Alternative to Fred Perrin's "La Griffe" type knife?

[3rdMusketeer]

As a collector and cutlery user, there is one knife type that I don’t have as yet. I am looking for a La Griffe type knife made by a commercial company.

In alphabetical order, I had a quick look at what is available on one of the knife web sites;

CRKT Bear Claw
Emerson La Griffe
Ontario Neck knife
S&W HRT Badge Knife
Spyderco Spot
Spyderco Swick

Not fussed about size but must be good quality. It will be used for small tasks on a regular basis and must come with a kydex/plastic sheath that can be worn either as a neck knife or IWB.

Any suggestions?

 

[Planterz]

I don't know of any that come with an IWB sheath, but you can always have one made. I know though that the Spyderco's SWICK sheath is pre-drilled for TekLok belt clamps (and usable as a neck sheath).

You might also want to add the MOD Scorpion to your list.

 

[3rdMusketeer]

Thanks for that Planterz, I should add that the knife must be single edge to be allowed in by customs...and I kinda like the idea of the finger hole......

 

[Henri]

....to be allowed in by customs.......

carefull with this one. I had one confiscated for being a knuckle knife. They said it had material that went over the knuckle when being held.

later on they referred to it as a ninja claw. Also banned as a martial arts weapon.

I spoke to various people at customs and wrote letters but they didn't budge and were very rude when asked about how they determined all this.

 

[3rdMusketeer]

Henri, you got a valid point. I had a Kershaw Spec Bump confiscated but managed to get it back (in six weeks, with some paperwork) as a bona fide knife collector, perhaps I should get a permit to import first before I purchase this kind of knife......

 

[edgetrip]

I own or have owned the bear claw, emerson lagriffe, Spydy spot and swick- The bear claw is well made and inexpeensive but thicker and heavier then the others, the Emerson lagriffe is probably my favorite small SD knife but not so great in the utility role, I didn't like the SPOT that much due to ergos, blade shape and sheath. The Swick is awesome! I am currently carrying mine in the factory sheath IWB using a paracord static cord set up. The swick blade is excellent for utility jobs and provides excellent retentin for use in SD. I would highly recommend the swick. The para cord static set up has worked for me with most factory neck knife sheaths, just remove the chain and fasten a belt loop out of para cord, allows the knife to be tucked away but still drawn quickly and confidently though it will occaisonally leave the sheath hanging out of my waistband on a fast draw.
Get a swick, they are fantastic multi use small knives.

 

[Death's Head]

There is also a the HAK (Hide Away Knife). Made by Frontsight. Great knife. This knife is all about retention. According to Frontsite, the HAK is not knuckle-knives. She asked her lawyer and that is what her lawyer explained to her. She was told that the guard on the HAK was not designed to protect the hand during punching, that is the reason for it not being knuckles.
But it really depends on who is interpreting the law doesn't it. If a LEO or judge says it knuckles, then your in a lot of trouble. Good luck trying to convince them.

 

[Blades]

Death's head beat me to it. I was going to recommend the HAK also.
Here is a link: www.hideawayknife.com/main.php
and a pic:

Let us know what you decide.


Blades

 

[rifon2]

Thing about the Swick as opposed to the La Griffe is that the handle of the Swick comes to a point of sorts, same as the Spot. I don't understand why it was designed like that. Perhaps someone could clue me in as to why.

 

[edgetrip]

Thing about the Swick as opposed to the La Griffe is that the handle of the Swick comes to a point of sorts, same as the Spot. I don't understand why it was designed like that. Perhaps someone could clue me in as to why.

I am not sure I understand what you are feffering to, the handle is longer then the lagriffe and hasw a small pinky hook or groove at the end but there is no point, either on the butt or formed by the pinky groove, I carry my swick IWB and have had no problems with jabbing into my side... the shorter lagriffe handle does make it slightly easier to conceal but the swick handle provides better control for utility and I think neither has an advantage for retention.

 

[rifon2]

Right, I agree with you that the Swick is better for utility, and the lagriffe is easier to conceal...

I'm talking about the location on the Swick right at the lanyard hole - it's sort of pointy right there.

 

[cybrok]

In alphabetical order, I had a quick look at what is available on one of the knife web sites;

CRKT Bear Claw
Emerson La Griffe
Ontario Neck knife
S&W HRT Badge Knife
Spyderco Spot
Spyderco Swick
Any suggestions?

If yo take it in a moral way, only Emerson mentionned Fred Perrin, the others are just rip offs (especially for S&W, except for spyderco, who were themselves ripp offed (can I even write this, anyway) by S&W).

I want a Emerson too