commander blade length question

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gerry81611

Joined
Aug 18, 2002
Messages
100
hello to this side of the forums!

i am considering a commander as my edc, and had a few questions.

to those of you with both commanders and mini commanders, if you had only one for utility / defense, which would it be?

i just got off the phone with my sheriff, who basically said, if i get the full size one and keep it in my pocket, no one will bother me. unfortunately I am in a situation where a cop having a bad day could make trouble for me.

i recall a past thread somewhere on BF: Balisong about how, if I ever needed to use a knife to defend myself, I would need to prove that I was acting in self defense, and not out looking for trouble. Having a pair of 4 inch Benchmade balis doesn't really help my case. But an emerson wave?

max blade length in my area (Colorado) is 3.5 inches (technically, although the sheriff said it wasn't really a big deal). Heaven forbid I should be in a defensive situation, but I will certainly use this tool in my own defense. (yes, i know how to use it). But I've noticed the law screws you if you leave them an opening, so I'm trying to stay completely spotless here.

That said, from a utility / defense POV, is there anything about the full size commander (besides its coolness) that would make it worth the potential (though minor) risk?

I know that the mini commander will do just fine in a defensive pinch, but as a utility, i don't know if the handle squishes your hand, etc.

thanks,

gerry
 
My best advice to you would be, if you have the chance to remain 100% legal, do so.

No, it doesn't "squish" :D

I know that the mini commander will do just fine in a defensive pinch, but as a utility
Click to expand...

Another piece of free advice (worth every penny :D)

If your going to carry a knife with defense in mind, carry the knife for defense only. Carry another knife to handle everyday cutting chores. If you get into a situation that you need a knife for defense, you want it to be as sharp as possible. Your probably not going to get a chance to touch up the edge.

Good luck to ya
 
thanks, for the advice! I ordered a mini commander (satin finish) last night. 2 day express mail! woo hoo!:D
 
The Commander is a nice model that I believe is the best EDC for self defense in a folder. The wave feature makes it almost like you are taking a fixed blade out of your pocket. However, if you are trying to stay out of trouble in EVERY possible situation, the Commander model in all sizes is not the knife for you.

Reason #1: Alot of knife laws make the statement that any knife that has a automatic switch or ANY mechanism that allows the knife to be pulled at a drawn position is illegal. Any lawyer that is going to do the research on your knife is going to find out that the Commander has that function.

Reason #2: The commander by its nature was designed as a self defense knife. Sure you can use it for utility purposes but in the end, a lawyer can say that you must have known that when purchasing a $150 knife, that you had to have been reading the product descriptions telling you how good the knife is for pulling it out of your pocket fast and slicing some guy away from his weapon. A better knife to get you out of this BS is one that is specifically used for utility purposes like a Spyderco Military (but still can be used effectively for self defense if needed).

Bottom Line: I carry a full sized commander but I don't analyze every situation where I could get in trouble. State knife laws are written in a blurry, general way so that a judge can lock you up whenever they feel like it and a cop can arrest you whenever they feel like it...even with a 2 1/2 incher. You want to have something that you feel can be the best self defense tool if you get in a tough situation(which I believe would be the full size Commander). If they want to get you.....they're gonna get you no matter what you got.
 
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