self defence blade

[zamboxl]

Hey guys can someone suggest a good self defence blade, that's under 4 inches long. I need it for work, i currently work security at my University and we are not allowed to carry fire arms but are permitted blades. Not much ever hapens around here (until something hapens that is). But i work in a large area, 5 inter connected buildings and i feel that if someone ever does break in and gets the drop on me it will be atleast a few hours until i am found, asuming i am knocked out and unable to radio for help, so in other words i could use a blade just in case, suggestions pls.

edit: Requirements are under 4 inches, no switch blade (prefer fixed blade), and something that a college student can afford, in other words a $300 or $400 blade is deff out of the question preff under $200 if at all possible.

 

[hso]

You're actually better off with a baton/asp and no training than a blade and no training. You're much better off with a baton and a little training than a knife and a little training.

 

[Skofnung]

Sage advice above. An impact weapon of some kind will serve you better than a knife in both the fight, and in the aftermath.

That said, I carried a Spyderco Endura all through my college days. Heck, I still carry it. It is more tool than weapon though.

 

[usmccpl]

I have to agree with them. Baton is better than a blade.I use a blade now but between the marines and martial arts courses Ive taken I know how to use it right.Also find some good mace or pepper spray. No training at all needed to use it.





one shot one kill

 

[stdlrf11]

When I worked for my college PD as a student assistant, we all carried 3D cell maglights. They are one hell of a baton. I also carried a Kershaw Vapor knife for basic cutting tasks and an el-cheapo leatherman tool for when I found loose screws and bolts.

Hope this helps,
stdlrf11

 

[JShirley]

As the posters above have said:

a large flashlight is useful and legal. I've worked security in bad parts of Dayton, downtown Atlanta, in isolated spots in SC and GA. A long flashlight has reach, and if you had the choice, a long blunt object is much preferable to a short sharp one for defense.

John, currently working security with an M4...

 

[hso]

John, currently working security with an M4...

Yeah, but the other guy's got RPGs.

 

[JShirley]

IEDs are more common, at least in practice.

 

[Coronach]

You work security? Perfect. Get a large Mag-light and don't worry about the knife. Seriously. I have seen what a motivated individual swinging a big metal flashlight can do to another human being. If I had a choice between being armed with a small knife or a 3 D-cell metal flashlight, I'd reach for the flashlight, every time. Plus, it is perfectly useful in other ways, and is as close to innocuous as you can get, in a hoplophobe-rich environment.

You hold it in the interview stance in your strong hand (since you have no gun), fingers wrapped around the body just behind the bell for the lens. the body of the flashlight extends back over your shoulder. This is the perfect position to blind someone with the light, and you can bring it down overhead in a nasty chop, or you can swing it sideways (twist your hips) in a slice parallel to the ground.

It makes a very eerie hollow *CONK* when it connects solidly with someone's head. That someone usually stops whatever it was they were doing, pretty quickly.

Mike

PS Of course, you weren't trying to hit them in the head. You were just caught off guard when they rushed you, and their head got in the way of your flashlight. It happens.

PPS Seriously, the suprascapular strike point is a place for which cops aim when they do strikes, and twisting/turning/fighting suspects sometimes get bonked on the melon unintentionally. I saw that happen just last week, actually.

 

[zamboxl]

maze is not allowed, and we are already issue a small flashlight, but i'll see what i can do to get a larger one, and a carrying case for it, where could a find a good one for a decent price?

 

[The Deer Hunter]

Brass knuckles arent allowed either.

then again you can kill someone with knucks with one blow to the head...

 

[carpettbaggerr]

Hit 'em in the head with a MagLite, and there's a good chance they'll die -- just like Malice Green.

If you're swinging the Mag in self-defence, oh well. Just don't swing at the head if you'd be unhappy if your target croaks. Or winds up drooling for the rest of their life.

I prefer C cell Maglites. The thinner barrel fits my hand better. But Mag Instruments eliminated the 5 and 6 C cell versions last year. You may be able to find them still on shelves in some stores.

Cheapest prices I've found are here (clicky). Haven't placed an order, though, so I can't vouch for the store.........

 

[Devonai]

I am in complete agreement with the other members. I'll third the notion that you should carry a knife in addition to the Maglite. You might as well if it's authorized.

