Good self-defense folders that won't raise eyebrows...

[kestrel57]

Thinking about carrying an EDC and a "last ditch" knife --- especially after watching some eye opening videos on how even short knives can be very effective (and more easily hidden) A recently injured ankle has taken running away easily out of the options list, too.

I've already figured out that non-black handles are a help. Light blue, maybe even earth brown, and so on.

I have a Contego but in the wrong neighborhood or state, this could be an issue (inches or looks). (Nice BM deal with the M4!) The Bedlam is obviously out --- except for possibly scaring off a thug!!! Autos are out. Even spring-assist can be an issue but probably not too bad (my ZT0350TS can certainly slice but thickness could be scary to some). (I do feel safe with the thick liner though.)

I'm not sure Enduras are tough enough or short enough everywhere (I'm in a 4 inch area but often in 3.5 inch areas; I believe some jurisdictions are 3 inches.)

Anyway I don't want to scare "sheeple" either (no disrespect).

I have a blue handled Tenacious and thought about it as two can be purchased cheap --- one as a user, one just carried.

I'm particularly confused about kerambit/harpy type knives (way around size issues?). Never had one but it could certainly cut well up close; this also brings up the issue of serrations (Maybe a serrated harpy?)

I'm really thinking about the Endura (or Delica) but would probably want metal liners (maybe not) or an Endura 4 (strong point) rather than a newer one --- although I understand they slice better.

I never expect to use it but never expected to be burglarized twice either :-). (Once by an amateur, once by a pro --- out for one hour in the latter case.)

Tx. I realize this may have been asked often but my ankle leaves me unable to run for now and my GF should carry someone such as a Delica or Harpy-type folder.

Really, thanks very much!!!

[kreole]

The Endura/Delica do have metal liners. Only older versions don't.

[Jack Black]

[marcinek]

Thinking about carrying an EDC and a "last ditch" knife ---

Are you talking about two different knives? A EDC and an SD knife?

If not...consider the best EDC for you. And then get that. In the incredibly rare event that you attempt to use it for SD...it may work (it's not going to work any better or any worse than anything else). But then the rest of the time...you have a good knife.

[Jack Black]

OK, maybe that WILL raise a few eyebrows!

[stabman]

If not...consider the best EDC for you. And then get that. In the incredibly rare event that you attempt to use it for SD...it may work (it's not going to work any better or any worse than anything else). But then the rest of the time...you have a good knife.

Agreed.

[Sonnydaze]

I am way over the age of retirement. I haven't been able to run since I had back surgery forty-some years ago. My wife never could run very well. I just bought her a Spyderco Dragonfly with a 2 1/4" blade. Not much, but it's very light so she'll keep it in her purse and carry it in a dark parking lot if necessary. I wouldn't hassle a mad and scared woman with a Dragonfly in her hand. Serrated or plain blade will probably serve equally well.
I have plenty of knives, even a fixed blade drop-point hunter that I can carry legally in this state. They all sit in a drawer or my safe. And I do carry a knife clipped in my pocket every day. Usually a CRK Umnumzaan, blade-length 3.675". Not very long, but I have no use for defensive knives. I'm not trained and never will be. So guys like me usually just get a concealed weapons permit and carry a gun. I've had them (permits) in four different states, and I always carry a concealed firearm. I've never had to use it, and that's great.
My wife has a concealed weapons permit but won't carry anything heavy...like a 12 oz lightweight revolver, so I bought her the knife, which she will carry, and she will have it open in her hand when she gets in something like that parking lot.
I generally carry one of my Glocks, or my Walther PPS.
For my situation, I think a concealed handgun is best. There are many 9mm semiautos these days which are VERY small and VERY light and are easily concealed, even by a woman with a smallish stature. My personal recommendation would still be a lightweight (15oz) .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver, a model 442. No safeties, but very safe. Very little recoil, which you'd never notice anyway in the heat of the moment. You point and pull the trigger.
Of course, there are different viewpoints.
Sonny

[kestrel57]

Thanks so far. great responses. I'd love a handgun but my state sucks in that regard. My EDC changes but right now I'm carrying the Contego --- terrific knife that was softened (better grip) by BM and few hot spots now. It's 4 inches and works reasonably well as a mid-use EDC (all I need). When I leave the state (fairly often) 4 inches may be too long. And it does look a little scary --- I live in a suburban area --- you should have heard it when I cut a kite string for my daughter with it!

In the winters it gets cold and serrations could be good as a last ditch knife --- a second, probably smaller knife --- pocket, keychain, neck. Folder or possibly fixed. I took a two-day knife fighting intro/wrestling course in Idaho once (most fights end up on the ground was the premise of the Sensei --- enter the Delica if needed as per the instructor). One learned a bit --- in part how dangerous knives can be. So, my thought process a bit.

I think in terms of small & hidden and used only if dire. My dad, when he was about 65, thought differently. He was being followed after work a block away from his house by two thugs. He turned towards them blade out (just a fishing knife) --- they hesitated, he ran, they chased, he locked the door, end of story. It may have saved his bacon.

