fixed blade or folder for home defense

Why not a tomahawk? A tomahawk with a powerful type of flashlight would
not leave one all that underarmed.
 
Actually, hitting someone with a large stick is very effective. You know Magellan the explorer? He got killed in the Philippines by stick fighters and he had armor on.

Because of the lever, a staff or stick is faster than any hand.

I agree with a shotgun being the best but if no firearm then go with something long. Staying away from the perp is best.
 
The goal is to survive a home invasion, and the best way to win a fight is not to fight. Nothing says "it's time to go" like the sounds of pump shotgun chambering a round. Then if you have to, you get to aim it in the general direction of the threat, and start looking for a new apartment, probably without your cleaning deposit.
 
I suggest you always carry a light weight folder, something like a Delica, no matter what other longer wepon you choose, that way you always have a "utility knife" with you. I can't imagine carrying a large fixed blade or club around for a long period of time even in your own house. it's kind of "fighting your way to your big knife with your small knife." Also it's important to re-enforce you entry doors so they can't be kicked in easily.
 
Definately get the shotgun. Not only is a knife of questionable capability to protect you, you'd come across with all the charisma of a blood-drinking psychopathic sadist when you're taken into court. A knife is, at the least, a very unusual choice for home defense, and juries aren't likely to be understanding.
 
EricL716 said:
The goal is to survive a home invasion, and the best way to win a fight is not to fight. Nothing says "it's time to go" like the sounds of pump shotgun chambering a round. Then if you have to, you get to aim it in the general direction of the threat, and start looking for a new apartment, probably without your cleaning deposit.
Click to expand...

That's about it. :D
 
I have a Camillus CQB-1 and a billy club in the bedroom, but I like fixer27's idea of a tomahawk.
 
ah'd git me a ten guage double barrel shawtgun an' blast 'em wid both barrels if'n they invaded mah house. better judged bah six then carried bah twelve anyhoo. (transversed six and twelve deliberate;) )

Now that I got a little bit ofthe testosterone out of my posting, I'd have to suggest a fixed blade for sure, preferrably something about a foot and a half in length. (for my home anyways) basically something long enough to keep someone back, and short enough to use effectively in a hallway, small room, etc. My choice in length also has to due with power and speed potential of the weapon.

First choice would be a bowie. some suggestions being an Ontario Hells Belle, Mineral Mountain Hatchet works Bowies, and a Cold Steel Trailmaster or Laredo. I believe bowie knives inherently have a tremendous potential for protection, but they do require a bit more knowledge, practice and training than most other weapons.

Second choice would be a Himalayan Imports Khukuri, in the 18 inch range. There's a huge selection of 'em. I currently have an 18 inch Sirupati myself for similar duties, and my 17 inch Chiruwa Ang Khola aint bad either. The Ghurkas didn't become feared for thier tickle attacks ya' know....

Third choice would be a BK&T Machete. razor sharp, long, fast, and light. Pretty long list of celestially challenged folks that could probably attest to the machete's effectiveness if the celestially challenged could speak.:D

Fourth choice would be the tomahawk. Compact, hellaciously powerful and user friendly. Also offers alot of range variations from grabbing it right by the head if they're right on top of you to the end of the handle for a more powerful swing.

Sounds like legality and such could be a concern to consider too. so there is the subcategory of hatchets, rigging axes, framing hammers, etc.

Truth is that it's all gonna boil down to user preferrence and training. Competence is ultimately gonna play a much larger roll than the tool itself.

Hell, I wouldn't wanna get bonked, impaled, slashed,chopped,sliced, eviscerated,blasted, broken or ventilated by any of the items listed in this thread.
 
An original Loveless or Scagel. Then yell the value of it to the attacker, throw it at his feet and while he is stealing it, dive out the window and call a gun. Or a cop.

:D
 
I agree with posters above, there are better options than a knife for home defense, even if a firearm is not an option.
 
One of my favorite knife quotes, and I think suitable to this discussion:

"If I even THINK I might have to pull a knife on somebody, I carry one that's made entirely of chocolate. That way, if they take it away from me and make me eat it, at least it's something I like..."
 
