Point 1. Sal Glesser has repeatedly said that a defensive knife should be reserved for that purpose ALONE. You should not carry a utility knife and then expect it to serve as a successful defensive weapon, as it will have been dulled and gummed up in its daily use. So, make your pick for defensive weapon solely on its merits as a weapon, not as a utility knife. That being the case, I would recommend either the REKAT Sifu (one monster fine knife, almost a folding sword) or the Spyderco Civilian (almost enough to scare the fight out of an evil-doer on sight alone). Both of these wouild be great fighting kives for folders. The reach on the Sifu would be somewhat greater than that on the Civilian and the blade would be easier to keep sharp, but there are those who swear by the Civilian. I have a Sifu, but I will admit that I do not carry it much as being caught with it in my part of the country would result in to much legal hassle, there is absolutely no other purpose for this knife than as a weapon and that sets of alarm bells with the police in most East Coast U.S. jurisdictions.
As to utility knives, my choice when I can carry one over 3" in length, is the StarMate. I love this knife. It is just the right size for most work, it fits my hand, it stays wicked sharp, and it is beautifully made... I have seen them for as little as $90 or so, plus shipping, and IMHO they equal the quality of the highly vaunted Sebenzas that I have handled(INCOMING!!!).
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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
As to utility knives, my choice when I can carry one over 3" in length, is the StarMate. I love this knife. It is just the right size for most work, it fits my hand, it stays wicked sharp, and it is beautifully made... I have seen them for as little as $90 or so, plus shipping, and IMHO they equal the quality of the highly vaunted Sebenzas that I have handled(INCOMING!!!).
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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
