Boot Knieves - self defence

Thanks for the replys and doees anyone have any basic tips for use of a knife in defence? Also, does it matter if the blade is serated or not?
 
I handled a bunch of cheesy ones when I was a kid but I did buy one of the small Western boot knives probably 10-15 years ago. I can't carry it here in CA but I'm like a crow attracted to shiny objects. The point on that thing is like a needle. I have no doubt it would go through flesh like butter. But I wouldn't bet on the tip holding up if it hit something hard like bone. The sheath on mine is outstanding. The clip is strong, it wont slide around. And the knife is held in by a tensioned piece of steel. Strong enough that it wont fall out but not so strong you have to yank it out. That's as much as I can say from first hand experience. Good luck on finding the right one.

Frank
 
- if they are walking up to you and putting you in a bear hug in an effort to damage or take advantage of you they fully deserve to get their eyes gouged and their throat slit.

Huh???????? Just a bear hug?

Not where I live. You'd end up sharing a cell with Joliet Jake faster than you can say "Mayor Daley".
 
Boot knives and self defense don't really fit together that well.

By their design the boot knife is slow to get into play, you will usually have to lose sight of your opponent temporarily while you bend down to retrieve it, it's either bend down or pick the leg up. If you pick the leg up to get the knife accessible then you are disadvantaged by being easily taken to the ground due to not having a stable patform [ your legs underneath you ].

Good knives should be a last line of defense if you carry one that low on your body. They may have more use if you are sitting in a cruiser all day/night or anywhere you are sitting more than standing IF the carry system is designed properly.

They have a "cool" factor perhaps yet they are not something I will consider carrying for defensive needs. If I get taken to the ground perhaps there could be a use found for it there as well but in that scenario it is still a backup to a backup if I were to carry one for any reason [which I never will].

Brownie
 
brownie0486, I understand your points. It is not my first line knife. My thought is that anything worth carrying is worth carrying more than one of. This holds true for guns, knives and flashlights. My Safekeeper is very easy to get when seated in my cruiser. I think of it as more Onion Field insurance.
 
I have one of the safekeepers myself, never carry it but if I did want the boot option I'd go with your choice and mine as well. Sturdy and small enough not be be a burden.

Seated alot as stated it would be an option

Stay safe out there.

Brownie
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
Boot knives and self defense don't really fit together that well.

By their design the boot knife is slow to get into play, you will usually have to lose sight of your opponent temporarily while you bend down to retrieve it, it's either bend down or pick the leg up. If you pick the leg up to get the knife accessible then you are disadvantaged by being easily taken to the ground due to not having a stable patform [ your legs underneath you ].

Good knives should be a last line of defense if you carry one that low on your body. They may have more use if you are sitting in a cruiser all day/night or anywhere you are sitting more than standing IF the carry system is designed properly.

They have a "cool" factor perhaps yet they are not something I will consider carrying for defensive needs. If I get taken to the ground perhaps there could be a use found for it there as well but in that scenario it is still a backup to a backup if I were to carry one for any reason [which I never will].

Brownie

Where as a boot knife is not really a good choice as a primary weapon, I do have to disagree with your assessment re: their utility. If you take a look at Michael Janich's video he shows some good ways to deploy a boot knife.

If you are on the ground due to being hit or one can drop to the floor in a feint to tie your shoelaces - then a quick deployment and stab to the groin will disable even the most determined attacker. Just some thoughts for you to consider. Of course a neck knife can be easier if you are inclined to wear tennis shoes mostly :)
 
I sometimes carry my Safekeeper behind my spare magazine. A buddy who is an Air Marshal carries his as a neck knife.
 
Simonp: I mentioned if you went to the ground it might be an option or seated alot as mercops situation puts him into.

Anytime I have to be off balance to retrieve a tool during a potential confrontation I don't consider it an option until I'm down to unarmed.

Like Ayoob and his teachings of how to get to the ankle rig/gun. It all looks good and clean until you are stressed and under attack, then things fall apart quickly.

I've been known to frequently ;) carry three defensive knives at a time. Two clipped to pockets and a straight blade on the belt or shoulder rig as well as a firearm.

My choice if I think I need more tools is to put them where I can get at them without the worry of balance, taking my eyes off the perp, etc.

I did carry an ankle gun when in the cruiser as a third backup gun though. I just like my knives close to me. They create a warm feeling inside knowing they are they and I know how to use them effectively once deployed.

Brownie
 
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