Which Knife is Best (sub 4")

[SharpDog]

The local laws here in my state allow legal carry of a sub 4" knife. I usually carry a 3.5 " folder (CRKT M16-13) http://www.crkt.com/m16alumn.html

But it occurs to me that speed is the most important factor in initial presentation and so a fixed blade would be quicker and possibly also more effective in parrying. (I am pretty handy in drawing the knife one handed but it takes maybe 2 secs. A fixed blade could be drawn in one second.)

Also, in the discussions about knife fighting (links below) a slashing technique seems to be prefferred / more effective than stabbing. TO that end I have been thinking along the lines of a sub-4" skinner E.G. a KOA Light Hunter:

http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catal...om=Skinner-Cleavers and Ulus&cat=Light Hunter

or maybe a drop-point hunter style:

http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catalog/prod_display.aspx?from=Fixed Blade Knives&cat=Alpha Wolf

or

http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catalog/prod_display.aspx?from=Fixed Blade Knives&cat=Yukon

And here are the knife fighting links:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1459052511793821456&q=knife+attack+vs+gun&hl=en

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=210350

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=235632

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=235113

What do y'all think? What sub 4" knife is best for self defense?

 

[Fosbery]

None of those. They're meant for removing the skin/insides of animals, not for self-defence.

Also, don't expect to be parrying with a knife.

There are many, many possibilities but I would personally suggest one of the fixed blade Benchmades such as the Nimravus (145 I think), Outbounder or the fixed Griptillian. If you have the money, a fixed blade Emerson Karambit would be great.

 

[Boats]

That linked video of the fat boy attacking cops is beyond stupid.

He runs straight up, apparently demonstrating how someone with a knife already out can close and seriously injure or kill a gun packer who can't get the draw out in time.

Of course his training dummies all just stand there and try to draw when the correct tactic against this soon to be winded side of beef would be to move off line from the attack while drawing. The unanticipated change in the target will throw off the rythym of the too fancy by half attacks portrayed in the video.

First of all, you should avoid a knife fight at nearly all costs. Secondly, it is true, anyone in a knife fight is likely going to get harmed to some extent. Parrying? Better have a short sword at the minimum.

Thirdly, much of the FMA is so much choreography, just like most non-practical martial arts. If you think someone is just going to stand by with their bare arms and allow three or four undisturbed attacks from wrist to deltoid, you partake in some pretty strong drugs.

Were it not seriously dangerous in any event, I'd love to see someone attempt some FMA tricks on mine or anyone's arm while I wearing my heavy leather winter coat with its wool liner. The jacket is practically slash proof armor. Go slash some stuff and go stab some stuff, sometimes you get it just right and make some impressive damage. Others, you muff the edge angle or hit wrong or with not enough bite and you do squat. Now imagine the target doing everything it can to thwart the attack.

The most illustrative demonstration of how stupid knife fighting is that I have ever seen is to have one guy take a black Magic Marker and the other one a red one and have them go at it and assess the wounds by number and location afterwards. All it does is reinforce the first rule of a knife fight--don't get into one.

 

[JTW Jr.]

I find humor in that video link , if one was armed and trained , they would not just stand and draw , as mentioned above , move off line , pivot , etc while drawing.... in a real life encounter the officer would have more than likely had his hand ON the sidearm not standing with hands at side. Yes defending against a knife is difficult , stay alert and give yourself any edge you can.

 

[up_onus]

i try not to think very much about stuff i have no clue about....
but, ima guess that proper hand to hand combat including knife fighting would be helpful in deciding on a knife....probably because you would understand what is needed in a knife fight!

good luck with your hunt as I am also curious....

 

[Charles S]

What do y'all think? What sub 4" knife is best for self defense?

I think it is largely subjective and your preferences will be based upon the training you personally receive and the style of fighting you gravitate towards.

I personally do think a fixed blade is a better choice for strength and speed issues, but I am more than happy to carry a quality folder when the situation dictates that type of carry.

