Good quality knife for police work?

S

Smudge

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
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79
Looking to replace some of my old cheapo knives and I want a decent quality knife. Looking to spend about $150. The knife will have to be a folder that will go in strong side uniform pants. I was looking at the Emerson Commander, but would like some other opinions. Thanks
 
Emerson make excellent knives. You might also look at the Benchmades and Spydercos (higher end lines of these two companies). They all offer a good mix of size, no serrations, partially serrated, etc...
 
The Commander is primarily a self-defense knife, like the CQC-7 tanto. He has others that combine self-defense with utility.

Depending on the specific jobs you would use it on, a lighter-weight folder like the Spyderco Endura might be more convenient. They even have a Waved Endura now, with that feature licensed from Emerson Knives.

Benchmade axis lock folders like the Rukus or 710 or Griptilian are generally very strong and they also have the Skirmish titanium framelocks.
 
Let me start by saying I am not going to recommend a certain style or brand. These are more general observations.
1) I would hesitate to spend too much money for a duty knife. You can buy plenty of quality for less than $100. Your knife will be used and abused, and probably lost. Had it happen to me too many times. However, do whatever it takes to give you confidence in your choice.

2) What do you intend to use the knife for? If it is for general duty use, many of my officers find a multitool more useful. However, if you intend it as a possible last-ditch back-up then definitely go for a real blade.

3) Please re-think strong side carry. Anything in your pockets can be harder to get to due to your duty belt and if you think you might ever need the knife as a back-up or weapon retention tool, your strong side hand/arm is going to be busy. I recommend and use weak side front pocket carry for that reason. Ultimately, you have to decide what works best for you. Just consider the options.
 
The Benchmade 710 does just about everything well, and the lock is very reliable.
 
If you ever wear gloves while on duty, I would recommend Spyderco beacause the 'spydie-hole' makes it very easy to open with gloves.
 
Probably a waved endura carried opposite of your service weapon. Excellent utility knife for everyday use but still has excellent weapon retention capabilities.
 
Another vote for the Endura. I carried a SS Endura for many, many years on duty, and it is still in my EDC rotation. It is SE and goes through seatbelts with no effort at all. I also wouldn't go very expensive for a duty knife as I've seen lots of officers lose knives and whatnot while on duty.
 
I generally carry a couple of knives at work. Currently, I have a old and beat up Spyderco Police with G10 scales that I carry in my left side cargo pocket. I use it purely for cutting things like plastic ties, paper, boxes, etc. You know, what a knife is meant for. I also carry a knife in my right hand pocket which is generally a bit sturdier and can be used for heavier work. Currently that is either a BM Skirmish, or a Spyderco Manix. I keep a Spyderco Civillian clipped to my armor.

If I was going to carry just one knife, I would want to carry something that was durable, sharp, and cheap enough that I wouldn't be overly concerned if I either broke it doing something stupid (prying open a window for example) or lost it. Beyond a doubt my reccomendation would be for the Endura. Fantastic knife for the money. Light, sharp, good steel, and cheap. For a higher dollar option, and a bit bigger knife, the Manix gets my vote as perhaps the best working knife I have handled.

The Emmersons I have handled, while nice, just didn't seem worth the money asked for them. But that is a small sample of knives, all of which were owned by police, whom I'm sure your are aware, can break an anvil with a rubber mallet. No doubt they were much nicer when new.
 
I'd recommend the Spyderco Military. The CPM S30V blade holds an edge for a long time and has excellent geometry (flat ground, modified clip point) for everyday chores, slicing, and last-ditch stabbing and slashing---especially in the serrated form. Unlike the Police model with stainless steel handles, it has grippy G10 scales and a single-sided, very strong liner lock. If you'd prefer a lock back or a leaf-shaped blade, I highly recommend the Manix. I always carry a Military or a Civilian.
 
Have several buddies on the force who have been carrying Cold Steel Voyagers for years. All are practitioners of the Filipino Martial Arts and find the blade design, size (large) and price will suit their edc needs.

Matador-
 
Here are some outstanding knives...

Benchmade 710
Benchmade 551 or 550 Griptilian
Benchmade 940 or 941
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Endura 4
Spyderco Military
 
I think you can certainly get everything you need in a Spyderco Waved Endura and if the Wave doesn't turn you on you can get just about everything the Emerson has to offer including made in the USA and not spend near as much money by just getting one of the brand new just recently available JunkYardDog II folders from Kershaw.

I'll go one further. If you get it for around the $55 or so $60 price tag it will probably go for at most stores and don't like tip down carry I'll make a custom clip for you for tip up at N/C being a LEO.

There is a thread here right now on these that covers both models. It was on page two earlier. JYD II or something was the title with pics.

STR
 
Maybe you should consider a Buck 110. It's a classic and it won't set you back a lot of $$$. A good multi tool would also be a good choice.
 
SPYDERCO definitly ,or if you are really poor a Byrd Flight G10 (my next purchase).

If it is allowed on your force consider a small fixed blade like a RAT3.
I EDC a Scrapyard SS4 in a pocket sheath that is tied to my belt. When I pull the butt of the knife handle which sticks out of my pocket about 2 inches the knife and sheath come out then the sheath is pulled off the knife and dangles until I am done with the knife. It is quicker and more secure and comfortable than any folder and the knife isn't "prebroken.
 
Unsub said:
I EDC a Scrapyard SS4 in a pocket sheath that is tied to my belt. When I pull the butt of the knife handle which sticks out of my pocket about 2 inches the knife and sheath come out then the sheath is pulled off the knife and dangles until I am done with the knife. It is quicker and more secure and comfortable than any folder and the knife isn't "prebroken.
Click to expand...

That's called a "static cord". Good system.

There are regular discussions in our Practical Tactical forum about back-up knives like the Emerson La Griffe or the Ka-Bar TDI. They can almost be hidden under a belt.
 
I would have to go with a Spyderco. There are many models that would work well, in both utility and self defense roles.

I think the Endura (and the waved Endura) is hard to beat when you take the price tag into account, it's got it all: nice size, excellent steel, good design, comfortable handle. It's a lot more knife than the $50 price might lead you to believe. I've got lots of more expensive folder, and my Endura keeps getting the most pocket time.

Since you are willing to go up to $150, the Military and Paramilitary are also worth considering. The Military has a 4" blade, the Para is shorter (3,5" or around that) but still has a big handle which makes it very comfortable and the compression lock is very reliable. Both have flat ground S30V blades that cut like a light sabre.
 
I'll also second weak side carry. If things go bad and you are on your side protecting that weapon, it's hard to get to the knife.
 
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