Help me pick the best SD folder for under $250.

J

jinuineasn

Joined
Aug 16, 2005
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I was considering the emerson cqc series. Can I open the emerson cqcs with a flick of the wrist? I don't plan to have it clipped on, so the wave feature is pointless for me.
I am looking for a knife preferably with a black blade with an excellent grip and as close to 4 inches as possible strictly for Self Defense purposes. It can be more than 4 inches. It is essential that I can easily open the blade with a flick of the wrist under stressful situations. The blade shape must be designed for SD purposes. I don't know if the spydercos open that easily. All input and advice are welcome. thanks in advance.

I'm considering:
Benchmade Rukus
Benchmade Skirmish
Spyderco Military (Carbon Fiber)
Camillus CUDA MAXX
Emerson CQC 11 *which CQC would be best?
Spyderco Chinook
Spyderco Endura
 
of the ones you mention, i only have emersons. 'best' depends on your needs and what you like. i have a cqc7, 12, and 13, and a combat kerambit. i would have a hard time picking a favorite. they are all great for different reasons. my 7 is unwaved, and as you mention, i would avoid the wave altogether. they can open unintentionally if the wave grabs part of your pocket or whatever.

flick of the wrist, depends on how tight the pivot screw is. if its loose it will flick open, wrist or thumb, but the blade may have some wobble.

if you can get good at a thumb flick, that would be best. wrist flick is unreliable and puts unnecessary force on the action. with a knife with a thumbstud or thumbdisc, and a little practice, you will get the hang of it.
 
You like 'em big, it seems. May I suggest a couple of smaller knives that I absolutely love. The Al Mar S.E.R.E 2000 (VG-10) and the Lone Wolf T2 with FRN handle (S30V). Both are extremely dependable, rugged knives. There are plenty more, of course, but just thought I mention a couple that I carry frequently.

I've studied edged weapons techniques for many years and I can say for sure that knowing HOW to use a knife for self defense is MUCH more important then WHAT knife one uses for self defense.

Regards
 
If you're looking for SD, you don't need the more expensive carbon fiber Military.

Axis lock knives can be wrist-flicked open or shut by holding back the axis bar. I prefer the BM 710 to the Rukus or Skirmish, but that's a personal preference based on the handle shape.

The CUDA Maxx opens with a flip of the blade guards, which when the blade is closed work as flippers. This knife opens as slickly as the axis locks. Even closed, the handle can be used to hammer someone effectively.
 
Hands down for strictly S.D. is a CS lg or xlg clip point folder or the other serrated folder they make the Vacquero or something along those lines. Very strong lock back, ground extremely thin for good cutting ability and easy sharpening and they are BIG. Big is where its at for a fighter or s.d. you want as much reach as possible. They are thin in cross section too so they carry easily. keepem sharp
 
I think that you should be looking for the largest frame lock folder that you can find. Lile the Camillus Maxx.
 
Hello there,

If you are planning to wrist flick your knives open, you don't want a back lock. Liner locks and the AXIS lock go much smoother.
Also take a look at how you want to fight. Slashing, stabbing?
I think the Spyderco Civilian is a great knife for SD, although you can't stab.

This was my first post!:D
 
I agree with ELBIOS666. If autos arent a problem where you live I would go with a microtech, a side opening socom elite has a 4.05inch blade and a large firing button or a S/A OTF HALO has exactly a 4 inch blade. it is almost impossible to find a HALO for under 250 but I have found socom elites for 150 at the local gun show.
 
Here's my recommendation :

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This knife will.......quickly dispatch all unsightly threads hanging from your tux that threaten to expose you as less than suave and debonaire.......quickly slice through the toughest Manila envelopes containing covert documents intended "for your eyes only".......and certainly can peel and quarter any fruit necessary for consumption to keep the active agent in top condition.

Just having some fun.....For some reason, although I would have absolutely no real life use for it, I keep trying to find an excuse to buy the Rukus. ...although any of the knives you mention certainly would work for defensive purposes.

-Best regards
 
I have a CS Recon 1. It has a 4" blade and has a long reach when open and smooth opening. They have several blade types with or w/o serrations. Also the Camilus Heat line isn't a bad choice either if you are on a budget. Either one are worth a look.
 
Benchmade Styker wrist flicks open very easily, it has a 3.6" blade with a tanto point that would stab through thick clothing/leather if needed, and you can almost buy three for $250.
I love my Styker, but my dedicated SD knife is the waved Delica I keep in my back pocket. That thing opens so fast that I feel confident that I could have it out even if I was already on the ground, or jumped upon. I read that you don't intend to use the Emersons wave feature, but check out a waved Endura anyways (I use the Delica, but you seem to have preference for longer blades).
 
Depending on where you live, I would look for a concealed carry permit. Most knives are tools that can be used for self defense in bad situations, but real SD knives are mainly slender fixed blades. Although I've never used one, but owned one for about a week, a Benchmade Spike might made a good SD knife if you can find one. I really have no knowledge about SD, but you might be better to ask this question in Prac Tac. Don't forget your waders in there.
 
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