Well I'm looking to buy a folding knife that I can legally (blade length less than 3 inches) carry around with me incase a situation ever arises where I may need it for self defense. I'm looking for a nonserrated blade priced less than or around $200 that I can be sure will last long enough for me to name it and perhaps grow to love it...yeah. I'm in the process of searching the major companies and have been to many stores, but I thought I would get some input from some people who really know their stuff. So any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Help on choosing knife for self defense.
- Thread starter Maako
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There are any number of knives that fall within your price range. If defense is your primary motive try the Microtech mini SOCOM. You may discover that a more all purpose knife is what you want. Take a look at Kershaws Rainbow Leek, Al Mars Hawk, Victorinox Trailmaster. There are also any number of Benchmade or Spyderco products that are very suitable for every day carry (EDC). Personally I love the carbon fiber William Henry kestral. Strictly speaking it is not a "Defense Knife" but you would be surprised at what it can do.
Once you decide what you want, handle them at your local knife shop or knife shows in your area, take a look at places like www.1SKS.com or do a google search for the make and model that you like and do some price comparing. You might also check out the exchange section of this forum, there are some great people selling some knives at good prices.
Good luck with your search and welcome to the Forums, I hope that you enjoy your stay here
Once you decide what you want, handle them at your local knife shop or knife shows in your area, take a look at places like www.1SKS.com or do a google search for the make and model that you like and do some price comparing. You might also check out the exchange section of this forum, there are some great people selling some knives at good prices.
Good luck with your search and welcome to the Forums, I hope that you enjoy your stay here
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Spyderco is the leader in Small tactical folders (blade length at or less than 3in). Check out the Lil'temperance, it is a great general carry knife, the spyderco gunting is a purpose built fighting knife, with many "tactical" uses. These spydies have excellent steel, locks, ergonomics, and overall excellence of design.
The spyderco Native would also be a great choice but i think that its blade length is a little over 3inches (maybe 3.1).
At larger blade lengths many other companies would be in consideration, but in the blade length under 3in catagory i feel that spyderco is the clear industry leader.
The spyderco Native would also be a great choice but i think that its blade length is a little over 3inches (maybe 3.1).
At larger blade lengths many other companies would be in consideration, but in the blade length under 3in catagory i feel that spyderco is the clear industry leader.
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I agree with LizardKing across the board! My first choice, given your specs, would be the Spyderco Lil Temperance with the Spyderco Gunting as runner-up.
If neither of those suits you take a look at the Camillus EDC. It is an excellent knife in every respect and well-suited to defensive use. It is also slimmer and more conventional looking than the Spydercos.
--Bob Q
If neither of those suits you take a look at the Camillus EDC. It is an excellent knife in every respect and well-suited to defensive use. It is also slimmer and more conventional looking than the Spydercos.
--Bob Q
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How about the Fred Perrin LaGriffe? Botach Tactical sells them for about $45.
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Another vote for the Lil' Temperance. Not sure if it meets your blade requirement though. I believe it is right at 3". Otherwise, you can't go wrong w/ this knife. I've carried one for over a year now. There are some great reviews of this knife on this forum. Do a search and you should find a wealth of info.
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Limited to 3-inched folder in fact you do not have too wide choice. Sure, each knife in self defense situation is way better than teeth and nails, however having any choice I would go with a knife dedicated for such purposes. Well, as the most important requirements I could mention:
* strong and reliable (this is not the same) locking device;
* secure and safe handle;
* rapid and easy deployment;
* possibility to put into action with either hand.
The last requirement is fulfilled only partially. The Lil Temperance can be opened with either hand equally well, however the clip cant be set up for left-hand carry. If you are not lefty this shouldnt be too essential for you.
All other requirements are fulfilled by all means, so go with Lil Temperance.
If you like it of course
And Welcome to the Forums!
* strong and reliable (this is not the same) locking device;
* secure and safe handle;
* rapid and easy deployment;
* possibility to put into action with either hand.
The last requirement is fulfilled only partially. The Lil Temperance can be opened with either hand equally well, however the clip cant be set up for left-hand carry. If you are not lefty this shouldnt be too essential for you.
All other requirements are fulfilled by all means, so go with Lil Temperance.
If you like it of course
And Welcome to the Forums!
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Welcome to BF!!! I agree with the other who have mentioned various Spydercos. I may be a little biased but I think that Spydies are hard to beat. You may want to look at the Delica I or II. They are great knives. I hope that these posts have been helpful in assisting you with your search.
Depending on what your local laws are, I think you might be better off with a can of mace and an extendable baton, or a sjambok (Cold Steel imports and sells extruded plastic ones), or a cane, or just a big stick. Basically, something that gives you more reach than arm + 3".
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I agree that it's important to check your local laws. A cane is fairly safe, but carrying a baton, a sjambok, or even a stick can get you jailed in a lot of places. A knife doesn't give you the reach advantage of a baton, but there are relatively few places where you can't legally carry one.
Mace is also restricted in a lot of places, although you can usually get away with pepper spray.
In Texas I can get a license to carry a gun, but there is no way I can legally carry a baton. Strange, but true.
--Bob Q
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The Lil' Temperance is a Spydie that can definitely fit your utility/self defense requirements with ease.
I just received a Lil' Temperance Trailing Point this past Monday, from a recent trade, and haven't been able to put it down since.
Spyderco wasn't messing around when they designed this one....
Blade: Flat ground 3" PlainEdge blade of CPM440V steel that can hold an edge for protracted periods of time.
Blade style choice: Modified Spear Point(Leaf) or upswept Trailing Point(Rhino).
Ergonomics: EXCELLENT, a design that really becomes a part of your hand when you grip it.
Lock: Spyderco's super strong Compression Lock that can handle up to almost 800-inch lbs!!
Handle: THICK G10 slabs provide an awesome non-slip grip...a great plus for such a great handle design. You don't have to worry about this handle flexing under heavy use.
pics by Dman at this thread HERE.
The design may be butt ugly to some, but Spyderco designs its' knives as high performance cutting tools....not knives that just sit and look pretty. IMO, you can't find a better, stronger, common pocketsized knife with a 3" blade anywhere.
Good Luck.
I just received a Lil' Temperance Trailing Point this past Monday, from a recent trade, and haven't been able to put it down since.
Spyderco wasn't messing around when they designed this one....
Blade: Flat ground 3" PlainEdge blade of CPM440V steel that can hold an edge for protracted periods of time.
Blade style choice: Modified Spear Point(Leaf) or upswept Trailing Point(Rhino).
Ergonomics: EXCELLENT, a design that really becomes a part of your hand when you grip it.
Lock: Spyderco's super strong Compression Lock that can handle up to almost 800-inch lbs!!
Handle: THICK G10 slabs provide an awesome non-slip grip...a great plus for such a great handle design. You don't have to worry about this handle flexing under heavy use.
pics by Dman at this thread HERE.
The design may be butt ugly to some, but Spyderco designs its' knives as high performance cutting tools....not knives that just sit and look pretty. IMO, you can't find a better, stronger, common pocketsized knife with a 3" blade anywhere.
Good Luck.