Cheap bastard+knife chop=Suggestions?

vltor17

vltor17

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So....I really want an Emerson CQC 14. But, I'm not paying that much for one. I really like the concept, full size handle, legal blade for dumb laws. I'm going to be doing some traveling in the near future, and want a knife that I don't have to worry about crossing various state lines. I'm looking for suggestions on which full size knife to get and mod to meet these specs. I know, carry what you want and don't worry about it, but would rather stay legal. Just a good, general use knife, with decent steel. Would like to keep it under $100, since I'm going to be shoving it into a belt grinder. Thinking about Cold Steel, what do you think?
 
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unless you know how to use a knife in self-defense, you are liable to get yourself hurt. Go for a smatchet.
 
Sorry :P. Realistically, go for something small and unaggressive. A case peanut or something along those lines.
 
timbit said:
unless you know how to use a knife in self-defense, you are liable to get yourself hurt. Go for a smatchet.
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That is some solid advice. Unless you know what you are doing wth a knife for SD, you risk a lengthy prison sentence, felony charges followed by lengthy and stressful court proceedings, or getting stuck with your own knife. The best things for SD in general (for those without any training) is a solid and well developed sense of self awareness, a scoop or two of common sense, and some really good shoes.
 
Looking past the use of a knife for self defense, there are lots of great fixed blade knives out there for way under $100.
As far as the legal length, every state is different and I have no way of knowing what states/cities you'll be visiting or what the laws are in each of those places.

So given the above, here are some suggestions for nice fixed blade knives for around $50 and that aren't too large or heavy:
AG Russell Bird and Trout
Buck Pathfinder and Woodsman
Becker Eskabar
ESEE Izula
Queen D2 hunters
Scandinavian style hunting knives from Mora, Ahti, and others
 
how about the spyderco persistence? it has and 2.75" blade with a 4.125" handle?

another option, you could get a byrd cara cara 2 G10 and shorten the blade.

p.s. just because the blade is under 3" doesn't mean it's legal in every part of the USA.
 
Thanks for the replys, fellas. I edited my original post to clarify what I'm looking for. Full size folding knife (4 inch or so blade) so I get a good size handle. I want the full size handle, and I am capable of modifying the blade to shorter than 3 inches so it will generally be legal where I'm going. Did not intend to start another what knife do I stab with thread, sorry if the op gave that impression. Or, if there is an affordable alternative to the Emerson CQC 14, please post up suggestions (I might buy the Emerson, but trying to give the wallet a break, since I'll only carry it when I'm traveling state to state).
 
timbit said:
unless you know how to use a knife in self-defense, you are liable to get yourself hurt. Go for a smatchet.
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I didnt see anything in the OPs post about SD... Did I miss something?

To OP, what do you intend on using the knife for?
 
I did edit the op shortly after I posted and got replys I was not seeking, so it is my fault for not making myself clear in the op. Use for the knife is general use, I carry a leatherman, so heavy use is not anticipated, but I do prefer a stoutly built knife.
 
Get yourself a Paramilitary2. It's a little over $100, but it will be well worth the price.
Great steel, great lock, 4 way clip, very comfy in the hand, carrys light and easy.
 
vltor17 said:
Full size folding knife (4 inch or so blade) so I get a good size handle. I want the full size handle, and I am capable of modifying the blade to shorter than 3 inches

Or, if there is an affordable alternative to the Emerson CQC 14, please post up suggestions
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get a spyderco tenacious or resilience or an ontario rat folder and modify the blade. all models are pretty tough and they won't break the bank (about $30-$40).
 
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The OP asked for a knife, not a lecture guys! :rolleyes:

Studies show that even when the victim (or would be victim) has no self defense training they are better off with a knife or other weapon than without. Training obviously puts you tiers above where you'd be without it. Instinct takes over in most situations so most people don't bumble like idiots when attacked (but they don't show great form or technique either)

Buy two Meyerco Dirk Pinkerton Wharnings. It honestly is one of the best self defense and utility fixed blades I have ever owned. And at $25, how can you go wrong? The 7Cr17 steel is mediocre at best, but it gets hella sharp and keeps an edge decently. The micarta scales were a bit too slick for my taste so I roughened them up with some sandpaper. Comes with a kydex sheath (kind of a crappy sheath but again, it's a $25 knife)

For a folder you could go kershaw lahar in VG10 (though it has a 2.9" blade), spyderco tenacious/persistence, Ontario RAT1, Kershaw Leek/Onion, etc. Most folders you find people raving about on here will suit your needs well.

