Buying first knife

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geeeduck

Joined
Jan 23, 2011
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Hey guys I'm planning on buying my first knife in the next week.
So far I have my eye on the Spyderco Delica 4.
I was wondering if you guys had any other suggestions in this price range? and it must have a blade < 3"
also wondering if you could point me to a good store to purchase from?
and just because I want to be extra careful. This knife is legal to conceal carry pretty much anywhere in California right?
 
i can't help you with California's knife laws (there is a knife laws section in this forum).

we will be able to help you more with your knife selection if you can answer these questions:
1. what will the knife be primarily used for?
2. how important is weight?
3. what is your price range?

also, have you considered how you will keep the knife sharp?
 
or an IZULA as a small fixed blade ?
Delica 4 is a good choice for a small folder, still one of my favorite folded knife to carry around
small, slim, but highly capable :D
welcome to bladeforums
 
Concealed carry of a fixed blade in many areas of Cali if not the whole state(?) is a big no no.

The delica is a great first knife!
 
Thanks everyone
I'm aware of the law section on this forum I just wanted to kill two birds with one stone. I'm also pretty sure this knife will fly in California I just wanted to be extra sure. I don't need to be getting in trouble.
More of what I"m looking for:
The knife will be used for self defense, so hopefully it is never used.
Folding knife with a blade less than 3 inches.
weight isn't important and my budget is less than $80.
I'm a newb to this so I have no idea how I will sharpen it. I have considered it though.
 
geeeduck said:
Thanks everyone
I'm aware of the law section on this forum I just wanted to kill two birds with one stone. I'm also pretty sure this knife will fly in California I just wanted to be extra sure. I don't need to be getting in trouble.
More of what I"m looking for:
The knife will be used for self defense, so hopefully it is never used.
Folding knife with a blade less than 3 inches.
weight isn't important and my budget is less than $80.
I'm a newb to this so I have no idea how I will sharpen it. I have considered it though.
Click to expand...

Do you know how to use a knife in self defense? Or how to defend yourself legally after having to use it in self defense? I know exactly how you feel about it as I'd agree most people think about it when purchasing some knives. But there are much better options for self defense, and I'd suggest picking something other than a knife for that (although California sucks in that regard).

Just remember, a knife is a TOOL. It's not a weapon (the majority of the time anyways), and the knife community strives every day to make that clear to sheeple.
 
Please get yourself some form of instruction if you plan on carrying a knife for defense. Also know that in most areas simply saying you are carrying it for self defense will land you in a whole heap of trouble. Not to even get into the idea of actually using the knife in that role.

There are only three knives I can think of in that size range that would be even remotely sturdy for self defense and training would be the Emerson cqc14 or mini cqc7, or the delica with the wave, and a trainer or blade made for them for training. The Emerson's are outside your budget but the waved delica fits.

Seriously, get some training.
 
00ChevyScott said:
Do you know how to use a knife in self defense? Or how to defend yourself legally after having to use it in self defense? I know exactly how you feel about it as I'd agree most people think about it when purchasing some knives. But there are much better options for self defense, and I'd suggest picking something other than a knife for that (although California sucks in that regard).

Just remember, a knife is a TOOL. It's not a weapon (the majority of the time anyways), and the knife community strives every day to make that clear to sheeple.
Click to expand...

EricV said:
Please get yourself some form of instruction if you plan on carrying a knife for defense. Also know that in most areas simply saying you are carrying it for self defense will land you in a whole heap of trouble. Not to even get into the idea of actually using the knife in that role.


Seriously, get some training.
Click to expand...

^ +1, both of these guys are right. make sure you know the laws of your state well. it's not a good idea to buy a knife and stick it in your pocket "just in case". proper training is key, being able to properly deploy it and knowing when/which situations warrant it's use is vital. there is a thin line between self defense and excessive force. always remember that a knife is a tool and you should ONLY defend yourself with it as a last resort in a life/death situation.

as for knives that fit your criteria, here's a few:

spyderco persistence
buck vantage pro small
buck vantage avid small


have you considered getting a fixed blade knife?
 
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As for Cal knife laws AFAIK its NO fixed blades and folders are not restricted in blade length.

As for the knife, the delica is a great knife that IMO should be the standard for entry level quality knives. Can't go wrong with a delica.
 
Just wanted to reiterate the importance of proper training. Also I highly recommend the Delica wave because if you ever have to deploy a blade for self defense, you will have a loss of your fine motor skills under stress. My recommendation is to always flee when you can because there is such a small line between self defense and excessive force as previously stated. Something I have always been taught is the escalations of force, to help with a self defense plea you must learn the proper escalation of force and flee when possible. Any ways I am getting off track Delica 4 Wave and look into a spyderco sharpmaker for knife sharpening, it is simple to use and give a great edge.Remember knives are tools.
 
That was my first knife as well. I had the original one. I also bought one for each of the guys in my wedding and they love them. I carry a newer one I got recently (The ZDP one) in my tool bag. You can beat the hell out of it. It is a great first knife. Number 2 will be a mini grip.
 
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