Best self-defense folder?

Emerson knives are geared for more aggressive use than Spydercos (generally speaking).

I would look closely at the CQC8 or CQC7 for starters. Or the Commander, CQC15 or CQC10... whichever you prefer.

If you're dead set on a Spydie (they are more affordable and easier to find) then I would look at the Military, Police or Chinook.

Or of course, the Civilian, a dedicated SD folder.

I personally think the Scorpius is a great little knife - I have a PE version. Its like a mini-Police. Admittedly the steel scales don't offer the traction of G-10 but it would do in a pinch and its very easy to carry.

And I agree with you on the plain edge assessment.... although the Civilian is generally only available in SE.
 
Ankerson said:
OMG.... :(

That long huh?

Where did you get it from?
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It came from an EBay store. I bought it there because I had my paypal loaded from my sales. It was a NIB knife from a dealer that does a lot of turn-over, but it was his last so I just sent it back to KAI.
I sorta feel like they should just keep it and send me a new one, after all I just bought it and included the receipt and the dealers card with the returned knife. It was clearly a blemish even if they didn't catch it and XXX out the serial #. They could sell it as a blem and give me another and I'd be happy, but none the less they will correct it. But, it sucks buying a new knife and having to return it and wait.
 
jill jackson said:
It came from an EBay store. I bought it there because I had my paypal loaded from my sales. It was a NIB knife from a dealer that does a lot of turn-over, but it was his last so I just sent it back to KAI.
I sorta feel like they should just keep it and send me a new one, after all I just bought it and included the receipt and the dealers card with the returned knife. It was clearly a blemish even if they didn't catch it and XXX out the serial #. They could sell it as a blem and give me another and I'd be happy, but none the less they will correct it. But, it sucks buying a new knife and having to return it and wait.
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Yeah It does. :(

I would think they should have sent you a new one too.
 
Lots of opinion with no facts here - as usual for a self defense question.

Flat ground blades don't necessarily break more easily, and frankly, if side thrust seems to be a problem, better technique is the answer. A S3OV flatground blade with a deep belly may very well have more cross section and higher yield pressure than another - there's no general conclusion to be made. If any, a saber ground blade is cheaper to grind than flat - which tells you the makers intent.

A good grip on the slabs is paramount, obviously, so any texturing or grooving would tend to improve it. Having a shorter drop point rather that a long wedge would strengthen it, hence the props to Emerson for his tanto blade on the CQC7.

What is most important is familiarity in use - so the best SD blade is your daily carry, with it's shape optimized for the bulk of tasks performed. Since it's extremely unlikely anyone will ever actually use a blade as a weapon, pick one that will be used, and not cussed. If you do need it, it'll do fine, ready to hand, and without much in the way of a flamewar in court.

A flat ground AUS8 grade blade with G10 and your preferred lock will be fine. Waves, tip up or down, AO, etc are useless distinctions without a long and serious study of martial arts with edged weapons - at which point, it won't make a difference anyway.

I can tell you that in the day, the guy who first used a flat rock to slice was considered both a genius and an evil being attempting to destroy civilization as we knew it . . . .
 
Emerson CQC-8 , Benchmade Skirmish 630, Spyderco Militray, ZT 200 off the top of my head. There are many, many more offerings from these companies (and more) but that was a quick jab at it, no pun intended.

A 1911 works best though :-)
 
spyderco police 3
spyderco military
spyderco endura
spyderco chinook
spyderco tasman
spyderco harpy
spyderco stretch 2 frn
spyderco manix2
spyderco native
gerber applegate combat folder
gerber hinderer black version
emerson mini cqc7
emerson mini cqc15
sog trident
sog aegis
kershaw blur
kershaw whirlwind
cold steel ti lite
cold steel 4 inch voyager bowie
benchmade vex
bechmade mini grip
benchmade apparition (regular or g10)
 
Get any of these:
-Endura Wave
-Emerson CQC-13
-Emerson CQC-8
-Emerson CQC-10
-Cold Steel Talwar
 
As far as self defense goes I would say that any knife you carry and you are familiar with using it will be good. If you know how to use it even the Kershaw Scallion is a good self defense knife!
 
pilote said:
...that's pretty much it, isn't it...unless you have preferences like ripping instead of puncturing, you could have more dialog over that...:rolleyes:

be advised that if you're not 100% fearless when you draw the Ideal SD Folder, that knife can and will be used against you...
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YOU MUST BE 100% FEARLESS!
WARRIOR LIFESTYLE!

:jerkit:
 
David M said:
As far as self defense goes I would say that any knife you carry and you are familiar with using it will be good. If you know how to use it even the Kershaw Scallion is a good self defense knife!
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yup, even a small knife like that can do serious damage. just pick something that feels good in the hand, easy to carry, and reliable.
 
25sb2.jpg
cold steel scimitar... i really think you can get plenty of grip on this handle even though it is zytel
 
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The only "fast" Spyderco's Ive found were the waved models...I can't get the "holie" models to deploy fast, be it drop or thumb arc. My Kershaw Talon w/ wave is wicked fast too. You won't beat a quality waved knife for speed. Tip down carry - SLOW.

The fasted knife I have is a Kershaw Blur, tip up, super fast AO. I like the ZT line as well.

All things considered, here is my preference:

Gun
Fixed Blade
Tip Up Assisted Opener (I prefer them over automatics) - Any AO ZT, Shallot, Blur
Waved - Byrd Crossbill Full Serrated custom wave, Kershaw Talon
 
J_Curd said:
The only "fast" Spyderco's Ive found were the waved models...I can't get the "holie" models to deploy fast, be it drop or thumb arc. My Kershaw Talon w/ wave is wicked fast too. You won't beat a quality waved knife for speed. Tip down carry - SLOW.

The fasted knife I have is a Kershaw Blur, tip up, super fast AO. I like the ZT line as well.

All things considered, here is my preference:

Gun
Fixed Blade
Tip Up Assisted Opener (I prefer them over automatics) - Any AO ZT, Shallot, Blur
Waved - Byrd Crossbill Full Serrated custom wave, Kershaw Talon
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manually opening a spyderco with your thumb doesnt take significantly longer to open than any other kind of knife inmop. the thumbhole is also more secure in my opinion as it always catches my thumb, while my thumb has missed thumbstuds on other knives quite a few times.
 
Aside from waves, flippers > everything I've ever tried. BTW, I dislike Emerson brand knives waves more than the rest, they don't catch well.

The axis diameter of some Spyderco's simply don't allow me to open the knife quick, and I have average (but thick) hands.

Missing or hitting the thumbstud is just a matter of rote memory and muscle programming.
 
Well, Emerson invented the Wave so I think he knows how it should work.

It depends on what kind of pants you wear - jeans are more effective than dress pants. Unless you favour the really tight 'Saturday Night Fever' kind. :D

J_Curd said:
Aside from waves, flippers > everything I've ever tried. BTW, I dislike Emerson brand knives waves more than the rest, they don't catch well.

The axis diameter of some Spyderco's simply don't allow me to open the knife quick, and I have average (but thick) hands.

Missing or hitting the thumbstud is just a matter of rote memory and muscle programming.
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