Defensive EDC blade.

V

VolundoftheForge

Joined
Jan 3, 2012
Messages
1,491
Hey guys. So, I'm looking for a new EDC blade, with defensive capability. Basically I want something with a 3.5-4" blade, though down to 3" I'll accept if it's beautiful. ;) Preferably a dagger design or slight recurve, anything with stabbing and perhaps slashing ability. Preferably a 154cm or s30v blade, though any similar in quality is fine. Also preferably assisted opening. My limit is 200, though I'd like to keep it as close to 150 as possible. I will NOT go over 200. Here are a few I've looked at:

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=...87_a_7c3466_a_7c098000065_d_098000065_d_10033

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-710D2-Axis-Lock--1725

Any advice either on one of these blades or any others is accepted. Thanks guys :)
 
I really like the Benchmade 710. However, I think that you should check out the Yojimbo 2, and P'kal from Spyderco. I have all 3 of these knives and I can't complain at all. You want something light, sharp and pointy that you know you will have on you all of the time.
 
Not bad. I'm actually a VERY big fan of spyderco, and the reason I need a new folder is I gifted my grandpa my Paramil 2 :P Have a few battle scars from that one, but that's a different story. I was looking at the manix 2 xl, but I and others decided it wasn't the best Folder for defense, as in my state that's all I really can use for defense at this point. I also love wharncliffe blades, but aside from an old and true viking seax I haven't found one I'd truly feel comfortable using for defense. I was also looking at the karambit folders, but the 5.11s opening seems to slow for real defense and the ring on the emerson isn't reinforced which using the ring as an impact device would be what I would most likely use, as defense with knives is frowned upon here.
 
Just bought the 710D2, and holy crap. It is a nice, smooth, and long knife. It's almost the length of the Cold Steel Spartan, but the 710 is far more elegant. The blade flies open incredibly quick and there is no blade play what so ever. The G10 is very grippy and there are many aftermarket scales you can get for this knife if you don't like the G10 scales it comes with. It's now my #1 knife, buy it.


Sorry for the crappy phone pic, but here's a comparison
Left to right: Benchmade 551, CS Spartan, Benchmade 710, Spyderco Tenacious (2), RAT Model 1, and CS Ti Lite VI (top)
download1.jpg
 
How bout a Spyderco Military or an Emerson Commander?
 
ZT 0150 is a dagger that is 3 1/2 inches long. S30v, and it is well within you budget. I like the handle texture especially.
 
Here's my opinion, and bear in mind it's worth exactly what you paid for it. Ultimately, you have to make up your mind and live with that choice. But, if it were me, here's what I'd consider;

You'll need something that could be used with either hand, and conversely, something that you can open with one hand [in case the other hand is injured or otherwise "occupied"]. Something that is cave man simple to operate in case your mind is slightly paniced [pretty normal when you think you might die]. It will also need a fairly grippy texture - your hands may be wet, sweaty, coverd in yours/someone else's blood, numb from cold/snow, etc. etc. etc. - so good gripping surfaces are a consideration.

If size and concealability is the consideration, then a folder would be required. In the summer months a fixed knife can be hard to hide. Conversely, a folder will never be as strong as a fixed knife. Many I know carry a fixed in the late fall/winter/early spring, but as the weather gets warmer switch to a folder out of nessecity.

In the folder category, I would/could recomend the Cold Steel AK-47. Wave type knife, and with perhaps 20 min of practice you'll have mastered being able to wave it out of your pocket and immediately be ready to use it for either a thrust push or with a two finger change of position, standard use.

If you can put in the time, then the Spyderco P'Kal is also fantastic. The downside is that the draw is more complicated [involved rolling the knife into your grip] and it is made for a specific style of use. The upside is that it's use is even more violent and instictive, so once it;s out adn ready it's truly cave man simple. You'd have to practice this draw for a couple of weeks to really have it down to a "do it no matter my frame of mind" use though.

