looking for a dedicated fighter

[EChoil]

Yet another vote for the Gryphon M30 A1....if you must have a >4" blade.

I own its little brother, the Gryphon M-10 4" in VG-10, purchased due to reading a post here a while back. Also a Terzuola design. Never owned a more comfortably belt-carried fixed blade. Definitely the most comfortable and secure HANDLE I've ever had on a fixed blade knife. A gem.

 

[afishhunter]

For a dedicated fighter, I would suggest Mike Tyson.
Unless you have a LOT of hand to hand combat training, more than just that given in Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines basic training, figure special forces and higher, a knife is a piss poor choice for self defense. Provided you can legally own one (not a felon, not insane, no violent crimes, etc) you would be better off with a pistol or revolver for self defense.

 

[singularity35]

For a dedicated fighter, I would suggest Mike Tyson.
Unless you have a LOT of hand to hand combat training, more than just that given in Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines basic training, figure special forces and higher, a knife is a piss poor choice for self defense. Provided you can legally own one (not a felon, not insane, no violent crimes, etc) you would be better off with a pistol or revolver for self defense.

Here we go again. Maybe he just wants a knife for fondling and has no intention of using it.

OP never mentioned why he wanted a fighter. You could have answered his question with your caveat but no, you decided to beat a dead horse instead.

And off to prac tac we go...

 

[Lycosa]

Save up for a Busse.

 

[afishhunter]

ok, you want suggestions for a dedicated fighting knife? Fine. Here are my suggestions:
Get something with a proven history on the battle field. Forget the wannabees. Proven edged weapons include the Ontario 498 Fighting knife (current issue mil spec "Ka-Bar" fighting knife. The Ka-Bar brand is NOT Mil Spec. Himalayan Imports Kukri, A REAL (albeit reproduction) Saber (see Dixie Gunworks) Scottish Dirk, WW1 Trench knife, Any of the Japanese or Chinese Martial Arts bladed weapons, the M9 Bayonet, British broad sword or two handed sword, in other words, a fixed blade issued by a real military power, either past or present.
Then, learn how to use the damn thing before you get killed! Lynn Thompson, no matter what he wants you to believe, is NOT a highly trained edged weapons expert. I personally doubt he would last 3 seconds against a true expert. Knife fighting, no matter what Thompson claims is not quick and easy, nor an ideal means of self defense. No matter how good you think you are, there is someone better.

 

[singularity35]

ok, you want suggestions for a dedicated fighting knife? Fine. Here are my suggestions:
Get something with a proven history on the battle field. Forget the wannabees. Proven edged weapons include the Ontario 498 Fighting knife (current issue mil spec "Ka-Bar" fighting knife. The Ka-Bar brand is NOT Mil Spec. Himalayan Imports Kukri, A REAL (albeit reproduction) Saber (see Dixie Gunworks) Scottish Dirk, WW1 Trench knife, Any of the Japanese or Chinese Martial Arts bladed weapons, the M9 Bayonet, British broad sword or two handed sword, in other words, a fixed blade issued by a real military power, either past or present.
Then, learn how to use the damn thing before you get killed! Lynn Thompson, no matter what he wants you to believe, is NOT a highly trained edged weapons expert. I personally doubt he would last 3 seconds against a true expert. Knife fighting, no matter what Thompson claims is not quick and easy, nor an ideal means of self defense. No matter how good you think you are, there is someone better.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Besides, knives are excellent for defense when there's nothing else. A few housewives have even managed to defend themselves against intruders with them.

If you want the different points of view, check out this thread. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1290724-A-Knife-Is-A-Lousy-Weapon

Unless your mind is already closed.

 

[stjones]

Nathan Carother's 6" or 8" Fighter!!
These knives are amazing!!
6" Utility Fighter with an 8" Shiv

8" Shiv

 

[Jens Schuetz]

View attachment 571644
Little forged 80CrV2, little textured black gavrolite...

Drool

 

[Bill_Brasky]

I used to work as a bouncer in downtown St. Louis for 3 years, and I have to second The Peacent's suggestion of a CRKT Hissatsu. This is the same knife (mine was black) that I carried underneath my clothing. Thankfully I only had to show the handle to troublemakers a handful of times, and I never had to draw it or (heaven forbid) use it. The Hissatsu makes a great intimidation piece that readily de-escalates situations that could rapidly spiral out of control.

