Buying a small Fixed blade for SD

R

runT1ME

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Nov 22, 2004
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I'm buying myself a christmas presant: I want to get a relativly small ( no huge Kabars or Busses) fixed blade for primarily self defense ( I know thats not PC at all, but I thought i'd be honest). I'd like to also be able to carry it concealed if able. I'm looking at TOPS and they seem to have a great selection of small fixed blades, but there are too many options. I'm not completely sold on them, so any suggestions would be appreciated, either on specific TOPS models, or other brands. Thanks.
 
Hideaway knife, at www.hideawayknife.com, just the ticket. I am wearing one now. Nothing beats them for concealability, usefulness, ergonomics, and pride of ownership.

I have a S30V straight made by Mickey Yurco. I bought an extra kydex sheath and the "bro clip". I am wearing a t-shirt and on top of that a button shirt, and the knife is hanging under my button shirt and I can get to it in a second. Frontsite, the developer and seller of the knife, offers many excellent carry options and there is a titanium version available for even lighter weight and resistance to corrosion.

When you grab the knife, you have your two fingers (index and middle) positioned so the knife is retained no matter what. And if you have to fight, you can do so in a natural and instinctive way, so the knife is effective for SD with minimal training (or none I believe). Further, you can hold onto a pistol while retaining the knife *in the same hand*. Nothing beats the Hideaway, IMHO.
 
I don't like (to think about) using a knife for self-defense - and I am lucky to live and travel around safe'ish areas - so I may not be the most qualified.

But to me any knife is useful only if it is on me - that obviously includes anything for SD.

That means to me the carrying system has to be right to encourage me to carry it EDC - not just when I think I may need it - and I'll bet when one needs it, is when it's least expected.

Bud Nealy's MCS - Multi-Carry (or is it Conceal?)-System is the best I have seen and it works a treat. His knives are also very thin/slim to aid/encourage carry (or is it conceal? :D)

If Bud's own handmades are out of budget -
Boker do make an authorized copy - even a cheapie......

Boker Bud Nealy Specialist series

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However - I'd be concerned about what would happen if I was searched and that knife was found on my person?
... and perhaps I'm just being paranoid -
but I'd much rather avoid the hassle....
But as always YMMV - as my priorities may well be different.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
I am not sure what you consider a small fixed blade and the term small coveres a pretty large range in blade sizes. Two knives that I consider small for a fixed blade and very handy to carry are the benchmade model 220 Rsistor and the Spyderco Ronin. The resistor gets the nod for more all around general use based on the blade shape. It is a very nice feeling small fixed blade (blade 3.4") and is flat and conceals easily in a decent sheath (the factory one was not acceptable to me. The Ronin is a little shorter with a 3" bladde and a very unusual blade shape with a needle sharp tip. This knife is more of a self defense only type of knife in my mind.
 
Buy a CRKT Ryan Plan B (try to get your hands on the "For Those Who Serve" version with the crinkle coating).

I'm sure that you won't regret it.
 
I won't belabor the point, but there is *nothing* like the Hideaway knife. I am sure there are many other fine fixed blades, but nothing like the Hideaway.
 
If your alrady looking at Tops, take a look at the Strikar (small model) Its one of my personal favorite SD fixed blade. Its so easy to carry due to the small size and locks up nicely in the hand because of the sloping shape of the butt end of the handle.
 
busse does have concealment blades as well instead of just heavy combat knives such as the mean street, lean mean street, meaner street, active duty, skeleton key, assault shaker, and my personal fav. the public defender with a 3/16 inch thick 4 1/2 inch long tanto point.

btw i didn't mean for this to sound negative, i just wanted to let you know of the "other" busses out there ;)
 
The Benchmade Nimravus or smaller Nimravus Cub are worth a good look, as is the (DC'd) Gerber Yari.
 
the emerson la griffe has been a faithful companion for a while now. its very easy to conceal and the price was right. i've always wanted to try a hideaway knife they look great but the price seems a bit steep.
 
Don't know if its too big or not, but how about a Frosts Mora or Swedish Army knife (I think that's what its called), and getting a good sheath made for it? Its cheap, so if you have to ditch its good, but its also a VERY well made knife for only around 10-20 bucks (less the sheath of course).

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
Dozier! Additionally, you can order an extra sheath from him made specifically for your knife, say the sholder system or the IWB.
 
runTime,


If you think cross guards are important:

Dozier Mini Freedom Fighter

Polkowski Polecat and several other models

Several of Bill Siegle's smaller knives

Rekat Pikuni

Crawford-Kasper fixed blade

RJ Martin's Wasabi and some other models

Bud Nealy smaller Wortac


Alan
 
Of all the designs available, the Hideaway strikes me as being the most useful. I just might have to try one out first hand someday.

Paul
 
PWork said:
Of all the designs available, the Hideaway strikes me as being the most useful. I just might have to try one out first hand someday.

Paul
Click to expand...

not least is the fact that they are custom fitted for retention in difficult circumstances. They are expensive. Frontsite is "into" knives and has great knife makers working with her, like Mick Strider, Ken Brock and Mickey Yurco. I paid over $200 for mine. But money well spent. Nothing conceals like it, nothing deploys like it, and nothing retains like it. I have more confidence in my Hideaway.

For instance: A nice thing about it is that you can deploy it in advance, say in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, and still not appear like you are holding a knife. You have *full* use of both hands while retaining it. If something happens, you have your knife. If nothing happens, nobody is the wiser. You can hold a gun while you are holding your Hideaway. It is a great backup.

If you did have to use it, it should be more intuitive to those, like me, who have more experience with handgun practice than knife practice. Anything you would naturally do with your fists you do with the Hideaway. I am not going to have much knife training but with the Hideaway I don't feel like I need it.
 
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