Folder for SD?

ralphus said:
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?
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I would recommend any of several Benchmade knives with the Axis Lock. New Graham knives has some good prices on them too.

:)
 
Just wanna take a moment to thank those who kept their replies on track. Some great suggestions.
 
Ralphus stated that a gun was NOT an option for him. But, as I read that thread, I have come to understand that he wants a knife that COULD be used as an SD weapon. If I am wrong, I am sure Ralphus will correct me.
 
I agree with J85909266, the older Endura 3 is nearly perfect:

It is very light-weight.
It has a good blade-length for SD and has a great point.
It is extremely easy to carry, even when wearing just jogging shorts or swim trunks.
It affords a comfortable and secure grip.
It is quick to deploy.
It is inexpensive should it be confiscated as evidence, or need to be tossed in a lake.
And it is easy to clean--just put it in the dishwasher.

I don't think that a knife is the best option for SD, but they are effective, and the Endura 3 would be nearly perfect.

Allen.
 
Did a little research of my own. If you're looking for a great self defense weapon that has more of a traditional type blade, fast to deploy and has a blade length under 3" for carry in most cities, then the Emerson Mini CQC-7B seems like a great choice.

Has that wave feature which makes it hella fast to deploy. The emerson site has videos of the feature in action here

Thoughts on this knife?
 
I can't think of a better folder for defense than a 5- or 6-inch Cold Steel Vaquero. It's a sturdy lock back design that's light and convenient to hold and which is very dependable.
 
I think someone has already previously recommended a fixed blade. I know it does not answer the question you posed concerning a SD folder, but the fact of the matter is that having to open a knife to use it throws a wrench in the works if you are under extreme stress. I recommend anything fixed, small, concealable, and black. Check out hideawayknife.com.
 
Some of my favorites would be the benchmade 806 (AFCK, (which does suck due to the name alone)), the emerson commander, or cqc-13, spyderco military, chinook, or civilian, and the microtech socom.
If price becomes an issue, the endura 3 would not be a bad choice either.
 
get a knife you will have on you always, and use it often. this will help you familiarize yourself with the method of deploying from carrying place, the method of opening, and a knife you use every day will a. be easier to justify to a jury, and b. become second nature when drawing and opening it under pressure.

get a wave if you can, or use a zip tie on a knife with an opening hole.

you want a one hand opening knife with a strong lock.

some people prefer serrated, some plain, but if you are going to use it for day to day cutting chores as well, i would go with the plain edge. get a knife with a point. a sheepsfoot blade does not promote the thrust.

a small blade is more people friendly, as is a non black or otherwise subdued color. For self defense, hopefully you mean using the knife to open an avenue of escape rather than a knife fight or duel.

a non-black colored handle is also a plus. spyderco and benchmade offer knives with bright colored handles like pink purple and green.

do a search, you will find many many threads on this topic, and check out the practical tactical forum here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=680

stay safe and welcome to bladeforums.

Pete
 
My favorite SD carrying knife is the Cold Steel Voyager Large 4-inch blade with Zytel grips, serrated blade and a lockback locking mechanism. The advantages are that it's lightweight, has a very decent blade, fine serrations that will spare you a bumpy cut, and it's nigh unto indestructable. It doesn't need liners because even the Hulk couldn't snap it in two.

coldsteelsharpener2.jpg

The CS serrations are fine and easy to sharpen.

Another you might want to look at is the CRKT 21-04T. This is a handsome knife with a decent feel. The AUS 8 blade is plain, but the titanium gives it a bit of class. It does weigh a tad more, though.

--Confed
 
ralphus said:
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?
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There are certain things you need to look for in a folder that is carried for self-defense:

1) Handle must fit your particular hand comfortably. If the handle is too short, and your fingers are bunched up on it, it's just not going to inspire much confidence. Avoid handles that are slick. Checkered FRN, bead-blasted G-10, or aluminum with checkered inserts (especially kraton) are best. A finger cut-out at the front of the handle (such as on Benchmade's AFCK) makes a very good guard. At the very least, look to see that the front of the handle dips below the cutting edge (such as on Spyderco's Endura).