But I still like the small, hidden use. (And the Sensei --- real nice guy who ran Northwest Safari --- stressed having two knives --- one for each hand as on the ground you would not know what you needed. (I took the last class he offered as far as I know.) The Idaho guys were real nice by the way.

Anyway, I thought of a Endura/Delica/Harpy for hiding (hopefully in pocket) and small size.

[Jack Black]

most fights end up on the ground was the premise of the Sensei

For me, that's one of those 'martial arts' pieces of 'wisdom' that seems to be based on certain martial arts rather than fact.

I think in terms of small & hidden and used only if dire

Not bad criteria. Have you thought about a small FB?

[CWL]

While the show is stupid as are the premises, here is one clip that shows what may occur during a knife assault (actual assault time 10 seconds). Did anything you see here matter on what kind of knife was used -or is it all about the Operator?

Yes, that was a Navy SEAL, but does anyone think that whatever model/brand of knife contributed to the carnage in any way? That SEAL could have done that to you with a sharpened chopstick if it was all he had available.

Stop thinking "hardware", it's all about the software (between your ears).

[Jack Black]

While the show is stupid as are the premises, here is one clip that shows what may occur during a knife assault (actual assault time 10 seconds). Did anything you see here matter on what kind of knife was used -or is it all about the Operator?

Yes, that was a Navy SEAL, but does anyone think that whatever model/brand of knife contributed to the carnage in any way? That SEAL could have done that to you with a sharpened chopstick if it was all he had available.

Stop thinking "hardware", it's all about the software (between your ears).

Even the 'VICTIM' didn't go to the ground!

(And ten seconds is a lot longer than the average 'jailhouse charge' type assault lasts - and the perpetrators are usually a good bit quieter!)

[mkjellgren]

The whole point of a dedicated self defense knife is to NEVER use it until you have to. By that school of thought, it doesn't matter how big or scary it is since the only person that will see it is the person/animal it is being used on. Self defense knives are not intended to be used for anything but self defense. If you use your self defense knife as a utility knife it will end up dulling, making it less effective for self defense. If you whip out your self defense knife in public, you have revealed that you are carrying a self defense knife, making that knife immediately less effective since your attacker is now aware of the threat. If you want to carry a knife for self defense, so be it, but keep it sharp and keep it concealed. Carry another knife to use for utility purposes. Again, by that logic, it doesn't matter how intimidating your self defense knife is since ideally nobody will ever have to see it.

[stabman]

Since you never pull out your "self defense folder", you probably won't be very good at pulling it out if the need arises.
Adrenaline does weird things.

[kniferbro]

While the show is stupid as are the premises, here is one clip that shows what may occur during a knife assault (actual assault time 10 seconds). Did anything you see here matter on what kind of knife was used -or is it all about the Operator?

Yes, that was a Navy SEAL, but does anyone think that whatever model/brand of knife contributed to the carnage in any way? That SEAL could have done that to you with a sharpened chopstick if it was all he had available.

Stop thinking "hardware", it's all about the software (between your ears).

Ehh... Ja

[marcinek]

Getting awfully "Prac Tac" in here!!

[Jack Black]

Getting awfully "Prac Tac" in here!!

Probably a better place for this thread really. Could run for months over there!

[Cyo]

Buck 110 or some other traditional folder. Wood, stag or bone handles don't make you look like you're out for blood so very few people will think you're "one of those guys" when you have to pull out your knife to open a package or cut a sandwich.

[kestrel57]

Points made.

Yeah, the blade wouldn't matter much (size anyway). I do still think some knives are better than others --- probably the one you feel most comfortable with :-). And have used before --- yet you want that super-sharp. I'm still thinking small, discrete, light hidden and almost never used.

The Sensei was one in Tae Kwan Do so for him to admit way back when (pre-MMA) that most fights end up on the ground was, to me, impressive on his part. The mini-course was very practical minded (but, of course, too short).

I do think blade shape is of some importance. And serrations could possibly make a jacketed individual run if you cut his jacket. (Not looking for Kali advice! :-) ).

Didn't mean to stir up a mini-hornet nest but I like knives and it could possibly be self-defense/EDC (rather than two). (Guess my ankle has me sort of "out of sorts" --- da** vertigo attack.)

Thanks.

[marcinek]

Probably a better place for this thread really. Could run for months over there!

Indeed!

By the way, kestrel....if you cut a bad guy's jacket...don't count on that making the bad guy run away. Just my two cents!

[Jack Black]

[The Sensei was one in Tae Kwan Do so for him to admit way back when (pre-MMA) that most fights end up on the ground was, to me, impressive on his part.

It was certainly a concession to his style, but I still think it's one of those things that just gets repeated without any real basis. SOME brawls go the ground, but in my experience most fights or attacks are over very quickly, and only one person ends up on the ground. That's my experience anyway, maybe others think differently. I usually hold my tongue on these matters.

Didn't mean to stir up a mini-hornet nest

You've certainly done nothing wrong Kestrel57! Good luck in finding a knife you like and hope you never have to use it.