Fixed-blade knife recs for NYC

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zindabad

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Sep 5, 2017
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I know we have this thread very regularly, but I'd appreciate some help since the OPs in past threads that I looked at weren't very specific in their requests. I'm looking for an EDC knife that is:
  • Under $100, preferably under $50
  • Fixed blade, full tang
  • Under 4" long from the base of the blade to the tip, and as close to 4" long as possible
  • Unobtrusive
  • Strong enough to split small logs/batons
  • Easy to manipulate for carving, shaving off small amounts of material from wood/plaster/paint surfaces
  • Pointy. Drop points and tantos are good; sheepsfoot blades are not
  • Relatively high-quality out of the box. I don't have the tools or time to re-grind a blade and would favour something with a reputation for good QC
  • Pretty. For reference, I really like the look of the CKRT Minimalist series, the Buck 113 Ranger and the SOG Snarl, and think the Delica is a pretty ugly knife. I'd prefer not to carry something that looks obviously tactical
I have no hard requirements for steel, but would prefer something hard and rust-resistant or rust-proof.
 
Huh. Would that be because of the 'unlawful intent' business that lets the NYPD confiscate the knife and arrest you pretty much at will? I thought a fixed blade would be a safer bet than a folder because of that 'gravity knife' garbage, but if I'm getting arrested either way I won't bother with an EDC.

Also, I hike and split things a little more specialised than wood from time to time (resin blocks), but thought batonning would be a better reference for most folks out here.
 
Be aware that when you carry a knife in NYC you have to conceal it COMPLETELY. Moving your jacket aside and showing a handle has been cause for arrest. Showing a knife imprint through your pants has been cause for arrest. I am a folder guy but I don't use a pocket clip in the city because showing a clip has been cause for arrest.

I carry a folder completely in pocket and don't pull it out in public spaces.

EDIT: Knives are technically legal here but they have to be sub-4", concealed carry, non-switchblade, non-gravity knives. The NYC AG's office takes the most liberal (not in the political sense) view of these definitions, however. There's a bill before the Governor now that should make it harder for NYC LE to harass you over gravity knives, so hopefully carrying a folder will be easier soon.
 
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SpySmasher said:
EDIT: Knives are technically legal here but they have to be sub-4", concealed carry, non-switchblade, non-gravity knives. The NYC AG's office takes the most liberal (not in the political sense) view of these definitions, however. There's a bill before the Governor now that should make it harder for NYC LE to harass you over gravity knives, so hopefully carrying a folder will be easier soon.
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Right, hence my specifying a sub-4", concealed carry, non-switchblade, non-gravity knife ;)

I didn't know that bill had been voted in again; Cuomo shot it down the first time in December if I remember right. Hopefully it goes through this time.
 
zindabad said:
Right, hence my specifying a sub-4", concealed carry, non-switchblade, non-gravity knife ;)

I didn't know that bill had been voted in again; Cuomo shot it down the first time in December if I remember right. Hopefully it goes through this time.
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So you are aware but I don't know how you are going to conceal a fixed blade adequately. That threw me off.

Yeah, the bill was revised around his original objections and has passed both houses of the legislature.
 
Maybe I'll just hold out for a folder then. I'll probably get something cheap, discreet and sub-2.5" for now and get a better folder later one. Cheers all. Recommendations still welcome of course!
 
I think the Svord Kiwi Puukko is a sexy little knife for around 30 bucks. Choice of wood or plastic handles...
There are a couple Cold Steel fixed that would qualify too.
In your price range you could get a couple to rotate... Tactical for up town, and sleek for the village? ;)

The Svord has the advantage of NOT looking scary. I kind of like them myself.
 
Most slacks have deep pockets or a "money belt" worn inside a pair of slacks could work well too.
My Grandfather had liner pockets tailored into his suit vests (inside liner) for a straight razor.
He retired as GM for the Commodore Hotel after 45 years there (1963-4?)

I don'r remember too many people wearing boots in NYC (except for winter months or short zipper boots). The city gets scorching hot.
 
marcinek said:
Welcome. You expecting to do a lot of batonning in NYC? o_O
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My first thought :D

OP, a folder would be best, but it would have to be a deep carry clip or maybe just loose in the pocket without a clip to be safe. Maybe a traditional slip joint?
 
zindabad said:
Right, hence my specifying a sub-4", concealed carry, non-switchblade, non-gravity knife ;)

I didn't know that bill had been voted in again; Cuomo shot it down the first time in December if I remember right. Hopefully it goes through this time.
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Hi! nyc resident, a few suggestions that popped up in my head is tops scandi trekker, benchmade steep country, and maybe some esee's in a desert tan (black tends to look dangerous)

