Affordable smallish dagger - Fox?

Anders Holm

Anders Holm

Joined
Jun 22, 2001
Messages
71
Howdy... I'm looking for a nice dagger, small and not very expensive ($100 max), preferably with a "blacktical" look, as black blends well into my usual clothing. Daggers are not sold in Finland so I'll have to order -> I won't be able to inspect the quality and feel of the item prior to purchase. I would highly value your help.

The intended use of the dagger is SD, and I'll be carrying it 24/7, so the most important feature would be the sheath. The dagger won't be used for anything else, so the quality doesn't have to be excellent. Plus, I may have to discard the knife at any time (carrying for SD is illegal here but hey, it's my life). Neck carry is out of the question. I hardly ever wear boots. IWB or pocket carry are the options.

The reason why I'll be adopting a dagger as my SD-EDC is that I don't trust folders 100%, and I haven't found a puukko with an acceptably "tactical" sheath yet. As a matter of fact I don't believe they exist.

Sooooo - I could order something from www.foxcutlery.com or maybe a Gerber. I hear Fällkniven is great but too expensive. Any ideas?

Thanks.
 
I ordered this

http://www.foxcutlery.com/bin/x.cgi/uk_eur/index/default/default/36060-194100165197

Fox Cutlery (Italian made) dagger from www.knifeshop.com and was amazed to find that while it definitely looks like a dagger, it's single edge! There are serrated portions on either side of the blade, but there's only one sharpened edge, and naturally, it's butter knife dull... So, to the workshop to grind the other edge and to sharpen. Otherwise the knife looks and feels OK, although a bit heavier that what I had in mind, and it's terribly handle heavy. So my search for a small, sharp dagger for SD continues...

But imagine holding a single-edged dagger in your hand, with a symmetrical edge: there's no way you can tell which is the sharp edge without looking closely. In self defence, not knowing which part of the knife cuts and which doesn't is fatal!

In my opinion, a single-edged dagger is about the stupidest thing in the (knife)world to manufacture. So be warned...

PS the only reason why I ever order knives without trying them first is that autos, daggers, bayonets and some other designs are totally banned in Finland.
 
@Anders Holm: I think to carry an illegal weapon is not a good SF concept.
There are many trustworthy folders (BM Axis Lock models for example) or suitable single edged FB (CRK&T Polkowski/Kasper Companion for example) on the market, so you do not really need a dagger.
 
Right, looks like an explanation is needed.

In Finland, you're allowed to OWN any edged weapon. But as for selling and importing or manufacturing for selling purposes, the following items are illegal:
-expandable batons or any metal batons
-nunchakus and other chain-and-weight impact weapons
-knuckledusters
-daggers, bayonets, autos, swords, in fact, ANY edged tool intended to be used as a weapon.

There are other banned items as well, but you get the picture: basically you're only allowed to buy and sell single-edged folders and knives; puukko-style edged tools.

Carrying is a whole different thing. You're only allowed to carry a knife as a tool, and you'll have to be able to prove that you're working and carrying for work. Moreover, your knife must be suitable for the job at hand. Thus carrying a large fixed blade for paper work is illegal, and so on.

So, unless you're a hunter, a carpenter/joiner or a construction worker/electrician, it's illegal to carry, period.

As you can see, carrying for SD is illegal in itself. So if I get busted, it doesn't matter a lot if it's a dagger of a letter opener. Very unfortunate indeed, but I carry anyway. It's my choice, and other than that, I never break the law. Some law-abiding citizens break speed limits, I carry, 'cause it's my life.

After all, nearly half the male population in Finland breaks that law. Carrying a multitool, for example, is illegal, if you're not working. Just plain stupid I think.

PS Until I find what I'm looking for, I'll be carrying my new Spyderco Bill Moran. Very nice and concealable with kydex sheath and TekLok.

PPS Of course, you're right about me not really needing a dagger. But I WANT one :D
 
If you choose to carry for defense even though that is not legal, that is a personal choice and is up to you which is more important, a law or possibly your life.

As far as a quality dagger under a hundred bucks, you might keep an eye on the for sale forums and see if you can come across an AG Russell Sting. They are not made anymore, but I have seen some in very good condition on the used market for under a hundred.

They were made with and without handle slabs, polished finish and also black teflon. I believe early on they were only offered with leather sheaths, but later they were supplied with Bob Dozier kydex belt sheaths for horizontal carry.

Plenty of good knives avaliable, the Sting is just a thought.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top