Looking for advice on daily carry self-defense blade

M

magister

Joined
May 15, 2003
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I'm somewhat new to the blade scene, so I've been doing some research on finding the best self-defense folding knife. In California law, blade length doesn't apply as long as the knife is a folder and it can be carried with a pocket clip. So I've been looking at the Camillus CUDA MAXX 5.5 (both the Bowie and the Stilleto model), and I'm wondering what do all you experts think of this knife for my application? Also, what are the pros/cons of the bowie versus stilleto style blades for my application (self-defense daily carry)?

Thanks for any input.
 
The Cuda Maxx 5.5 is big...maybe too big to be carried on a daily basis. If you think you can handle it though, go for it. It's a great knife, made by a respected company.

Personally, for "self-defense only" carry I would choose another knife. Something with G10,FRN, or Micarta handles. The Ti is great for a utility "knife/self-defense when needed"...but if your going for pure defensive reasons get something with a less slippery handle.

As for blade style, for "utility/self-defense when needed" the bowie would be my choice. FOr just defensive...go with the stilleto.
-Kevin
 
I'm a bit into the martial arts scene (TaeKwon Do) and I find that a simple spydey Merlin PE does the job rather well. After all it's small, light, and you do a LOT of slashing dammage which might be lethal but in most cases is enough to scare away a would be attacker.
 
Originally posted by Morgoth412
Personally, for "self-defense only" carry I would choose another knife. Something with G10,FRN, or Micarta handles. The Ti is great for a utility "knife/self-defense when needed"...but if your going for pure defensive reasons get something with a less slippery handle.
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For example? I'm taking suggestions on the very best factory self-defense folders with $300 as the top price limit, 4" or larger.
 
Your asking for opinions which will vary according to the individuals tastes, body structure/hand size, amount of coordination they possess as well as experience in defensive knife tactics.

There is no one correct answer. The best anyone can do is recommend what they like [which may not suit your tastes or needs ].

Try to handle all the blades you can before deciding on YOUR best defensive knife choice. One will speak to you more than the others and feel "right" in your hand.

My recommendation would be different than others here but they have all given good replies and listed some nice blades.

The correct answer, if there is one, is this:
It's the knife you have with you when you need one.

Brownie
 
Do you carry a knife for utility? If you do you may find that when instinct takes over THAT'S the one you reach for. Some blades that I think would do excellent double duty would be Spyderco's Lil Temp or Endura, Banchmade AFCK or Griptilian, SOG Vision, Al MAr SERE 2000, Buck Strider, CRKT M-16 or M-18, Timberline Worden(sp?). The one you use twenty times a day will be the one you can draw in an instant without thinking about it. Food for thought. Good luck.

Frank
 
Or something like that.

Although the big blades are way-cool and look intimidating, they are often unnecessary. A 2" blade in the right hands can do severe damage, while a big knife in untrained hands can actually be detrimental. Quick access to the knife, familiarity with it's operation and proficiency of use will be big factors as well.

I would suggest that you take a look at the Benchmade line-up. CRKT and Cold Steel also make quality blades at good prices, and even if you carry it for personal defense, you'll most likely find yourself using it for every day tasks as well.

Just my $.02
Jubei
 
Yea I'm looking at the Benchmade 806D2. It has a 3.96" clip-point blade in D2 steel, and I believe it has the G10 handle that Morgoth412 recommended. Would this be a good choice for self-defense EDC?
 
I beleive the 806 was even designed with self defense as one of its functions. I would also recomend the 710 from Benchmade. From Spyderco you might want to check out the Military and Chinook. All good blades. All have G-10 handles.
-Kevin
 
Originally posted by magister
Yea I'm looking at the Benchmade 806D2. It has a 3.96" clip-point blade in D2 steel, and I believe it has the G10 handle that Morgoth412 recommended. Would this be a good choice for self-defense EDC?
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Not only is it a good choice, but the best available at any price.

