Help me pick a 4.5 inch fighting tanto folder. TOPS vs Strider

K

kip44

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Apr 29, 2010
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I currently carry a CRKT M21-14SFG weak side (left hand pocket).
http://www.crkt.com/M21-Special-Forces-Black-G10-Handle-AutoLAWKS-Veff-Combo-Edge

I carry a Kershaw Speed safe in my rear pocket as a back up and will look to replace that later on.
http://www.crkt.com/M21-Special-Forces-Black-G10-Handle-AutoLAWKS-Veff-Combo-Edge

I am looking for a stronger knife than my CRKT to carry to use in self defense is my gun jams or when I am in an area where I can only carry a knife. I suppose im looking for a 4.5 inch blade with a frame lock, good grip handle such as G10 scales, curved back part of handle for a good grip with some type of front edge to avoid slippage onto the blade, tanto blade half serrated, all black are other non reflective color, with maybe a double lock feature. Anything that fits this description? Will spend 100-$800.00


I am looking very closely at this Strider as it has a frame lock.
http://customtacticals.com/2009/02/18/strider-msc-rc-framelock-folder/

My other option is the TOPS 711. I dont really know if the linear lock is strong enough for the price.
http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=58
 
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Hard to top the Hinderer XM-18 at any price. I know it's not a normal tanto. I think he calls it spanto? Would be my first choice if I had an budget like that. Order from Rick though and it will only set you back less than $400.
 
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The Hinderer is an amazing knife. As tough as a Strider with the fit and finish of a Sebenza. As a LEO you can get one easier than me...lucky devil.
TC
 
Not trying to switch the subject, but if you're looking specifically for self defense, a thinner tipped knife seems like it would be more effective for that purpose. The benefit of a thicker tipped knife like a Strider tanto would be that it can take more lateral stress for things like prying. But the geometry for something like that would mean that it would require more force to slice and penetrate anything. I don't know about the thickness of the tip on the Tops knife. Most of the knives within your budget, if purchased from a reputable company or maker, will have a secure enough lock for your purposes whether it be a liner or frame lock. However, some people on this forum might disagree with that statement. I do think thicker-tipped knives like the Hinderer XM-18 or tanto Striders can be used for self defense. I just don't think they're ideal if that's the primary reason for carrying. They provide the benefit of greater application for multiple uses, but like many things that added use takes away from specialization in other areas, like self defense. For self defense, a knife that looks like it would fit the bill is the Blackhawk Be-Wharned:

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In a significantly higher price range, but within your budget, I also like Darrel Ralph's Madd Maxx design if you can find one:

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I read a review in some magazine about that TOPS 711 that was pretty positive... seemed pretty beefy enough that the author was able to stab through a thick piece of wood with no problem. Otherwise, it's hard to think of any production folders of that blade size and the rest of those criteria. Benchmade 760BK LFTi comes close but is only 4", unserrated, and is all titanium. Cold Steel is coming out with several new versions of existing models (ie. Voyager, Recon, and the Gunsite series) that are close or bigger in size that would probably be perfect for the use you have in mind. You can get half serrations, and some models have coated blades as well as G-10 handles. These new models with their Triad lock are almost certainly able to take more shock and abuse to defeat than any production liner or frame lock. Extrema Ratio has some beefy models with secondary locks, but may not be long enough for you. Finally, an Emerson Super CQC-7 might be perfect as it also can come coated, serrated, and is quite popular for self defense. It has a titanium liner lock, which would probably be sufficient as long as you wear it in first. People say that Emerson's locks are solid, but all 3 out of the 3 Emersons I've bought had some serious lock issues. Fortunately, enough other people's experiences differ from my own so that I think my problems might just be a random string of bad luck. I think the knife that would come closest to your stated requirements would be an Emerson Super CQC-7 with an aftermarket titanium framelock added by one of the many knife customizers that frequent these boards for a reasonable cost.
 
It would be nice if I could get one for around 200 since I loose knives from time to time and this will be a daily carry. I am now looking at emerson and the TOPS 711. How does TOPS and Emerson compare to the quality of bench made?
 
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