In the fixed blade category you have a myrid of choices here, but I'd say you'll get exactly whatyou want by getting a small fixed blade off the boards here from one of our resident custom knife makers - many of these guys are experts at their craft and can build you EXACTLY waht you want not in in size, grip, and use, but also something that si equelly pleasing to the eye. Many of these guys are really great on their prices too. I'm currently having a new one built by Pohan Leu of Leu Custom, and the man's integrity is second to none. At every step of the way he has exceeded my expectations and over delivered. I know many of teh other guys on the forum here are also very customer orintated.

Hope that helps!~
 
P2P said:
How bout a Spyderco Military or an Emerson Commander?
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The Commander gets my vote. I had 5 folders that I rotated thru before I got the Commander. I love the sound of it snapping open and the feel in hand is unbeatable for me.
 
i also just aquired the benchmade 710. wow! one of the sharpest benchmades ive recieved out of box. I just saw someone mentioned that theres aftermarket scales for it. ill have to look into that. 3.9 inch blade. This would definetly be a great self defense knife.
 
Thanks for all of the options, guys. I'll take a look at each one :) Unfortunately, a fixed blade is not concealable in my state and requires open carry. I would just open carry one, but I've tried that before and gotten many odd looks and questions by a few officers and I'd rather just keep it discreet. I was looking at the bradley alias I auto which looked nice, but I'm not so sure. Any more suggestions are welcome, and I'll get to work looking at these! :)
 
Pretty new here but I will weigh in. Spent my life in the military and contracting for groups and know something about "defense". My advice is to take classes on defense.
A knife is not going to keep you safe from people with bad intentions- I.E a bat or a stick in the hands of a thug outweighs that of an untrained man with a knife.. in my opinion only.

But I think I know where you are coming from. Knifes are nice utility pieces to carry around. I personally like the Ros arms knives because I am a man that likes bang for buck.. and so far I have tried to destroy a Ros arm knife I bought from a guy that posts here and it is the most resilient mofo knife I have ever owned. I would stick to fixed blades and I would point you toward ros arms. There are of course many many options and this forum has almost limitless information on those options. Just research and search and you should be fine.

good luck man.
 
I like to carry deep in bottom of my pocket without a clip, so I like something that will slide out easily, rather than really grippy G-10.
 
Kershaw Rake....was rated #1 EDC, Tact blade, I believe in one of the latest buyers guide and I love it...spring assist and holds an edge like a downhill racing ski....CPM-D2 blade, Textured G-10 and liner-lock....had mine for about 8 months & it's done it all from box cutting to make fuzz sticks....carries well too.....
 
i know bradley alias is not typically thought of as a defensive blade, but you should take a look. You get alot of bang for your buck. My fav is the bradley alias 2 auto.
 
The BM 710 is a great overall knife that seems good for defensive uses. For a knife that seems a little more defensive oriented with a side of EDC, the BM Bedlam (don't remember the number) might be a good choice. The upswept tip is really good for penetration, and it looks pretty mean too.
 
Having great respect for Navy Seals...even having been a Marine grunt, mind you...I take it as lofty recommendation that they buy and use Cold Steel tanto folders for hard solutions. Talking the talk is all well and good but I'll take the word of those who've actually been there and done that, among them my humble self who had more than one occasion to play pin the tail on the bad guy.

More and more I'm seeing pretty knives getting a lot of ink, and that's fine as long as one doesn't forget what a defensive blade is all about.
 
Gunny Bob said:
Having great respect for Navy Seals...even having been a Marine grunt, mind you...I take it as lofty recommendation that they buy and use Cold Steel tanto folders for hard solutions.
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I just wish Cold Steel would offer their folding knives in steel that holds an edge a bit longer.

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bobusx said:
The BM 710 is a great overall knife that seems good for defensive uses. For a knife that seems a little more defensive oriented with a side of EDC, the BM Bedlam (don't remember the number) might be a good choice. The upswept tip is really good for penetration, and it looks pretty mean too.
Click to expand...

Thanks. The knife looks good, but from what I'm reading it's 200 or over and honestly I really want to keep it around 150. Your suggestion is great though :) and to everyone else, I'm still looking. Some of you have suggested great designs that I like, and I hope you all continue to suggest more so I can find my perfect EDC defense blade :)
 
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