Harpy for defence?

I've been looking at Spyderco knives lately for a good one handed self-defence knife. Obviously I considered the Civilian but, the Harpy looks more like what I want (Much cheaper too
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So, does anyone have an opinion on the Harpy for defence?
 
Thought you'd like to know that in Thomas Harris' sequel to "Silence of the Lambs" he has our old friend Hannible using a Harpy to disembowel a victim, and later in the book buying another Harpy at a gun show. It's a great book for knife lovers. If Hannible likes it, it must be the right tool.
If you know where I can get an aluminum handled Civilian let me know. It's a little too much for a defense tool, but a great collectable. Bestknives.com kind of screwed me on getting one. I asked them if they had any, was told they had one left, but when I e-mailed back that I wanted it, it was sold. I know, I should have called them to save time, but they could have held it for a day. It was clear that I was s serous buyer. Oh well, one will turn up at the right price if I keep looking.

Good luck with your weapon choice. Personally I prefer a fixed edge for defense -- less to go wrong. Never forget "Murphy's Law" can kill you.

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Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

Moderator
Joined
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Messages
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Disco Stu - Though many carry the Harpy (& Merlin) for defense, in actuality, the Harpy & Merlin were designed for cutting rope on a pull cut.

Unlike the Civilian, there is little "expansion" at the rear of the Harpy to give you good purchase if the blade "catches" on something.

sal

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"There seems to be an amazing connection between what people do... and what happens to them"


 
Might I suggest the Matriarch for consideration as a defensive/specialty tool? Bigger than a Harpy, but smaller than the Civilian, and cost shouldn't scare you , either.

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Life Member NRA & PMA, member AKTI, NKCA, ATA, and any other worthy cause I can find.

 
The literary portrayal of the Harpy as a canibalistic evisceration device may be one reason Spyderco hesitates to put the Matriarch in general circulation in the US market.
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
The Harpy/Merlin is a good self-defense tool, but I'd suggest the Matriarch, for reasons given in previous posts. Use the SEARCH capability and look for "matriarch".
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Thanks everyone. I have read Harris' latest. It was a nice surprise to find that the good doctor liked Spyderco. Now, off to search for the matriarch.
 
OK, I'm confused. After reading all of the post that the search turned up, I have no idea of how to get a matriarch. Can anyone help me out with this one?
 
disco,
i know matriarchs were offerd to forumites some time ago..ask mike turber or sal if they are still available. if not..if and when you get to israel i can get you one..lol.
scorpio.
 
Matriarchs had been available for forumites through SFO, (800) 828-1925 or (303) 279-8613 E-Mail: sfo@spyderco.com. I also recall seeing one recently in the BF For Sale forum.




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Cheers,

--+Brian+--

I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, Babe, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride.


 
Heyns, nice to see you. I haven't been in the Forums a lot lately. My employer actually expects me to work, so I am limited to my home time.

Merlin/Harpy, great SMALL knife for defense. You can carry them almost anywhere. I prefer the Matriarch in this style. Civilian is also great, but the more I compare it to the Matriarch, it seems like a bit too much of a good thing. Price difference is also a factor. bcaffery already told you wher to get them. That is if there are any left. Merlin/Harpy are reletively easy to find.

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Paranoia is only smart thinking
when everyone is out to get you.


 
That's what makes the Harpy so attractive. I know where to get it for $42.99 and that's not a bad price.
 
Dirk,
I wondered where you've disappeared to...
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How are your Matriarchs doing?

DISCO STU, I'd also suggest contacting Sal first for a gray-handled version of the Matriarch. There was a thread a while ago about some Matriarchs still available from the Spyderco Factory outlet. I suggest you contact Charlie over there and find out... Good luck!

Otherwise, a forumite might be willing to part with one of his Matriarchs. Some of the guys bought more than one at the time (there was a limit of 3 per forumite). However, I doubt whether this approach will get you anywhere, but it does not take much to try!!
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Stu,

Sounds like you've discovered the same source for the Harpy that Mike Sastre put several of us onto a few months back. I bought one then and couldn't be happier with it. Which ever one you decide on, get one of Mike's (River City Sheaths) neck sheaths for it. They are beautifully made and give you another carry option, especially if you want to carry concealed.

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Clay
Sydney, Australia

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....here it's tomorrow already.


 
Heyn's - Those Matriarch's are excellent! I saw a Civilian somewhere that had a custom handle done for the blade. I am contemplating that for one of the Matriarch's. How are things at Ramrod's after that tragedy?
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Paranoia is only smart thinking
when everyone is out to get you.


 
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