose.

WrongHanded said:

I'd take an axis lock like a Benchmade Griptilian or similar, and a can of pepper spray with whatever knife I chose.

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Consider the mini presidio from @giggitygiggity. In your range. I have bought from him previously, he is a stand up guy!