EDC Advice Requested

M

marcinek

Joined
Jan 9, 2007
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I am looking for a self-defense EDC in the $100 range.

Specifically, I commute to work on mass transit in a major metropolitan area, and am looking for something that would work well in the inside left breast pocket of a business casual coat or jacket.

Suggestions?

Thanks!
 
See if I can't get the wheels turning...

I carry a Gerber Shortcut on my keychain and a Victorinox Swiss Army knife in my attache.

I own a Spyderco Karambit and a CRKT Crawford/Kasper Folder, but both seem a little much for the bus.

On the other end, I have a SOG Blink, but that seems a little "little" for self-defense.
 
Spydewrco delica or endura 4 , waved or otherwise - best bang for buck in entry level tactical . They have strong utilitarian capabilities , and , particularly the Delica are pretty easy to justify .

Chris
 
Thank you Chadilac...the BM 530 is very, very high on my list. The weight and thinness seem ideal, but, seaching through here I found some complaints about its "flimsy-ness." Have you heard similar?

Thank you cdf...it seems that the Endura and Delica are can't go wrong choices.
 
BM 530 might be your ticket. I wouldn't quite say flimsy but there are trade offs for compactness and that's what the 530 gives you. I carried one as a back up to a larger folder for that very reason.

If you are thinking of a fixed blade, BRKT makes some very nice yet small blades that you may want to look at.

On the old school side, I sometimes carry this Livesay.

Without the Tek-lok, it would slide into a breast pocket of a sport jacket very easily.

newt003.jpg
 
I have a Busse Assault Shaker I carry...there is one on an infamous site right now in your price range...I am not advertising it, am I?
 
marcinek said:
Thank you Chadilac...the BM 530 is very, very high on my list. The weight and thinness seem ideal, but, seaching through here I found some complaints about its "flimsy-ness." Have you heard similar?
Click to expand...

I do not actually have one. I am not sure, but the 530 does not have full liners, which is the sacrifice you make for its thin handle and light weight. I feel that it could handle the SD tasks...
 
Thanks OneKnifeMan, hatchetjack, cjpgeyer, pit man, and jfindon!

You are talking me back into the BM 530.

I'm not too familiar with Busse, but now I intend to become so.

Pit Man, I must admit, I have a hard time resisting TOPs. How could one not want something called a Grim Ripper or Devil's Elbow?

All of that said, deep down, I may just be looking for someone to convince me to break down and get a Mini CQC-7.
 
An excellent self defense EDC is a Colt 1911A1. In many jurisdictions carrying a knife over the legal limit is as great a problem as carrying a gun, so "May as well hanged for a sheep as a lamb."
If you are down to defending yourself with a 3" blade, you're in seriously deep trouble.
Training will be a more important factor than the blade.For myself, I like the Livesay Woo and NRGS. Availability of these could be somewhat problematic.
 
I would not call the 530 flimsy , the unlined FRN ( fiberglass reenforced Nylon ) will flex a bit , they will not fail , or cause unlocking . The lock is enclosed in a steel capsule . Many knves with unlined plastic handles of any type , even G10 will flex a bit . The 530 makes a very nice shirt or jacket pocket folder , It rides pretty low , and is not bad IWB . Try one before buying if possible , some prefer holes to thumb studs .

Chris
 
As regards the CQC7 mini ( waved or unwaved ) , it is a good little urban warrior . It would likley tear the poop out of dress clothes , due to the G10 scales , the wave feature ( gives near instant draw ) is not at it's best with dress clothes . Not knocking the Emerson , but the wave on the Delica 4 is smoother and more positive . The Delica is more justifiable as a utilitarian piece . I also have more faith in the Spyderco lockback , than the liner lock . Again try to handle one if possible .

Chris
 
A different choice: http://www.japaneseknifedirect.com/Seki-CutSC-105SBobLumEncounter.html 3.1/4 D2 blade and as smooth as silk to operate. I have a handful of knives (production) and this one is so sweet and they have a larger version plus some that look less threatening with wood inlays etc.

If it’s mostly for SD they don't have any serrated versions but I suspect the knife will see more cutting duty (I hope)

The Emerson is a Bad A$$ MOFO. Get one with the wave sheath for under the suit coat. A bigger knife than the one above.
 
cdf....what is so poop-tearing about the CQC-7's G-10 scales? Having only lusted after the Emerson from afar, I don't really know.
 
Very interesting, keep the suggestions coming, and thank y'all.

So...here's where I'm at (which is pretty much where I was at the beginning):

1. Delica/Endura - utilitarian/justifiable/economical
2. BM 530 - compact, light, but solidly built, a little more expensive, and, IMHO, cooler looking
3. Mini CQC-7 - most expensive, may tear the poop out of the lining in my pockets, but a "Bad A$$ MOFO."

Tough choice...tough choice...
 
Get a 7a or b model. Mini or reg. won't matter. I prefer not having a wave on mine but most people like that feather. The g10 is soft on the knives so no worry about ripping up your pants. The new style wave won't rip up your pockets either. For pure s.d. you can't beat Emerson designs. Don't over look MOD knives either. The old school style Tempest, Trident or Hornet are definetly made extremely well and take an edge like no tomorrow and they are compact. Usually more expensive than the EKI's though. I carry mostly an EKI of some ilk or a MOD of the Tempest/Trident variety. On the subject of this don't overlook a mini SOCOM either. Again I like the old school versions better than the newer ones but that's just me. keepem sharp
 
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