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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
aspiring LEO looking for the best Spyderco for duty
- Thread starter Bult4mud
- Start date
IMO a Carbon Fiber Police model is hard to beat. It's lightweight and has a good overall blade design. I also feel that the knife should be carried on your weak side(non-gun side).In the event of a gun grab attempt,your weapon hand will(should) be busy on the gun keeping it holstered. Atleast you have a chance to utilize the knife if it is carried weak side.Regardless what you choose good luck and be safe!
Later,
RJT
Later,
RJT
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 6,250
Military or Police
I prefer the Military though.
I prefer the Military though.
As a LEO myself, Military for "normal" applications (front right, or pouch on belt), and Civilian as backup-weapon (left front pocket). S.P.O.T around neck, i wear the basic AUS6 SE because it will print less in front of your vest thru clothing. Is Civies i wear a Ronin around neck, Yojimbo right front pocket (blue handle is less treathening to general public). Don't go for the SS handles , scratch way fast. Should u be engaged in Deepcover Ops, where u can not wear anything that screams POLICE, i wear a SE Blue DoDo front right, and a SS cricket (black would be better) clipped inside the waistband small of back, so they might miss it when patted down. For formal wear i have the SS cricket clipped into my Formal Dress Uniform pants 
i can NOT go to work without wearing a Spyderco! 
STAY SAFE
i can NOT go to work without wearing a Spyderco! STAY SAFE
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2003
- Messages
- 231
I'd say a Delica or an Endura, simply for the price and quality. You're not going to be too upset if it gets damaged or lost at the price either.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2002
- Messages
- 2,845
Step 1: Find out what your dept. considers "OK" Regulations and climate vary.
Step 2: Figure out what you want it to do - will this be primarily a tool, backup weapon, or a mix.
Step 3: Try to find a good brick-and-mortar store where you can try out a few models. Spyderco has lots of blades that are similar, but can feel very different - Police, Military, Endura, for example. Actually holding them will let you make a better choice than otherwise. If you narrow it down to a few models, a good store should be able to order them and let you experiment.
My personal opinions -
Backup:
Consider a small fixed blade. If you're in a situation bad enough when you can't use something else and can't regroup elsewhere, you don't need to be screwing with an opening mechanism (including autos) or a lock that might fail. Otherwise -
Military - good all-around popular performer. Easy to find in G10. Tip is thicker than police
Police - large blade in a small package.
Endura - workhorse, easily replaced, slightly smaller than Military/Police if you need to work around a length restriction
(ATR) - Step up in tip strength, price. Different handle shape, and Ti handle will cut weight
(Gunting) - useful if OK with your department, and you want to spend time learning the ramp. Several die-hard gunting fans on this forum are also LEOs
Never used a Civillian, so can't speak on it. The thin tip and inability to stab would make me nervous using this as a last-ditch option.
Benchmade has some good stuff that competes directly with these Spidies. I have an AFCK (which was originally derived from the Police, I believe) Axis lock is very easy to open and close. I think Spyderco G10 handles have more grip. Handle shape, with the finger choil, is a bit different and keeps your hand well back from the blade. Don't like the beveled hole on the Benchmade - it looks and feels more finished, but the Spydie hole gives better purchase for opening.
Tools - this is the direction I would personally go in. You'll use a knife more in this capacity, and a serrated model can still make pretty devastating slashes through nearly all clothing.
1. Assist - if the finger-groved handle is comfy, it's pretty hard to beat, since it was designed with you in mind.
2. D'Allara or Rescue - nearly identical function, buy the one that feels better. Ball bearing lock takes a bit of getting used to, and may be more difficult to operate in extreme conditions (particularly cold, or with gloves).
Good luck! Stay safe!
Step 2: Figure out what you want it to do - will this be primarily a tool, backup weapon, or a mix.
Step 3: Try to find a good brick-and-mortar store where you can try out a few models. Spyderco has lots of blades that are similar, but can feel very different - Police, Military, Endura, for example. Actually holding them will let you make a better choice than otherwise. If you narrow it down to a few models, a good store should be able to order them and let you experiment.
My personal opinions -
Backup:
Consider a small fixed blade. If you're in a situation bad enough when you can't use something else and can't regroup elsewhere, you don't need to be screwing with an opening mechanism (including autos) or a lock that might fail. Otherwise -
Military - good all-around popular performer. Easy to find in G10. Tip is thicker than police
Police - large blade in a small package.
Endura - workhorse, easily replaced, slightly smaller than Military/Police if you need to work around a length restriction
(ATR) - Step up in tip strength, price. Different handle shape, and Ti handle will cut weight
(Gunting) - useful if OK with your department, and you want to spend time learning the ramp. Several die-hard gunting fans on this forum are also LEOs
Never used a Civillian, so can't speak on it. The thin tip and inability to stab would make me nervous using this as a last-ditch option.
Benchmade has some good stuff that competes directly with these Spidies. I have an AFCK (which was originally derived from the Police, I believe) Axis lock is very easy to open and close. I think Spyderco G10 handles have more grip. Handle shape, with the finger choil, is a bit different and keeps your hand well back from the blade. Don't like the beveled hole on the Benchmade - it looks and feels more finished, but the Spydie hole gives better purchase for opening.
Tools - this is the direction I would personally go in. You'll use a knife more in this capacity, and a serrated model can still make pretty devastating slashes through nearly all clothing.
1. Assist - if the finger-groved handle is comfy, it's pretty hard to beat, since it was designed with you in mind.
2. D'Allara or Rescue - nearly identical function, buy the one that feels better. Ball bearing lock takes a bit of getting used to, and may be more difficult to operate in extreme conditions (particularly cold, or with gloves).
Good luck! Stay safe!