Dog walking fixed blade

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crn3371

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Nov 1, 2019
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I’m looking for a fixed blade knife that I can carry on me for those times I walk my dog after dark. I live up against the mountains in SoCal and coyotes are a regular sight. I carry a large flashlight that can double as cudgel but would also like a quickly accessible blade for those just in case moments. Nothing huge, 5” give or take, preferably under $100. My only real requirement is that it’s sheath must be capable of clipping onto my belt or waistband, I don’t want to have to deal with threading a belt and some of my pants don’t even have belts. I know there’s the Tek-Lok system that you can attach to kydex sheaths, but I understand they are kind of bulky. Are there any brands that have sheaths with integral belt clips? I found the Boker Plus Little Rock which has a belt clip. Any others? Thanks.
 
Priced as requested under $100
maybe a bit longer than 5"
but who cares after sunset ...

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Not all Kydex sheaths are bulky.

I suggest a Buck 119 with an aftermarket Kydex sheath with clip (ebay). Should run you < $110 total. And the 119 is a lot of knife for it’s weight, meaning it’s easy to carry.
 
1) I like the flashlight idea. Maybe something really bright that could startle or daze an animal.

2) Knife work with wild animals like coyotes is not something enjoy. There's got to be a better way.

3) California law: My understanding is that your 5-in. fixed blade better be "open carried," or you're liable to be in trouble. In other words, don't let your shirt, jacket or sweater get in the way.

4) Have you thought about pepper spray? It gives you the advantage of not having to get within knife-using distance of a wild animal.

5) If you had a dog that could kill a coyote . . . well, it's just a thought.
 
crn3371 said:
I’m looking for a fixed blade knife that I can carry on me for those times I walk my dog after dark. I live up against the mountains in SoCal and coyotes are a regular sight. I carry a large flashlight that can double as cudgel but would also like a quickly accessible blade for those just in case moments. Nothing huge, 5” give or take, preferably under $100. My only real requirement is that it’s sheath must be capable of clipping onto my belt or waistband, I don’t want to have to deal with threading a belt and some of my pants don’t even have belts. I know there’s the Tek-Lok system that you can attach to kydex sheaths, but I understand they are kind of bulky. Are there any brands that have sheaths with integral belt clips? I found the Boker Plus Little Rock which has a belt clip. Any others? Thanks.
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The G-Clip from Spyderco is the one for quick and easy attachment, and I find it hugs the body better than Tek-Lok type attachments.
 
Looked up the G-clip, seems like exactly what I’m after. In the process I found the Spyderco Ronin 2 and it looks like it will fit the bill nicely.
 
crn3371 said:
Looked up the G-clip, seems like exactly what I’m after. In the process I found the Spyderco Ronin 2 and it looks like it will fit the bill nicely.
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Great knife, just a little small. Might as well carry a Yojumbo in your pocket.
 
crn3371 said:
I’m looking for a fixed blade knife that I can carry on me for those times I walk my dog after dark. I live up against the mountains in SoCal and coyotes are a regular sight. I carry a large flashlight that can double as cudgel but would also like a quickly accessible blade for those just in case moments. Nothing huge, 5” give or take, preferably under $100. My only real requirement is that it’s sheath must be capable of clipping onto my belt or waistband, I don’t want to have to deal with threading a belt and some of my pants don’t even have belts. I know there’s the Tek-Lok system that you can attach to kydex sheaths, but I understand they are kind of bulky. Are there any brands that have sheaths with integral belt clips? I found the Boker Plus Little Rock which has a belt clip. Any others? Thanks.
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A big flashlight....a knife....those won't make a difference if a coyote decides to have a run at you or the dog. Have you ever tried to defend yourself against a 50 lb dog thats out for blood? The chances of seeing one before its on you after dark in the woods is slim, the only way you'd get any sort of warning is if the dog alerted to their presence. If a coyote is hunting chances are its not alone, so you better have a backup plan, like maybe a pistol or a nice hefty blackthorn staff. Chances are however you don't have anything to worry about from coyotes as they normally won't bother with humans and go the other way. Its the mountain lions you need to be watching for.......
 
The Cold Steel compact SRK in SK-5 steel is a great knife for $46. The sheath offers some points of attachment for a clip of some kind.