2) The Blade: Length must be street-legal, where you live. And, be mindful of blade-shape. In some jurisdictions, a spear-point blade falls under the prohibition of "Dirk & Daggers," only because the blade is symmetrical. Some jurisdictions, such as in parts of M.A., have outlawed martial arts weapons. That means that you could get tossed in jail because of the tanto blade on your folder...... and only because of that!

3) You need a rock-solid lock mechanism on any folder, but especially one carried for self-defense! The 2 strongest locks on the market today are Benchmade's Axis-lock (no reported failures), and Framelock models. But if you buy a framelock, make sure it isn't one that releases easily. That's the biggest problem with current framelock models. Be careful if you go with a linerlock. A properly made linerlock will serve you well..... but it's been my experience that few companies actually know how to build a linerlock, well. Avoid any model that uses a very thin linerlock. Spyderco makes the best rockerlock knives. With other companies, I'd avoid a rockerlock for self-defense...... Whichever knife you choose, make sure the lock doesn't accidentally release when you grip the knife as hard as you can! If it does, buy something else.

4) A carry-clip is a good idea. Experiment a bit to see if you prefer tip-up or tip-down carry. Go with the one that feels most comfortable for you. (No doubt, someone will tell you to go with tip-up because it's a split second faster, when opening your knife, than tip-down). A split-second faster doesn't mean crap! If an attacker is that close to you, that's not the time to be reaching for your knife. That's the time to use your unarmed skills to buy you the time needed to actually draw your folder, without worrying (literally) about fumbling your draw because of 1 split-second.

5) A thumb-stud or thumb-disk opener is easier to hit, under stress, than a thumb-hole opener. (But that doesn't mean you should not consider a knife with a thumb-hole). The best method to use for opening your knife under stress is a gross-motor, 2-handed opening. But if you're walking with your closed knife in one hand, and something in the other, a one-hand-opening feature helps if you see trouble coming but can't run away. Beware of poorly-made thumb-studs & disks that raise blisters or peel skin off of your thumb. They are common as dirt!

Hope this helps.:)
 
Howdy all; first off, thank you for the advice. This has been an excellent thread with a ton of valuable advice. For my needs--something that I can carry day to day, but also use for SD if the need arose (it is obviously not an ideal solution, but better than none)--I think a Spyderco Endura Wave will be optimal given the amount of brand recommendations, the grip on the handle, the blade length (street legal), the price, and the quick deployment (see Haro's post with video's of the wave--wow). Now, I just have to wait until they are released. In the meantime, I found a good deal on a Kershaw Scallion and am carrying that. It has all of the qualities mentioned, but I am not confident in carrying the knife w/o the safety on in my front pocket--I'm sure you can figure out why. Therefore, even though it does have the assisted opening, which makes it quick to deploy, the safety has to be thrown first. Unfortuantely, they put the safety on the side of the belt clip, making it very difficult to get at while it's being pulled out of the pocket. It's a nice little knife otherwise. Thanks again for the advice.
 
The waved Spyderco's ARE out NOW. I am glad we helped! You chose a most excellent knife. Thanks for letting us know.
 
Thanks, TheKnifeCollector. Just ordered it from Island Tactical (50 + change shipped)--actually got the Delica to stay under the 3" limit. Can't wait to see how this thing works!
 
You are very welcome!! I think you are REALLY going to LOVE it!! I can't wait to hear your impressions when you get. The wave catches on your pocket, and come out with the blade fully deployed.
 
WarRaven said:
Better to be tried by twelve then carried by six.
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Without a doubt.

For $50, the Endura is hard to beat. Will have to pick up a waved version myself.

For twice that price, I like the Spyderco Yojimbo, a great urban EDC, like a box-cutter on steroids. Besides its slashing capability, could also be used as an impact tool in a self defence situation.
 
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