legal carry SD knife

E

ethies

Joined
Feb 14, 2006
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I'm not very experienced with knives and am looking to purchase a SD knife legal for me to carry in my state (Iowa). I'm open to any suggestions. The only requirements are <5", cannot be construed to be a dagger, and preferably under $100. I would use it for SD primarily, but some occasional utility use would likely occur. Thank you for your recommendations.
 
Spyderco will do ya right.

They are all good, but personally I like the Delica Models.

If Self Defense will be your primary use though, check out the Stainless Steel Harpy, and Welcome to the Forum :)
 
Ethies, I used to carry a Spyderco Endura with full serrations in college (Class of 1993, Cornell College, Mt Vernon) and never had a beef with anyone, including a cop searching my car with "probable cause." The cop did swipe my $7 walmart special in the glove box which looked and felt like a piece of junk.....

As far as $100 goes, that's a pretty good bridge - is the law five inches of edge or five inches of blade?

I think you would do well with an Entrek Cobra or Companion, neither one can be looked at as a weapon/ dagger, either one will do fine as a tool as well.

Both are built of 440C steel, have a good and useable handle, are fairly bulletproof in their construction, and can be had online for about $100. (Okay, $109 and $114)

Try www.knifecenter.com and look under Entrek knives - not flashy, no newfound wunderstiels, just good solid knives in a very useable package. I have used a Companion for everything from landscaping to discreet carry with no issues any way around.

You may also want to look at the Entrek Survivor, it is a five-inch bladed Tanto, in the event you like Tanto blades. I don't recommend the tanto point but the knife is durable as hell.

Again, I have carried and used the Companion and did so under various conditions and in all sorts of weather for over a year and I loved the knife - it was one of those stupid decisions to sell it a while back.

If you can find one, a Spyderco Perrin is also a fine carry with your intentions in mind, as are the Spyderco Moran blades - either the upswept or drop-point blades.

Parker
 
Parker said:
As far as $100 goes, that's a pretty good bridge - is the law five inches of edge or five inches of blade?
Click to expand...
This thread came from a discussion started in Knife Law; in Iowa, legal is >5" of edge.
 
I would give some real thought to buying two of the new Spyderco Endura 4s. New Graham has them for $46.98 each and your $100 would get you two, one for your EDC utility knife and the other as a dedicated self defense knife. I keep remembering, in threads like these, that Sal Glesser has recommended that you keep your self defense knife a dedicated item and use it fornothing else. That way, it will be sharp and ready when, God forbid, it is ever needed.
 
The law says "knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length" so I assume that means length not edge. Yes, the $100 limit is more of a guideline... I just wanted to avoid a lot of recommendations for $180 knives I can't afford. I could probably swing anything up to $130. I like the look of that Entrek Companion and Cobra, though the survivor's tanto is not to my taste. I'm partial to fixed blades for quick draw capability, but I realize many people prefer folders for SD. I like the looks of the Delica, but I must admit I am not sure I understand the Harpy as a SD knife. I've never seen a tactical knife with a hawkbill blade and wonder how that would function in a SD situation? Also, are people being hassled about assisted openers being somehow switchblades?
 
I'm gathering from your post that you may not have fully read your state's Dangerous Weapon and Concealed Weapon statutes. I would do so, and ask some questions of your State's Attorney, before I decided on a knife and method of carry.

I think you'll find there are a few more restrictions that just blade length. For instance, in my state 4" is the maximum length blade allowed on a folder carried concealed in a pocket or belt pouch. However, a Balisong with a 4" blade can fall under the legal definition of a "martial arts weapon", which is illegal to carry except to/from a training dojo. Thus when (and I have) I run across someone with a Balisong in their pocket, I can conceivably charge them with Carrying A Concealed Weapon and Possession Of A Dangerous Weapon (whether or not I do depends on the circumstances). Most often these are carnival prize knives carried by gangsta wannabes...

This is just one of a number of similar examples I could give you. Just bring this up to make you aware of the legal nuances that may be involved.

IMO, it's hard to beat a Gerber Gator or Buck 110 carried in a belt pouch for SD and daily use, and I'm willing to bet that type of carry is legal in Iowa as it seems to be most everywhere...
 
