What folding knife would you rely on in a pinch for defense?

[Coyote3855]

+1 on Spydercos. I have carried Endura, the Police model (too big for my size and did not like the feel of the all-steel handle), and am on my 3rd Native. Carry it daily clipped IWB just ahead of the front of my pants pocket on the strong side.

My knock around knife that gets carried in situations where I lost the first two Natives (hard chores around the place, cutting/loading firewood, feeding stock, etc.) is a cheap Smith and Wesson all steel model called the Extreme Ops (yeah, right) , model CK6A. The retail for about $10, so if one works out my waistband, or I leave it on the hay bailer, no big deal. They take a fair edge for a stainless blade, open either with a thumb stud or with the forefinger on a flange on the back side.

The frustrating down side is they are held together with three different sizes of tiny Torx screws, so you need to Locktite them all first thing or spend time looking for a screw about the size of a chigger.

 

[HornsKeith]

+1 to that, I've been trying to find out them for an age, theres an Urban myth that they even be offered with a matching trainer in a box set

And a fairly well founded rumor at that. No word on the price for that thing, though- the $249 MSRP / ~$160 street price is for the knife only. I'm sure the knife/box/trainer will be a sweet set, but it could be scary expensive too. The trainer would be a great way to practice both with its wave feature and handhold experimentation.

 

[Edgy1]

I love my Large Regular Sebenza.When it locks, it is as close to a high end fixed blade as you can get!All quality inside and out.

Edgy1

 

[Snowdog]

Benchmade Stryker is the one for me. Couldn't imagine a "better" knife.

 

[Boom-stick]

Quote:
+1 to that, I've been trying to find out them for an age, theres an Urban myth that they even be offered with a matching trainer in a box set

And a fairly well founded rumor at that. No word on the price for that thing, though- the $249 MSRP / ~$160 street price is for the knife only. I'm sure the knife/box/trainer will be a sweet set, but it could be scary expensive too. The trainer would be a great way to practice both with its wave feature and handhold experimentation.

Yes it would be sweet, as noted in another thread I just got a waved delica and a trainer is going to be a 'must' if I'm to avoid killing the wife/cat/furniture whilst performing drills etc...

 

[Sidewinder6]

Spyderco Endura. Combo with black handle.
I was introduced to this blade working with the SF-A teams back in the early 90's. It is carried by most operators 24/7. I was presented one as a gift and have owned one ever since.

 

[Cowgunner]

Cold Steel Gunsite with a 5" blade, it's the largest folding knife I can legally carry in Texas. It's big, sharp, and strong.

 

[The Cultural Woodsman]

Folder for Defense

I have always carried a M.O.D. Hornet on my person somewhere when in an urban environment. I also have a Spyderco Ronin fixed blade that complies with Michigan knife laws.

Even if I COULD carry a longer blade in the city legally, I wouldn't. It doesn't take much to stop an attack if you know where to "touch".

Personally I prefer a straight edge with no serrations or waves whatsoever. It should have a strong spine and tip but these are just my personal preferences from working in executive protection.

If you want to know about a knife for defense, I suggest you find a person who has been in a knife fight and survived (obviously) with minimal damage to himself. Training is fine but it never takes the place of experience.

 

[Clusive]

Emerson Karambit.

 

[trueblue1776]

Al Mar!

can I get a whut whut for the eagle talon? It fits in my bearpaw better than my....

 

[tellner]

Whatever I could get my hands on.

 

[Nortonics]

"Hello, my name is Tom, and I carry a cheap knife"

Nice physical size - sits in the pocket nicely with that slight angle - I never even know it's there. Plenty sturdy. Ain't gonna' win any awards for beauty or intimidation, yet I'd be fearful of an adversary wielding one. And always a sharp blade... I think it was a whole $8 from Gander Mountain.

Choose a knife you'll always carry - just like your gun, it doesn't do much good if ya need it and it's still sitting on the console in the bedroom.

 

[Burt Blade]

A Buck 110 "Folding Hunter" does the job rather nicely. They make a slightly smaller version too.

 

[Claemore]

Not only am I a gun nut, but I'm also a knife nut. How much are you willing to spend?

In the $100 arena, you have decent knives: CRKT, Cold Steel (which I prefer), Kershaw, etc

Hundred and above? I like Emersons, Striders, Microtechs, Camillus', etc.

