A good folding knife for self defense ?

[stabman]

Appreciate djjonny! Do you think the Spyderco Native's lock is strong enough in a SD situation?

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...vs-2-pit-bulls

You decide.

[Black Knife]

get a black DLC coated kershaw RAM blem from kershawguy for $45 shipped. You will not find a better USA made knife for that price. Decent steel, solid lock, aluminum handles with g10, amazingly fast non assisted flipper, excellent choils and grip. Only bad thing is if you are a lefty the lock is designed for right hand. Its not the biggest or best SD knife but its a great EDC that could serve well for defense. There are lots of good options so get whatever design you like the most, I prefer to have USA made products, and you can't beat kershaw for a low cost US produced knife.

+1...also the assisted openers are a plus

[kisskaren]

I think I will choose Mini Recon 1 Tanto, since my friend told me only less than 3" blade folding knife can be concealed carried in some cities of SoCal.

[CL01]

Live in southern California, really want a good folding-knife for daily concealed(pocket) carry. Just in case some SD situations, not for camping/hunting, cutting wood etc.

This will be my first knife, I guess I want:
1) Blade length < 3.5" but good for stabbing&cutting.
2) The lock must be strong and secure.
3) Price :$40--$80

I just search on Amazon, do you guys think "Cold Steel mini AK-47" is a good choice? I like its G10 grip and Tri-Ad lock.
Or maybe a Spyderco Native / Benchmade folding knife?

Aside from all of the comments about whether or not a knife makes a good SD tool, it should be a given that proper training is a must. Of the ones you posted, I'd probably go with the Spyderco Native (I like the ergos & the blade steel). A back-lock or Cold Steel's Triad-lock should be plenty strong enough.

There are many folders that'd fit your considerations, I think. There're several by Cold Steel, some by Spyderco, & Kershaw makes a number of them, too. As to lock strength, even a good liner-lock will/should work. I used an older Emerson CQC-7 & it worked just fine (& saw use afterwards, too).

Another good choice would be a Spyderco Delica or Endura. Both have trainers available, too. As to the comments about blade length in Calif, there isn't one for the state, but cities may have laws concerning blade length (LA being one).

[djjonny]

I think I will choose Mini Recon 1 Tanto, since my friend told me only less than 3" blade folding knife can be concealed carried in some cities of SoCal.

I conceal 2 x 4.5" knives on me. Depends what you wear. Also check your laws for max length

Besides a spyderco native is only slightly over 3".
Reason why I sugested that one.
It will hold its edge way better than the cold steel knives.
If you've never even used a knife for EDC on inanimate objects before how do you honestly expect to use it on a person under pressure and stress of a real attack?
Your knife must be part of your hand ie don't drop it or cut yourself pulling it out and using it. EDC'ing a knife for normal every day cutting chores gets your hand use to it however will dull the blade faster thus the better s30v blade suggestion.

Also a SC native opens faster with the thumb hole than the recon1 (or at least I can open it faster)

There is so much to a knife but most NB, Train!
Amok for example is good for real life tactical training with the knife.
I've trained ninjutsu specialising in knives but now train escrima (other exanples).

[mumu720]

I'm a little late to the party, but i think one thing that is important to mention is the fact that a folder takes time to deploy which you most likely will not have. It's a bit like carrying concealed without a round in the chamber. I have never been in a self defense situation where leathal force or anything close was necessary(just some of your typical fist fights) so i cant say from experience, but i have read where the person being attacke didnt even have time to pull their fixed blade. I could be wrong, but in my opinion the only knives that i see as viable are fixed blade knives and knives with the wave feature. I would deffinetly check the laws on carrying a fixed blade.

[CL01]

"mumu720", the OP lives in California (Southern, to be exact). He can't conceal carry a FB. He can open carry one, but that opens up other issues. I think the OP is looking for concealable folders that fit his criteria.

[XwafflesX]

The mini AK is good for defense, aus 8 is just fine for that, you dont need a supersteel.

[ASBOB]

If you're not trained in self defense (I'm not) and you pull a knife, my big concern is that it would be taken away and used against me.

In that case, you're better off with a stand off weaponn like pepper spray (just be careful of wind direction), or even one with longer reach, like a ball bat or even a hammer.

[strick284]

Cold Steel definitely makes some good ones. If you figure out that the law does allow you to carry a larger knife, the Voyager series combines light weight, strength, and very long blades in a knife that fits comfortably in a pocket. I have a tanto voyager with 5" blade that I carry around when I go out at night. Unfortunately in the new line of voyagers, they added steel liners and made the knives much heavier. Yeah, they have the Triad lock now, but the lock was plenty strong before and the knives weighed much less. Mine only weighs 5 oz. I think the current 5 incher weighs like 8 oz. But I'm babbling.

A nice long 4, 5, or 6 inch blade will give you a reach advantage, and can also serve to end many fights before they start through sheer intimidation. But I must echo other posters here: If the bad guy (or bad guys) don't scare off when you pull your blade, you must be mentally prepared to use it, and have the skill necessary to use it effectively. Just having a knife, even a really big one, is not enough. Take some classes, practice hard, and always be aware of your surroundings.

I have no personal experience with pepper spray, but it could also be worth a look.

[Black Knife]

People act like pepper spray will stop an attacker right where he stands. I can't count how many times I have seen people sprayed with pepper spray or hit with pepper balls and still put up a good fight. Hell I have even been sprayed accidentally and it did not stop me from doing my job.

Don't put too much faith in pepper spray or batons....I have seen these two pieces of equipment fail on a regular basis. Carry a knife for deadly encounters and rely on empty hand techniques for unarmed aggressors.

[stabman]

If you're not trained in self defense (I'm not) and you pull a knife, my big concern is that it would be taken away and used against me.

In that case, you're better off with a stand off weaponn like pepper spray (just be careful of wind direction), or even one with longer reach, like a ball bat or even a hammer.

First of all, you carry a hammer or a bat everywhere you go?
Secondly, if you're incompetent enough at defending yourself that someone can grab a sharp piece of metal out of your hand--one with a short lever arm at that--how are you going to avoid them grabbing your blunt hammer or bat?

[Myker]

What knife does your instructor recommend?

Ive said it before, just this type of thinking is gonna get you in trouble pal. I grew up in Highland Park and work in Los Angeles, just common sense and a sense of your surroundings will get you a lot farther faster and safer them carrying a good blade for self defense. And I'm sure you realize most of the punks carry guns now days....

Good luck

[stabman]

just common sense and a sense of your surroundings will get you a lot farther faster and safer them carrying a good blade for self defense.

90% of the the time or so, absolutely.

[Buffalohump]

Fixed blade! I like the Blackhawk Kalista myself.