Help my cute girlfriend pick a knife.

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nalioth, I'm actually going to be in New Brunswick NJ on business soon. It will be late oct or early nov, and maybe there's a chance of delay for various reasons. If you're in the area why don't you shoot me an email and maybe we can grab coffee or something regardless of when I go. My email is in the dropdown menu here on this forum.

Bill, unfortunately fixed blade concealed carry is of questionable legal status in NC (probably not OK).
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the old "Dont bring a knife to a gunfight" joke here.
in all seriousness, I can't suggest a knife as a good SD weapon. The whole concept of self defense is to stop the attacker, while its true that guns can stop someone on a permanent basis, thats just the nature of the beast.

Mace, and Tasers can also stop an assailant. stop them long enough for you to escape, or call for help, ideally both. The issue with a knife is that while it can stop an attacker, in the heat of the moment it is unlikely to, and unless you're prepared to sever a carotid artery, or jam it into their liver, they problably wont be incapacitated for several seconds, even if you do manage to hit a vital spot.

That all being said, I carry an automatic blackhawk ATFK, but I also carry a Glock 30.
I consider the knife more of a tool than a weapon, I wouldn't hesitate to wield it as a weapon if I had to, just the same as a metal stick, or beer mug, or whatever, but in general I consider it a tool.
 
I had a Folts Minimalist, and I gave it to my mother to carry on her hiking trips that she goes on with a group of ladies from her church. For what it's worth, she really digs it, as did her buddies. I got about 5 emails from these very nice older women asking me, my mothers barbarian son, where they should go to shop for knives. Every single one of them went to KnifeCenter.com and bought one!

But you know, as far as a knife for self defense, I think a neck knife largely sucks. I don't really care for them, and in large part that is because unless I dangle it outside of my shirt (which my mother does) they are a real PITA to get to, in addition to the fact that I don't put a whole ton of trust into most kydex sheaths. I have nothing against the knives themselves, nor do I think neck carry is dumb in certain situations. I just don't like them for defensive purposes.

If it has to be a folder, why not something like a mini-griptilian? You can get them in different colors (including the ever so sexist pink) which reduces the threatening nature of the knife somewhat, and the axis lock is obviously pretty awesome. Or, since I am a Spydie fan, why not the Delica that you suggested earlier?

For a fixed blade, which I agree is a better option and which I do not think is going to be an issue for her though I don't know that, perhaps the Ka-Bar TDI? I have played with one, and while I am not a supporter of knife fighting, they seemed like a pretty good deal.

Anyway, just suggestions and opinions. I am in no way well versed in the world of stabbery, so take it with a grain of salt.
 
I've said this before, but it obviously bears repeating: "intimidation factor" should only be an issue when considering how non-threats and LEO will view your tool. If a knife is used defensively, the attacker should not be aware of it until he is unable to continue attacking.

Knives are NOT optimal defensive tools, but they are convenient. A quality small knife is easier to keep with you than practically anything else, due to minimal weight and size. If it's an option, something like a Kel-Tec P32, or even a NAA .22 in a good kydex sheath, would be a better choice.

John
 
John is right.

Knives suck as defensive weapons, ask the sword welding Gentleman in the Indian Jones Movie.

Knives work best as a stealth weapon. Your attacker should never know you have a knife till it is sticking in them, stopping their attack.
 
How cute she is doesn't matter

knife work is dirty, take practice, is she willing to learn?
If she is, then get her in with an instructor, and then once she has worked a bit with knives, let her go shopping.
 
If a knife is used defensively, the attacker should not be aware of it until he is unable to continue attacking.
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Exactly. You are stating the position of a person who thinks about the optimal use of a knife for a combat situation. That's a natural mistake, and it took me a while to really understand how this isn't an apples-to-apples comparison.

In a little while, I'll be heading out to my Saturday edged-weapons class, and will be practicing sword and knife technique. What I'll be doing won't have a lot to do with the needs of a woman heading back to her car at night. You have to put yourself into that kind of situation to see that a woman carrying a knife for self defense may have different requirements and strategies.

