Alternatives to Ka-Bar TDI for duty-belt?

M

Mr. Hands

Joined
Feb 20, 2009
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I'm looking to get a backup knife to carry on my duty-belt at work.
The standard around here seems to be a Ka-Bar TDI mounted about 11 o'clock on the weak side with a cross-draw to your strong hand.
The sheath the TDI comes with seems to be exactly what I'm looking for, made to either be looped or clipped onto your inner belt in the front, worn behind your duty-belt.
However I don't think AUS-8A is the greatest steel (kinda like 440C?) and I'd prefer something harder like D2 or S30V which is one of my favorite steel's. With a knife so close in reach I may end up using it for a lot of chores at work like cutting rope, string cuffs etc. and AUS-8A may not hold an edge for very long under daily use.
Are there any alternatives out there to the TDI? Any custom or high-end makers out there that make something similar in a better steel with the same style of sheath? Or any other knives you'd recommend for wearing as a backup on a duty belt that can be worn in the front?
Thanks
 
A regular push knife like a cold steel safemaker or some such will do as well, I'm thinking.

I'm sure Charlie Mike can set you up with a nasty push knife if you talk with him.
 
Emerson La Griffe or a hideaway knife. My other suggestion would be to wear it at 11 o'clock on the inside belt, but not for a cross draw by the strong hand. This knife is a last ditch knife most likely to be used in a gun grab situation. You want to be able to draw it and use it with your weak hand.
 
prw166 said:
Emerson La Griffe or a hideaway knife. My other suggestion would be to wear it at 11 o'clock on the inside belt, but not for a cross draw by the strong hand. This knife is a last ditch knife most likely to be used in a gun grab situation. You want to be able to draw it and use it with your weak hand.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. Youtube showed videos of it being drawn underhand on the weak side but that wouldn't be as effective as having it mounted specifically for your weak hand in the event your gun hand is trying to keep weapon retention.
The way I'd thought about it was just adding one more lethal option to my tool belt but it'd probably be better served with a specific purpose in mind like truly "backing up" my sidearm.
 
My hideaway knife is on my belt for 1 purpose only. It is my last ditch weapon. I don't use it for anything else. They make a nice sheath that you can purchase specifically for wearing behind your duty belt. I carry a Emerson Commander on my strong side cargo pocket for all other knife needs. The KaBar TDI is a good option. There are several different sizes. For the purpose of the knife I really don't think you need to look for a great steel or anything. I like the hideaway or LaGriffe since your fingers go through the handle to help with a positive grip. Less chance it will get dropped, etc if your hands are slippery from blood and it could be used with a punching motion.
 
I've got a Leatherman Charge TTI on my belt with an S30V knife that gets used about once a shift for all kinds of chores.
I checked out a TDI at a cop shop today and it looked pretty good. Smaller than I was expecting and actually heavier too. The knife and sheath are actually a little on the hefty side (more weight to add to my belt, great :o )
 
I specialize in nasty. Call me at 559-375-4408.
 
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