Sorry Paul but you're interpretation is 100% wrong and totally off, about as helpful as Spydiman's post. I am not looking for a weapon. I am just looking for information. I am just trying to establish what is safe and reasonable and least likely to cause any hassle. I have my two favorite EDCs and trying to clarify if they can potentially cause me any unnecessary grief.
I'm not sure what your deal is but I have seen you interpret people who are trying to be informed as 'risk takers', 'living on the edge', and 'looking for weapons' people. I would stop assuming such things anytime anyone is just looking to be an informed and responsible knife person. I can vouch for a number of people on these forums that that attitude has grown tiresome and doesn't add to the discussion.
I visit this forum every couple of days or so, but spend more time on the Spyderco forum due to a good relationship with Spyderco and some of the Spyderco crew. I don't often post over here, and really prefer to lurk a bit and soak up some information every now and again. However, this particular post drew me out.
For those of you who have been on the Spyderco forums (Brian, Paul, and many others) you know me over there and know my bona fides. For others here, I am a Supervisory Federal Agent, former federal SWAT operator, martial artist, former local law enforcement officer, detective, sergeant, police instructor, police firearms instructor, etc. I am not even going to get into the "What to Carry in New York" as, Michael, you have had plenty of advice on this, both good and bad--it is time for you to choose what you want to do. I will, however, address the Deacon's words to you and your response.
First of all, Paul was 100%
correct in stating you are looking for a weapon. Your Spyderco choices so far, as listed on the Spyderco forum, were a Yojimbo (designed by Michael Janich as a self defense tool), a Lava (designed by Chad Los Banos as a self defense tool), a Kris (designed by Ed Schempp as an homage to one of the most effective combat short swords/big knives in the world)...need I go on? Actually, yes, I must. You really started to get into the Lava after a couple of recommendations from forum members that you watch a video on my website (and Youtube) in which I demonstrate the Lava as a self defense tool. You have repeatedly asked questions of me, over on the Spyderco forums, in regards to how to use knife XYZ in self defense, is ABC knife good for self defense, could you recommend something for self defense, etc.?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with carrying or using a knife to defend yourself. I encourage people to get training in self defense and blade work. I teach Albo Kali Silat to private citizens as well as LEOs. If they can legally carry something to defend themselves, I encourage everyone to do so and to get training in the use of the defensive weapon of their choice. You received some advice from LEOs on this forum on how to carry a knife and what to say if stopped. You were told that your actions and attitude will determine the outcome of a stop in most cases. All of this was good advice and the voice of experience.
There is
a lot wrong with jumping all over a guy who was just pointing out the inconsistencies in your posts. The vast majority of your posts over on the Spyderco forum
are asking advice on self defense. You have chosen to purchase some of the more effective self defense tools that Spyderco produces. There is nothing wrong with this. It does, however, go toward what we LEO types call intent--you purchase and carry defense oriented cutlery and ask defense related questions but claim not to want a weapon. Sure kid, and I'll buy the Brooklyn Bridge from you too. Maybe I'm also a tired old man. Maybe common sense is dead and Paul and I should just fade away. Kid, you
do make me feel old--as in older and wiser. You owe Paul an apology.
KaliGman (
www.albokalisilat.org)
