Fixed Blade

[Zaire]

I needed a good folder and got a Benchmade Griptilian. Now I need a good fixed blade for less than $100. I was looking at the griptilian fixed blades(154cm), the Benchmade Rant(440C), and the SOG Sealpup Elite(AUS8). I want a blade length of 4-5". I guess the question is, which would serve me best? Would the Rant be okay? It would barely be used, mostly just on my hip for running the trails 4 days a week. A just in case knife against 2 legged predators.

 

[hso]

Since you've defined it as a just in case SD tool, any of them will do that fit within the limitations of your state for carry length.

On the other hand, the better choice would be a stout stick.

 

[BigEric]

Having been a Benchmade fan for years I eagerly ordered the Rant online from Bass Pro Shops. Upon delivery I found myself looking at something I spent way too much money on.
The blade looks like it is a hunk of galvanized guard rail and the handle is a chunk of rubber.
It takes and holds an edge, and is a great "throw it in the trunk because nothing with tarnish it" knife, but for the money I was looking looking for something with a bit more craftsmanship.
To be fair it sits everyday in the center counsel of my truck, it gets used at least once a week and I have grown to appreciate it. At the time I paid something like $70.
If you can get it for $45 then it is a very good knife.

Hope that helps,
Eric

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a SOG Seal Pup Elite plain edge and feel it is a great all around knife for general purposes. If you choose it, I would suggest the kydex sheath as it is less bulky. It is my everyday knife that I carry in the woods and I have both sheaths. The blade steel is a little thick for camp chores like cutting food but is fine for chopping food. It works.

I also think a stout walking stick will serve you better overall for self defense purposes and the knife as a tool for cutting.

 

[EHCRain10]

if you really are running down trails, i would suggest a Mora, they are really light and cheap. mine takes a crazy sharp edge and if i lost it, im only out about 10 bucks to replace it

 

[Zaire]

I have a great oak stick I picked up 2 years ago on the same trail I run. It is about 4.5 feet long and my hand barely fits around it. It mainly just swats down spider webs as I'm running, but still misses half of them. Right now I carry my griptilian, but just felt the need for a fixed blade. Does anyone know the legal length limit I can carry for a knife in Illinois?

 

[22-rimfire]

This might be a place to start. Generally fixed blades are frowned upon in urban public places unless they are concealed. Hence the utility of the folding knife.
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

Bamboo works pretty well for a stick if weight is an issue. Bamboo is quite strong and light.

 

[gripper]

Knifecenter.com...I tend to favor th ecold Steel Spike series (especially the Scimitar!)...the Scottish spike looks useful and less likely to attract negative LEO attention ( shorter blade;no partially ground false edge). Also ; the Double Agent looks VERY useful for a shorty ( check out the Karambit type blade that is available)

 

[Carl Levitian]

If you're running on trails in a state/county/national park, I have to go with EHCRain10 and a mora. Innocent looking, low price in case of loss to a park ranger, and sharp enough to be wicked. very lightweight as well, less than a lockiing folder.

But you really will be better off with a stout stick in hand. It's there ready for use, and blunt force truma is imediatly incapacitating. A cut or stab acn take a while to be effective, but a hand or arm with broken bones in it, is out of action right now. And no laws against a stick.

 

[KBintheSLC]

I recently received a Muela Cazorla from my father for my b-day. Excellent hand-made Spanish knife. It's not exactly like the stuff you listed, but it is a top notch blade. It's more of a hunting knife, but it is equally adequate for knife combat. You might check out their line. Great stuff.

If you plan on using a knife as a primary weapon, I would recommend you take some knife classes. It is pretty hard to stop someone quickly with a knife unless you know what you are doing.

 

[Exmasonite]

couple to consider

CRKT M60 series

Gerber LMF II

and i think if you look around, you could get a Benchmade Nimravus or Nimravus Cub for around $100.

lastly, for pure "weapon", if you're skilled/willing to become skilled with a blade, look at the CRKT Dragon. But you're gonna have a lot o' 'splaining to do, if you end up using that one, lucy.

 

[BigEric]

Does anyone know the legal length limit I can carry for a knife in Illinois?

Never bothered to find out. I figure one way or another I am breaking the law anyway

 

[22-rimfire]

Blade length of 3" or greater is considered a dangerous weapon in the state. It could be different in a large city such as Chicago. Check your laws yourself. If you run into a problem, you can't depend on someone else giving you this information. (ref. above link)

 

[Aka Zero]

Usually, only concealing a dangerous weapon is a crime. anything under 4" is not a "knife" (knife = deadly weapon) anything under is a pocket knife.

Carrying a longer knife is not a crime here. (MO) as long as it's not concealed.

So, no sticking kabars in your pants....

But do your research, stay legal.

 

[hso]

You don't need a great heavy cudgel to bruise some punk's ego or break their concentration. Fast is more important than big and heavy.

 

[Zaire]

I get the whole more than 3" is a deadly weapon thing, but I see nothing about not being able to carry it openly. I asked a police offider and a sheriff deputy, and they said as long as it isn't a Crocodile Dundee knife they wouldn't care. Honestly, I never see anyone on the trail where I go, and my shirt is usually long enough that it would cover a knife with a 4-5" blade anyway, without it really being considered concealed.

 

[22-rimfire]

There are the rules (aka the law) and there is the enforcement and common practice from a law enforcement perspective. With laws, definitions are usually carefully crafted. Read carefully the definitions of key words like "deadly weapon", "concealed" etc.

A shirt over a fixed blade is concealed same as a firearm. Gun in your pocket is concealed. Read the actual statutes and make your own decision. Often much in the law and dangerous weapons involve "intent". Carrying a big knife at 7-Eleven in downtown Chicago is viewed differently than carrying the same knife along the trail. Many law enforcement people don't know the fine details of a law. They see a problem, they arrest you and you work it out at the station or in court.

My suggetion is unless you are out in a rural area where carrying a fixed blade is more "normal", avoid the whole issue and carry a folder with the blade under 3" long.

 

[Exmasonite]

and my shirt is usually long enough that it would cover a knife with a 4-5" blade anyway, without it really being considered concealed.

sadly, in a world full of potential legal entanglements, it either is or it isn't.

Can't have a "concealed" open carry knife. gonna have to pick one.

 

[Goblin]