hello roadkill2, i have the AFCK, Axis, and the Military-dont mean to brag, all of these are awesome for utility, but if you want a strictly self-defense knife, i'd go with the AFCK, the military, and axis are awesome, the mili being the best utility out of the three, but this wasn't designed as a fighter, the walker type cutout to release the lock is no good, great for utility, but not for stabbing or slashing flesh, the axis is also great, but i did some stabbing tests and the button release unlocked, and the stud will always catch on clothing.