Best folder for self defense

R

roadkill2

Joined
Apr 21, 1999
Messages
73
I'm going to buy a new knife. I've already own a Benchmade Ascent, and a Benchmade AFCK. I lost both of them. Neither one of them seemed to be the greatest for self defense though the AFCK was the better of the two. What should I buy next? I'm willing to spend up to or maybe a little over $100.

Later,
roadkill2
 
I own nearly two dozen pocket/folding knives, and of the lot, I have to say that I find the AFCK to be an excellent knife for S.D. .

Since you feel that it was not your ideal piece for SD, you may want to look into a Spyderco Civilian, or possibly even a Harpy. Blade configuration (Hook-Bill) is unique, and lends itslef EXTREMELy well to vicious slashing!

Unlike the AFCK, however, the Spydie Civie and Harpy will not do half as much "work." I would be hesitant to call upon these pieces to do anything other than cut rope, slash flesh, or strip wire...all three of which I have seen a HARPY do excellent!!!

I stand by my ATS-34 Full Serrated AFCK as a SD tool, not only because I am comfortable with it, but because I can call upon it to do everything...not just one thing.

Try purchasing yourself a medium size knife, a rookie or mini-stryker, and carry it exclusively all day, everyday, for as long as possible. Play with it at night, at the office (privately) or in the car. If there is free time to be had, use it getting more and more comfortable with your knife. For it is only when you see the blade as an extension of your arm/hand/fingers will the piece be safe and productive for you.
 
Roadkill2..you might want to hold on a bit and get tmy new SPYDRCO GUNTING..it will serve you well closed or open...
Its a great selfdefense tool as well as a capable everyday tool...
It will debut at the Blade Show!
You can check it out on the Tactical section, CSSD/SC or on the SPYDERCO forum..If its not current go back a few weeks and you find threads with the photo!
Have a great day!
 
for a folder id go with the FAL Paratrooper for self defense.....
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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Rekat SIFU. Can be bought for $118 from 1SKS, or Knifeoutlet or Discount Knives. Strong lock, 5.45" recurve blade made of ATS-34, handle of G-10, sporting finger grooves.
 
Hehe... why not a CRKT Kasper Fighting Folder?
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For about $40 you have a self-defense knife that's designed for such. And, you get to save the extra $$ to spend on other knives.
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Dan
 
larger kasper from crkt, for right hand.
spyderco merlin for left hand

a spyderco native in cpm 440v for inside the waistband for daily usage.

the kasper and the merlin are not for cutting anything. no paper, no tape. no string. if you keep cutting with them, they get dull. you will forget to sharpen them. thus you will have a dull knife when you need a sharp one, so only practice with them and NEVER USE THEM TILL YOU ABSOLUTLY HAVE TO.
 
As you may have gathered already, on the forums there exist several "schools of thought" on the best folder for self defense. You can follow the advice from the megafolder-, civilian-, strongest lock- or 'common pocket knife'- school of thought (and several others which I may have forgotten). They all present very reliable and valid folders for your purpose.
Technically, all those folders should suit your need. But when you actually have to use this folder, you are very likely to loose your knife and you will have to 'survive the legal system' as Massad Ayoob is fond of saying. If my country would allow the carry of megafolders, I would carry a Sifu! But this is not the case, moreover local law enforcement in my country would look very hostile to my carrying a 4 inch bladed folder, even though that is the legal limit. So I have to take that into consideration when carrying knives for self defense. This means I favor utility type folders that aren't too expensive for self defense.
Well, basically I want to add that maybe you shouldn't just focus on the technical side of this issue, i.e. what tool is technically best suited for self defense. But consider the legal limits and attitude towards civilians defending themselves with a weapon, if any, as well.
 
I'd have to second (or third...) the new CRK&T Kasper. You won't find more value at that price. I'm not saying it's the absolute best, highest quality knife out there BUT for around $50 it is better (my opinion) than many that go for $100.

I can't really speak for the Gunting, although the concept is very interesting and I can't wait to get my hands on one. The only problem I have is that it seems you may need to develop additional special techniques (and training) to realize its full potential. This is only my first impression, and I have yet to see Bram's instructional video, so I may be wrong. I practise a very "Keep It Simple" approach to self defense, and I hope the Gunting will add a bit more versatility over the traditional blade.

