LaGriffe or HAK??

[arigwapo]

I'm looking for a last-ditch defensive fixed blade. I was dead set on the Emerson LaGriffe but they seem to be out of stock anywhere I look. Rumor has it that Emerson's next run will be in 6-to-8 weeks so they should be in stock after then. Another option is to get a HAK Stonewash 440C Tiger Claw which is currently in stock in my size. Prices of the HAK and the LaGriffe are comparable.

Which one should I get??

 

[hatchetjack]

Take a look at the Perrin Le Griffe or Le Shark.

 

[Xian]

I have both. The HAK handles better (as it ought to, being a fitted tool) and carries more easily... it's more intuitive as a weapon, IMHO, and truly hands free, which- for me- is a big plus since guns are my primary defensive tools.

That said, if a knife is your go-to tool, the Griffe will draw more quickly/easily... but even then, for me, I prefer the HAK just because it's smaller. If I'm going to a knife, at that point, it's going to be a deliberate act/choice and not a quick-draw situation, IMO.

Even outside of defensive use, the HAK is more useful because of the straight edge and larger blade (I can't speak for the curved talons).

 

[Halfneck]

I owned both, but sold my HAK.

As pointed out, the HAK is a bigger blade and more secure when you have it in hand. I really liked how I could still use my knife hand with a HAK.

That said, I prefer the EKI LaGriffe as I can index it and get it into play faster. The main use I will have for these knives is when something has truly hit the fan. In that kind of scenario, for me at least, speed of access is more important.

My un-scientific test for the HAK & LaGriffe involved getting them into play after a 45 minute run. What I found was that the LaGriffe was easier to get a grip on and into play. Once my hand found it, my index finger seemed to fall right into the single finger hole. Even the times it did not I was still able to get a grip on the LaGriffe and deploy it. While tired & sweaty, accessing the HAK was like trying to thread a needle. If I had pulled it from the sheath without getting my 2 fingers in the capsule, my index finger would of been a bit too close to the edge for my tastes.

Nothing against the HAK, it's a innovative neck-knife, it's just not right for me.

 

[kicwk]

You might want to check into Al Mars Backup 2 Hawkbill 3" Blade Micarta Handle Rexroat Design...Looks nice