Questions about a few knives...

G

Gatman

Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
5
Hello all,

I am new to the knife world. I have had limited experience with nicer knives. I am currently in the market for a decent folder. It will primarily be used to open boxes and for everyday tasks. It will also serve as a last ditch self defense weapon. I have been looking for a decent knife that is withing the $100 or less range. I have been lurking here and decided to ask a few questions. I have been looking at possibly carrying two knives. One for food (apples, cheese, and to open food packaging) and one for utility self defense.

A swiss army style knife seems nice for the food and to have a few extra things. Are there different brands besides the Victorinox and the Wenger? And what is more prefered? I saw one with a USB drive which seems really useful but I fear food and that would not mix well. Any suggestions? I am a college student so it would not be used for much else then these sort of things. For Self defense I was considering this knife ---->

http://www.gerbertools.com/Gerber-Applegate-Fairbairn-Standard-5780.htm

It looks like a decent knife but I am not 100% sure about knife laws in my state (Carbondale IL). I know the college campus I am at would frown on anything that has a blade on it. I have been planning on moving to Seattle WA and am also concerned about the laws there. Is there a decent place to find knife laws? I am more familiar with gun laws but am not very well versed in knife laws.

Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Gatman
 
forget a knife as a tool for self-defense
get yourself pepper spray or telescopic baton or firearm - any of these would be much more effective

there are lots of knives in 100$ range, look at some internet store and browse the offer
 
For laws and such, a quick way to find them is via Mr. Bernard Levine's site.

Also, drop by the "Knife Laws" section here.

I'm not a fan of Gerber anymore, so I'll not comment on it.

But, there has been a lot of discussion along these lines of late over on the general forum. Drop by there and read them (not blowin' you off or such, just recommending the same action I perform).

Huugh is partially correct. Legally carried knives really are not ideal for self defense, but none of options he recommends are ideal either (for one reason or another - everything has pros and cons).
 
I've got to go with Huugh on the pepper spray. IMHO the best self defense available to the average person- very effective, and it avoids trips to the emergency room, morgue, and courtrooms.

That said, I always have a SAK and a one of several 3"-4" bladed folders on me for use as tools. They would be a very last ditch attempt at self-defense. I would avoid the knife you mentioned for the simple reason that is designed as a weapon as oppposed to a tool and would give a bad impression to a lawman or jury member. Also, useful "tool" knives can be used as weapons, but a knife designed primarily as that type of a weapon (that knife is primarily a stabber) is not all that handy as a tool- get the most out of your purchase.

There are many, many great knives out there within your price range and I think the choosing is half the fun, but just to try to be helpful, Spyderco gives a lot of bang for the buck, and you could probably afford 2 different knives so you could compare and see what design you like best.
 
Gatman, What I’ve found to work best as an “on the go” food knife is the Spyderco Catcherman, It has a very long thin blade that’s perfect for cutting up apples and other fruit. The few serrations on the blade help to keep juice from reaching the pivot. If it’s not too long for your area I’d look into getting one.
Unfortunately it looks like Spyderco has discontinued its production. Though you can still get one from New Graham Knives.
My second recommendation for a food knife is anything from the Spyderco salt line. A knife that can’t rust has got to be pretty nice to have.
 
I'd recommend giving Spyderco a look, as well. Stain resistance isn't a problem with any of their steels, that I'm aware of, if given minimal care. You can get some really top end steels for not a lot of money with Spyderco.
I'll always think they're ugly as sin, being something of a traditionalist, but I can't argue with quality, practicality, and affordability.

Todd
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I would rather carry a firearm but IL is a non carry state. I plan to purchase some Foxlabs spray. I will definately research a little more on the laws.

And I am going to look at those Spyderco Salt knives.

Once again thanks for all the replies.
 
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