Mythbusters: "Man, I sure love the look of that XL Vaquero/Espada/Voyager, but how will it ever fit in my pockets?" + musings on the wave

[DocJD]

All I can think about is - "Why tho?"

Why not just carry a fixed blade that's same lenght as these giants when folded?

Faster deployment, lighter weight and more sturdiness make sense for self defense. And I can't see any other reason why would someone carry something like that.

Even the XL Espada fits in the front of most mens work pants .

OAL is little more than 17" . Equivalent fixed with 17" OAL .Would also add some length for the sheath . So maybe 18" or more to carry the fixed with sheath .

Compared to 9.5" folded length, with no sheath needed for pocket carry .

Nothing is faster "deployment" than wave opening .

Sturdiness is less important in a pure SD role than something for heavy wood chopping or survival "abuse" .

SD is not usually like fighting prolonged battles or dueling contests .

I've never used mine for anything but light to medium machete work .

Not really made for that , but it works fine if you use with care .

It's a short sword that fits in my front pocket . I think that's pretty cool ! And lots of fun .

Does it replace my large fixed blades BAK , machetes and swords ? Nope .

 

[LostCause]

Nothing is faster "deployment" than wave opening .

Wrong. You have to readjust your grip in best case scenario and it can fail to open fully and then snap closed on your fingers in worst case scenario. Fixed blade is ready to go as soon as it's out, and you don't have to adjust your pull to catch that wave.

OAL is little more than 17" . Equivalent fixed with 17" OAL .Would also add some length for the sheath . So maybe 18" or more to carry the fixed with sheath .

I wrote FOLDED.

Why not just carry a fixed blade that's same lenght as these giants when folded?

Read before answering.

Sturdiness is less important in a pure SD role than something for heavy wood chopping or survival "abuse" .

I agree on this.

SD is not usually like fighting prolonged battles or dueling contests

Absolutely true, but weight of your knife is an important factor, and something like ESEE3 or ESEE4 in S35VN will be faster to pull out and faster in your hand.

But knives suck for self defense in general, get a pepper spray. It'll also keep you out of jail.

I used one in actual self defense situation, small group of drunken ultras that was looking for trouble and I was passing there alone. Pepper spray took care of entire group in an instant, only missed one guy who just ran away once his buddies were taken out.

 

[DocJD]

pepper spray

Sucks as a machete though .

 

[LostCause]

Sucks as a machete though .

True, but the guy said he uses that as self defense tool...

And actual machete outperforms this as a machete too... and is cheaper to replace if you do end up breaking it...

 

[Hashishiin]

All I can think about is - "Why tho?"

Why not just carry a fixed blade that's same lenght as these giants when folded?

Faster deployment, lighter weight and more sturdiness make sense for self defense. And I can't see any other reason why would someone carry something like that.

Laws.
As I mentioned in my first post, the place I live has very draconian laws. I am not carrying anything fixed but a clearly small and gentlemanly, 3in or below.
No laws on folders but autos/balis though.

Also, I do carry pepper spray, as well. I do not always carry this. If you are in coyote county, like me, the reach and power is particularly useful. Nighttime walks is the most pocket time it sees, aside from kitcheny stuff.

 

[Billy The Hungry]

Laws.
As I mentioned in my first post, the place I live has very draconian laws. I am not carrying anything fixed but a clearly small and gentlemanly, 3in or below.
No laws on folders but autos/balis though.

Also, I do carry pepper spray, as well. I do not always carry this. If you are in coyote county, like me, the reach and power is particularly useful. Nighttime walks is the most pocket time it sees, aside from kitcheny ststuff.

Hey man, I'd  strongly recommend you have a walking stick with you also. Pepper spray does not always fire reliably. With a stout walking stick, you are much more like to change the hungry coyote's minds. Please be safe homie, use your noggin'.

 

[Wild Willie]

I second the stick thing. I always carry one when I walk the dogs. If only to defend my beagle's honor from unwanted gentleman callers.

 

[Hashishiin]

Hey man, I'd  strongly recommend you have a walking stick with you also. Pepper spray does not always fire reliably. With a stout walking stick, you are much more like to change the hungry coyote's minds. Please be safe homie, use your noggin'.

I have wisely been recommended this by many people, and am strongly considering it lately - it's absolutely legal, and I must let go of subconscious worries. Really is the best way to go, seen those Irish Blackthorn walking sticks with the brass ball on the pommel, so beautiful!

Though, I still try to carry the best spray I can - Sabre Red, woulda been Fox Labs if I knew about it But yes, I must seriously think about this walking stick thing!

 

[LostCause]

Laws.
As I mentioned in my first post, the place I live has very draconian laws. I am not carrying anything fixed but a clearly small and gentlemanly, 3in or below.
No laws on folders but autos/balis though.

Also, I do carry pepper spray, as well. I do not always carry this. If you are in coyote county, like me, the reach and power is particularly useful. Nighttime walks is the most pocket time it sees, aside from kitcheny stuff.

Understandable brother.

Thank you for detailed answer.