Need Recommendations on EDC for a novice

Spyderco Street Beat. Fixed blade, under $150 or so , full tang, around 4" blade, and designed by Fred Perrin for defense, or like Ultraman said above, a push knife.
 
I think you should look at the Microtech OTF knives. You may just need $250.00 plus for one those. They offer several models, and for your money your getting the latest in OTF reliability, engineering, and technology. If I had your requisites in mind and that kind of money, Microtech OTF's are what I would be looking at. You don't want a side opening automatic when proper deployment could be a matter of life or death. It too easy to accidentally block the proper opening of an automatic if your in a scuffle.
 
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For self defense, you'd want something about 5" in blade length. I wouldn't trust anything less, since you may not be able to deal a devastating blow with a smaller blade.

Personally, I think a folder is a poor choice for a high-risk/high-stress situation. That's a lot of trust you're putting in that lock and a lot of faith that you'll be able to open it fast enough.

This isn't fantasy were talking about, this is reality... You will be struggling with your opponent in a close quarters situation, stabbing into bones which could break the blade or even cause the lock to fail, your hands will be bloody and slippery, and there is a chance your weapon will be turned against you. A knife fight is probably not what you're imagining it will be, trust me, I've seen it first hand at a bar.
 
For clarification, you state that you can't carry a fixed blade because it wouldn't mesh with wearing scrubs or slacks.
Where do you keep your gun when wearing scrubs or slacks?
 
When on the grounds I leave it in my desk, but otherwise ankle holster or appendix carry with a belly belt. Obviously neither are great options, but they're what I can get by with. As far as the reality of a knife fight, I've seen first hand what knife wounds look like and what mobility and functionality a person can retain after multiple knife wounds. Its pretty much the last place I want to find myself, but if I do end up there I'd like to have a decent option in my pocket. That said its not the slash victims that I'm usually worried about; penetrating stab wounds are much deadlier. Of course, neither are usually produced by assailants with any real knowledge in knife utilization. I completely agree with you Blues which is why I lean toward something easy to use in a close environment where a pakal grip and style might be an advantage.
 
If I were making this choice, I would choose a modestly sized assisted opening ZT with good steel at this point and then as your knowledge base increases, you can upgrade later. But the ZT will always be a great knife. I like the 0770CF (3.25" blade) which should be pretty easy to conceal even in scrubs. The 801 is another that I like. I suspect you are not carrying a handgun wearing scrubs unless you are in your own office vs a hospital.
 
You need a CZ 75 machine pistol.

Also don't buy an OTF as a real tool or weapon, they're man toys.

Balisongs too.

I think you should consider getting a selection of $100-$250 knives instead so you can have a comfortable knife or two for every occasion and dress style.

There are tons of knives in that range from manufacturers like Spyderco, Benchmade, and Zero Tolerance-Kershaw that will perform as well as or better than an $800 custom would, especially for your stated needs.

Nothing like losing a grand to some jerk's throat and ribs, you know?

Losing one of a handful of $200 knives to blood and evidence lockers wouldn't be so bad in comparison.

Try out an Axis lock if you can, a Contego or a 710 (both?) would be a great buy.

The 710 is a crazy good knife, tons of blade for the size of the folded knife, strong, ambi, symmetric lock, killer warranty.
 
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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Scrubs eh?

Grab a Benchmade 531 and ask Benchmade for a deep carry clip, I suggest silver.
 
visitor125 said:
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.
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Well yeah, it's optimized as a brutal defensive slashing weapon, but if you don't press the assault with a thrust maybe you could draw your weapon after slashing a few cross sections off your assailant.

Ultimately you're gonna die, so don't send yourself on forced vacation stressing about a potential confrontation with an assassin.

Knives are great though, and I heartily support your decision to go nice rather than cheap out.

A guy named Freeman makes some great looking button-locking folders in the $225 range I think, maybe one of those and a couple of Spyderco-Benchmade knives to round out your lightweight carry options?
 
I would get a benchmade Contego 810! It's an excellent stabber and has enough of a belly for slicing!
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visitor125 said:
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.
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Don't trust OTFs because they are inherently less durable than a strong locking folder.

Autos are fine so long as it's a strong, purpose-built auto and not a man toy.

Benchmade and Kershaw both make autos I would trust as much as any of their other knives with the same locking mechanisms.

With an assisted or auto Axis lock, if you're sticking someone the spring power could help prevent the knife unlocking and closing unintentionally.

The lockup should be automatic as long as the tang is level with the lock bar's path and the spring will re-set the blade in the correct position if there is nothing preventing it.
 
The truth is, you have a greater chance of getting hit by lightning than finding yourself in a situation where you need to use a knife in a self defense scenario. Even in the military, the use of a knife in an offensive or defensive scenario is an extremely rare event. Knife fights make good material for Hollywood movies but are rare events in the real world.
 
IF you're close enough for a knife, try some military grade mace instead.
A shot to the face can change a person's mindset from attack to self-preservation in a heartbeat (it's like a one-way flash-bang).
Then, you can escape or kick 'em in the face while they lie on the ground writhing, snotting, and crying.

Back to t he blade choice:
If you can carry a pistol, you can carry a fixed blade.
As someone already stated, fixed blade is your best choice for rapid and fumble-free deployment.
 
visitor125 said:
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.
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First knife need not be 500-1000 Bucks, a good first knife is a Spyderco Native, RescueJr., Delicia, or any number of Spydercos. They make afforadable quality.
 
