how big a blade do you really need?

H

harley45

Joined
May 27, 2001
Messages
51
I want to buy a fixed blade to carry on the street as a last ditch defensive option to back up my primary and backup guns. I don't do any camping or hiking or any other wilderness stuff, I'm strictly a city boy. Myquestion is with all my ither gear I can't really carry a 11 inch overall knife but I could carry a knife with a blade of 3.75 to 4.00 inches. are these big enought to protect myself with?
Keep in mind with my two guns I've go about 50rds on me at all times.
Thanks Guys
 
I would think a knife such as a Strider SA or DB (3.25" blade) would be quite a capable defensive fixed blade.

Even smaller, the Busse Assault Shaker, 2.5" blade.
 
Originally posted by harley45
I could carry a knife with a blade of 3.75 to 4.00 inches. are these big enought to protect myself with?
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I don't know, how were you planning on using it?

Blade length isn't really the issue. Skill is.
 
To some extent blade length is important. An untrained person with a machete can do quite a bit of damage to a proficient fighter armed with a 4" blade. But that is another issue.

I think any one of numerous "neck knives" would be suitable. Also might want to consider getting a folder, as it is a lot easier to carry without being conspicuous and easier to explain should trouble arise (and that would be a lot of trouble if 50 rounds won't get oyu out of it). Plus, if OAL is what you are concerned with, you can get the biggest folder out there (like a CS Vaquero Grande) and it will still be smaller than a 3.5 inch fixed blade.
 
Get you a CRKT Companion , and have Normark of On-Scene tacticals make you a sheath for it . Great knife , but cheap enough to "lose" if you must . The sheath sucks , but Normark makes a world class sheath for it . I carry mine with my snubnosed .38 all the time .Normarks sheath turns this knife into a worldclass carry "tool" .
 
The only thing you will need a knife for is to open cardboard boxes.

First rule of a knifefight.......turn and run
Second rule, shoot back!
 
I have a Gerber MkII that I carry when in the city. If you have 2 guns and still need a knife, I'm not sure what good it will do. As for blade length, like the others said, it's about skill. The heart and lungs are only a couple inches below the surface of the chest and the throat is very vulnerable. Like I said earlier, I'm not sure what you can do with a knife that couldn't be done with 2 guns and 50 rounds.
 
3.75-4 inches should be enough to reach most of the important internal organs. As others have said, skill is very important, (my apologies if you're profficient in the use of a knife for self-defense purposes)otherwise, you would do well to take some classes and read some of the books detailing the various techniques (if of course, you haven't already done so) and practice with whatever knife you choose. If it is impractical/impossible for you to do so then you might consider the Spyderco Civilian folder. I've always thought that the Falkniven Garm fighter would be ideal for the purpose you describe. Good luck ;)
 
Okay mate, let me get this straight. You carry 50 rounds with you at all times and 2 guns. And you want to carry a knife for self-defence? I agree with Tater72 and Tom Mayo. With the guns you already carry, a knife would best serve for utilitarian purposes. I don't know how mean the streets of Warsaw, Indiana are these days, but if you pack 2 guns on you at all times, I'd think that should be enough to keep you safe. Still, if you want to carry a knife, get one that will provide you quick and easy access. Ed suggested the CRKT Companion which is a good knife, but the sheath does suck. Neck knives like the Camillus Arclite would be another option. If you have the skill, an Emerson LaGriffe would prove to be an effective and devastating backup knife despite it's small size. Cheers. ;)
 
Why not a Big Bali-song easy to carry and the added intimidation factor when you flip it out.
 
Originally posted by Knife11
Why not a Big Bali-song easy to carry and the added intimidation factor when you flip it out.
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I suspect that if your two handguns and 50 rounds have failed to impress, the sight of a balisong isn't too likely to make your opponent weak in the knees...

At this point, I'd think something stealthy would be in order. Or something helpful for weapon retention. Or something handy for opening packages, peeling apples, and fixing broken eyeglasses. All depends on your plan, I suppose.
 
Stealthy!?!?
I think after all the gun fire he will have already blown his cover! I was asuming he would try the knife first. I think were a little confused since there is vurtually no logic to having 50 rounds and then wanting a knife. By a few more clips to finish them off. Or why not just carry an m-16 or a few hand grenades. okay I've lost it but at least I'm not carring around two guns and still looking for a knife. Maybe he needs a more accurate gun, or less enemies. :confused:
 
In my opinion I carry my gun as a backup or companion to my knife. If I'm in a one-on-one life-or-death confrontation in a dark alley with a badguy, My first reaction is to take him out as quietly as possible with my choice of sharpened steel and quietly and descretely vacate the area. If faced with 2 or more attackers I might opt for the Glock 30 that I recently aquired. I prefer stealth when possible. As allways CYA Cover Your Ass
 
OK OK Before everyone continues to call me paranoid and a poor shot perhaps I should explain that I am in fact a county leo. Hence the two guns.
Warsaw is a very rural town, and backup is sometimes a ways away if you think I'm paranoid you should see what some of my co-workers carry strapped to their vests!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I wrote my first post wrong, It would only be used as a last ditch resort. It's primary purpose would be daily cutting chores, sorry for any confusion I caused.
 
Harley, that explains the carrying of 50 rounds! :D What price range are you looking for, and do you prefer a folder or fixed blade?
 
Originally posted by Libra Guy
In my opinion I carry my gun as a backup or companion to my knife. If I'm in a one-on-one life-or-death confrontation in a dark alley with a badguy, My first reaction is to take him out as quietly as possible with my choice of sharpened steel and quietly and descretely vacate the area. If faced with 2 or more attackers I might opt for the Glock 30 that I recently aquired. I prefer stealth when possible. As allways CYA Cover Your Ass
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TTO, I was always of the impression that you were a fan of H&K's USP series of firearms. Hmmm, not only are you a pathetic loser, you don't even have any brand loyalty! :rolleyes:
 
Interfectus,
I dealt with the same accusation on the Emerson forum here at BFC and it was found that I'm not TTO. I'll contact a moderator if you choose to take this any further I have a good name here and wish to keep it as such.
Thank you in advance.
 
Well my EDC is a CRK Large Sebi and a MOD CQD DD. Both under 4".

For camping nothing less than a 6" blade like my Puma Cougar will do. Pref my 10" Doug Mondt custom.:)
 
using a knife as the first choice of weapon and the firearm as the second choice is ABSOLUTELY insane.

Unless you are a paid Hitman, I would highly suggest and recommend you reconsider how you defend yourself.

you WILL end up on the losing end of every battle if your assailant is armed with a firearm.................Ira

Harley, I have always enjoyed carrying a knife with a four-inch blade for general duty purposes;)
 
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