Meercat Reverse "S" for Defense?

Tactical

Tactical

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
331
Hello. :D I am looking into picking up a new Spydie just for defensive purposes in restrictive blade carry locations. Blade length needs to be under 2-2 1/2 inches. So no Civilian. :eek: Also needs to be a folder, so no SPOT. :o I was looking at maybe a serrated Dragonfly. Perhaps a Cricket. But a reverse "S" curve serrated Meercat seems perfect. Sort of a mini Civilian. What do you guys think? Is the Phantom lock strong enough. It seems stronger than the Cricket liner lock. Any thoughts? Thanks. :D
 
I read an article(more like a brief mention really) by Fred Perrin saying that he caries a spyderco cricket or a ladybug for self defense at least some of the time. He says he puts it between his index and middle finger and slashes with it like a raptor claw.
 
I have a Cricket FRN plain-edge. I think it would work well as a small, innocuous, self-defense blade. It's also quite handy for general utility. The "S" curved Meerkat, with it's similarly shaped blade, would probably be similarly usefull. I've haven't tried a Meerkat, but the lock on my Cricket is quite strong and reliable.

I also have a Dragonfly SS serrated. It's also something I consider quite usefull for both utility and self-defense.

Decisions, decisions.
 
Hey Tactical :

Either a SE cricket or reverse "S" meerkat are damn good defensive
blades ; actually BOTH are "reverse "S"", trade magazines actually
refer to the reverse "S" meerkat as being "cricket like". I have
my EDC in the form of a SE cricket, and will soon have a PE reverse "S" meerkat.

A.E.T. ( ATE on the "other" Spydie forum )
 
I have a feeling (not having handled either of them yet) that a nice feature of the Meerkat is the fact that you can have pretty much the same blade as a Cricket with a more ergonomic handle.
 
I haven't handled a Meerkat, but the handle on my Cricket is fairly ergonomic, for me.
 
I've handled both, the Cricket is a little thin for my personal security (and large mitts), the Meerkat is the best fitting sub 3" production folder I've handled (and no, i've never handled Chris Reeves, though I fantasize of a Mnandi regularly :P). Seriously though, I've handled all of Benchmade's Minis, all of CRKT's, all of Kershaw's (the Scallion is another that fits really well for me, though not quite as well...).
Anyway, punchline: My first handling of the Meerkat was very impressive, it had alot more of a beefy handle than I thought it would and it felt very strong and very secure, while I don't know how a Phantom Lock works, the lock felt pretty strong with no play. To me the only downside of the Meerkat is that one-hand closings seem to take some getting used to.

P.S. I don't think the "Perrin/Spyderco Cricket-Claw" thing would work with the Meercat because of the way the handles are designed.
 
Consider the Salsa. For self-defense it’s a rabid Pit bull on steroids! The Salsa’s lock strength is bomb proof! The grip you get with the finger grooves is totally secure. Blade length is just under 2 ½ so it should be legal for you.
 
I should probably mention...

For personal defense a 2 1/2" or less bladed knife is a joke that isn't even funny.
While i'd love for you to buy another Spyderco, if your personal safety is a concern, take the money and spend it on self-defense classes.
 
Many thanks everyone for the good posts. :D Here's my opinion and you are welcome to it. :rolleyes: I'm real fond of the Cricket myself. :D I just think the grip of the Meercat is more suited for my paws in hard use. I honestly don't know about lock strength though. Anyone? Salsa is a great idea roguesoul, but again I am downsizing on this one. :o Youngcutter, that's good advice. :) But I am not too old yet to put some distance between me and a threat. :eek: The Meercat is if I am grabbed or surprised. Even a small serrated recurve blade can make someone let go real fast. I believe that is the priciple of the Civilian and SPOT. Only way I would stand my ground is if someone else's life was in danger. :(
 
Carlos posted this pic over on the Spyderco forum! The size difference between the Salsa and the Meerkat is hardly an issue!

Meerkandsalsa.jpg
 
YoungCutter,
I'm not a fan of small blades for combative applications either, and wouldn't train(extensively) with one as a 'primary' defensive blade, however I'm never going to underestimate a small blade in the hand of a violent aggressor and consequently wouldn't consider a small blade a joke in my hands either.

It definitely is NOT an optimal primary, but as a very last ditch fingerspur class weapon, they can be whipped Very fast into deceptive sniping and jabbing attacks. Because it doesn't have the reach of larger blades, it needs to be used with max. speed and accuracy, more than power(most mini knives don't have secure enough handles for full power strokes anyway, some Spydercos are exceptions).

There's a place for rifles and pistols, and for derringers; alot of swordsmen of way back carried a smaller dagger class blade in addition to longblade, cause ya just never know. . .

take care,
Ken
 
I suppose you have a point, Ken.
To be honest, in my personal case, I consider myself more effective going "hands free" most of the time, even when considering using up to a 4" tactical folder. Unarmed defense is something I'm a bit more used to and overall, I think it is more dynamic. I understand that even the smallest knife has a way of inflicting a serious amount of damage, though I would greatly question how many could properly wield such an item, particularly under pressure.
My experience with surprise attacks is that a forceful elbow jab or reverse throw (leveraging your leg behind the badguy at the key point and throwing off his balance so he falls backwards) can get me enough space to take a good defensive stance and get a better handle of the situation.
Bottom Line? It's nice to have options, and if trained or experienced, you actually have more unarmed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top