There are so many knives that are available that it is crazy. Benchmade is a good brand and have great lock-up. Camillus did a couple of copies of Darrel Ralph knives. The Aftermath which has a 5.5" blade made of D2. This knife sits low in the pocket, barely visible and has a recurved Bowie shape. My idea of knife defense relies on keeping the opponent as far from you has possible- which means running if you can, but also means a long blade also. Also a big proponent of quick deployment, and the only wave feature I am familiar with is on the Emerson knives.

 

[kframe357]

I'm partial to my Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn Combat Folder. Feels nice and looks nice too.

 

[Steve2237]

Pointy things

My favorites include: Al Mar Eagle lightweight, Spyderco Endura 4, Spyderco Bob Lum Tanto and a Gunsite folderII.

 

[James NM]

the only wave feature I am familiar with is on the Emerson knives

I just picked up a waved Spyderco Endura, and it has an Emerson pantent on the blade.

I'm new to knives, and was looking for a folder for weakside pocket. Before I purchased the Endura wave, I was carrying a borrowed Spyderco Delica in weakside pocket. However, I realized that my weakhand was so "weak" that the fight would probably be over before I could deploy and open the blade weak handed.

After reading this thread I went to my local gun show in search of a "wave" - whatever that was. The first 2 knife vendors were clueless. But I finally found a knowledgeable vendor and am now the proud owner of an Endura wave.

Thanks for the info guys. Now even my weakhand can open a blade quickly.

 

[mljdeckard]

I am thrilled to death with my CRKT.

 

[Plink]

I cast my vote for the Spyderco Endura also. There are a number of "oh so hip and trendy" models out there, and the "tacti-cool" ones, and downright pretty knives, but for ease of carry, quick access, quick opening and downright viciousness of the cut, I haven't found anything that equals the Spyderco.

It's so light I don't even notice it and it always stays in exactly the same spot that I clip it into. It's faster to open with one hand than anything else I've tried. It fits the hand nicely and is easy to keep a grip on, even with wet hands. The Spyderedge serrations are very sharp and cut through anything. I abuse mine to no end and a couple years down the road, when I've dulled it and chipped a few teeth, it gets tossed in a toolbox, workbench drawer, etc. and I get a new one for my pocket.

Also, they have a very high level of customer service should a problem arise. I sent in a friend's police model that had the spring fail, along with my own Endura for sharpening. They just immediately sent us 2 brand new knives. That's the only time I've ever had to use their customer service. I've been buying them since they first hit the market and have never had a problem with one.

 

[Joe Demko]

I have a Sebenza around here somewhere that is all stabby and slashy and stuff.

 

[Brian Williams]

Right now it is any of these, and the bottom one is in my back pocket, because I am "in a pinch" at work.

 

[wildburp]

One about 13" long that does not fold

 

[Jeff Timm]

Well, depending on the location, laws, etc.

A good fighting umbrella might be better. Legal most places, not cheap, especially the bullet resistant models, and you need a few hours training in stick fighting techniques.

For pocket defense in not-so-great-er Cleveland I put together a Buck Esquire and a flicket for a lady, (Sprint steel clip on opening lever device.)

She showed it around and I put Flickets on three more knives, and one I did for myself.

This was followed by the traitors outlawing Flickets, and many other such devices. Sigh.

Geoff
Who notes his CCW in FL includes other weapons than a pistol.

 

[wildburp]

45 Gigawatt Colt Light Saber

 

[RandySneed]

Benchmade

As far as fighting folders go; I carry two. A Benchmade #610 Rukus for 'social work', good reverse grip, open or close with one hand, long enough blade to find 'the deep parts' and just enough edge line to 'slice and dice', handle is fitting for large hands. My secondary is a Benchmade #940 Osborne in OD Green. Great utility knife, very strong point and holds edge well, open and close with one hand. Blood is one of the most slippery substances around; it WILL get on the knife handle. Be sure the handle design will sustain a sure grip when wet. As a side bar and somewhat related; my 40 year old Randall #1 is IMHO the best fixed blade ever made.....If you want STRONG, albeit ugly and useful fixed blade...Cold Steel SRK.

Cheers,
A happy 2007 to you all