Pls Help Me Select a Self Defense Knife for CA

S

sopwith21

Joined
Sep 23, 2003
Messages
20
Hi Guys;

Please help a newbie figure this out. In CA, I believe any fixed blade is illegal, but any folding blade is alright. I can't carry my 9mm Walther there, yet I work in CA frequently enough to justify a self defense purchase for my time there.

So I'm looking for a tac folder of reasonable quality with a pocket clip and a minimum blade length of 5-6 inches and a down to earth price. Yes, that's a big knife, especially for a tac folder. It needes to be good enough quality to hold a good edge for serious work, but no $150 knives, please... I don't consider that within the realm of sanity. I've snooped around on the web and can't find anything that fits my description, so I'm turning to you experts... what do you guys suggest?

Many thanks.
 
Well, to start off, I should clarify California law. Fixed blade knives are not allowed to be concealed, but can be openly carried. Folders may be concealed. There is no limit on length for either, unless you are at a school. The only exceptions are some city laws, like in LA you can't openly carry a knife with a blade greater than 3 inches.

As far as a suggestion goes, I would get a Benchmade AFCK or Spyderco Police. The AFCK has a four inch blade, and so does the Police if my memory serves, but that is plenty for anything you'd ever use it for.
 
I'd suggest the Camillus Cuda Maxx. It is of superior quality, and can be found for well under $150. You will have the choice of the Bowie style blade, and if you find a good deal, the Spear point, as well. At 5.5 inches of D2 steel, and Titanium frame-lock handles, you can't beat this knife for coolness, utility, and reliability. Deep carry clip allows for easy concealment, as well. And to top it off, there is the cool flipper action to open the knife lightning fast.

DD
 
hi!
as you self say...you're newbie...so if you don't know how to fight with a knife...well don't!
Knifes are a really poor choice for selfdefense even as trained fighter!
Buy a good pepper spray with an ASP baton, it's a much easier combination for you! and if u even want to buy a knife for self defense then...AFCK from benchmade...
Good luck!
 
Originally posted by oliverplomion
Buy a good pepper spray with an ASP baton, it's a much easier combination for you! and if u even want to buy a knife for self defense then...AFCK from benchmade...
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I wish that was a soultion. For some reason, here in CA, you can't carry an ASP baton. I guess the lawmakers think it is better for you to stab someone than beat them. :rolleyes:
 
Originally posted by oliverplomion
hi!
as you self say...you're newbie...so if you don't know how to fight with a knife...well don't!
Click to expand...

Sorry; I've stated myself poorly.

I hold four kenpo karate belts, study Brazilian and kali knife fighting, am proficient in the use of various types of firearms and am in excellent physical condition. If necessary, I believe I can use a knife to some degree of effectiveness for personal defense.

However, I have very little knowledge as to WHICH knife is best suited for the size, price range, quality and brand that I need. That's why I'm consulting with Those Who Know. :D

Again, I'm in need of a decent quality tac folder with belt clip which is not in the $100-$200 stratosphere and has a blade length of 5-6 inches. This knife will be carried primarily when I cannot pack a handgun. My current "carry" knives are the Walther Allied Forces tac folder, which is an excellent, razor sharp knife but seems a bit heavy and has a shorter blade than I'd prefer... the Smith and Wesson HRT boot knife... and the Walther P99 Tactical knife. Yes, I'm a Walther fan, and yes, I know they don't make their own knives. ;) I normally spend $15-$50 on a knife, and that quality range seems suitable for my purposes.

I don't mind searching on my own, but if you know of a web site that carries the specific knife you recommend, please list it. Thank you all again for your advice.
 
I think a knife for SD is a poor choice trained or untrained. Use it and you'll go to jail. Unless you are an LEO, I think you will be better served by using your brain and not a knife. If your life isn't worth $200 then why bother? A decent knife like you want will be at least $300. You get what you pay for. A knife is first a tool and SD as a last resort. If you are trained as you say you shouldn't need a knife. I think you are looking for trouble.:rolleyes: :barf:
 
Originally posted by RH
CS XL Voyagers fit the bill
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They certainly do! Wow. A very impressive knife. I only own two small CS knives but they seem to be remarkable pieces of work (am I wrong?).