Now, if she wants to train and develop fighting skills, that's one thing. But if the purpose of the knife is to dissuade attack, then actually engaging and cutting and stabbing an attacker probably isn't the optimal envisioned outcome. Fine if it comes to that, but maybe better if it can be avoided.

I do know women who carry knives, and I've listened to them talk about it. What I've heard suggests that their plan is to draw the blade if necessary and suggest to the person causing them a problem that going and doing something else would be a better idea. Hence, snapping out a Ti Lite or drawing a kerambit is consistent with a "time for you to go away" message. An auto or assisted opener could also work well in this application.

The worst choice, from this perspective, would be a Spyderco or similar. There is little need for a small, innocuous scalpel or surgical-type blade. These are better for the fighter who fully plans to engage and knows how to do it. They are great for cutting an adversary and hurting him badly before he is even aware of what has happened. But that's most likely not what a woman who is carrying a knife as a defensive weapon wants to do.

That's a qualified statement, by the way. My school has a few women in it and they are the type who train to fight hard with a blade and who will close in and "go to town" if necessary. But then, they don't need any advice about knives because they know exactly what they want and need in a weapon and choose accordingly.
 
Gerber paraframe , plain edge may be a good choice, very compact and light, blade is small enough to not be too frightening, and the lack of serrations keep it from looking "mean". I have one and used it as a work/carry knife for years, and still do....opens like silk as well. There is a paraframe 1 and 2, each is a different size, pick one that's small enough or large enough.

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shockwave, it may work, but it's a dangerous gamble. A truly committed attacker- IOW, the most dangerous kind- if aware a blade is in play, can probably deal with it fairly effectively. You're most likely to dissuade the least dangerous threats with brandishing.
 
conwict said:
I'm a huge spyderco fan and have considered the delica (esp the FFG recent release)...
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I have that knife, i.e. the Spyderco Delica FFG, and I think it is perfect for a self defense knife in terms of size, function, and not looking overly aggressive (I'm with JShirley on whether a knife should look aggressive or not -- i.e. I think it should not). And she could get it in a feminine color! Price is reasonable too.
 
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A truly committed attacker- IOW, the most dangerous kind- if aware a blade is in play, can probably deal with it fairly effectively. You're most likely to dissuade the least dangerous threats with brandishing.
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Absolutely. We're on the same page.

Let's go back to this specific application. The woman in question is attractive, not trained, works in a bar or restaurant, late hours. The likely threat here is the drunk who won't take no for an answer. The slob. Some clown who's pestering her and starting to paw, etc.

Now, if you're like me - you probably are - then you arm and train and prepare for the maximum threat. The kind of person we read about here all the time: the committed attacker who will happily eat five or six .357s to COM and keep coming no matter what.

I don't think that's going to be this woman's problem. If it is, it won't matter what kind of knife she's carrying or how she uses it. Anything short of a firearm will be iffy at best. But the kind of trouble she probably wants to carry for is as you say - the least dangerous threat who most likely will see a blade and decide to go do something else.

Y'know, I've got a neighbor who custom builds ARs and is featured in a Magpul Dynamics video. A very talented and trained shooter, he's told me that he's more frightened of knives than of guns. That's fairly typical. The 'snick' of a rapidly deployed blade and the sight of it will probably handle most common situations, just as some 99 percent of all defensive uses of firearms do not involve discharging the weapon.

I really don't know how to make this any more clear. I train constantly for excellence with bladed weapons, but I also recognize that the mere presentation of the weapon might, in the best-case scenario, get the job done. So there's really no downside to carrying one that has some brandishing quality, and there are indeed drawbacks to the silent, stealthy, SOG blackened tactical models. Those are great for dispatching guards on commando raids, but for general SD I lean toward large, visible and loud.
 
