Best Defense Opinions

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Badgerdog

Joined
Mar 3, 2007
Messages
3
Please pardon my ignornance, but I'm pretty new here. I searched the forum but didn't see any thread that addressed this.

I am in the market for a good all around, everyday carry knife. It will be mostly utilitarian; however, in the worst case scenario, I would like to make sure it can be an effective defense blade as well.

I really like the Kershaw Offset, but the blade shape seems unusual as a defense choice.

Could anyone provide me their opinion on this, or what are some good guidelines when shopping for a blade that fits this need? Is the offset an acceptable choice?

Thank you all for help!
 
The Offset has a Metal Injection Molded blade, in the firearms world MIM parts aren't very desirable as some people consider MIM parts weaker than forged steel. Buying 1911 pistols and replacing every MIM part with forged steel parts isn't unheard of. For a hard use knife, that will also be used as a SD piece MIM blades probably aren't the best choice. Even though MIM parts are more popular than ever before, and are being used more today than 10 years ago. The technology used in making MIM parts is supposed to be much better now, as one would expect..but I still prefer forged over MIM! Pretty much any folder that has a deep finger guard for your index finger. So your index finger doesn't loose grip and fall into the blade (harm's way) during use. It's really personal preference, one man's favorite self defense weapon will vary greatly from the next guy's. There is no #1 best knife, hand size, fighting style, etc etc. the list goes on n' on n' on into oblivion....! As the old saying goes: Choose *YOUR* weapon!! It's your choice, your requirements will not be the same as Tom, Dick, and Harry's.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

To recycle our favorite cliche on this, the best self-defense knife is the one you have with you when you need to defend yourself.

So pick a knife primarily for utility, get used to handling it and using it, learn to keep it clean and sharp, and if you need it in an emergency of any sort, your hand will naturally reach for it and use it to best advantage.

Carry the largest knife for this that you normally, legally, conveniently can. Not knowing where you live, I can't say, but even a small blade can be very effective if you know how to use it. Alertness and training are more important than the particular knife you carry. We have a Practical Tactical forum for discussing this, too.

An example of a classic, popular, effective utility knife that works for self-defense would be the Spyderco Endura. If that's too big, there is a smaller version, the Delica, which is not delicate at all. Of course, these are just 2 out of thousands of valid choices.
 
If i had to carry one for this purpose it would be a medium fixed blade.To me it just faster to deploy and if foolproof in design( no moving parts) and a good one is stonger then you folders of average price but thats my opinion:)
 
If a fixed blade is out of the question, my vote goes to the Spyderco Endura 4 Wave.
 
I think getting a knife for self defense purposes is silly. I think a knifes primary purpose should be to help you work at work school or whatever. So id just get a knife you like and fits your hand etc. The BM 710 is an all round great knife.
 
You would want to consider the local carry laws as well, things like fixedblade, concealed permit, lenght, etc.
 
I'm in the same camp as Thalestin get a knife to cut things, if you need a weapon for self defense get a 45
 
He/She did not ask for people's opinions on knives for SD.


Welcome to Bladeforums. I couldn't have said it any better than Esav.

I don't know if you have carried many different knives but, the biggest knife you can comfortably (very important) carry is best. Also a fixed blade is better (and obviously so is a gun).

Regardless, it is better to have a small knife on you at all times then none at all. Personally I EDC what many people consider to be large/medium sized folders.

From my eperience I would recomend:

Emerson knives
Zero Tolerance 0300 (assisted opening)
Spyderco Chinook II
 
Badgerdog said:
Please pardon my ignornance, but I'm pretty new here. I searched the forum but didn't see any thread that addressed this.
QUOTE]

Welcome aboard!

The forums search function takes a little getting used to. There's a sticky around here that gives instructions for its use. Try clicking on the FAQ button. In the meantime:

To find a large number of threads on this subject do this:
Click the search button.
on the pop-up choose "advanced search"
in the search line put the single word "defence"
directly below the search line, choose "thread titles only"
on the right side of the screen choose: Blade discussion forum.
Clear the box that says "search sub forums"
Hit Search.

Beaucoup hits.

Aside from that I cannot help you. Knives are tools only for me. I do not carry them for SD. But I am a minority dissenting opinion. So there is lots of discussion about this in the threads.

Happy reading.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for all the great input! I'm still shopping around but this info helps. And thanks for the tips on searching. I didn't try to dig deeper into the search engine like a nOOb should. :D

Now if only the Cuda Aftermath would come back to the market...
 
Pick out a knife that you like, and get to know it well on a personal bases. Use it, sharpen it and carry it. Keep it maintained, razor sharp and available.

Secondly, know yourself, work on your mindset. No knife will be of any use to you unless you sharpen your mindset. You must be focused, controlled emotions and have no fear. Use common sense.

Third, avoid any kind of confrontation that may involve using a weapon. You may survive and do well in the fight, but you must tell it to the jury afterwards.
 
Third, avoid any kind of confrontation that may involve using a weapon. You may survive and do well in the fight, but you must tell it to the jury afterwards.
Click to expand...
Especially if you're not trained to use a knife for SD. Unless I was in immediate and critical danger, I wouldn't even take my knife out. The last thing I want is for the perp to take my knife and use it on me...

So I suggest thinking about what you actually are going to use a knife for on a daily basis - opening boxes, cutting string, picking at fingernails, whatever, and buy the knife best suited for those tasks.

I also suggest visiting a real knife shop or outdoor store where you can see a wide range of knives in real life.

Best Wishes, and welcome to Blade Forums,
-Bob
 
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