Multiple choices are the best defense...Prepare AND improvise. Ordinary items can be as discouraging as the 'traditional' weapon.
Kitchen: Knife block with assorted blades on the counter. Liquid cleaning supplies. Pam and a lighter. Salt, pepper, vinegar, dishes, small appliances.
Bathroom: similar choices without the condiments.
Bedroom: Stash a knife or 2 handy at bedside. Boxes of jewelry make great missles as do picture frames. Jagged clubs from smashed chairs. You get the idea.
Smash a window to attract attention. Canned airhorns (for boating) are awesomely loud. Get out and get attention. Start a fire if you have to.
Shotguns, pistols and blades are good for the soul and a sense of security, but only effective if you have the guts and the presense of mind to use them....
Better yet.....move. Prepare NOT to be a victim.
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/
 
1) shotgun, pump preferred, or check out a M1 Carbine (high-capacity and very effective)

2) M1911 (you'll need one when you're old enough)

3) Katana

4) GOOD machete, check out the Becker Patrol Machete

5 tie) 9-10 inch Bowie knife I'd go with a Becker Combat Bowie myself but I'm biased, Cold Steel Trailmaster also looks good, or a highend tomahawk

6) aluminum baseball bat, may not end a fight a quickly as a sharp tool, but hard swings will shatter bone and head shots can be fatal, wouldn't feel too underrarmed with one, for proper armament see 1 and 2.

folders are just not big enough, if you buy anything smaller than a 10inch Bowie get a Boker Applegate-Fairbain, but if you must get a folder, make it either a Chinook II or a Civilian

Also you may want to consider getting yourself an airtaser
 
12 gauge pump gun. A little practice and your good to go. Also will come in handy during the next riots or earth quake when Law inforcement is overwhelmed and its every man for himself. Big gun, big stick, and a big knife. Good luck.
 
OK, its pretty clear that shotgun is #1 home defense weapon. Some overpenetration issues, though, considering cheap drywall.

So, handgun loaded with magsafe rounds has to be considered.

BUT, if we are, just hypothetically, considering non-firearm options, this seems like a real good house-tool: the Cold Steel Assegai. Broad, long spear head that likes a double edge short-sword, with a short hardwood handle. Seems great for hallways. :D

CS-95F.gif
 
To all you folks who think getting hit by a baseball bat or large mattock handle would be ineffective ..... come on by my place. I'll not use my shotgun or any firearm. Instead I'll use a mattock handle. Let me know what you think after your arms, legs and skull are broken. Wrestle it away from me? Good luck, I'm pretty strong and big enough to keep that from happening. I also hope you have good hand/eye coordination because that "stick" is going to be coming fast and hard right at you. Full swing? Who needs a full swing? Getting punched in the face is bad enough, let alone with a bat or a piece of wood. Also, if they are that ineffective, who cares if the attacker takes yours away? It's not going to hurt anyhow .... right? Not trying to start a fight here. I just think your under estimating what can be done with a bat or mattock handle and over estimating what can be done with a knife or spear. I'm not talking a "stick", I'm talking something with weight and the ability to break bones with one swing, and it doesn't even have to be all that well placed.

Seriously though, unless someone is trained to fight with a knife/spear/machete or trained to use a firearm, I would not recommend them. Whatever you decide, get some instruction and training. Really, the first thing to do is secure your apartment/house with good locks, possibly bars on the windows, an alarm to alert you if someone has broken in so you can call 911 or get out, trim away bushes close to the windows, better lighting, etc. Keeping them out is better than having a confrontation.
 
I'm totally with Drider on this one :thumbup: .

No training is necessary - helpful but not necessary. Afterall, people have been killin sh1t w/pointed sticks for eons. Doesn't take allot of skill & a thrust is not only more likely to 'stop' the BG (vs. a cut or a strike from an impact weapon) but it is far more practicle than taking a swing in an enclosed space like a hallway or small room.

...And then there is the intimidation factor. I can just hear it now - might sound something like this: "can you believe that crazy fvcker tried to stab me with a spear?!?! - I ran away - and I ain't screwin' with him no more - he's CRAZY!!!" ;)
 
If you don't want to kill the guy outright, then look for something with an intimidation factor to scare him off. (Keep in mind, of course, that if he's carrying a bigger intimidation factor you could wind up hurt or dead.)

Guns are good. If you prefer a knife for any reason, I'd recommend a Himilayan Imports khukuri. They're intimidating as hell to someone who hasn't been around big knives before, they can lop off limbs if you sharpen them up well, and you can use the thick spine as a non-lethal bone-breaking alternative.

They're also easier to justify before a jury if it ever comes down to that. Luckily you happened to have your ol' camping knife around....

Chris
 
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