Knife for law enforcement officer

"You will want to get him a knife that doesn't break the bank, especially if he is not a knife knut. But you still want to get quality. I think the best option is the Spyderco Endura full flat grind. You can choose from an array of handle colors, too. Ambidextrous one hand opening and closing, the clip can be set up for right hand/left hand/tip up/tip down carry, whatever is preferred, good steel (VG-10) that is also easy to sharpen for a non-knife knut, and good build quality. If the Endura is too big, the full flat grind Delica is also a good option, essentially a smaller version of the Endura."

This is excellent advice. Most cops are not knife or gun nuts. If he is it's a different story but not much. The Endura in VG 10 is a well thought out knife and I still carry mine even though I have lots of other more expensive choices. I'd say keep the cost down as cops tend to be hard on their knives and they are susceptible to being lost and damaged . The Delica is another fine choice as well as are the Byrd lineup lockbacks.
 
The Mastiff said:
"...I think the best option is the Spyderco Endura full flat grind. You can choose from an array of handle colors, too...

...The Delica is another fine choice as well as are the Byrd lineup lockbacks.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

Personally I think the Endura is butt ugly. However, after using my daughter’s for a few weeks, I have found that it is very practical, decently made, and extremely well designed.

Kind of awkward to use at first but, once you are past the learning curve, it is a breeze to use.
 
I'm thinking of spending up to $150. He is not a knife nut but he knows he needs one for his job. I think one handed operation would be a plus. He is a US Federal Marshal so I think he has leeway with what he can carry. I'm thinking Presidio, PM2 or Manix2.
 
Buck 110 or 112 Slim. US made and available in a variety of colors, maybe blue would be fitting.
 
Spyderco PM2's and Military's are great knives, BUT the are not ambidextrous. Regular compression locks are awkward for left-handers. I bought my son a left-handed para 3 and an endura with hap 40 steel. He uses both of them.
 
I would agree with others about the Spyderco Endura (or Delica), but depending on how the knife’s going to be used, the saber-ground version might be a better option than FFG. Many non-knife aficionados, including LEOs, end up using their knives for things they weren’t intended for, like prying. The saber-ground blade would hold up a bit better than the thinner FFG, although the FFG is a much better slicer. The saber grind with full serrated (SE) would be a great option; and IMO the SE saber-ground Delica in particular is great.

Jim
 
Can't go wrong with a Spyderco Delica or Endura. They are both great sizes, very capable knives - both light weight, and not too expensive- so if they get lost or need to be replaced for whatever reason, it wouldn't be that big of a deal. With your budget you could get him both - delica for general tasks and he could reserve the endura's blade (which has a larger blade) for last ditch self-defense use so it is always razor sharp.

If you could go up on your budget I'd honestly say go for a Chris Reeve Umnumzaan. This is a blade that is VERY capable and will last a lifetime. It is a no-nonsense knife which can handle just about anything you need to get done. It also has a very subtle feature built right in to the blade (a glass breaker) while the knife is closed, which could come in handy for your son if he ever needs to pop a window of a vehicle or home. He effectively has 2 tools in 1 package.

Take care!!!
 
I just got an email with picture of the new (?) Kershaw Barricade. Looks about perfect for this application to me. Orange scales, Black 8Cr13MoV blade, assisted open, liner lock, glass breaker and seat belt cutter. Under $35. Only negative looks to be tip down only. But it looks like tip up would interfere with the belt cutter.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Barricade-Assisted-Opening--52197

I might get one myself, to leave in the car.
 
Microtech LEO
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25 years as a LEO and a box full of all kinds of knives...folder, fixed, cheap, expensive, auto, spring assist, etc etc -

I carry a full serrated Spyderco Pacific Salt. It is by no means a cheapy but also not so expensive to cry if it is lost, stolen, broken or checked into evidence...

I am a believer in plain edge but sometimes the plain blade doesnt catch and cut on a smooth surface like thin plastic the way you need it when you need it.

Tnere is just something about the full serrated Spyderco design that makes it work. I have cut seat belt, broke glass, cut apples and oranges and even shaved with it in a hotel once.

Big enough for just about any chore and small enough to drop deep into your pocket.

My 2 cents.
 
I've carried everything ranging from an Emerson, Hinderer, Strider, CRK, and ZT. My suggestion would be an Emerson CQC-7. It's simple, not too big or small, easy to maintain (sharpen, get spare parts- screws and clips), and can be replaced (not cheap but replaceable). Also, I've found the wave to be useful. While others may disagree, I've used it on calls a few times when I only had one hand available and it was not in a defensive manner, just needed an open knife quickly. Just my two cents.
 
My opinion is a fox karambit.
If tactical is first on your list I suggest looking at karambits.
 
Hello! I know you have tons of recommendations by now but if I may chime in. The S35VN Cold Steel Recon 1 or AK-47 are rugged, dependable workhorses. If he doesn’t mind the rather stiff to disengage Tri-Ad lock, either of these knives will serve him well. These knives would perform well as last ditch defensive implements.
 
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