What's your "tactical" knife of choice?

[JahRo225]

I was just wondering... Most of the knives I have are just EDC knives with manual opening, none are really for defensive purposes. I do have a few kershaw speedsafe knives for fast deployment. What's a knife that you would carry if you were to go out into a shady area or place you'd feel insecure? I'm thinking about getting a mid priced (~$50) knife to carry in urban areas or when I go out with my girlfriend at night time.

[FireAnt]

just ordered mine:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st...l?s=BM907SBKD2

[connorCD]

Though I don't have one I would probably pick an Emerson CQC-8 or Horseman simply because the wave function cant be beat for speed in an emergency.

[singularity35]

Though I don't have one I would probably pick an Emerson CQC-8 or Horseman simply because the wave function cant be beat for speed in an emergency.

I'd say a fixed blade is faster. That's if you can carry one.

[socalkid]

Hello,

For around $50 check out the cold steel recon 1, cold steel Spartan, cold steel lawman, cold steel ak47, cold steel rajah 3, spyderco endura, spyderco resilience. That's just off the top of my head. There's a bunch of good quality "tacticool" blades in the $50 range.

Out,

Chris

[PitbullShogun]

hands down, tactical knife of choice is the CRKT hissatsu folder. check it out, you will be presently surprised. everything from the lock up, to the speed assist and even blade shape just shout "take me to the battle field"

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Spyderco Street Beat. It's just a superb design and extremely easy to carry/conceal.

[straightshooter65]

Microtech QD Scarab AUTO OTF 3.4" S30V Black Plain Double Edge Blade

[zignal_zero]

I'd say a fixed blade is faster. That's if you can carry one.

Yea, are u limited to folders? The best option, in my opinion, is a doubled edged fixed blade. They suck for just about every other purpose, but they're king of hill when it comes to a dedicated SD knife.

[JahRo225]

Yeah, I'm just thinking about a mid priced folder. Something that can deploy fast as well, those cold steels and that CRKT look nice

[cjd1980]

I just ordered a recon 1 . that micro tech is cool but i think 500 dollars is a little out of the mid priced folder the op was looking for

[SeaxyBeast]

I carry a CRKT M16-14 DSFG inside the waistband in these circumstances. It's solid and fast to deploy and it is plenty of knife for the situation. There are lots of other knives that fit this description as well. The CRKT isn't fancy, but I have it and I don't mind if something happens to it.

Plain and simple, if you are just carrying the knife for reassurance and just-in-case and you don't want to worry about losing it or having it confiscated you don't need hard use or impressive steel that hold an edge forever. All you need is adequate size, quick deployment, and solid lock up. A Byrd Cara Cara will do all of that for you for under $30. If you want more, you can get more, but it's all icing from there.

[Jim D.]

I don't limit when I carry to "where I go"...I always carry.

This is the blade I'm currently carrying daily, specifically tailored to use as a concealed weapon. The Tracker Dan Bloodshark:

[mrdavidross321]

Kershaw Tanto Groove

[zignal_zero]

Yeah, I'm just thinking about a mid priced folder. Something that can deploy fast as well, those cold steels and that CRKT look nice

Yea, if fixed blades are out of the running, those Cold Steels are hard to beat. A lot of bang for the buck. Another option you might want to take a look at is the Kershaw Blur. Its one of the knives I got for my wife. A couple factors went into that decision and they're things that would pertain to your situation, as well - it has a thumb stud that is very easy to engage. This makes it forgiving, if your grip is less than ideal when you frantically grab it. It has NO safeties, the knife is always ready to open, just press on the large/easy to engage thumb stud and you're in business. Strong assisted opening. No partial openings, press the thumb stud and it locks solidly in the open position. All in all, its a good choice for an emergency folder. A 'grab an go's type tool :-)

On a side note, I have dealt with both Cold Steel's and Kershaw's customer service. They are worlds apart. My experience with Cold Steel made me actually swear off their knives, for as long as I could. Whereas my experience with Kershaw was mind blowingly positive.

[jacksterp]

I'll give another vote for the Blur. Opens first time every time - fast. Locks up with authority and a loud thwack.

Blade shape and size are also more than ample.

[Bklyn]

For the money ($25.) and not a large loss if you lose it, The Ontario Rat-1 can't be beat. Personally I use a Spyderco Delica4. Just MHO.

[sh00ter01]

If you can carry a fixed blade then go that route, otherwise, I like waved folders for quick deployment. Cold Steel offers a few in your price range, like the Rajah III and Spartan (though I think the Rajah III lends itself better for carry and deployment). Spyderco offers both the Delica and Endura with waves (both great but may just be over your price point). You can also modify pretty much any folder with a thumb hole into a wave configuration (I did this with a Byrd Cara cara and it waves reliable with many different draw strokes).

Its up to your personal preference, though whatever you get, if you're planning on using it for defense, practice your deployment (i.e. getting it into the fight).

-sh00ter

[singularity35]

You might take a look at the Ka-bar TDI. I carry mine weak side for weapon retention and for whatever. It's pretty fast out with either hand. I do have a folder in my RFP too but I can deploy the TDI with either hand. Pretty concealable too.

[CWL]

I was just wondering... Most of the knives I have are just EDC knives with manual opening, none are really for defensive purposes. I do have a few kershaw speedsafe knives for fast deployment. What's a knife that you would carry if you were to go out into a shady area or place you'd feel insecure? I'm thinking about getting a mid priced (~$50) knife to carry in urban areas or when I go out with my girlfriend at night time.

Honestly, I wouldn't go anywhere that I thought was shady. The first step to SD is to not be where you may be attacked, second part is situational awareness so you see what may be coming at you. Most people that get attacked outside of their homes have passed an "interview" by the BGs and have identified themselves as a target. These sorts will never know that they are being attacked until after the assault has already begun so carrying of anything won't be that useful.

With that said, carry what you find is useful and comfortable. I would prefer a Spyderco because the hole can also be grabbed with 2 fingers to deploy whereas a flipper knob is very small, especially during periods of fast movement and adrenaline dumps.