As for coyotes or mtn lions, I don't know what to tell you. I don't have to worry about them and I have a concealed carry license just in case. I want to say consider bear spray or something but if your dog yanks on the leash looking for a fight you are going to spray him/her too.
 
Cold steel kudo(I think) tanto.

Weighs nothing, super cheap and from memory has a clip like a boot knife.

Kobun.

 
I have lived in the So Cal foothills most of my 68 years and have shared a running path with coyotes many a time. Never had any problems. Think you are looking at an imaginary problem. IMO, if it came to it, a walking staff would be more useful against a coyote than a knife.

That being said, California law requires that fixed blades be carried on your belt and must not be hidden. So be careful about keeping it visible. A Buck 119 or 105 would likely meet your wants. (I personally prefer the 105 over the 119 when it comes right down to it. The 105 is a more useful design.) You might want a custom sheath to make it more quickly available. Such a sheath is unlikely to improve your appearance to the constabulary, however.
 
knarfeng said:
I have lived in the So Cal foothills most of my 68 years and have shared a running path with coyotes many a time. Never had any problems. Think you are looking at an imaginary problem. IMO, if it came to it, a walking staff would be more useful against a coyote than a knife.

That being said, California law requires that fixed blades be carried on your belt and must not be hidden. So be careful about keeping it visible. A Buck 119 or 105 would likely meet your wants. (I personally prefer the 105 over the 119 when it comes right down to it. The 105 is a more useful design.) You might want a custom sheath to make it more quickly available. Such a sheath is unlikely to improve your appearance to the constabulary, however.
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I've got some time in SoCal living in the canyons. Have come home at night to find half a dozen coyotes roaming my street. They scattered at my first approach. Not sure why the OP thinks he is in immanent danger of a coyote attack.
 
agree with Frank on the coyotes are not gonna bother ya most likely.

we have bigger ones here, than y'all do out west. I usually see packs of 2 at a time when i see them. ones here look kinda like German shepherd'ish at a distance. once ya get closer ya know they arent even at night. never bothered me yet. plus if one did id want a longer walking stick or something I could try to keep distance between me and it. sure wouldn't want a 5" blade and my hand that close to it.

regardless of my thoughts on it...

spyderco perrin street bowie. 5" blade and perfect sheath as ya asked for.
 
Cold Steel Bushman and a walking stick or staff shaped to socket into the handle. That said, I have never found it convenient to have a stick in hand while walking a dog on a leash.
 
While I prefer leather on guns, I like Kydex on a knife. It is thin and that is good for carry. I don't find the Tek-Lok bulky at all. It just needs to go on a belt. With any knife, sheath, and mounting combination, there will be some trial and error involved in finding the right solution for you. You might also consider soft loops for horizontal carry.

Now for the hard part. Do you really think you'll be in a position to be fending off a coyote (or aggressive dog) with a knife?!? Sure, it occasionally happens and a knife can save a life. However, think about how close you'll have to be in order to be fending off an attacking animal with a knife. In that kind of situation, you or the dog you are trying to save may already have been bitten at least once. Beyond the immediate risk of physical damage, there is also a risk of infection.

Distance matters. You do NOT want to be that close to an attacking animal. The best and most obvious tool for this job is a firearm. I know California has horribly oppressive laws but it is worth exploring your options. Failing that, the recommendations for pepper spray or equivalent chemical deterrents might be helpful. They're not perfect though. You or your dog could catch a little spray in the process. A walking stick might also be helpful but you'll want to choose the right stick for the job. I'd imagine there are some custom-built sticks for this sort of thing but that's outside of my wheelhouse.
 
knarfeng said:
a walking staff would be more useful against a coyote than a knife.
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This quote sums up my thoughts. I regularly walk my dogs on leash and let them run free when a safe distance from roads and anything else I see as a hazard. I normally have a stout hickory walking stick with me.
I’ve never in my life had a coyote approach me in any way that was aggressive. I have however had coyotes try to lure one of my dogs away. I assume away to more coyotes. luckily my dogs obey commands most of the time. It’s always been during the really cold part of winter that I’ve experienced this. So for that reason during those times I now carry a rifle , usually just a .22. I just need something to cover distance fast. Carrying a knife for defense against a coyote seems pretty silly to me. My 2 cents.
 
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