A very talented and trained shooter, he's told me that he's more frightened of knives than of guns.
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To branch off a bit from this statement, I will say I am more afraid to use a knife than a gun. Actually "afraid" probably isn't the best word... Maybe "more horrified" would be better. I have seen people shot, I have been shot, and I have shot at people. Not that it's a carnival, but for the most part it isn't as traumatic as a knife wound. I have seen a few knife wounds live and on the internet and they are ghastly. I really don't want to have to stab someone, and I definitely don't want to get into a knife fight with someone. I will do both if that's the difference between life and death, but I am loathe to do so.

It's not that I am saying I would rather shoot someone, because I don't particularly want to do that either (except in Call of Duty or something). I am just saying that one doesn't typically result in guts falling out or large pieces of meat flapping around or geysers of blood while the other does.

Sadly, I don't think many people who talk about SD with a knife consider the horror of doing so.
 
OP -

you've gotten enough of the whole get her a gun/knives suck for sd/she needs pepper/how much training will she get/etc. so... i'll just give ya the recommendation you asked for: i too had to select a SD knife for my wife, she too is "cute". well, actually mine is more like blazing hot, but anyway. i'm a fixed blade fan, but realize most women are not. i wanted some of the positive attributes of a FB in a folder package. so approaching from that angle, i selected a Kershaw Blur. oh yea, red seems to be about the girliest color you can get it in. i'm also buying her a pink Izula as a necker so the choice will be hers bases on comfort.
 
Both Mustang Steve & Diarycreek came up with decent options. One of my daughters carries a gerber paraframe. It is a decent little knife for the money. It is more of a tool than a defensive type knife.

My second daughter carries a chive, just in pink, not the finish shown. It is extremely fast opening and one hand deployable. It is also very small, so it is easy to keep on her person regardless of outfit, activity, etc.
 
First let me give a bit of my background when it comes to my training. In 2007 I was chosen to write and teach the edged weapons curriculum for the Air Force Special Operations Commands DAGRE (Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element), ended up teaching some outside of the box expandable baton as well. They were being issued a Strider fixed blade at the completion of the course and wanted training. A certain senior NCO (name not give for OPSEC/PERSC) and Strider gave the nod for me to do the training.

My edged weapons survival for law enforcement/corrections has been presented to the Maryland Department of Corrections Special Operations Group an well as the Southwest Alabama Police Academy. It is currently being considered for POST certification in AL.

I am also currently the lead instructor and curriculum developer for SAFE. I created a course for personal protection for nurses. It is currently being accredited in Iowa and Illinois for continuing education hours for nursing.

The reason I post this is so that you can tell where I am coming from. I train / have trained everyone from special operations to law enforcement to soccer moms. They all have very different needs. What works for troop in full kit is different from what works for a mom with a kid in one arm and bag of groceries in the other. They are also going to have different mindsets. What they have in common is the need to train to survive interpersonal violence in their "world".

Yes it would be nice if everyone had the time, interest, and money to train to be Jack Bauer or Laura Croft, but that is not the case. It would also be nice if every one was in perfect physical condition. But this is not the case either.

People need training based on the threats that they are most likely to face. The truth is that in spite of all the training in the world even troops and police are killed just about every day. It is the little things you do everyday that make life more survivable.

It comes down to awarness, avoidance, and LASTLY aggression. Too many people focus only on aggression and even then only what they have fun training in. Too little force on force and too many reasons to use deadly force. When you train to be aware, and avoid as much as possible, you will have a much easier time making a split second decision that will change your life forever.

As far as to what to carry. There are many people reading this that are often unarmed. It may be because your state does not have CCW. Maybe your employer had a policy against it. How about when you fly, and the time from getting to the airport and checking your pistol to getting it out of your checked luggage on arrival. What if you cannot carry at your destination? Do you feel unarmed when you don't have a pistol on you? Do you feel that you cannot protect yourself and your family? Would a professional mechanic not change a flat tire because he did not have all of his tools? If you feel unarmed without a firearm maybe you should rethink your personal protection plan. Even if you are carrying a pistol or knife, can you walk down the street with it in your hand? There is an excellent chance that during an attack there will be open hand contact before you can deploy your weapon. Do you have those skills? Even if you are infirm or disabled, do you at least stay close to a vehicle or wall to help you stay on your feet? A small impact weapon like a pen, flashlight, or cane in your hand may prevent the need to use a higher level of force or allow you the time to get to it.