Joe
 
I don't use the CUDA Maxx for self-defense. I use it in the kitchen. Even wet, that handle is not slippery.

The Madd Maxx dagger blade is excellent for self-defense, but less useful as a general purpose utility blade. Go with a bowie/clippoint or hawksbill, whatever company you decide on.

Don't ever choose a knife to scare an opponent away. The chances are you won't be facing a rational human being when you need a knife to fight with.

Make sure any folder you do choose is as innocuous looking as possible as this will reduce second guessing by the court you will face.

Reliable lock up is very important. Any axis lock will deploy smoothly and quickly and lock up tight. A lockback is good too. My own favorite for convenience of carry, utility, and self-defense if necessary is the Spyderco Massad Ayoob. Framelocks are also excellent. I carry liner locks, but I'm less confident in them under adrenalization.
 
Originally posted by magister
Yea I'm looking at the Benchmade 806D2. It has a 3.96" clip-point blade in D2 steel, and I believe it has the G10 handle that Morgoth412 recommended. Would this be a good choice for self-defense EDC?
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Yes! It would be!

Check the link in my sig for an 806SD2 I've got for sale.
 
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
Not only is it a good choice, but the best available at any price.

Joe
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The only thing that has me wondering is the 710HS with the M2 steel. I've been doing some reading around, and the impression I get is that M2 stays sharper longer than D2. On the other hand, I hear the D2 is more resistant to corrosion and rust. But it seems like the BT2 coating on the M2 would eliminate any D2 advantage in that area.

All in all, I think I have to hold both the 710HS and the 806D2 just to get a personal feel on which one handles better for me.
 
that looks so innocent but could put the hurt on. A Swiss Army Knife. The corkscrew or philips can be flicked out with your thumb then when you grip the knife it sticks out between your two middle fingers. That would be a mean punch. And, God forbid you have to use it that way, what court is going to look at a SAK as a WEAPON? Just food for thought.

Frank
 
Originally posted by magister
The only thing that has me wondering is the 710HS with the M2 steel. I've been doing some reading around, and the impression I get is that M2 stays sharper longer than D2. On the other hand, I hear the D2 is more resistant to corrosion and rust. But it seems like the BT2 coating on the M2 would eliminate any D2 advantage in that area.

All in all, I think I have to hold both the 710HS and the 806D2 just to get a personal feel on which one handles better for me.
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D2 and M2 are very comparable in edge holding ability. D2 should be more corrosion resistant than M2, but you are right, for the most part the BT2 coating eliminates that concern.

However, if you are looking for a self defense blade, the 806 is what you need! The 710 is a very nice knife, but it is meant for utility. The AFCK was specifically designed as a fighting knife.
 
I would say benchmade is a good choice ! I just got my 710 today in the mail :) Just layed her down to type ! I would check around for a better price then the one on that link! Its kinda high when you buy right from benchmade. Emerson Rekat Mod and MICROTECH KNIVES I like alot also . I would recomend you check out several sites and maybe a few magazines befor you chose your poison ! Good luck
 
Originally posted by magister
I'm somewhat new to the blade scene, so I've been doing some research on finding the best self-defense folding knife. In California law, blade length doesn't apply as long as the knife is a folder and it can be carried with a pocket clip. So I've been looking at the Camillus CUDA MAXX 5.5 (both the Bowie and the Stilleto model), and I'm wondering what do all you experts think of this knife for my application? Also, what are the pros/cons of the bowie versus stilleto style blades for my application (self-defense daily carry)?

Thanks for any input.
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me: Bowie is OK. Stilleto with a dual edge is percieved as a fighting knife and has negative legal ramifications.
 
Originally posted by shmoopiebear
me: Bowie is OK. Stilleto with a dual edge is percieved as a fighting knife and has negative legal ramifications.
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It doesn't have a double edge. The back swedge isn't sharpened because it would be dangerous protruding from the handle like that.
 
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