Most folders are not suitable for defensive applications, except perhaps as a "last ditch" improvised weapon. Sometimes I chuckle when I see the vast array of "tactical folders" with their fearsome 3.75" tanto blades being offered for sale. . .
I carry a blade primarily for defense, with "utility" being secondary -- indeed, many of the knives in my collection have no utilitarian value whatsoever. Currently residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I'm permitted to carry any sort of knife, concealed, with the specific exception of a: "switchblade, Bowie knife, dagger, dirk . . . or any weapon of like kind." As the law is selectively interpreted down here, balisongs and medium sized sheath knives have been ruled "daggers", as per the Webster's definition of "a knife suitable for stabbing." Any knife, of any size or configuration, may be carried openly.
The Cold Steel 6" Ti-Lite (Zytel grip) is what I typically carry clipped to my front pocket when I carry a folder instead of my usual fixed blades. It is similar to the Italian "Wolfkiller stiletto" style of the 50's, and would do the job as efficiently as a Fairbairn-Sykes dagger. I have never used this particular knife, and hope that I never do.
When I lived in New York, fixed blades ("dangerous knives") are prohibited outside of hunting & fishing, so I carried a Vaquero Grande -- and trained with it frequently. I cannot stress enough that if one wishes to carry a knife for defense -- especially a folder -- one must train with specially constructed targets in order to familiarize oneself with: 1.) the amount of damage [or lack thereof] resulting from various techniques, and 2.) the surprising lack of range one has [particularly with an undersized blade].
As far as folders go, the Vaquero Grande is unexcelled as far as defensive (as opposed to "combat") applications go. Unlike the 6" Ti-Lite, this blade is not designed to stab, but rather to slash -- and with its 6", fully-serrated, recurved blade it slashes extremely well. I have cut through heavy motorcycle jackets with ease. Gripping it low on the handle gives one the approximate range of a mid-sized Bowie, and its heft allows one to chop or club with it as well.
It can be flicked open simply by the weight of the blade, making a loud CLACK when it locks into place -- and even though a knife generally should not be "brandished" as a threat, it is scary enough to possibly serve as an exception to the rule. Typically, an assailant can be "demotivated" after taking a few superficial slashes to the palms or upper torso (lower torso = possible disembowelment, upper extremities = possible artery/nerve damage -- both of which are typically unjustified in a saloon altercation). A slash across the forehead is especially effective, as it will bleed profusely, obscuring the assailant's vision, making him ineffective and demoralized.
Please note that one is typically not justified in deploying a knife (or any other weapon) against an unlawful and unprovoked attack UNLESS: 1.) the attacker is armed, 2.) there is more than one attacker [they usually come in pairs], or 3.) the attacker is significantly larger than you. If the intended victim is disabled, elderly, or female, the aforementioned "justifications" need not apply.
I recommend that individuals considering a possible defensive application for their folding knife obtain and read the books "Knives, Knife Fighting, and Related Hassles" by Marc MacYoung, and "Logic of Steel" by James LaFond. MacYoung discusses the legal (and "extra-legal") aftermath of a knifefight, as well as speaking out against the large number of "paramilitary" knifefighting books that have no civilian application -- one should never kill or cripple another unless one truly has no other choice, as there will be consequences. LaFond's book discusses knifefighting from a criminologist's or anthroplogist's perspective.
It's not nice to cut people -- even if they deserve it. I'd advise you to use your belt, a spring baton, or a can of Mace Pepper Gel instead! Belts are legal everywhere, can do serious damage, and have far more range than a knife. A well-made expandable spring baton is legal in many jurisdictions and will do about the same amount of damage as a sjambok or rubber hose. Pepper Gel has a range of over 20 feet and is suitable for indoor use (whereas most peppersprays will contaminate a room for hours). Why use a knife at all when much better options exist? (unless, of course, that's all you happen to have on you at the time).
