Blade length-for big mean fish and Law enforcement

I need a fixed blade (I think). Rather than ask which one I should get I'll tell what it (they) will be used for and you smarties and experienced folk can tell me what size. (O.K., if you REALLY feel strongly about it you can suggest a knife or two, but I am poor and I already have two in mind.)
First I do a lot of fly fishing in the gulf and bay waters. I usually kayak out to a sandbar and wade out and cast. More than once I have seen a large shadow lurk by and hoped it was a school of fish or a dolphin. You have no idea what a beautiful sound that blow-hole makes, especially if you see the fin first-WHEW! I know a guy in Texas who says that if you are more than knee deep in the gulf, you have entered the food chain (and not at the top). Anyway, I have a Gerber river shorty, and that's not enough. However, I don't want anything too big to use for cutting tasks as well. How long should it be?
Second, I read in another thread the knives that LEO's carry, and thought that there were quite a few fixed blades. How do you get away with that? Do you carry them only in tactical situations or actually have them on you while on patrol? And again, how long should it be?

The two knives I have in mind are the BM Nimravus (although it may be too small for large, toothy fish) and the Boker Applegate/Fairburn. They fit my wallet OK and I love both designs. Anywho, thanks for your thoughts and opinions.
 
Normark

Normark

Joined
Nov 7, 1999
Messages
6,651
Hey Copper...

I'm not sure what to tell you here,, but I just wanted to make a quick comment...

Originally posted by copper:
Do you carry them only in tactical situations or actually have them on you while on patrol?
Click to expand...

I'm not a Copper,,but as far as I'm concerned "patrol" is a Tactical situation in my book....

The minute you guys but on the Blue,, you are in a Tactical situation.
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Wish I could help you with blade selection,, but the BM Nimravus is a Sweet blade....I've been wanting one for some time...
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ttyle Eric....




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Eric E. Noeldechen
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When I went in the ocean I carried an 11 inch blade (OAL) and a clipit. Used the fixed blade in place of my hands to stir things up in the sandy bottoms. I would have felt mildly confortable with the larger knife but not with the folder in a defensive situation against some big fish. I have taken much larger bowies with me and felt better, so that's my take.
 
There is no set limit for blade lenght in Texas (well at least houston), as long as it is NOT consealed. I mean if you can walk down the streat with a loaded shotgun on you back, why not have a machete on your belt? Anyway as long as it is not double edged, you have many choices. If you want a belt knife (7-12 inches overall) I would recomend the SOG Seal knife (if you have the money). It is the only one I know for sure that has been tested to survive in salt water. All blades will rust if you dont take care of them in those conditions. Cold Steel have some pretty damm nice knifes also. For a belt knife I would say SoG or Cold Steel.

For wade fishing in the gulf I would highly recomend a cheap machete (found at most army surplus). This for two reasons you dont have to get as close to beast to discourage it and I think and eal or sea snake would be hard to hit with a smaler knife. From what I hear Eals are mean little bastards and will tear the **** out of you at close range. Eals also like to eat shrimp, and when they get hoked they probly wont be to happen when you get it close enough to say ohh **** that is not a fish. i have heard storys of eals coming in the boat after the line was cut (that was in Galveston by the way). Sharks should look like puppy dogs next to eals and baracudas=)

Vlad
 
In Houston, as well as the rest of Texas, Sec. 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code makes it a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine up to $4000, to carry a knife with a blade over five and one-half inches on or about the person, regardless of whether or not it is concealed.
 
If you are in poilce officer I would say take your gun out there. Secondly do not buy a knife to take fishing and to use as a seconday weapon. At least I do not want to stake my life on a knife that I have put into one of the most hostile enviroments for metals. I have seen law inforcment carry many fixed blades of aroung 6 inches. Fixed blades are quicker for all situations. there are many places to carry it, my favorite is over the heart, with the handle pointed down. The Nimravus is a vary nice thin sheathed knife, purfect for carrying everyday.

vlad
 
Dude, Vlad are you sure you live in Houston Texas in the USA?
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Like Berkley said, anything over 5.5" is expressly forbiden in all parts of Texas, along with the other "dirk and dagger" BS. Also, just because someone is a LEO, doesn't mean they can use their gun anytime, any where and for what ever reason they want...copper would have an interesting time explaining why he was out capping fish.

In addition, there is no problem with exposing a metal knife to an ocean enviroment, you just have to make sure you properly maintain your weapon...it should be fine.

As for my recommendation, I would say check out John Greco's stuff. I don't own any, but I hear it's great stuff at a great price.

Jared - License to EEL
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If you have ever read any of my posts you would know I always reccomend one knife for almost all uses. 15" Ang Khola khukuri from Himilayan Imports. It would probably rust easy but if you want to hurt A "BIG" fish it is what I would trust my life with. Check out the H.I. forum under makers and manufacturers. Brian

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I'm living on the edge!
 
Bangstick. At least for the sharks. I'd say the machete sounds like workable for eels, but I do not know the likelihood of encountering them... Only one round in the bangstick, but then, it only goes off when you hit something, and you should have enough blood then to keep that shark quiet for a while, and the rest busy.


Stryver
 
Excellent idea, Stryver. Do they make a bangstick that is shorter than the ones I see the divers with on TV? Something mabey a foot or two long that I could safely wade with and not accidentally "bang" myself?
 
Take a look at the SOG Northwest Ranger, it's got a great handle, resists corrosion well and is 5". It's big enough to inflict real damage, small enough to be useful, and light enough to carry! The blade is serrated for an inch or so back by the hilt. The hilt is stainless, and it's got a nice nylon sheath, although Kydex would be better for your use. I love machettes, but I don't think they would be useful underwater! They don't have a point you can really stab well with, and slashing underwater is doubtful due to the drag of the water!
 
I used to live outside the city limits of Houston in Humble. I am only telling what has been told to me by others on legal length. Most Poilce officers dont know their own laws I have asked almost everyone that came into a store I worked in, for it seems that what ever that officer uses is what will make or break you untill you get to the Judge. As for using the gun I was joking...... you gota go 5 miles out to go fishing with guns
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As for saltwater being a bad enviroment. It amazes me how many people do not keep there knives clean after they use it. Then say well I dont like that knife it rust up on me. Salt water will hurt a knife much faster than most other places. If you keep it clean and oiled it will be ok, but I would have a knife solely for fishing in salt water, preferably a cheap one.

The bang stick is a great idea, it should get most anything off you. Depinding on the shark they do not stay long on a bite. For instance the Great White will hit and swim away to wait for you to blead to death. I am not sure about Macaos thou. Make sure you have a deterrent that will hit before this happens=)

Vlad
 
I have no clue where to get a bangstick, or how long they come. I think I'd prefer a longer one myself, I'd like the option of hitting it before it was within an arms reach of my body...

I'd also be very uncomfortable defending myself with a knife against a predator born with a mouthful of very good ones. It would be a last resort, somewhere along the lines of chewing my foot off to escape a trap, or setting a tourniquet.


Stryver
 
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