Here's a big list for you:

Cold Steel American Lawman
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Endura/Delica
Cold Steel Recon 1
Kershaw Shallot
Cold Steel Voyager
Enlan EL01
Benchmade mini griptillian
Buck Vantage Select
Kershaw Skyline
ESEE Izula

Best of luck!
 
thedmasterr said:
The OP asked for a knife, not a lecture guys! :rolleyes:

Studies show that even when the victim (or would be victim) has no self defense training they are better off with a knife or other weapon than without. Training obviously puts you tiers above where you'd be without it. Instinct takes over in most situations so most people don't bumble like idiots when attacked (but they don't show great form or technique either)

Buy two Meyerco Dirk Pinkerton Wharnings. It honestly is one of the best self defense and utility fixed blades I have ever owned. And at $25, how can you go wrong? The 7Cr17 steel is mediocre at best, but it gets hella sharp and keeps an edge decently. The micarta scales were a bit too slick for my taste so I roughened them up with some sandpaper. Comes with a kydex sheath (kind of a crappy sheath but again, it's a $25 knife)

For a folder you could go kershaw lahar in VG10 (though it has a 2.9" blade), spyderco tenacious/persistence, Ontario RAT1, Kershaw Leek/Onion, etc. Most folders you find people raving about on here will suit your needs well.

Here's a big list for you:

Cold Steel American Lawman
Spyderco Manix 2
Spyderco Endura/Delica
Cold Steel Recon 1
Kershaw Shallot
Cold Steel Voyager
Enlan EL01
Benchmade mini griptillian
Buck Vantage Select
Kershaw Skyline
ESEE Izula

Best of luck!
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References for this?
 
thedmasterr said:
The OP asked for a knife, not a lecture guys! :rolleyes:

Studies show that even when the victim (or would be victim) has no self defense training they are better off with a knife or other weapon than without. Training obviously puts you tiers above where you'd be without it. Instinct takes over in most situations so most people don't bumble like idiots when attacked (but they don't show great form or technique either)



Makes sense to me, thanks for the knife suggestions.

Everyone-
Please don't turn this into a self defense thread, I just want a new knife!
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vltor17 said:
thedmasterr said:
Everyone-
Please don't turn this into a self defense thread, I just want a new knife!
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images

BRKT PSK a sweet little jobbie.


You could also buy a smatchet for self-defence.

wc%20smatchet%206.JPG


"The psychological reaction of any man, when he first takes the smatchet in his hand, is full justification for its recommendation as a fighting weapon. He will immediately register all the essential qualities of a good soldier-confidence, determination, and aggressiveness.

Its balance, weight, and killing power, with the point, edge, or pommel, combined with the extremely simple training necessary to become efficient in its use, make it the ideal personal weapon for all those not armed with a rifle and bayonet.

Note. - The smatchet is now in wide use throughout the British armed forces. It is hoped that it will soon be adopted by the United States Army."
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Again with the Smatchet reccomendation? By the time I've ground that thing to under 3 inches, I'll be over my budget in grinding belts alone!:eek: That BRKT looks pretty good but I'm sticking with a folder this time around. Thanks to everyone for suggestion, keep em coming. Kinda thinking about the Spyderco a guy suggested above...:)
 
I'd recommend a Delica, or an Endura if you want a larger handle. Very inexpensive, and easily replaceable, so you won't cringe while you're grinding on it. Good steel, solid construction.
Just go REALLY SLOWLY while grinding, so you don't heat up the blade too much. If it starts to change colors while you're grinding, you've ruined the temper of the steel.
 
I just came in here to talk down to you and make myself feel better :) just kidding, I agree with Jimnolimit, get the Ontario rat folder. The Rat1 has a carbon steel blade that you are going to find much easier to grind on. As stated earlier just make sure and take your time, it's easy to let it get too hot and ruin the heat treat. Good luck fellow Montanan!
 
wroughndt said:
I just came in here to talk down to you and make myself feel better :) just kidding, I agree with Jimnolimit, get the Ontario rat folder. The Rat1 has a carbon steel blade that you are going to find much easier to grind on. As stated earlier just make sure and take your time, it's easy to let it get too hot and ruin the heat treat. Good luck fellow Montanan!
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yeah, the ontario rat folder or spyderco tenacious/resilience are excellent bang-for-the-buck tough knives.

keeping the blade cold while shaping it is key. if i were to shorten a blade, i would mark the final blade shape with a marker. then i would put the blade in a vise, locking portion of the blade that i was keeping. i would snap the blade to set the length first then snap the curve in the blade. this would get the blade in a rough shape that is fairly close to the final shape. i would then slowly and gently grind the knife (preferably using a belt sander). i would be dipping the knife into ice water every few seconds to make sure it doesn't get hot.
 
if your just looking foe a good EDC i would go for the Kershaw Skyline. its got good steel tight lock up and its only 35$ and for a good knife that's a deal.
 
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