I would expect the same performance from a CRKT Yukanto, and if I had had the option I would have probably chosen the Yukanto over the Hissatsu if it had been available. I know a lot of people on this forum shit all over CRKT knives, but as dedicated fighters that I relied upon as defensive blades of last resort, no James William's design has ever let me down.

 

[The Whip]

Unless you have a LOT of hand to hand combat training, more than just that given in Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines basic training, figure special forces and higher, a knife is a piss poor choice for self defense.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but since you interrupted this discussion with some major generalizations (many of them utterly false), I'd like to ask you about some specifics. What is your basis for stating that members of Special Operations units are highly trained in knife combatives? Do you know this to be true? It's been my experience that they tend to ignore knife work, or receive only a cursory treatment from someone who claims an expertise that typically he can't substantiate.

Provided you can legally own one (not a felon, not insane, no violent crimes, etc) you would be better off with a pistol or revolver for self defense.

So is this true in every circumstance in which I might be attacked physically? What if I'm carjacked while seatbelted in the driver's seat? How about at the beach or local pool? Is a gun a good option on a city bus or a crowded subway platform?

ok, you want suggestions for a dedicated fighting knife?

Actually, he asked for recommendations based on a set of specific criteria. He also didn't mention going to war. Do your suggestions of broadswords and sabres seem realistic to you?

Then, learn how to use the damn thing before you get killed! Lynn Thompson, no matter what he wants you to believe, is NOT a highly trained edged weapons expert. I personally doubt he would last 3 seconds against a true expert.

I think this is a completely false assumption based on unreasoned bias, but I'm willing to concede your point for the sake of argument. So whom do you believe to be a true edged-weapons expert? I study this stuff extensively, so I'm genuinely curious.

Knife fighting, no matter what Thompson claims is not quick and easy, nor an ideal means of self defense. No matter how good you think you are, there is someone better.

I've never heard or read of Lynn Thompson saying that knife fighting was quick or easy, or espousing the use of a knife over a gun as the ideal form of self defense. Where are you getting this from? Isn't there enough unprovoked bashing of Thompson? Do you need to berate him for things he's never said, as well?

Also, your point about someone's being better trained than you applies equally to the use of a firearm. Possession of a gun hardly makes you an expert in its use.

Besides, knives are excellent for defense when there's nothing else. A few housewives have even managed to defend themselves against intruders with them.

Exactly! They are exceedingly intuitive. Anyone who picks one up knows how it works, and even rudimentary use can be quite effective. Thanks for the link to that other thread, singularity35. Good reading!

OK, back on topic. I also think Ray Ennis (Entrek) makes some excellent fighters. In addition to his Close Combat recommended by Mossyhorn, I suggest looking into his Commando, Force Recon, Ranger, and Merc models.

-Steve

 

[ThePeacent]

Thanks for answering the basher's posts. I couldn't have replied better due to my English speaking and writing level, but I'd have said just that. I believe that even though history taught us many useful things about edged weapons, and their best uses and applications, it is not realistic/practical nowadays. Not at least in our developed society. You can't carry saber, or a 14 in. Scottish Dirk on you.

Sure I'd rather fight off an attacker or a crack-addict on a violence rampage with a foot long Kukri, but I understand the reality behind the idea of wearing a two pound, one inch chunk of steel on my belt on me while on the bus or going to work.

Or concealing a Cavalry Saber on my person while sitting on my car, seat belt on, asking for a couple Burgers at McDonnalds.

Maybe not as effective, but "fighting" knives nowadays allow for safer/better grips, more concealable and reliable sheaths (molded plastic, kydex, multiple position carry clips), stronger and more durable steels, lighter weight and construction and an extremely extensive catalog of blade sizes, shapes, styles and characteristics available at a reasonable price, no need to have a bladesmith make it for you.

So, yes, Fairbarn-Sykes might have created the deffinitive stabber, Bowie the ultimate fighter, japanese bladesmiths the best cutters and slicers and European warriors may have done the deadliest battle weapon, but all those where tops at the moment they were built and having in consideration the society of their time, so there's no real jack of all trades for every scenario.