Oh, I assure you I've read the "Dangerous Weapons", "offensive weapons", and consealment sections... the question is if I understand anything that I've read. That legal nuance is exactly what I'm worried about. Thats actually why this thread started in the Knife Law section. I'd like a knife that is two edged, but I'm conscerned that may be construed to be a "dagger" under Iowa law. I'll have to look into to martial arts weapon information. Thank you very much for your advice. I think I'd rather not carry the knife on my belt if I could help it.
 
One of the restrictions most jurisdictions place on knives is that you're not allowed to say it's for self-defense. (:p) But you can carry an EDC for utility. That's why I like a knife like the Endura. It works well in both cases, but you have a legitimate reason -- and a good one -- for carrying it regularly.

And the knife you carry regularly, and use often, will be an automaticly comfortable knife when you need it for ... anything else.

As for not using your SD knife for utility because it won't be sharp when you need it, well, just remember that All Members Of Bladeforums Are Sworn And Required To Maintain Their Knives In Clean And Sharp Condition At All Times.
:D

---

Hawksbills, use for self-defense.

Hold a regular straight-bladed knife open in your hand, arm outstretched, top of your fist level with your forearm. Where is the knife pointed? At about a 45 degree angle upward.

Now do the same with a hawksbill and the knife is pointed right at your victim -- uhhh, opponent, right. At your opponent.
 
I have to admit, I like the look of that 551 a lot. Is a 3.5" blade adaquate for for SD purposes? How do others feel about the benchmade 551?
 
ethies said:
I have to admit, I like the look of that 551 a lot. Is a 3.5" blade adaquate for for SD purposes? How do others feel about the benchmade 551?
Click to expand...
The blade on the 551 is 3.45", and even at that, it can work as a defensive tool.
 
ethies said:
Is a 3.5" blade adaquate for for SD purposes?
Click to expand...
It ain't the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
Your alertness and training matter more than a couple of inches of blade.

If you're going to duel, you need a sword, if you're going to stop a sudden attack, in your face when you first realize you're in trouble, then a short, fast blade beats going down unarmed.

Like other knives mentioned here, the Griptilian is a sturdy knife with a sharp blade of good steel and an excellent lock. As the name boasts, it does have a great grip. Actually, if you have small hands, the Mini-Griptilian is also a good choice, even though the blade is slightly shorter.
 
I'd like to point out the waved Endura. It will allow you to draw the knife and open it quickly, wont be as bulky as a fixed blade, and pocket folders might not be frowned upon as much by law enforcement than a fixed blade.
 
Good suggestion. This is a slim but strong knife with the unlined Zytel Endura handle but a very stong spearpoint blade with a better Wave than Emerson's own knives. The blade opens very fast when you pull it from your pocket and the hump for the opening hole and Wave has an excellent thumb ramp that positions your grip perfectly.

The Waved Enduras are in short supply. There was only one special run. (I just lucked into two of them to replace one I had to trade away :))
 
I would go for a good knife that can also be used for utility tasks. If you use your knife often you'll develop the muscular memory needed to deploy it quickly under stress.

I think the new Endura 4 is a good choice, a nice improvement over the already great Endura 3 and very moderately priced at around $45. If you feel like spending a bit more, a Paramilitary, Manix or Chinook are definitely the way to go.
 
Well, from your collective advice it has come down between the Endura 4 FRN and the 551 Griptilian. What are the pros / cons of each knife? Is 154CM or VG10 a better steel? Which has a stronger lock? Which is easier to deploy? I'm trying to see if I can find these knives in a store nearby to get a feel for each of them, but failing that I'd appreciate any comparisons. Many thanks.
 
Both steels are excellent. More to the point, both companies heat treat and sharpen them properly, with a possible advantage to Spyderco on sharpening.

Both handles will give you a comfortable and secure grip, with a posible advantage to Benchmade. But the Spyderco is flatter and can be carried comfortably under more circumstances.

Both locks are reliable. I prefer lockbacks. The axis lock is fun but it opens and closes too easily for me to feel completely sure of it.

It may come down to personal appreciation of the ergonomics, which only trying them out would tell you. Both are fine for daily carry or self-defense.
 
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