Need Recommendations on EDC for a novice

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visitor125

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Nov 29, 2015
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After days of research, I've become generally more confused overall. Sorry, in advance if this topic has been address previously, but a topic search didn't turn up any similar threads.

To clarify my needs, I'm looking for a high quality EDC knife to use as a backup ($500-1000). I normally CC a subcompact pistol, so if I'm down to a knife things have gone really wrong and escape is not an option. Which is why i'm looking toward a setup for fast-opening, close-quarters use. The silver-lining though is that the state I live in has basically no knife laws. Anything from double edged blades, switchblades, OTFs, or balisongs are completely legal. As stated in the title, I'm a relative novice to knife work other than everyday pocket knives, and while I'm taking some martial arts classes I have not advanced to any weapon work. I'm fairly dexterous and can manipulate a thumb assist or balisong without difficulty but understand that either is slower than an automatic or OTF. A reverse grip has always felt more natural in my hand and from an educational standpoint, I have a expert knowledge of anatomy so targeting neuromuscular structures with a stab and slash methodiology makes sense to me, but I haven't settled on a blade in or blade out style and have even considered a double because of this. Finally, I live in a warm weather climate where clothing thickness is rarely a problem but does limit me to folders rather than fixed blades.

Thank you all for any help or advice, but I do ask that some justification of your recommendations be made rather than just single word statements.
 
Sounds like you need another pistol not a knife.
How about a 44 and a neck knife. Essee makes nice neck knives.
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This neck knife is a Schrade SCHF16. Concealable under a T-shirt
 
Without getting into the whole "a knife is a poor choice for self defense" talk, I'll tell you this...

$500-1000 is not needed for something that will be strictly self defense, and you have many options out there. Personally, if I were going to invest into a SD knife, I would look at Spartan blades. Their knives are designed for SD and are used by military personnel.

Spartans military marketing isn't a gimmick like many manufacturers, and they are high quality in every way.
 
WELCOME!

Gee, for $500~$1000, the knifemakers on this forum will gladly make exactly what you want.
 
I also carry a gun, and I like a backup knife as a weapons retention tool as well.

Personally, I wouldn't carry a folder as a backup. The way I look at it, if I'm in a situation where I am going for my knife over my gun, it's because I'm using my strong hand to keep the gun in the holster. I like a good fixed blade, set up so I can access it strong hand, but primarily set up for a weak hand draw. CharlieMike on the forums here just finished one up for me, and it's mailing out tomorrow. I've been using an Izula 2 set up in a horizontal carry sheath OWB at about 11:30, but I want something a little more stout.
 
The problem is I don't know exactly what I want yet. Unfortunately, do know that I don't want a neck knife as everyday attire won't accommodate it. Slims, I agree with you about the logic of a fixed blade over a folder, but as before I can't carry a fixed blade in scrubs or slacks.
 
Top knife is my weak side carry. A waved Spyderco Matriarch 2.

Only about $90. I agree with the others that $500-1000 isn't needed for a defensive folder.

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visitor125 said:
The problem is I don't know exactly what I want yet. Unfortunately, do know that I don't want a neck knife as everyday attire won't accommodate it. Slims, I agree with you about the logic of a fixed blade over a folder, but as before I can't carry a fixed blade in scrubs or slacks.
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My bad, completely missed that part.

In that case, a waved Emerson Karambit would be my folding choice. I'd still have mine, but when my little bro got out of prison, a couple cans of mace and my karambit were my self defense gifts to him. He gave me his AK when he got a felony conviction, and no more guns for him, but he lives in the ghetto in Kansas City, so some sort of protection is needed.
 
If you are looking for knife who's primary role is as a backup/last ditch, then I second what some have already said about a waved karambit,,, whether that comes from Emerson or Spyderco.
If you're looking for a blade for EDC who could also be used for a backup,, well Sir the sky is the limit within your price range,,, I'm sure people much smarter than myself will answer that one..
 
IMHO, nothing says last ditch, b@lls-to-the-wall like a push dagger:
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Retention is much better than with a traditional handle, and fine motor skills are not needed as much...basic punching and slashing movements. However, these are not that expensive (although I'm sure you can find an expensive model if your heart is set on one), and carry options may not meet your preferences. Not a martial/tactical expert by any means, but just saying what makes sense to me.
 
Sorry for the confusion, I'm not against paying less for a knife, but as with anything I do (especially something that might have implications on my longevity), I'd rather spend more for quality materials and craftsmanship. I've looked hard at the spyderco matriarch/civilian as they have a great reputation, but I'm not sure that the curve isn't too aggressive and thereby diminishing the stab capabilities. The P'Kal looks interesting though. Also, don't want to rule out a OTF/automatic side opener unless someone has any good advice as to why not to trust them.
 
If you need to use a knife as a weapon, and have proper training as such, a fixed blade is WAY more efficient and reliable then any folding knife, and even an auto isnt quicker to draw and fire then to simply draw a blade...

That said. The Darrell Ralph 18xray fixed blade was designed specifically as a fighting knife with special forces in mind (hence the name)... The handle is ergonomically great to hold, it's a robust "pig sticker" made of 154cm stainless... If you're looking for a "fighting knife" you'd be hard pressed to find something better suited for the task... And it's well under $500, (as bluesbender pointed out, you certainly don't need something that expensive to be more then effective for your needs), with that extra money I would suggest getting a high quality a custom kydex sheath made up to suit you perfectly, as the sheath it comes with, while not "bad", is certainly not the best... It's not even the sheath itself, but the plastic clips that I really don't like so much, but otherwise it's a great deal, and a lot of knife for the price...
 
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Thats a very high budget for a daily carry knife with self defense ability. Save the dough and pick up a Benchmade 810 Contego. It is a solid folding fighter in the $180 range.
 
Fixed blades are obviously better than folders for your needs.. However, if you must have a folder, get a Cold Steel with the Triad Lock. They just released some new models with CTS-XHP steel. Watch youtube vids on the strength of these knives. Arguably the strongest made production folders. And with the high-end steel its a no brainer. you can get a few different models/sizes. ie: Recon 1 tanto, Mini Recon 1 clip point, American Lawman, AK-47.
 
visitor125 said:
I've looked hard at the spyderco matriarch/civilian as they have a great reputation, but I'm not sure that the curve isn't too aggressive and thereby diminishing the stab capabilities.
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You are correct, the reverse S of the Civilian/Matriarch are not for stabbing.

It does excell at pull cuts (slashing). And as you stated you have an expert knowledge of muscular structure, you can understand what they could do to joints and muscle. Perfect to cause enough damage for me to "get out of Dodge" or create enough distance to use a firearm.

I chose the waved Matriarch 2 as it is smaller than the Civilian and the wave opens the blade upon drawing the knife. Faster than any auto.

For general knife stuff the bottom knife in my photo is carried strong side. An Emerson Mini CQC-15, also waved, and capable of an SD role.
 
Find an Emerson that fits your style. They have a Karambit, but also more traditional style blades. If the wave feature works for you and you get it down, it will be faster than an auto.

If you want an auto, Benchmade infidel or Microtech UTX, Trooden or Halo. All are out the front (OTF) and have many blade options.
 
^ that is my next suggestion, if you insist on a folder, go with an Emerson and practice/master the wave feature for quick deployment.
 
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