Knives to Purchase?

T

TheTeddy

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Jun 19, 2011
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I'm looking to add some knives to my arsenal, so to speak. A double edged fixed blade, a new folder, and a sturdy fix blade. The ones I've been looking at are thus:

1. Gerber Guardian Back Up, the new model, not the old. I can't seem to find the old anywhere, but if anyone could point me in that direction, I've heard they're of much higher quality than the newer ones. This would be strictly for self-defense.

2. Master of Defense Keating Hornet. Rather expensive, but seems very well made. This would be for daily carry.

3. A.G. Russell Sting. Affordable, and also seems well made. Also strictly for self defense.

4. Becker BK2 Companion. Been reading around, and seems these little puppies are practically indestructible. This would be for camp use and such.

Any opinions on the knives I've listed? Maybe reasons for or against getting them, and possible suggestions of better or more affordable alternatives?

Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions. :)
 
The BK2 is definitely a good sturdy fixed blade. Gerbers in general aren't built very well, though, and the masters of defense thing is so specialized that you'd get a better value elsewhere. What exactly are you looking for in terms of price and size?
 
I would advise against buying the Gerber. I had one a couple years ago and it was one of the most god-awful knives I've ever owned - I'm sure it'll get the job done if you only need it for stabbing someone repeatedly, but you can do a lot better.
 
Well, for the double edged fix blade, I'm looking for something around the 7" overall area. Over 3" blade for sure. For the folders, any good quality utility daily carry that could double as self defense in an emergency would be great. Wouldn't want it to be a huge folder, maybe around the size of a Benchmade Griptillian, which I also have. As for price, anything under $200 is good, anything under $100 is even better cost wise. haha
 
Do you have a Spyderco Endura? I've carried one since the spring of 98' and have found it to be light for its size, thus easy to carry. It does most cutting tasks well, feels good in the hand and is an intimidating blade for defensive use, though you won't likely have to defend yourself with it if you're not out looking for trouble.

Joe
 
In that case, for the double edged FB take a look at the Böker Applegate-Fairbairn and ESEE 6 Clip Point. I know there are others out there, but I'm not as familiar with fixed blades as I am with folders. The Endura Wave is certainly a good option for a semi-tactical folder, although the FFG version will perform better for everyday tasks. The knife fighting expert Michael Janich favors the Endura Wave. Other good tactical folders within your price range would be knives like the Benchmade Rift, ZT 0200, Al Mar SERE, Spyderco Manix 2, and ZT 0350.
 
Those are some pretty interesting choices. Thank you, I'll have to look into them, see what I can snatch up. Any other advice or recommendations?
 
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I would advise against buying the Gerber. I had one a couple years ago and it was one of the most god-awful knives I've ever owned - I'm sure it'll get the job done if you only need it for stabbing someone repeatedly, but you can do a lot better.
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Im going to have to go with you, ive had a few gerbers and every one failed on me under normal use.
 
Sog Gov Tac; don't buy a gerber blade play right out of the box; Ontario Gen II against your becker for the price; nutnfacy does a whole series on defense blades; i have heard concernes about the becker tang and screws; chech out Noss4 destruction tests.
 
Thank you, but I'm really really looking for a double edged fixed blade. I'd like the blade to be under four inches preferably. But I am checking out those others you have mentioned, and mentally building a list of knives to get. Lol
 
IMO, the A.G. Russell Sting is not a good choice for self-defense. The handle is relatively tiny; I needed to add a paracord fob to avoid closing my hand on the blade on the draw. It also tapers, which makes getting a full-fist grip impossible, and it's dead smooth.

There's really no guard, so I'd be very hesitant to stab with it. The blade is too short for slashing. The sheath is a leather slip with a boot clip.

It's a beautiful little knife, and very strong, but it's not a fighting knife. For that you probably want a Fällkniven Garm. Phil Elmore review: http://www.themartialist.com/pecom/g1.htm
 
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