The official CS site lists the XL Voyager at $84.99. Is there a more economical way to buy them other than through Cold Steel? Also, the Voyager appears (in the CS site pictures) to have a fully serrated blade... I don't really want that for a defense knife, do I? Isn't a standard blade superior for defense use? Thanks again.
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog If you are trained as you say you shouldn't need a knife. I think you are looking for trouble.:rolleyes: :barf: [/B]
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I'm trained enough to know that no matter how many belts I have, the guy with the knife has the advantage.

I've been in a grand total of one knife fight in my life (which was over before it began, thank goodness), so I'm no expert on the topic. In fact, my favorite option in a knife fight is apparently to run like an idiot. However, my limited experience dictates that this option may not always be available, and common sense dictates that even if it is the other guy may be faster. Therefore, a backup plan is an intelligent alternative to getting robbed, killed or beaten, even if one does not intend to rely on it.

So no, I'm not looking for trouble, and yes, in some cases a knife is a better option than nothing. Your knife recommendation, please?
 
on this point I agree with you...better run and escape than risk a knifefight and end in jail...but hey!Better judged by 12 than carryed by 6... so if you're one day so unlucky that you have to pull a knife to defend your life I can only say:BENCHMADE AFCK with axis lock... You'll love it...still I will as option WITH a knife carry a good pepper spray!just in case.
take care!
Olivier.
 
I think this post should be retitled "What knife can I carry in Kaliforiastan and not get harasses/arrested by some Anti-Self Defense Jack Booted Thug".

Knives and self defense are a tricky issue. My best advice would be to get a good knife and a good pair of "running shoes". If some gang banger pulls his pink .25 Loricin POS on you and he's greater than 10 feet away you're better off trying to outrun him. If you can't get away it's your call.

But no blade on this earth or Black Belts in Karate are a match for a sawed off 12 gauge or a stolen Glock 9mm when they're beyound arms reach.
 
sop, keep your eyes open for one here on the forums. I just sent pirtle $35 for a nib xl voyager. an excellent deal I must say but there will be one coming up soon i am sure.

be safe,

mike
 
I think Kershaws may be a good option...I picked up a Blakout and Whirlwind on EBay for $30. a piece. They are assisted opening and feel good in the hand.
 
Originally posted by Cross_Steel2
I think this post should be retitled "What knife can I carry in Kaliforiastan and not get harasses/arrested by some Anti-Self Defense Jack Booted Thug".

Knives and self defense are a tricky issue. My best advice would be to get a good knife and a good pair of "running shoes". If some gang banger pulls his pink .25 Loricin POS on you and he's greater than 10 feet away you're better off trying to outrun him. If you can't get away it's your call.

But no blade on this earth or Black Belts in Karate are a match for a sawed off 12 gauge or a stolen Glock 9mm when they're beyound arms reach.
Click to expand...

a) I like the thread name. Very appropriate.

b) Yes, Option A is to run like mad.

c) True... if I could get my Walther P99 on board an airplane we wouldn't be having this thread. But I can't. And I always like to have a back up plan.
 
First let me put forth the humble swiss army knife. Now before you start laughing, hear me out. It looks so innocent nobody will take notice of it. But you can keep your hand in your pocket, wrapped around it, with the corkscrew/philips/awl sticking between your fingers. I think a corkscrew to the forehead or cheek might just give you time to beat feet. Also, let me put forth the Emerson LaGriffe. Yeah it's small, but it's small enough to ALWAYS be with you. Attach it to a keychain and clip it to a beltloop. Legal, hide in plain sight and very hard to disarm. SOG and Kershaw have some assisted openers that wont break the bank. Spyderco has a line of knives designed for MartialBladeCraft, they not cheap but they were designed by REAL knife guys. Also, you could just go to the nearest WalMart when you land and buy a couple of Kershaw Vapors for $20-30 each. Food for thought.

Frank
 
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