Carrying small knives. Do you?

craigz,

While I don't carry my knives for self-defense (I carry them for utility and because I just plain like them), I feel the small knife you have with you is a better defender than the big one you left at home.

Currently, I carry a REKAT Pioneer II. I love the knife, I just wish the handle was about 3/4 the size it is now. It's almost too big to carry (actually is too big for some circumstances).

I feel the same way about handguns. That's why I won't own any with barrels longer than 4". Try sitting in a car or on the ground in the woods and you'll see why...

Chris
 
Self-defense? Well, if I ever get in a fight with an unarmed opponent, I wouldn't want to draw a knife unless there were multiple assailants or it was an extremely clear-cut case of self-defense on my part; the police frown on getting in fights in bars, and even more so on escalating the level of weapon used. On the other hand, if someone draws a gun on me, I probably won't be inclined to go after them with a knife. Finally, there are very few serious knife-fighters around; I figure the difference between my long-handled 3" Gunting, and a 4" whatever is pretty minimal in realistic terms (I know, I know, 4" is "the minimum length to reach all vital organs." But I don't plan on stabbing anyone in a vital organ). Obviously I wouldn't want to go head-to-head with anyone carrying a 12" bowie with a pocket-knife, but the unfortunate realities of time and place mostly preclude me carrying any large self-defense hardware. I guess what I'm trying to say is that from a legal, ethical, and practical standpoint, small-medium knives make sense for me. YMMV, IMHO, etc.
 
2.5 to 2.75 inches is perfect for me.
Lately, sub 2.0 inches are finding my pockets: Cricket, Dyad Jr. I've given into the fact that I cut stuff that doesn't require a big blade. Even in the yard, my Delica does the job for twigs, twine and other crud.

For self-defense I'd rather use something about 12 inches long (I hope that's not giggling I hear) -- my feet!

"And I ran, I ran so far away..." RLR
 
Bugs3x:

While I carry larger sized knives, my self defense instructor, has made it crystal clear on several occasions
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that a larger blade length doesnt always give an advantage.

Yes, there are times when you might be lucky enough to be in a position where an extra 1.5" is just what you need to do the trick, but it all really comes down to how intelligent you defend yourself with the knife.

Just what I've experienced, anyone think otherwise ? Honestly ?

Dark Nemesis

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Crimson Horizon
Nothing but edge baby...
dark.nemesis@home.com
 
Dark Nemesis, I'm no knife fighter and I have no reason to doubt what you say if you have actually gotten into with somebody. But in terms of deterrence, I've got to think that sight of a Sifu is going to make a bg think a little harder than a Delica. Before people start jumping all over me I am not advocating wanton and carless brandishing of a blade, I am talking about a situation in which you are in genuine fear of your physical well being. BTW, in additon to a good size folder, I like to carry a Wegner jr. or Jess Horn lightweight.

phantom4

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who dares, wins


 
No no no, bad wording on my part
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Haven't had a chance to test that theory, but thats what it teach in class. I think they want to makes sure that we know a bigger knife isnt going to defend us by itself
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Dark Nemesis

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Crimson Horizon
Nothing but edge baby...
dark.nemesis@home.com
 
I always gravitate toward smaller knives. I have a few small fixed blades that tend to wind up in my pocket more than anything else:
Sean Perkins Seraph and Stygia, occasionally my Sean Perkins Herveste, and I carry a lot of my own small fixed blades. Most of my own knives have blades in the ridiculously short category of 1.75-2 inches with handles of around 2 inches. I use a lanyard/fob to lengthen the effective handle length, but I don't do much serious cutting, so that length suffices. I think if you know how to use a knife, which means maximizing the entire length of the cutting edge, then you can get away with a shorter blade in many circumstances.

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Steve Agocs, D.C.
http://www.geocities.com/Chiro75/frames.html


agocs_s@hotmail.com
 
I carry both large and small. Mini AFCK, Calypso Jr. Lt., or Mini Dyad along with a Military, Starmate, AFCK. If I want a bigger knife along for the ride, the Sifu gets stuck in the waistband.

I have to say, though, if I need to go somewhere that I feel my personal security is at issue, first I'll think about whether it can wait until later (daylight usually) and then choose between the Glock or the ASP baton as a primary defense tool over a blade depending on the perceived threat level.

gm
 
I always carry a smaller knife. I work at a college and pulling out a 3+" blade to open envelopes, packages, string etc. would be seen as overkill, if not threatening. Self defense is not a concern for me. I honestly believe that for a man in his prime, good judgement and self awareness are more valuable than any weapon.
 
