Hey guys. I was wondering what the first folder I should get is. I haven't had a folder yet, so this will be my first real knife. I've had in the past a big SAK and a Leatherman Wave. I will be using the knife for everyday use, but for self defence should I happen to need it. I have a budget of around $100. And I really don't want a knife over 4" considering I'm 13 in California. Thanks guys.
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Help buying first REAL knife
- Thread starter AARP
- Start date
Your first real knife was a SAK. It is a very good knife and i just bought my first one today. Wave is also a great multi tool as well.
Hopefully you do not mean you will be using this knife everyday for Self defense
. Overall I'd say what you carry right now is more than enough for any job you may face in the near future. Just hit a good martial arts gym and do some boxing, Jujitsu or Muay thai & combine that with common sense and I believe you will be fine.
take care
aj
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- Sep 5, 2005
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Many people won't sell you a knife because you're not 18, but if you're anything like I was when I was that young, you'll be able to get it without too many problems, but understand what the laws are, especially in California. Also, if you're going to use a 4-inch locker for defense, take some training! If some guys are hassling you and you escalate the situation by verbally referring to the weapon (which it has now just become, whether it's on you or not); physically producing the weapon in a display of resistance (legally, brandishing), or physically using it in a physical confrontation (assault), you will be in a world of hurt. At your age, frankly, you would have to meet an almost impossible criterion.
But to answer your question, many on this board like the Buck 110. The Cold Steel LARGE Voyager and the Recon 1 are also very good knives. Finally, the CRKT M21-04 is one of me absolute favorites.
But to answer your question, many on this board like the Buck 110. The Cold Steel LARGE Voyager and the Recon 1 are also very good knives. Finally, the CRKT M21-04 is one of me absolute favorites.
I'm sure plenty of folks will agree: pulling out a knife is very rarely a good self-defense strategy (and never without training). There are lots of reasons, and this is a small text box
My advice (and my opinion): carry a knife as a tool, not as a weapon. You might have to use it as a weapon some day, but don't count on it.
The Wave and any SAK are actually really great tools to carry around. If you find you prefer something more... well... "knifey", I'd recommend a Spyderco (or a Byrd, if you find Spydercos too expensive).
IIRC, my first decent knife was a Spyderco Dragonfly SS, and I love it to bits.
My advice (and my opinion): carry a knife as a tool, not as a weapon. You might have to use it as a weapon some day, but don't count on it.
The Wave and any SAK are actually really great tools to carry around. If you find you prefer something more... well... "knifey", I'd recommend a Spyderco (or a Byrd, if you find Spydercos too expensive).
IIRC, my first decent knife was a Spyderco Dragonfly SS, and I love it to bits.
A Benchmade Griptillian (also called a "Grip") would be a great starter for a locking folder. The axis lock is IMHO the best locking mechanism for a folding knife available today. As for whether or not to get the mini or full sized, if you can, trying holding one of the full sized and one of the minis. See which one feels better in your hand, and make your pick based on that.
Remember DO NOT take you new knife to school. You may never get caught with it, and it may never be a problem, but with high schools, especially here in CA you are much better off just without risking getting in trouble.
Remember DO NOT take you new knife to school. You may never get caught with it, and it may never be a problem, but with high schools, especially here in CA you are much better off just without risking getting in trouble.
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- Apr 26, 2007
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I know you're not old enough to drive, but when you are, I'd suggest not even leaving it in your car on school grounds. Zero tolerance laws have a tendency to cut off the head to spite the face.
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- May 28, 2007
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Just some words of wisdom...I am a lawyer and have represented countless of kids caught with knives in school and in other situations. Take everyone's advise and never brandish (take out) your knife in a fight unless the other guy has a weapon. Merely brandishing a knife can be an aggravated assault and you touch someone with your knife you have an aggravated battery. I understand you want your knife to look nice, but don't go around showing it off. Keep it your secret. Your secret tool...a friend to help you. Nothing wrong in life in running away from a situation. That's the first thing they would teach you in any knife fighting situation is to run....check out the thread, "knife fighting is not romantic" to see what knife can do....
Be smart and don't end up in jail over your knife. A record will follow you forever. Most guys here will tell you they have never used their knife in self defense. No reason to think u are different.
Be smart and don't end up in jail over your knife. A record will follow you forever. Most guys here will tell you they have never used their knife in self defense. No reason to think u are different.
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- Dec 5, 2006
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Have you considered a good 3 blade pocket knife? Case makes a good one in 154 cpm. 3 blades mean you always have a sharp blade.
Believe me. I know that for sure. A kid got got with a boxcutter(Have no clue why he took it to school:jerkit
and got expelled for a year. I'm a pretty bright kid and know what I'm doing 
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- Jun 26, 2007
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Kershaw Leek, depending on the laws about AO. Same deal with the SOG Twitch. I love the XL personally. Also consider any of the Spydercos, like the Native, Mini-Manix or Delica.
You're 13 and you want an EDC for self defense? I'd stick with the Wave for awhile longer.
Buy yourself a training knife and get some knife fighting skills. The more you learn about real knife fights the more you'll respect the blade. There's a few excellent instructors out there. Save your money for that...
Buy yourself a training knife and get some knife fighting skills. The more you learn about real knife fights the more you'll respect the blade. There's a few excellent instructors out there. Save your money for that...
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 233
Although California's knife laws suck in many ways, the one nice thing is that there is no blade length limit. However, even though there is not a legal limit, I would not sugest anything over 4" just due to visual impact on those around you when you use it. Most people are not very receptive to large knives, we call them sheeple here. Even if you are using it responsibly, a large knife makes people uncomfortable. Stick to something of reasonable size with a non tactical design. The Grip is a very popular knife that will give you years of quality service.