Anyway, it's been said before: the "best" knife for defense is the one you have on you. So make sure it's comfortable and really fits your activity, habits, and style of dress. Good luck!
 
I think training and practice, practice,practice are more important than which knife. The only characteristic I would really consider is the handle. For that, the AFCK or Stryker are great. Get the one that feels good in your hand and the blade will do what you tell it to do.
 
Cold Steel Voayger Large - great folder, 4" tanto or clip blade.
But don't forget, not the better blade decide the fight.
 
Did he justr ask what the best is? I think he just asked what the best is. Oh well. In that price range, I'll go with the REKAT Carnivore, REKAT Sifu, Spyderco Civilian, REKAT Pocket Hobbit, and Cold Steel Vaquero Grande. The Pocket Hobbit and Vaquero Grande look all-out evil, so try not to scare yourself too much. Also, the Emerson Commander is supposed to be a darn good knife. As was already mentioned, one that you don't lose might come in pretty handy.

Howie
 
I've got BM's, Bokers, Had carnivores, but the Baddest and best for self defense is the Cold Steel Scimitar. Wrap your hand around one and see if you don't feel an evil little smile come to your face....

Jake
 
If you are going to use the knife strictly for self defense and occasional utility, then I would like to suggest you go and handle the new CRK&T Kasper Folding Fighter. I like this knife a lot!
It has many of the features one could want in a self defense folder, like the new L.A.W.K.S. liner lock security system, a solid liner lock that easily passes the spine whack test even without the L.A.W.K.S. engaged, blade easily deploys with a flick of the thumb, a handle that locks your grip onto it tight, a very stout, razor sharp and tailor made for self defense blade, and to top it off, if it got lost or had to be ditched, the cost of the knife won't break your heart or the budget.
I'm not even joking when I say I believe this knife is the absolute "best buy" on the market today. I paid $38.95 for mine and every time I pick it up I still can't believe what an incredible buy it was.
If your looking for a smaller carry package try the CRK&T Point Guard. All the same features as described above just with a 3.5" blade as opposed to the KFF's 3 7/8" blade. And to make things even sweeter, I paid only $32.50 for mine.
With $100.00 to spend you could easily get both if you decide you like'em. Gotta love that CRKT!
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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
Roadkill,
I think the looking for "The Best Folder for Self Defense" has a great deal of tries to replace skills with equipment. No one folder or fixed blade can replace your determination, cool head, fighting skills, good physical condition and... luck.
In real world the best knife for self defense is the knife you have in your hand when you are forced to defend yourself with knife. In this situation I would considerably prefer the smallest and the cheapest no-name knife I can imagine in my hand over the most exquisite and expensive custom fighting knife with damascus blade in my home collection.

However your choice should depend on some basic knife properties it's worth to think about:
  • The first and foremost - local law regulations which can make your knife legal for concealed carry or not.
  • Knife dimensions you are really able to carry comfortably in concealment.
  • Defensive techniques you are training and going to use in real fight. For ex. the Civilian is not the best choice for thrusting. Please do not confuse real fight with knife use as argument in discussion who is more macho. If you will draw the best tactical folder and cause your adversary(ies) to draw 8-inched bowie(s), axe(s) or even handgun(s) - what will be your next argument?
  • Knife handling comfort and security.
  • Locking mechanism strength and reliability.
  • How fast you can put your knife into action.
Assuming you are not limited in blade length (or limited to 4") and you techniques is thrusting your assailant fast and unawares (I could recommend) - it is a lot of folders within your price limit. Think about:
SPYDERCO Starmate or Tim Wegner
BENCHMADE AFCK (my personal favorite) or Ares
CRKT Mirage (or Mirage Gray Ghost) or Point Guard
BOKER Walter Brend Tactical Folder
SOG Pentagon Elite
Katz Special Forces

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
I'm with misque on this one. The CRKT KFF is an incredible tactical folder in terms of feel and performance for the money- even for several times the money.

Take a look at the results of my tests @
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001704.html

I have been training in this way with a CRKT KFF now for nearly three weeks and it is holding up like a champ and still performing like a dream.

Mario

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Gaucho

Tuvo muy mala suerte...se callo en mi cuchillo.


 
I have a MOD Hornet and carry it as my defense knife. Good steel and a hand fitting handle. A little pricey though. I find the carrying pouch really speeds up deployment.
 
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