Folder for SD?

R

ralphus

Joined
May 6, 2006
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Howdy, I'd like to get recommendations for a folding pocket knife carried mainly for the off-chance that I'd need it for self-defense. I know, there's better things to carry for SD, but I need something I can keep in my pocket w/o being to bulky, and it needs to be a folding knife so it doesn't look too strange to be carrying it. I've been thinking about something by kershaw--ken onion-models maybe. Not sure whether to go serrated or not. You all are the experts: what do you think?
 
i think you should do a search as there are many threads on this topic that already exist.


and i don't think you should carry any knife, fixed or folder, for the purpose of self defense.

you should either 1) buy a nice pair of running shoes and train with them often, or 2) get a CCW and a nice defense handgun and train with it often.

and this was a poor first-post choice to introduce you to bladeforums.com. regardless of who you think you are or what you have seen in the movies, the majority of us are not about knife fighting.
 
Midget said:
i think you should do a search as there are many threads on this topic that already exist.


and i don't think you should carry any knife, fixed or folder, for the purpose of self defense.

you should either 1) buy a nice pair of running shoes and train with them often, or 2) get a CCW and a nice defense handgun and train with it often.

and this was a poor first-post choice to introduce you to bladeforums.com. regardless of who you think you are or what you have seen in the movies, the majority of us are not about knife fighting.
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Completely understandable that most of you are not about knife fighting, and i expect that those of you who aren't will refrain from commenting. I have searched the forums quite a bit, however, and it seems that there are some people on the boards who do think that a knife isn't a bad self-defense weapon. I cannot carry a gun, and a knife is better than nothing. I apologize if this post was not in your realm of interest, but hope that someone may be able to offer a recommendation or two. A knife also has the benefit of also being a tool; I can't open boxes with a handgun (or running shoes).
 
Cripes, ease up on the guy.

ralphus - It would be helpful to know what your local laws are regarding carrying a knife. If there is a blade length limit of say 3.5 inches then we know not to suggest a knife with a 4 inch blade.
 
Halfneck said:
Cripes, ease up on the guy.

ralphus - It would be helpful to know what your local laws are regarding carrying a knife. If there is a blade length limit of say 3.5 inches then we know not to suggest a knife with a 4 inch blade.
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Great question. Legally, no blade limits here; but personally, as long as when it's folded, it can fit comfortable in the pocket.
 
Hi and welcome! What price range are you thinking of? That would help us out greatly!! Do you want a folder or a fixed blade?
 
Benchmade: 520, 806, 940, Skirmish or Mini-Skirmish.

Emerson: CQC-7

Spyderco: Chinook, ATR, Lil' Temperance, Endura 4, Yojimbo.


The above are just a few suggestions of knives I own, have owned, or handled. There are several other knives out there suitable for Self-Defense. My current EDC folder is the Spyderco Endura 4. For $50 the Endura 4 is a great buy for a general yard work, everyday EDC beater, that can serve well in a self-defense role.
 
TKO brings up a point I missed - price.

If money is no object there are several custom knives out there even better suited for SD. Strider comes to mind right off.
 
Sounds like you might be from California, and if not the knife laws are similar. If I'm even thinking about self defense, I usually carry my Spyderco Endura. For me it's a lot about what knife is most comfortable and that I have the most trust in. I have a lot of folders I spent a lot more on, but that's my first choice.

Another one is my CRKT M16-14M with Carson flipper.
 
Welcome to BladeForums.

Not at all an unreasonable question. I'm assuming you have or will attain proper training. I would think something under $50 and proven like a Spyderco Endura or a Kershaw Storm. You can always get the expensive stuff later as you learn more about knives. Both knives are made by good companies and I think most people who use a knife daily would have good things to say about them.
 
Wow, thanks for all the good recommendations so far and the hospitality. On the price: I'd say around 50 would be nice, but I would think about something up to 100. Again, I'd like a folder. For those recommending the endura, do you think it's pocketable for everyday purposes?
 
Yes the endura sounds like what your looking for. Strong lock, great blade, and has a nice handle on it.:thumbup:
 
ralphus said:
Wow, thanks for all the good recommendations so far and the hospitality. On the price: I'd say around 50 would be nice, but I would think about something up to 100. Again, I'd like a folder. For those recommending the endura, do you think it's pocketable for everyday purposes?
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The Endura 3 is thin and light. I recommend looking for the older 3 instead of 4 because it is thinner, lighter and has a much pointier tip for stabbing, which is what you want to do in an SD situation. They are tried and true, and you will find next to nothing but good things said about them.

Good luck finding one. Might want to check Ebay.
 
check the post about the CRKT S-2 for $25 http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=402937 ; that's a good & (crazy deal) cheap place to start. B/c basically, this forum exists since knife people end up buying MANY knives once they've gotten the bug. Might as well get a cheap quality piece to start with, and save a few bucks for the knives you'll be buying next month/year/week. :)
 
Box cutter or screwdriver. They are both capable of inflicting tremandous damage with little or no training. Carrying them is also easily justified if questioned.
 
You mentioned Kershaw, so with that in mind, here are my best recommendations.

Assisted: Kershaw Blur

I own the Blur and in some ways prefer it to my Combat Elite RRF (a $200 knife).

Non-assisted: Kershaw Storm or Storm II

Get a plain edge blade, not serrated or combo.

Nick
 
I would suggest a Spyderco knife!! The Endura 4 has been recomended, which is most excellent!! I would also suggest the Delica 4. Please let us know what you DO end up deciding upon. I personally prefer plain edge for SD, as I feel that serrations would get caught on clothing or skin.
 
stevekt said:
Box cutter or screwdriver. They are both capable of inflicting tremandous damage with little or no training. Carrying them is also easily justified if questioned.
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I have to disagree with this quote. It would be hard to justify carrying a boxcutter around with you, UNLESS your job dictated the use of it. Same with a screw driver. A pocket knife that is legal to carry is pobably more justifiable that a boxcutter.

Remember any weapon you use will be held up in court in front of a jury. A prosecutor is going to say, the defendent was carrying a boxcutter when he was out at night, way beyond the time of work when such and such happened.

A pocket knife well within the legal limits looks reasonable to a jury not of our peers(knifenuts) but average every day people who think a 3" in blade is huge. I know this kind of talk gets people pissed but I would rather face reality than get hit by it.


My vote for a pocket knife is a smaller Spyderco: Delica, Rescue, Mini Manix, Paramilitary, etc.

Training would make up for the 1" difference in blade length.
 
Another great knife, it's not a folder, but hear me out. Spyderco Vagabond.
It is a fixed blade, but without a sheath. Instead, it has an edge protector which is attached to the knife, flips on or off easily with the side of your thumb. It is light, good Spyderco AUS6, and looks like a knife you'd have in a tackle box or backpack if you get stopped. And it has all the strength of a fixed blade. I bought one for $32 delivered. Great knife.
 
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