If one or two guys get you on the ground and you fear for your life, you may have to choose between using your knife or getting pounded into unconsciousness.

Just like a firearm, a knife is a weapon of last resort. Expect the biggest legal headache of your life if you ever have to use it.

 

[freedom and guns]

Zam Wessel my friend, you should know better. Get a shotgun. ooh sorry for blowing your cover but c'mon you can't hide out from the jedi forever. They probably figured out you survived that dart long ago. Your a living lesson, poison darts don't always work.

 

[freedom and guns]

Sorry Zamboxl. I had to make fun of your name to keep my streak going.

 

[freedom and guns]

Get a shotgun.

sorry about that and the sentence before it, I didn't know you needed it for work, get a 3 D cell maglite. Clubs are very good (and effective)weapons. Especially if they don't look like weapons. Oh and since you are a security guard, see if you are allowed to carry a straight baton.

 

[usmccpl]

When I worked as a security guard I carried a 3d Maglite and a 2aa maglite all the time.Both easliy double as impact weapons. Ask the drunks that gave me problems and the racoon that i upset in the middle of his dinner,let fly with th 3d and the coon went airborn for about 20 feet.




one shot one kill

 

[Ohen Cepel]

IF you decide on a knife the Kabar TDI should work well. Last resort. However, requires little training and isn't so large as to be a legal issue. I would look into an aftermarket sheath though.

 

[JTW Jr.]

under $200 .. one of the Simonich midtechs would fill the bill nicely.

 

[zamboxl]

thanks guys yea looks like i will be getting a maglite, but i still want to loo into a 4 inch blade that could conceal easily for when the ***** really hits the fan.

 

[Boom-stick]

Get blade training before deciding if a blades for you.
My blade is now 'last ditch' only.


3D maglights are good for clumping folk but if you wanna light things up get a surefire E2D aswell.

Brass Knuc's may be illegal but rock climbing 'binas aren't

 

[hso]

but i still want to loo into a 4 inch blade that could conceal easily for when the ***** really hits the fan.

I'm afraid you still may not be hearing us. The club is a superior weapon to the short knife. It's not a more PC substitute, it's better for your work. A knife would only be of more value if you were down and had someone on you. You'd employ it to get someone off of you.

Get a good stick/club/baton/flashlight. Go for a one day ASP/Baton/Stick course. Practice every day. You'll be much better armed.

To learn to use a knife you've got to dedicate much more time and effort.

If you're allowed to carry one then get a Kasper Companion from CRKT.

 

[Coronach]

I'm afraid you still may not be hearing us. The club is a superior weapon to the short knife. It's not a more PC substitute, it's better for your work.

Read that again, until it sinks in. Everyone thinks a knife is better for self defense. Unless you are really well trained, it is not. You're far better off going with either a baton (if legal) or a Mag-light. It is a far more effective weapon, training levels being equal. The fact that it is more PC is a mere bonus.

Mike

 

[JShirley]

Yup.

I wrote an article for CCL a couple of years ago on this. Knives, especially small knives that carry well, just aren't as effective for defense as many other defensive tools, even improvised ones.

OTOH, at very close range, a large knife is the deadliest tool in existence. You don't want to be in that range, and you're really not trying for "deadly", just effective.

John

 

[Devonai]

My thoughts revolve around the increasing popularity of Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, which really opened my eyes to my need to be able to handle myself on the ground.

I think BJJ is ridiculous to teach to Infantry soldiers, except that so many of us are pulling MP duty these days. I'm not saying you may never need it, but on the battlefield it seems unlikely.

In the civilian world, if I'm fighting on the ground with somebody it means that I'm fighting for my life.

Scenario: I'm in a fight. I did everything I could to avoid this fight, and with an existing leg injury I can't run very well, so it also means that I tried to walk away and got attacked anyway. My opponent doesn't appear to be armed so I didn't draw my weapon, but the guy is better than me and I've been knocked to the ground. In my mind, the use of deadly force becomes justified, because my opponent will probably realize I'm carrying a pistol and try to take it from me. I can't draw my pistol because my opponent has mounted me, so I draw my Benchmade folder and go for an artery. Even if I think I can withstand his assault I don't have time to dick around because he may have friends coming.

I agree wholeheartedly that a folder is a poor first choice for most situations. This is simply an illustration that it does have it's place in my standard loadout.