Chopper/ Defense Blade?

DeadFall27

DeadFall27

Joined
May 18, 2011
Messages
1,476
To start off, I hike many trails year-long here in CO either solo of with a few close friends. We frequent the more difficult terrain up these beautiful mountains all for the sport of it, the beauty, photography opportunities and a nice relaxing fish. Though these trips are always tranquil, there is always an element of risk involved. I came to the realization of a true possibility of getting attacked whist outdoors on my last trip to my favorite lake.

On the other side of the lake, unknown to me until I caught my first fish of the day, a family of mountain lions (a mother and three adorable cubs) decided to make their home in the rocky terrain. When I reeled in my fish, they decided to move my direction. My heart began to race and I high-tailed it out of there.

On my way back down, a constant paranoia dwindled upon me. I had no way to defend myself if the worst was to come. No dedicated chopper, no hawk, no billhook, no machete...just a multi-tool and a bushcraft blade...

So let me get to the point here: what type of blade should I get for an all-around chopper, splitter and defense blade? I cannot believe I am one of those people posting about 'the best defense blade' but 135lbs of hippie meat doesn't seem like a fair match against a mountain lion...I will try( as I always have) to avoid these situations, but there are some things in this world you cannot avoid even when you are taking necessary precautions.

So, what would you recommend? I posted this in the General forum since knives could be part of the discussion/suggestion process.

Thanks guys and gals,
-Deadfall
 
"hippie meat doesn't seem like a fair match against a mountain lion" this sentence brings the main question. You live in a state where firearms is a norm but you're a hippie. Hmm my biggest suggestion is to go with another hippie so that mountain lion attacking you will be less as likely. Just kidding all seriousness inside I would suggest a bear spray, firearm if you decide too, and a big knife. My only experience with wild animals is a bob cat, and seriously that bob cat saw me before I saw that beautiful animal. I understand we all try to avoid these situations but sometimes it's in avoidable.
 
-Glock
I knew some smart-a$$ would say that :p
All jokes welcome.
I was just looking for a blade(or whatever) that I can use for utilitarian purposes and self-defense if I really have to.
Man, I'm even laughing typing about the whole 'self-defense thing'
 
It is called a 9mm or .40 or 45acp or .357mag or 41 mag or 44spl or 44mag. A blade for a family of Mtn Lions? No F`n way. Lead and fast lead at that.
 
Big Bo said:
It is called a 9mm or .40 or 45acp or .357mag or 41 mag or 44spl or 44mag. A blade for a family of Mtn Lions? No F`n way. Lead and fast lead at that.
Click to expand...

I would carry a firearm, but I am still in High School and unable to legally carry. Trust me, I have it marked on my calendar the day I can own rifles and shotguns.

I should have posted this in my original post...well, at least that info is out there now. Sorry everyone!
 
i have hiked and camped in alot of areas with big game too, not long ago a local guy just hiking on a game trail was attacked by a mountain lion not 2 miles from my house. I always prefer to be armed with as heavy a caliber pistol as i'm comfortable and accurate with. bear spray if your really opposed to a firearm. A good chopper and useful as a defensive knife would be the esee junglas. I keep mine on my pack.

ah i understand now you posted while i was writing my suggestion. Depending on what you can afford to spend bear spray and a machette might be a good alternative for you as well.

take it easy
cricket
 
cricketdave said:
i have hiked and camped in alot of areas with big game too, not long ago a local guy just hiking on a game trail was attacked by a mountain lion not 2 miles from my house. I always prefer to be armed with as heavy a caliber pistol as i'm comfortable and accurate with. bear spray if your really opposed to a firearm. A good chopper and useful as a defensive knife would be the esee junglas. I keep mine on my pack.

ah i understand now you posted while i was writing my suggestion. Depending on what you can afford to spend bear spray and a machette might be a good alternative for you as well.

take it easy
cricket
Click to expand...

Thanks Cricket, any sort of machete suggestions in mind?
 
If your aiming to fight a mountain lion, which is what I am mostly concerned with in Cali (along with criminals) carry a knife that is durable and fast in hand paired with Bear Spray. I carry a modded OSI in Sn Mai from Cold Steel (about 90 bucks) or my Trailmaster in San Mai (about 220)....alot of awesome folks say "Carry a gun if you're worried" without the least basis in what the laws are in your area.

Busses are great too, but pricey for Battle Mistresses (or whatever model is 9" plus) and weighs more than a Trailmaster.
 
DeadFall27 said:
You know, I have been eying Busse for a while now but I'm not sure if I would like the extra weight...but then again...they keep calling my name...:D
Click to expand...

A knife for self-defense against a large carnivore is a loser's game. Even if you win they will be carrying you out in several bags. That lion is equiped with greater speed, better senses, much greater power, twenty knives (claws) and lethal jaws. If you allow it to get close enough to stab with a knife it is already over. At a minimum you would want a spear and a pack of well trained dogs.

n2s
 
DeadFall27 said:
I would carry a firearm, but I am still in High School and unable to legally carry. Trust me, I have it marked on my calendar the day I can own rifles and shotguns.

I should have posted this in my original post...well, at least that info is out there now. Sorry everyone!
Click to expand...

Then carry a Shotgun loaded with 00 Buckshot and forget about a SD knife.

I mean really, a knife against an animal that is at the top of the food chain in the US... Now that is funny....

Sounds like someone has been watching way too much TV and movies....
 
not2sharp said:
A knife for self-defense against a large carnivore is a loser's game. Even if you win they will be carrying you out in several bags. That lion is equiped with greater speed, better senses, much greater power, twenty knives (claws) and lethal jaws. If you allow it to get close enough to stab with a knife it is already over. At a minimum you would want a spear and a pack of well trained dogs.

n2s
Click to expand...

What about something with a tad more reach? (taking knives out of the equation for example)
 
The bear spray is a really good idea. As for the knife, you want something light enough to move fast and long enough to reach the vitals in a large predator. Plus, since you weigh 135, you do not want to carry a heavy knife on a backpacking trip. I suggest buying a practice can of the spray, it has no capsaicin so the blowback won't hurt you or bystanders. You want to know the spray's range and spread before you actually need it.
 
In your case I would take a shotgun or a light rifle.

If a cougar or bear does decide to attack youa machete won't do much.
 
well my favorite machette is the esee lite machette. the micarta handles are well worth the extra money. bear spray really is your best bet if your not using a firearm. for something with more reach. a good walking stick is always handy. You could always go all indiana jones and get a bull whip. you would be suprised at what you can do with one with practice. i've used one working cattle over the years, you can sure get their attention with one.

take it easy
cricket
 
My first thought was BK 9. But bear spray a good friend that you can really count on and maybe a BK 9 as an absolute last resort. Situational awareness has saved more lives than all of the guns, knives, and hand grenades combined.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top