Also just going to add my $0.02. the reason there is so much up for discussion when it comes to carrying here is because the laws have been kept vague intentionally. with the combination of "gravity knife" wording, and the "unlawful intent" and "dangerous", you can get booked for carrying ANY knife.

i personally stick to a very conservative edc rotation, mostly full of slip joints, traditionals, a couple of sub 3" folders with light blades and the pivot dialed down so that it's impossible to fail the "gravity test", a tiny fixie (benchmade 210tk), and a 3.5" paring knife

So here are the rules i follow in order to carry and stay out of legal trouble (somewhat in order of importance):

1. never open carry. don't show a clip, don't wear on you belt, neck, anywhere. keep it out of sight.
2. ALWAYS have a story ready, and make it specific. e.g., of bad story would be "in case i have to cut something", "self-defense" (you're going to jail for this one lol). e.g., of good stories, "i'm on the way to the farmers market and it's korean melon season", "helping a friend move".
3. generally stay away from tactical looking knives. from the general public's perspective, not from knife community perspective. Yes, a delica is a relatively tactical looking knife to new yorkers (you said you hated them, but just an example)
4. be extra law observant when carrying, don't give them an excuse to stop and frisk. also, the combination with other charges is what they can really get you for.

also, the rewording of the "gravity knife" law is back with cuomo! gotta at least hope!
 
Bradford Guardian in N690.
3.5 inch blade length, stainless, pointy, good looking, can pocket carry to completely conceal it. Blade HQ has some for $105 right now, if the 5 bucks makes a difference you could probably shop around to find 1 for less or watch the exchange for a used 1.

Edit: Just checked the exchange, 1 sold 6 hours ago with the original leather sheath and a custom kydex sheath for $100.
 
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I was born and raised a NYer but as the law states after a certain age we all HAVE to move to Florida. So here I am.

I have seen people arrested for carrying spoons in Manhattan. Yes spoons. Like for eating soup. Be careful.

The Becker Necker is a great option but not stainless. My second choice is the ESEE IZULA in 440C. Very good knife and a whole lot tougher than needed. Good luck and be careful.
 
Whew! Thank you all so much for your responses, especially Josh Yu and unklfranco for the NYC-specific tips. I'm probably going to wait and see what happens with the gravity knife bill and carry a small folder for EDC if it passes, but I'm looking into everything that you've all suggested and am sorely tempted to get a fixed blade just for hikes outside the city. That Bradford Guardian in particular is a lovely-looking knife that ticks all the boxes for me, though it's on the expensive side. Will update thread once I've made my choices, but keep the recs coming, and thank you!
 
zindabad said:
Whew! Thank you all so much for your responses, especially Josh Yu and unklfranco for the NYC-specific tips. I'm probably going to wait and see what happens with the gravity knife bill and carry a small folder for EDC if it passes, but I'm looking into everything that you've all suggested and am sorely tempted to get a fixed blade just for hikes outside the city. That Bradford Guardian in particular is a lovely-looking knife that ticks all the boxes for me, though it's on the expensive side. Will update thread once I've made my choices, but keep the recs coming, and thank you!
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no problem at all, nyc is the worst place to carry knives in all of the US, so it's important to know what you're up against, and what calculated risks you're willing to take.

Another relatively tough fixed blade i like in that price range i forgot to mention is a Ka Bar snody boss (actually probably my favorite out of the ones i mentioned...). these show up right under $100 on amazon, and i think it's currently a hair over $100 on knifecenter
 
Bark River Bravo 1 will check all of your boxes (except prices sigh..).
Having said that if you decide to EDC that knife you batter carry it in your briefcase
Side note: briefcase is not the same as backpack (backpacks can be randomly searched by cops) if you carry a briefcase and look casual you will diminish your chances of being randomly searched at a subway station for example. I EDC in a briefcase (I keep my Bravo at home though LOL) and have not been harnessed by the cops yet.
 
ridnovir said:
Bark River Bravo 1 will check all of your boxes (except prices sigh..).
Having said that if you decide to EDC that knife you batter carry it in your briefcase
Side note: briefcase is not the same as backpack (backpacks can be randomly searched by cops) if you carry a briefcase and look casual you will diminish your chances of being randomly searched at a subway station for example. I EDC in a briefcase (I keep my Bravo at home though LOL) and have not been harnessed by the cops yet.
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i've never been stopped and frisked, but have have had my brief case (not backpack) searched once in a subway stop during the last decade. i wasn't carrying at the time.
 
josh yu said:
i've never been stopped and frisked, but have have had my brief case (not backpack) searched once in a subway stop during the last decade. i wasn't carrying at the time.
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Damn, dude ...you must be black LOL
 
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