That's why I suggested the Hissatsu. Perfect application of modern materials, ideal steel in corrosion resistance, toughness and ease of sharpening (no need of armor piercing or steel bashing here), reliable and discreet synthetic sheath with multiple carrying options...and what is also very important: disposable, cheap, readily available and with a trainer version to practice all day long.
What's not to like?

 

[precisionshootist]

I will second the Randall model 1. I also have several blackjack model 5 and model 7 that are very nice Randall substitutes. I will add two more. The Katz Alley cat would fit the bill nicely. Last for down and dirty cheap but effective the Ontario SP-6 is awesome!

 

[Velitrius]

I had an Applegate Fairbairn from Boker. It had wonderful balance and moved nicely with a secure grip. Not that I'd want to fight with it, that's just what I noticed about it. There are rubber trainers for the A/F available for $15-ish as well. It was designed for fighting by folks who know better than me about the subject.

I have a Camillus CUDA CQB designed by Bob Terzoula, which was also purpose built by somebody familiar with the fighting arts. I wouldn't feel under-armed carrying it, but again, I am no authority in this arena.

At any rate, both knives are well constructed of adequate materials and should be accessible within your budget target.

 

[Neomentat]

I don't know what State allows concealed carry of daggers and fixed blades, but out here in CA it's a felony, you get caught you go to jail and for the rest of your life will have a criminal record as a felon.

If you carry a fixed blade for safety concerns due to neighborhood, you should get a license to carry a gun.

I have quite a few pure fighter style folders and fixed blades, but I've never considered carrying any of them for imaginary mall ninja fantasy play against some imaginary foe that I will have to engage in a "knife fight" or have to "assassinate".

Anyways, check out the Hattori Fighter, it's a very good looking one.

On a side note, I'm reminded of a story in 1999. I went to work at my neighborhood pharmacy early in the morning, the Albertsons next door was in chaos. A young kid from Colorado in his early 20's moved to my neighborhood and was working at the Albertsons. He came into work late and got fired that morning. The problem was the kid was a fan of Highlander and not quite right in the head. He came back to the store with a Katana. He walked up behind the female manager and managed to almost chop her head off, then started chasing customers in the store and tried to kill anyone he can. Sure enough, police showed up and shot him dead.

The moral of the story, if you pull a knife out on someone, anyone with a CCW permit will probably shot you with a gun and we all know how popular CCW is around the country these days. So realistically you're not going to have a chance to "ditch" the knife as someone in this thread have suggested.

 

[Sharpe95th]

Save up for a Busse.

I only own one Busse, the NMSFNO, which I recently stripped. It is a killing machine, rounded spine and fits in my hand like a glove. Although I have always felt the only drawback is that it is a little heavy. I would love a a re-issue of this blade in a Light Brigade Edition.

The NMSFNOLB, now that would have to be the ultimate production fighter ever made ..............Oh and just to add one more thing, it would have to have a sharpened swedge, making it even lighter and lethal with a back hand snap cut

 

[orezona]

Another vote for the KA-BAR Ek 44...

I don't have one but I would love to. You can get them for under a hundred bucks if you do a cursory Google search.

The only "fighting" knife I own are an M7 bayonet (which for your purposes is too heavy and would need the guard modded) and the KA-BAR 1217 FIGHTING utility knife.

Only other suggestion I'd make would be to possibly look at the KA-BAR ZK Death Dagger...?

Anyways, there are some solid suggestions here. I think commissioning CharlieMike would probably be one of the best options.

 

[Charlie Mike]

 

[Sharpe95th]

The Tanto Fighter at the top is nice but that one in the second picture down is lovely. I am not a big fan of Damascus but when it is subtle then I suppose you cant really say no. Good Job:thumbup:

 

[leghog]

Knife fighting --- even if you win you'll be bloodied and very likely need medical attention very soon after. Think along the lines of losing an arm to save your life.

 

[sams]

One of the few fights I particpated in, put me into the emergency room. You have no idea how much blood you loose. My car had a 1/2" puddle on the leather seat drivng to the hospital.