Need advice on first EDC knife

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sanman513

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Hey guys! In the next few months I'm planning on buying a decent bike and start commuting to work. It's roughly six miles in a mostly open area meaning that people will be around to hopefully deter any muggers. But as you all know it's not a guarantee. Since I'm planning on wearing exercise type clothing and I can't bring my gun to work (hospital) I'm thinking of a small knife. I literally don't know jack so I've come here for advice. What are good brands and good styles? Foldable/non-folding etc. Thanks in advance for the input :beer::)

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The best defensive knife is a defensive club. On a bike that's pretty easy to accommodate.

The second best defensive knife is a defensive knife that you can afford.

How much can you afford? Can you legally carry a fixed blade instead of a folder?
 
A fully serrated Spyderco Delica or Rescue folder will get you loose from an attacker about as fast as you can deploy it out of your Speedo.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-DELICA-4-FRN--1560

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Rescue-93-mm-Knife-C14SBK--8217


Otherwise??

A giant, industrial size can of pepper spray instead of the water bottle in the bracket on the bicycle frame!!


IMO: If you have no training in knife fighting or self-defense??

A knife for SD is a genuinely bad idea!

rc
 
Yeah, without training, an EDC Knife for defense is a bad idea.

Also, if you wear scrubs into a no conceal place, chances are they have rules against any weapons. Check first.

A small EDC knife is handy for more than defense so carrying a smaller blade may be acceptable, you might want to ask around.

Kershaw, Spyderco, Sog and Benchmade all make very good carry knives in many shapes.

When not in scrubs, I carry a Kershaw blur. In scrubs, I carry one of several assisted open knives. Sog flash I, benchmade aphid (discontinued), or a Kershaw Scallion.

If I got into a situation with any of the above as my only defense, I'd feel very poorly armed.

Spend an afternoon at Cabelas and get a feel for the size you are comfortable with, then look at the various options from the lines listed above.

When it comes to price, the ceiling is the limit as the type of steel and location of assembly can push a pocket knife north of $300
 
I live in Orlando. I have a ccw. I'm thinking of having a duffle bag at work that will have my work clothes. Thankfully I don't have to wear scrubs. I wear 5.11 khaki pants and a polo :D

I was more thinking of keeping it in the bag at work and just wearing during my ride. I have 10 years of various martial arts training from traditional Japanese karate to actually training with the Gracie family in BJJ. I'm thinking $150 would be my limit.
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A bike pump will be a better weapon, and need no explanation. Be sure the bracket is located where you can easily grasp it, and you should find something with similar sized, weight, and shape to practice striking with.

A good small folder like the Spyderco Cat will come in handy at work.

John
 
Sounds like you should already have some stick training with your MA background so I'd make sure I had that covered.

Adding a knife then becomes a question of what you personally like the feel of that has the required quality. In your price range you have a lot of great options. I recommend going to where there are a lot of knives that you can handle to determine what feels solid in your hand. Bass Pro has a good selection you can actually handle.
 
A fully serrated Spyderco Delica or Rescue folder will get you loose from an attacker about as fast as you can deploy it out of your Speedo.
Click to expand...
The Spyederco Delica and its slightly larger brother the Endura are IMO a couple of the best EDC blades around, and they do lend themselves to secondary SD use. Another blade to consider if you want a more specialized SD knife is the Spyderco Civilian. It was originally designed to be a last ditch defence for people with little or no training in knife fighting.

A bike pump will be a better weapon, and need no explanation.
Click to expand...
While I might normally consider an impact (non)weapon a good idea for covert SD, I would consider a bike pump a poor choice. Cheap bike pumps are, well, cheap and expensive ones are built to be light as possible. I would expect most of them to fold up the first time you really hit something with them.

For a cyclist, I'd suggest carrying a metal "tactical" flashlight in a jersey pocket, fanny pack or handlebar bag. Pepper spray is another good option, and their are some designed for dog defence that come with a clip for attaching them to the bicycle. There are also similar pepper sprays with hand straps that might work for you, too.
 
Like I mentioned, I suggest going to a store with a good variety (cabelas, bass pro, police supply, etc) and look for a 3-4 inch folder with possibly assisted opening being a plus.

Here are some models to consider:

Benchmade Griptillian and Mini Gripillian

SOG Flash I and Flash II

Spyderco Sage or Delica

Kershaw Blur or Leek.

All of the above repeatedly get good grades from people who buy them. If you want to see reviews , YouTube can help. Nutnfancy does a lot of reviews.

Other good brands include ZeroTolerance and Cold Steel.

Keep in mind that each company will vary the steel and construction to meet a price point. Made in the USA can pull a premium. The use and type of steel will determine how often you sharpen. Also heavier doesn't mean better quality.

Before you buy, amazon price check. Retail, MSRP and deal value can be miles apart especially in $100 knives. eBay has knockoffs so buyer beware.
 
Thanks for the info guys. At least I know where to start. A friend of mine who commuters by bike got jumped a few months back. He thinks they had been watching him for awhile and decided to best him up and steal the bike. I feel confident that of out was one guy, i could hold my own butt more than one I need a shock factor, especially when they see blood, they might freak and run. I know against a gun, I'll get off, adjust the seat and let them have it, lol. I really like the flashlight idea too!! Going to check those out as well:beer:;)

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My phones Swype totally screwed up my grammar guys, sorry!!

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Even without the defensive aspect, carrying a knife means adding another tool that you may find yourself glad to have. I've bought a fair number of inexpensive EDC knives over the years, and while many are suitable for that purpose, the Kershaw RJI (3.5" blade version) is my personal favorite. It is easy to conceal with a slim profile and good blade/grip balance, and the assisted opening is among the best I've seen. The belt clip is secure yet so small as to be barely visible. I bought a spare just in case Kershaw discontinues them.
 
Toss in some spray with the stick and knife and a willingness to abandon the bike to save your hide and you're in good shape.
 
If you think the major threat would be bike thieves, the first thing to do would be to get an ugly old beater to ride to work on. Side benefit: greater appreciation of your "good" bike (and probably a more rigorous workout).
 
If it's legal where you are, an expandable baton would be my choice for non firearm self defense over any knife.
 
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