The smallest knives I'll carry are Harpy, Native, or 350. (There's also a tiny SAK on my keychain, but that doesn't really count because I never use the blade) Even if I'm carrying all 3 at once, I always also have a 4" or larger blade on me. I'll carry a little (<3") knife in addition to a full-size knife (>3.8"), but not instead of one.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Burke:
Self-defense? Well, if I ever get in a fight with an unarmed opponent, I wouldn't want to draw a knife unless there were multiple assailants or it was an extremely clear-cut case of self-defense on my part; the police frown on getting in fights in bars, and even more so on escalating the level of weapon used. On the other hand, if someone draws a gun on me, I probably won't be inclined to go after them with a knife. Finally, there are very few serious knife-fighters around; I figure the difference between my long-handled 3" Gunting, and a 4" whatever is pretty minimal in realistic terms (I know, I know, 4" is "the minimum length to reach all vital organs." But I don't plan on stabbing anyone in a vital organ). Obviously I wouldn't want to go head-to-head with anyone carrying a 12" bowie with a pocket-knife, but the unfortunate realities of time and place mostly preclude me carrying any large self-defense hardware. I guess what I'm trying to say is that from a legal, ethical, and practical standpoint, small-medium knives make sense for me. YMMV, IMHO, etc.</font>
Click to expand...
An uncle of mine who is deceased, passed away in the pen, being put there as a result of killing another person with a 1 1/2" blade, with one stab wound.

 
Although I don't know the circumstances under which Walt2's uncle stabbed someone to death, I think his post is a dose of reality for those who are gung ho about knife self defense. What a person considers self defense may not be seen that way by the police, prosecutors, and juries. Fights in bars, parties, etc. are usually not viewed favorably by authorities. If at all possible, it is better to walk away or just avoid such conflicts. Actual muggings of able bodied men are fairly rare. If you are a delivery person or convenience store worker, you probably are in position to be believed if you have you to use deadly force.

I know that this is off topic, but I think that these are points that should be made on occasion. As for small knives, check the Spyderco website for the close out on the Almite Walker ($57.95) and the small Jess Horn ($39.95).
 
Speaking of small knives used for self-defense, one of my favorite carries is the MOD Ladyhawk. The handle has an awesome shape, and it's built like a tank. When I hold it, it feels like part of my hand. This is the one that originally turned me on to small knives, and it is still my favorite "tiny". The only reason I bought it in the first place was because I got a great deal on it. I have to admit, I'm still kind or hesitant to buy small knives, as I generally like to get the most "bang' for my buck; So definately no Spyderco Toads for my anytime soon; Although I do own and love my PECK.

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"Never let your morals get in the way of doing what's right" -Hari Seldon, Foundation, -Aasimov
 
I find that a 3" blade is almost perfect for everyday carry. Small enough for delicate work and large enough for some real cutting. Besides, I can always go out to my truck if I need a large blade.
 
I have always been a big knife kinda guy, but lately.....

I have been carrying our new Mini Talon and loving it! I'm not sure if I can make myself carry JUST a small knife, but I see myself carrying an additional small knife more often
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Stay Sharp!
Will Fennell
Camillus Cutlery
www.camillusknives.com
 
I have always like smaller knives, especially ones that feel like larger knives (Spydie Dragonfly and Pegasus). I always carry a Spyderco Toad for sheeple use and usually a ladybug on my keychain. I also carry a mid-sized folder such as the rookie or BM 705. If I know that I will need a large knife I will carry an Endura or a CUDA.
Matt
 
then there are those of us who lve in municipalities where anything over 2.5" is a crime, like chicago residents. i carr a Dragonfly lightweight everyday and simply love it. i have been thinking of getting something a bit nicer looking and a bit closer to the 2.5" limit, such as the CRKT mirage titanium, as the light weight also makes it go easy on the pants of my suits. for me, a larger blade is just not something i can afford. i have also been entertaining the notion of a small fixed blade, such as the new Cuda Mini Talon from Camillus. but i do love the dragonfly. maybe i'll go to the knife shop and see if the they have a mirage Ti or something else nice and small. too bad i don't like the thumb studs as a rule, but i have been able to flick the benchmades i have, and even the Dragonfly (by holding onto the spyder hole)...
 
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