Welcome. We have seen many, many, many people turn up here asking for knives to fulfill some Rambo ninja death merchant fantasy of theirs, and I am not saying you are among them, so please do excuse my skepticism.

You want to spend 500-100 on a EDC SD knife? Unless you are planning to get in hand to hand close quarters knife combat everyday, you dont need to spend that kinda money. Ask the folks who cut people with knives for a lving...most are using grocery store steak knives. They work, are cost efficient, readily available, and are disposable.

And you CC a pistol in scrubs?!? :confused:

Also, having had some martial arts classes and a knowledge of anatomy and a "stab and slash methodology" are far, far different than knowing to fight with a knife.

Its all just a bit odd.

That said, here's my recommendation. Get a Spyderco Delica. It is a very functional EDC knife and immensely popular for a reason. Is it a great SD knife? Who cares. You will not get into a fight with it (or any other knife). Nobody does. If you do, please come back here and call me a moron. But, in the infinitesimal chance that you do, it'll work.

Want a fixed blade? Get a Shrade Sharpfinger.

Unless you are just itching to sink $500-$1000 on a knife. Then just get whatever you thinks looks super sexy. It will work just as (in)effectively as the steak knife or the Delica or the Sharpfinger.
 
marcinek said:
Welcome. We have seen many, many, many people turn up here asking for knives to fulfill some Rambo ninja death merchant fantasy of theirs, and I am not saying you are among them, so please do excuse my skepticism.

You want to spend 500-100 on a EDC SD knife? Unless you are planning to get in hand to hand close quarters knife combat everyday, you dont need to spend that kinda money. Ask the folks who cut people with knives for a lving...most are using grocery store steak knives. They work, are cost efficient, readily available, and are disposable.

And you CC a pistol in scrubs?!? :confused:

Also, having had some martial arts classes and a knowledge of anatomy and a "stab and slash methodology" are far, far different than knowing to fight with a knife.

Its all just a bit odd.


Thanks for the great suggestions Marcinek, and I agree that most of the knife wounds in this world are inflicted by simple kitchen/utility knives. I just would rather not carry one on a day to day basis. As for CC in scrubs, you'd be surprised at how many medical professionals are packing these days. The attire is fairly loose fitting and can hide pretty much anything, the problem is having a secure point to attach the gun, i.e. - IWB holsters don't work; which is why I either use a belly band or an ankle holster. Also, please don't take my prior comments about anatomy to in any way represent the fact that I know how to use a knife efficiently. The point I was trying to make was if God forbid I'm forced to use a knife defensively, I'm probably naturally going to go with a stabbing motion in an area that I know it can be damaging i.e. groin, thigh, armpit, flank, eyes, etc.

Thanks to everyone for all suggestions. I've appreciated all the information and opinions.
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marcinek said:
Welcome. We have seen many, many, many people turn up here asking for knives to fulfill some Rambo ninja death merchant fantasy of theirs, and I am not saying you are among them, so please do excuse my skepticism.

You want to spend 500-100 on a EDC SD knife? Unless you are planning to get in hand to hand close quarters knife combat everyday, you dont need to spend that kinda money. Ask the folks who cut people with knives for a lving...most are using grocery store steak knives. They work, are cost efficient, readily available, and are disposable.

And you CC a pistol in scrubs?!? :confused:

Also, having had some martial arts classes and a knowledge of anatomy and a "stab and slash methodology" are far, far different than knowing to fight with a knife.

Its all just a bit odd.

That said, here's my recommendation. Get a Spyderco Delica. It is a very functional EDC knife and immensely popular for a reason. Is it a great SD knife? Who cares. You will not get into a fight with it (or any other knife). Nobody does. If you do, please come back here and call me a moron. But, in the infinitesimal chance that you do, it'll work.

Want a fixed blade? Get a Shrade Sharpfinger.

Unless you are just itching to sink $500-$1000 on a knife. Then just get whatever you thinks looks super sexy. It will work just as (in)effectively as the steak knife or the Delica or the Sharpfinger.
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While i share some of your skepticism. I will say this ive been working in law enforcement for about 7 years. And i do know one officer that has used a knife to defend himself successfully. Basically he was being assaulted by a person who was trying to take his weapon. He could not get to his gun (ie the guy had grabbed it and was trying to pull it out of the holster) He intern stabbed the guy and the guy let go and he was able to back off and draw his weapon on the attacker. Ended up not shooting, the guy basically gave up after that. But knives as a measure of weapons retention is not a crazy idea. It happens and it can save your life. But for a average joe wearing a concealed weapon is it necessary I dont know? Is it stupid I dont think so but thats just my two cents. That being said I think the price range here is a little crazy. And even with my job i carry a knife that is suited for edc work and could be used in a bad spot. But when I choose a knife Im definitely leaning towards its usefulness as cutting tool first. Because more than likely it will never see the use as a defensive weapon. But thats again just me.
 
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Topcatpt said:
While i share some of your skepticism. I will say this ive been working in law enforcement for about 7 years. And i do know one officer that has used a knife to defend himself successfully.
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No doubt. Glad to hear he was OK. And like I said earlier, if our new pistol-CC-ing medical professional friend ever does use his knife in self defense, he can certainly come here, "point a finger" at me, taunt me, and call me a know nothing loudmouth. :D That's nothing about him personally, it's just that it wont happen.

It seems more likely that he would be injured by his own CC if facing a similar scenario as your fellow officer.
 
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