EDC conceal carry fixed blade?

[Jack Black]

Sorry to post off-topic, but that really is one hell of a beautiful knife

 

[jnich67]

Seriously dude, I conceal a 4inched fixed blade every single day, at school, in public and at work as a cashier.

The part that matters is the sheath, and where you put it.

How do you rig an ESEE 4 concealed? I struggle with smaller FBs, so I'm curious how you've managed that.

Jordan

 

[Roogalator]

Just a few random thoughts to further muddy the waters...

1) Forget folders of any description for defensive use. Their deployment depends on fine motor control, which you almost certainly won't have in a life/death situation, and they are subject to failures of the lock and blade/handle joint under extreme use. Fixed blades are far easier to deploy, far stronger, and lack the vulnerabilities of folders. With a well thought out sheath and intelligent carry options, a fixed blade is concealable and yet readily deployable.

2) Do NOT take advice on legal matters (or really anything else of consequence) from gun store commandos. I have heard so much outrageous misinformation and outright falsehood from guys in gun stores that it's a mystery to me why anyone would trust their word. This especially pertains to legal matters. When your freedom and financial security depend on accurate information and informed analysis you'd be far better advised to consult a criminal defense attorney or a local prosecutor.

3) As has been previously alluded to, having multiple options is a good thing in a self-defense situation. There are times when you need to go straight to the nuclear option. There are also times (probably a lot more frequently) when having a range of choices along the force continuum is good. Not all encounters justify lethal force, and if lethal force is all you've got then you're at a distinct disadvantage.

4) If you carry a gun you really need to carry a BUG as well. Guns are mechanical devices that are subject to failure just like every other mechanical device, and Murphy dictates that they'll fail at the worst possible time. If you really do need to go nuclear on someone's butt you'd be far better off with a 642 in an ankle holster than a blade of some sort stashed somewhere.

5) No matter what you carry or how you carry it, REALISTIC TRAINING is absolutely necessary for successful self-defense. No one is born knowing how to defend against a violent attack. Simply possessing the tools to defend yourself doesn't make you any more capable of self-defense than watching kung fu movies does. Most martial arts are of limited value in life/death encounters, since they're more geared towards competition than actual combat. Realistic training necessarily involves LOTS of sparring involving different defensive scenarios. With any kind of training the thing you have to bear in mind is that the big difference between training and actual combat is that in actual combat the other guy really is trying to harm or kill you, and isn't going to pull his punches, allow you a mulligan, or hold back in any way. You also need to have a very good understanding of your jurisdiction's laws regarding the use of deadly force, and you should stay current with recent decisions regarding deadly force in your jurisdiction.

6) The defensive use of knives is a complicated business, and you shouldn't assume that you can just wave the blade around and prevail over a determined opponent. Don't let simply having a knife on you give you a false sense of security, and realize that the other guy might well have more training and experience than you do.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming. Carry on.

 

[Phair12]

I carry my gun for self defense. My knife is for utility. When I pocket carry ill hip carry a fixed blade.


Bk 14 with Tdi clip by Philliphair, on Flickr

 

[Doogoon]

How do you rig an ESEE 4 concealed? I struggle with smaller FBs, so I'm curious how you've managed that.

Jordan

It's quite easy really. The shirt in the photo is a bit more loose than the shirts I usually wear, but you should get the idea. I haven't had a single person ever call me out on it, (I've even tried to point it out to people and they couldn't identify it as a knife) I've been wearing it since May, and been wearing it all summer under tighter and smaller shirts in and around public places.

It's really quite comfortable. I haven't had it cause me any discomfort even while lounging around on the field with friends or driving or anything really. I've only ever taken it off for the chiropractor. It's secure, as I've done a lot of running with it. (sometimes jogs, sometimes sprinting to catch a friend while goofing around) And it's also the fastest draw and easiest re-sheathing of any sheath position I've ever used. (and I experiment a lot) I can take it out with a flash since it's in such a natural place as to the direction my hand travels and it's really to put back since, well, it's right there.

Not only is it my favourite and best sheath rig, but it's easily the most simple.

 

[killgar]

Doogoon, what are the laws in Vancouver regarding carrying fixed-blades conceald? Here in the US such a thing can earn one a trip to jail.

 

[Doogoon]

In Canada, knives are regarded as tools under law, unless it carries designs that are considered prohibited weapons.(Switchblades and gravity knives) Therefore there really is no restriction to the length or carry of knives excluding certain areas where knives are prohibited.

Really, I could walk my way through a busy mall carrying a 22 inch machete. (unless the mall prohibited it.) Not saying I would, or that it's a good idea, but I'm saying that I could legally do this.

 

[kestrel57]

I was thinking of carrying a knife for self-defense and talked out of it. I don't believe they are ineffective but strike me more as offensive weapons than self-defense weapons. A stab in the kidney by someone who sneaks up and knows what they are doing for example. A gun could have trouble stopping that. Maybe a cop or operator needs multiple weapons and training in each. Otherwise, perhaps a false sense of security or scaring someone off by pulling a gun or knife. Unfortunately, LEOs around here would not like that. No easy answers as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Frisky]

For a person who cannot afford a gun and/or the expense of getting a permit to carry one, a knife is an alternative weapon for self-defense, provided pepper spray is also carried as a less than lethal option. I don't advocate the use of a knife in anything but a retreating defense. Some in this forum view retreat as cowardice. It's actually intelligence. Avoiding injury is a smart thing to do. However, a knife can provide a formidable defense while you're trying to escape the situation.

Joe

 

[concho mike]

Frisky nailed it.

You've got to concede that attorneys are expensive in a legal battle.
Defense attorneys don't always win legal battles.
That makes non lethal defense options good options.
Running away to fight another day and pepper spray - good options.

That said i carry a fixed at work and a Tenacious or Chill for my off days.

 

[Jack Black]

In Canada, knives are regarded as tools under law, unless it carries designs that are considered prohibited weapons.(Switchblades and gravity knives) Therefore there really is no restriction to the length or carry of knives excluding certain areas where knives are prohibited.

How VERY sensible. :thumbup:

 

[Jason L]

I got an Esee 4 concealed on my belt.

If I have it on right, it will even hide under short and tight shirts.

The sheath holds it in amazingly, it's comfortable, it's the fastest draw I've ever had and it's easy to re-sheath.

I'd also like to add that I've been EDCing it happily since May. It will not only serve as an amazingly quick weapon, but it's one hell of a robust tool.

I know this is an old post, but do you have pics of this setup?