What about an improvised edged weapon like the comb. If you don't think this hurts let someone rake it across your face. So if our loved ones cannot carry a gun or a knife they should not have options?

Do yourself a favor and teach especially the women and children in your life to fight like a cat to get away, not like a dog to win. Somehow I don't see my 14 yr old daughter getting an attacker into an arm bar and yelling "tap or snap", even though she has the skills. I don't want her to "win", I want her to come home to me and her mother.

If you want to carry a knife, especially a folder because of law, policey, or just personal preference, I suggest Inverted Edge Tactics. When someone tells you about what you can or cannot do with a folder ask them what they base it on. All their knife fighting experience, internet research, or actual training? Whatever knife you carry for SD you need a trainer, without it you are just hoping you will rise to the occasion. You have a better chance of catching a foul ball at a big league game with a beer in each hand.

As far as my training being tough, it is as tough as you want it to be. When grown men attend a few classes a year I am going to turn the stress up. And when I do, I fight everyone, and take my lumps. By far my most popular course right now is Combat Pen / Kubaton Course. I have one at the end of the month that is full of husbands and wives, and parents and kids (13 and above). With me you train as hard as you want to. Just remember your attacker is always training harder than you and has much less to loose than you do.

I realize that some are going to read this and think I am just advertising. The truth is that I make my living at this, or at least try to. I am retired from police work and now train full time. I put this information out to help people looking for good information sort through the flashy marketing BS and keyboard commandos (not talking about anyone in this thread). To see what I am talking about I ask you to watch Tactikewl. If I can be of any service to anyone, for anything feel free to call the office at 717-889-1753 or e-mail me at [email protected]. God Bless and Stay Safe- George
 
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Nothing wrong with including a plug for yourself when you can personally address a member's potential needs.

Lots of good stuff to think about. I'm personally a big fan of 2AA flashlights and 16-20oz water bottles* as impact weapons. And one can have those practically anywhere (*the empty bottle can be taken through airport security, and filled once through).

John
 
I like the Chris Reeve Sebenza or Benchmade 940. Both have strong locking mechanisms and nice blades. Neither of these are true fighting knives but they are both excellent all-round choices.
 
Original Post:
She is a hostess/waitress at a place open sort of late in an area that can be sort of sketchy.
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A bottle of Tabasco, is a a formidable weapon, in the hands of someone that knows how to use it. So are many other items in a restaurant/dining/bar setting.

My suggestion would be for her to attend some classes, and from the classes, and assistance of instructor(s) find what "fits" her, and her environment.

Setting up a session, with her environment, concerns and therefore focusing on mindset, skill sets, to use whatever tools she has. Not a "my way" or "gotta use this gun/knife/tool" instructor, instead one that is able to actually listen to a student and together they work on this concern.

This way, besides situational awareness, reading the room, she will find what tools "fit" her and she can better defend with tools she does the best with.
Remember:
No tool is ever any better than the user of said tool - anon

So what works for hso's wife, may not be best for your girlfriend.

My brain runs to Tabasco, order "books", pens, flashlight, wine bottles, corkscrews, aprons, stools, chairs...

SouthNarc comes to mind.
 
Conwict said:
Bill, unfortunately fixed blade concealed carry is of questionable legal status in NC (probably not OK).
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You're correct. I live in the Western end of the State, but have lived in the Piedmont and Coastal areas.
Not one place in NC were the laws the same because they can vary from county to county and from DA to DA.
Certainly a fixed blade brings out a big problem for NC residents and guests with our law enforcement personnel since the perception is so fluid.
So, probably a folder that adheres to your county's regulations, or the most stringent of length/carriage regulations is the safest bet.
I carry small folders like the sodbuster for utility work and what is allowed in Buncombe and other western counties for a sharp knife. That would be a 3" blade folder, as I understand it.
I also keep a kubotan on my keyring.
NC can make it very difficult to know and obey the law. :banghead:
 
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