Newbie

To be very frank, you can probably find a better knife from Spyderco for about $50 USD if you know where to know.
As other said, 440A isn't the best steel. The AUS8A steel is quite nice (I have one in that steel and it's damn sharp!) but the price there doesn't quite justify it.
If you wanted a knife because it cuts, you're better off with a Spyderco Endura/Delica/Native, and it's only at about 50 plenty of places. If you need something that looks like a stilleto, I think the CRKT M16 (both the aluminum and the zytel version) have blades that's quite close.
 
As someone who carried edged weapons of questionable legality for defence and for posing as a teenager, my advice: please pause.

1) Put yourself in your dad's shoes: how would you react if your son informed you he wanted a knife for defence? Especially if he's not into knives and weapons in general!

2) A knife in your pocket will not make you invinceable. It is probably a liability if you don't know how to use it. It may be the cause of you being more assertive than necessary and lead to a confrontation you would otherwise avoid.

3) If you are worried about self defense: Get training! Although I am a knife nut I would actually suggest starting with impact weapons such as a kubotan or a mo-gem.

Amongst many others I have a titanium ti-lite in my drawer. It's a great looker if you like stilletoes, frightens sheeple, reasonably well made and ok quality. As an only knife I would suggest something lower profile such as a CS voyager or a midsize Spyderco.

My advice about carrying any weapon would be learn when not to use it and when not to show it. I don't think flashing any kind of weapon in front of sheeple is ever cool or intelligent. Only draw it when you are prepared to use it.
 
Hey Winston! 1984 is an awesome book :D I wrote a sequel a few years ago...
Welcome to the boards! I'm 14, and I have a very humble collection thanks to my parents who don't agree with the hobby, added to the fact that I have a budget that makes the tightest budget look excessive. I can't help you with that knife, but these are all very knowledgable people, and you can go by their advice. When you have little money and parents, don't take too many chances when it comes to knives, and get something solid.
Good luck!
 
i have 2 pieces of advice-start small. Pick something like a delica, and work up from there. Hell, you might just stay there. If you're looking for SD, Get training. A knife will get you into more trouble than is patently obvious. Also, I'd suggest a DTL kerambit and video for a start-and so cheap! You can pay for it yourself!--Joe
 
Smith, Winston! Stand up straight! Stop playing with sharp objects ... OUCH !!!

Welcome to Bladeforums :D You'll get lots of free advice here, and it's worth every penny :p

1) Don't be in a hurry to get that first "tactical" knife. A little research, and some time thinking about it, and you'll spend your money much more effectively.

2) Almost anywhere you go, if you tell an authority figure -- your parents, the police, a judge -- that your knife is for "self-defense" they'll say "No, you're out looking for trouble, instead of avoiding it." This can get you thrown in jail and leave your parents with astounding legal bills to pay, as well.

3) I am old and gray and have enough money to afford many of the more expensive knives available, and I have a lot of them. I even carry medium to large folders from time to time. But I also have folders no more than 3" in blade length, and find them extremely effective for everyday use.

At your age, you don't need to worry people that you may be irresponsible, since you aren't legally supposed to be making certain decisions on your own. Knives can be effective weapons, but that requires serious training. Knives are excellent tools, and you can teach yourself how to use them for that.

Get a Swiss Army Knife to start with. Inexpensive, non-threatening, and always useful. Carrying a SAK responsibly will reassure your parents that your interest in knives is a positive trait, and they will be inclined thereafter to accept your later purchases in a better frame of mind.

4) If you do feel you need a boost in self-defense, I agree that Kelly Worden's DTL Impact Kerambit is great. I got one :) But it is pretty big ... so I recommend the Comtech Stinger. You can carry the Stinger on a keyring, or in the bottom of your pocket, but when you punch someone with it, he will know it. Click on that link for a lot of good talk on impact devices.

5) As you wander around the forums, you will find strong opinions and occasional hot tempers. (Even from me! :eek: ) Don't ever forget -- this is supposed to be fun!
 
Don't get a knife!!!!

If your whole reason for getting a knife is for self defense then that's the wrong reason. A knife should only be used in self-defense if you are trained to use it. Most likely if you aren't trained in knife fighting you are the only one that's gonna get hurt. knife fighting requires high skill and a willingness to be cut.

If you take out a knife in a confrontation you have to also have the willingness to use it. Are you ready to kill someone with it? Or be killed if the other person happens to get a hold of your knife? You have to remember a mugger usually has less to lose than you and will enter a knife fight more willingly.

My advice is learn a martial art. This can be a lot more effective than any knife in a situation like this. You will also learn other things in martial arts. Most importantly is how to avoid any combat situation. Your money is not as important as your life. If you are mugged. Give that person your money. If you happen to know how to handle yourself and ONLY then can you kick that F*ck*rs A$$.

My suggestions for effective martial arts would be:

1) Jeet Kune Do...if you find the right instructor they will teach you knife fighting when you are ready. it is also a combat martial art meaning that there is no competition aspect involved. means...real world applications...they will teach you how to kick ass...


2) Krav Maga...created by the israelis to be very simple to teach and highly effective...

I don't know about you guys but i am quite sure that a lot of parents are more willing for their son to go to martial arts classes than buying a knife.
 
I have to agree, don't bring up the weapon side of knives you will lose every time.and minors aren't the only one that will have problems using the self defense side. Develop the mind set that knives are tools and you will have far less hassles in life. Don't worry about a Kershaw with speed safe "accidently" opening up in your pocket,Governor elect AAhnald has a better chance of being elected president than a Kershaw "accidently" opening and he doesn't stand a chance.
 
As others have adequately covered the legal and practical aspect of knife carry, I will pass over that and say that they have given you very good advice. Having said that, I think you would be well served by a BM Griptilian, or Spyderco Native III.
BTW- Welcome aboard.
 
please heed all the above advice about self-defence, attitudes etc.

as for blades, how about the spyderco SPOT (self protection option tool) in AUS6A? Requires little or no training to get the slashing movements right. And that little thing can't be wrestled from you hand.
 
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