Good fixed knife

OodlesOfNoodles · Dec 24, 2004

Can anyone recommend a good fixed knife. I'm partial to the americanized tanto blade, but the blade has to be under 5 /12 inches to street carry. A good folder is something I'm looking for as well.

ERINT · Dec 24, 2004

OodlesOfNoodles · Dec 25, 2004

I'm not 100% sure, but I doubt most of the cops where I live (Texas) would give me too much trouble over an extra 1/2" Any LEO's feel free to chime in. I just have to think of a reason for a FB instead of a folder.

I like the BenchMade BT 141BT, The Sog Tsunami, and the Kabar.

James Green Dragon · Dec 25, 2004

I like the Hanwei Tactical Tanto (7" blade w/ray skin handle) best myself; I have heard good things about the differentially heat treated HC steel blade, the sheath system & I like the traditional style...

Knifeclerk · Dec 25, 2004

I have the Spyderco/Lum collaboration, and I love the darn thing. Best fit and finish I've found in a production knife! I also like the Tac Tanto from Hanwei, but it lacks the elegance that the Spyderco has.
-KC

ERINT · Dec 25, 2004

If you don't mind a bit of contraversy the CRK&T Hissatsu is pretty cool looking. But from what I read there is a good chance you might get one of either super high quality, or one that looks like it was run over with a tank.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CR2907

Knifeclerk · Dec 25, 2004

The hissatsu isn't really an Americanized tanto. It's very traditional.
Again, I add that I love the design and hate the steel on this one.

chris in mo · Dec 25, 2004

OodlesOfNoodles said:
I'm not 100% sure, but I doubt most of the cops where I live (Texas) would give me too much trouble over an extra 1/2" Any LEO's feel free to chime in. I just have to think of a reason for a FB instead of a folder.

I like the BenchMade BT 141BT, The Sog Tsunami, and the Kabar.

Oodles,

A few quick thoughts. The 1/2" may or may not matter there is not way to tell up front. If you end up in trouble over something or have the occasion to catch a cop on a bd day he may very well make the 1/2" too long blade an issue. Your best bet is to not push it and stay within the law in my opinion. Think about it this way, if you are in a position where law enforcement is going through your pocket contents something has gone pretty wrong and you are not having a streak of good luck. Is this the point in which you want to rely on luck that the blade being beyond the legal limit won't be an issue?

As for a fixed blade vs a folder, here are a few reasons:
Strength
Speed to deploy
Much less fumble prone than opening a folder

OodlesOfNoodles · Dec 25, 2004

Due to a congenital birth defect, I do not have a right arm. I haven't asked, but I believe I can have at LEAST a speed-assisted blade, possibly a switch. So, I'm not sure a FB would be too much of a problem. After all, its hard for me to open a folder

I have been looking at both the Hanwei practical or tactical and the Hissatsu. I like them both.

J.Davey · Dec 25, 2004

Though slightly larger than you're looking for, check out the Fehrman Cold Fury; I think it is one of the best AAmericanized tanto designs out there (and great steel, too)! If you're willing to fore-go the tanto (although Fehrman's combat knives have an almost tanto profile...you'll see what I mean), Fehrman has some exceptional smaller knives, also.

Wild Bill 1896 · Dec 25, 2004

Having only one arm does not allow you to carry a switchblade in Texas. While state law appears to allow the carry of a fixed blade of up to five and one half inches in length, I would not bet the rent on it. Beware of local ordinances, such as San Antonio's ban on lock blade folders. And, no, a concealed weapon license does not allow you to carry a knife as a weapon.

I hope this helps.