But it occurs to me that speed is the most important factor in initial presentation and so a fixed blade would be quicker and possibly also more effective in parrying. (I am pretty handy in drawing the knife one handed but it takes maybe 2 secs. A fixed blade could be drawn in one second.)

Also, in the discussions about knife fighting (links below) a slashing technique seems to be preferred / more effective than stabbing. TO that end I have been thinking along the lines of a sub-4" skinner E.G. a KOA Light Hunter:

I think that if you rely on your draw to save you are in deep deep trouble. If you are facing someone who is well trained the fight will be over in seconds. I think situational awareness is much more important than presentation speed.

Personally; I highly recommend a good training course. Gunsite has a good short course. There are many styles, some more effective than others, choose one you are comfortable with. Familiarize yourself with other styles and try to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each style.

The most important thing I have learned after training: I pray to God that I am never in a knife fight, especially with a trained knife fighter.

There are some excellent resources on this board. I highly recommend some searching and some reading.

To answer your question; here would be my fixed blade of choice if I had a four inch limit. It is a Dozier model 6.



Here is my personal choice (I am limited to 3.5 inches due to Arkansas laws).

 

[22-rimfire]

Those Dozier blades are just about perfect if you can handle the price. You know, I need to get another one.

Issue is often not how fast you can get the knife out of your pocket to a ready position, but your ability to identify a dangerous situation that requires you to pull the knife. That ability saves you time and frankly I would never identify a situation quickly enough. I'm certainly better with a small firearm.

Fixed blades are quicker, but are more problematic legally to carry as they are more difficult to conceal. "Out of sight, out of mind" holds true for knives. But there is an intent to carry a dangerous weapon issue involved with a fixed blade. Consider, why would you carry a fixed blade in the city except for offensive or defensive purposes? It would be up to the police and your attorney to fight over the distinction and convince the court.

If I were you, I'd stick with what you have. On the fixed blade side of things, the SOG Mini-Pentagon may be a fairly good choice. But it is double edged and most likely illegal for carry in most places.
http://sogknives.com/store/M14.html#

 

[hso]

First, you don't pary with a 4" knife. Too short. Wrong technique.

Second, don't get into "knife fights". They're the stuff of movies and videos. Avoid them at all costs to your dignity and honor.

Get some training. Not from the internet or from a video. See when Michael Janich is going to be where you can get to. http://www.martialbladeconcepts.com/schedule.htm

I'm sympathetic to your plight. All of us start out interested in self defense with a knife. We read the books or buy the videos or download the web materials, but we all eventually realize that its sweat and bruises that matter and the only way to get what you need is to get together with a trainer and find a training group to practice with. Just bypass all the time wasters and spend the money you'd waste on knives and videos and books and find a good trainer to get together with and a groups of folks willing to beat each other up a little.

 

[Soap]

My choice:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=235809

 

[Edgy1]

For folders I would say a Small Sebenza or a Emerson Mini CQC7.If you want a fixed blade, Doziers are real nice.More affordable than Doziers but still real nice are Bark River Knives.

Edgy1

 

[Boom-stick]

+1 to everything here, especially Hso's advice

I like knives a lot... and have been known to have one on my personage.
But if you havn't doen so already, I would strongly recommend learning empty hand SD first, then move on impact/blunt trauma devices before going to a blade. with all the blood borne pathogens out there now, slicing and dicing just ain't as safe as it used to be

If you hearts set on a fighter. then get one you can ditch in a flash and have a replica trainer for so you can practise, practise, practise

 

[Edgy1]

I agree 100% with Boom-stick.Luckily I have never had to defend myself from someone with a weapon,but I have defended myself from a couple of tuff guys who wanted to show off for their friends.If you have even a small amount of training in the basics you will benefit.I have some experience in grappling,Mui-Tai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.A good friend of mine is a MMA Fighter and has worked with me for the last 3 years.This will get you out of 99% of the situations you can get in.Plus,its a hell of a workout.I rotate my LG. Sebenza and my Emerson CQC7 for general purposes and hope to never-ever have to use them for defense.

Edgy1