Fixed blade for EDC and SD?

M

Mulliga

Joined
Jan 6, 2004
Messages
10
What do you suggest as a good concealed carry fixed blade for (last-ditch) self-defense and light chores? I'm a total newbie when it comes to knives, but my university (University of Florida) doesn't permit any firearms on campus. There was a stabbing last week.

http://gainesvillesun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040109/LOCAL/201090328

I feel a bit vulnerable going without a weapon, especially with psychos out there who would kill someone for their DVD player. I have no illusions - any knife fight is a bad fight, and I'm certainly not looking for trouble, but being armed is better than being defenseless.

I searched the forums and found similar topics to mine, but most of these were concerned with much bigger knives than I'd like to carry. I can't carry a 14" knife with me everyday, so something in the 3"-5" blade size would be ideal, but I'm open to any suggestions.

I'd like to keep the price at or under $100, and around $50-$70 would be perfect. Also, where do you suggest buying it? I'd prefer online retailers. I have an army surplus store near me, but their selection is slim (not to mention they charge quite a bit).

I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance, guys.
 
If your primary reason for carrying is for SD, then I would recommend the Emerson LaGriffe:

http://www.emersonknives.com/Tact_index.html

This design works very well for anyone, with or without prior self defense training. It's just over your posted price point and the knife itself is very "intuitive" in its use. Have you ever seen how a cat or a bear uses its claws? Same deal here. It's not rocket science. When your life and skin is on the line, simpler is much, much better.

The rather short cutting edge on the blade can also allow you to legally carry this item in jurisdictions that have limitations on the blade length of non-folding knives.

Self defense training is still important. If you intend to use an edged weapon for your personal defense, then I HIGHLY recommend a self defense system that incorporates edged weapons in its curriculum. I've studied various martial arts over the years, and the Filipino martial arts have impressed me as a good, no-nonsense way of defending your life if the sh*t hits the fan. Much of the practice uses rattan sticks for training, but many of the patterns and movements transition very well into edged weapon use.

Just remember it's always better to avoid the situation if possible. Awareness of your surroundings go a long way in reducing your need to defend life and limb.
 
Welcome aboard, Mulliga. Without the n, you won't get another try.;) G'ville is my hometown, BTW, but I'm in exile. My favorite fixed blade EDC is the recently discontinued Gerber Yari. Just under 5" with an excellent concealex sheath suitable for any style carry. The 154CM steel is one of the newer super steels (stainless). It's slim, light, strong, and ergonomic. I got a great deal at $70, and you might find it on closeout somewhere for a comparable price. I'm going to get another knife very similar to it, an inch longer, the Camillus CQB-1. It has a similar sheath and should be it's equal in every way. But I have to wait until my wife isn't looking. I've seen it for about $115. Try not to "settle" for a knife because of price. I'm frugal, and shop around for the best buy, but still end up with great knives largely by sifting through other forumites' suggestions.

I heard they closed the Purple Porpise. I can't remember how many good times I've had in there. Probably 'cause I drank too much! Go Gators.
 
I'd reccomend the Spyderco Ronin worn horizontal cross-draw, if you shop around you can find it for under $100.

If you want something a little longer I would suggest the Spyderco Perrin. This one should probably be worn IWB because it's a bit long to work well horizontally. These go for $70-$80

Both come with servicable sheaths, but both would also benefit from a custom made sheath to fit your exact needs.

A less expensive knife that has gotten many great reviews (though I have never handled one) is the CRKT Companion. I believe it even comes with two different sheaths. You can find these for as little as $30 online.

Good Luck in your search, I'm sure you'll get many great reccomendations on the forum.

-John
 
It really is the most comfortable knife I've ever handled. It just snuggles right in as though it were made from a mold of my hand. The blade is screamingly sharp and the balance is perfect, it's like it was made of air...

-John
 
Although it was DC'd awhile back, the Gerber Yari would be the PERFECT knife for what you are looking for as it has excellent steel (154CM), an excellent canvas micarta handle, and comes with an excellent kydex sheath that can be worn either on the belt, or IWB. You should be able to find one at a good price on the "used" market.
 
Thanks, all. I'll definitely look into the suggestions - I appreciate it. Luckily, I can still defend myself in my apartment with guns.
 
glockman99:

The Yaris are very nice indeed and a good choice as well. All good points on it's construction noted.

blastjv: That about sums up my impression as well from handling one for a few minutes.

Brownie
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
glockman99:

The Yaris are very nice indeed and a good choice as well. All good points on it's construction noted.

Brownie
Click to expand...
Yes, I think that Gerber really made a dumb mistake in dropping the Yari from their line, but then Gerber hasn't been very smart in their choices for knives to DC anyway...(LMF, BMF, Tac II, the Bowie, the "Mark" series of daggers, etc...). In-fact, if I were Gerber, I'd have kept the Yari in production and even added a version with a 8-9 inch blade!
 
Yeah, I've been reading Yari reviews on the net...seems like everyone has only good things to say about it. Too bad Gerber as a company has gone downhill.

I just put in my order for my Yari. 90 bucks - a horrible price, but I can't afford to wait until someone puts one up on eBay.
 
Originally posted by Mulliga
Yeah, I've been reading Yari reviews on the net...seems like everyone has only good things to say about it. Too bad Gerber as a company has gone downhill.

I just put in my order for my Yari. 90 bucks - a horrible price, but I can't afford to wait until someone puts one up on eBay.
Click to expand...
$90 is a little high to pay for a Yari, but IMO, it IS worth every penny of that $90!...I'm sure that you will be very pleased with it, as both my Yari were/are perfect.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
$90 is a little high to pay for a Yari, but IMO, it IS worth every penny of that $90!...I'm sure that you will be very pleased with it, as both my Yari were/are perfect.
Click to expand...

I know. Some sites were asking for 180 bucks (Euros)! I did a search on Google for "gerber yari" and $80-$85 + shipping was the best I could do. Hopefully the place I ordered from still has some in stock.
 
I have been pleased with my Spyderco Ronin. 3" blade, extremely sharp, good sheath and easy to carry.
 
My current EDC fixed blades in rotation are a CRKT K/P Companion, CRKT Corkum, and a Livesay Uji. All can be had for under $60. I am happy with the performance of the CRKTs and the Livesay has been a favorite for years. My only criticisms are on the sheaths that the CRKTs come with. I carry IWB and they can be uncomfortable at times. Easily solved with a custom kydex rig.

Dayuhan
 
The Livesay Bushi with ITW sheath and the Boker Applegate-Fairbairn Bootknife both conceal easily in the front pants pocket. With the Bushi the sheath catches on my pocket when I draw the knife. Both are great knives and if you get the cord wrapped Bushi (which also conceals better) they are both under $100.00.
 
I went with my Livesay UJI FIghter for YEARS!
The sheath is sweet and thin, and the knife sharpen(with SOME WORK) to a nice sharp edge. For jogging in NYC, I either had that, or my BM AFCK. Remember a good folder can make a better fixed blade defense knife than you may think.

Cold Steel has a couple of neat ones...the Colluden series (forgice spelling) are VERY sharp and conceal well and are very useful around the shop and house for other things too. For me, now, I would consider the CS Desperado, I just like the blade style and grip type, very functional. I had one briefly. Nice...but wasnt what I thought it was at the time...I regret returnig it.

-SD in WA
 
what about the spyderco SPOT?
for a newbie in knife defense i think a knife like that would be best...it's difficult to drop or be taken away from you in a fight...
 
I'd have to also recommend the Spyderco Ronin. It's been my EDC for a few months now. Easy to conceal and sharp as hell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top