recommendation for a knife to defend against a mountain lion

BladeScout said:
Thanks guys, now I have a mental picture of a hiker bristling with spears, kukris, daggers and bear spray whilst blasting an air horn at regular intervals.......:D
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I prefer to rely on my morning breath, arm pits and skank socks. Then I only have to watch out for vultures.
 
I re-read my post and wanted to clarify somthing.
It's not the most amazing story i have ever read. Just the most amazing story about a lion and a knife.
 
klute said:
Me i haven't fought any wild animals in the wild but i fought 3 pitbulls who were attacking my dog in a public park…
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Attack by a "domesticated" dog is, almost everywhere in the lower 48, a lot more likely than attack by a wild cat. Carry a knife or gun if you like, but be realistic about risk assessment.
 
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Three combative pitbulls loose in a dog park, looks like they'd be as likely to fight each other as gang up on another dog.
 
Blue-Fox said:
This is the most amazing modern day story I have ever read about a man that killed a lion with a knife.

http://www.kimwolhuter.com/harry.htm
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Pretty amazing he had the fortitude to stab the lion in the heart like that while in it's grip. Also, amazing the dog Bull could keep away from the second lion, yet continue to lure it away from the tree. Too bad he perished later in a fight with a baboon, but at least the baboon died too. Poor old brave Bull, must be tough being an great white hunter's go to dog.
 
When wrestling and being bitten and clawed at wouldn't it be good to have a knife which stays in the hand even if the hand opens? In that scenario shouldn't retention be more important than being able to switch between different methods of holding a knife or switching it from one hand to another?
Something like a trench knife comes to mind http://www.weapons-universe.com/Brass-Knuckles-Blog/Images/US_Mark_One_Trench_Knife-Soldier.jpg (I know this particular one would take too long to put all the fingers in the little holes)
Or the Russian Kalashnikov Bayonet http://worldbayonets.com/Bayonet_Identification_Guide/Russia/B1319/B1319-1.jpg (super cheap, nice retaining strap but clumsy handle)
Or some Karambit with the hole for index finger or pinky http://www.foxcutlery.com/n/files/szMJiA/fox_karambit_alu.jpg (very compact, but usually bad at stabbing and normal knife tasks due to the hawkbill bladeshape)
Any more suggestion for a knife which can not be lost when rolling on the ground with a cat or a bear?
 
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If your husband is wearing a back pack, he should have a fixed blade knife attached to the shoulder strap, handle down, so it can be drawn with either hand in case the cat has a hold of one of his arms. I would use a surplus K bar as I carried one that way on my Ruck in Viet Nam for a year. Easy to get to and a 6" blade will do serious damage to a cat. If he can not carry a gun because of being in a national park, etc., I would anyway. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. LiG
 
o-HOW-TO-FIGHT-OFF-MOUNTAIN-LION-facebook.jpg
 
I own a authentic ''TIGER FORK.it was made in INDIA.and is about 9 feet long.its a large 8 ft.pole and a wicked pitchfork looking thing on the end.i keep it right near my back door in case of bear or intruder attack and I cant/don't wanna fire a gun.
it was made in INDIA for defense against tigers which invade small villages.
its not exactly a knife but it is a spear of sorts.i hope it counts and is useful for you to know about.
 
Anything you can manage to get your hands on quickly with a 150 pound lion with his jaws on your throat! Mountain lions are stealth predators...like crocodiles. One minute you're going along just fine and then...CHOMP...or in the case of a mountain line, POUNCE, CHOMP.

By the time you are being attacked by a mountain lion, you already need stitches.
 
I love knives and have had one on me since I was 7. But when it comes to defending myself from large game a knife is not the first nor second weapon that comes to mind. (1911, pepper)

If you have to use your knife against a cougar, you're probably going to come out of that fight losing something you can't get back. Not something I'd advise you to plan for.

--partypooper
 
I'll take a spear over a knife against a mountain lion. Something like a solid 6 ft walking stick with a ESEE spear on the end.
 
Cold Steel makes some nice spears and they have one called a Boar Spear. I would probably buy one if I had mountain lions in the area.
 
I know you've been exposed to alot of opinions.

I do not wish to make your judgements more difficult.

I agree with those recommending a fixed blade knife.

I agree with those recommending pepper spray.

I also agree with those recommending a good firearm but realize that that may be impossible in your location.

I leave the rest to your good judgement.
 
Awe yeah this is a great blade forum thread. Nothing like a hypothetical defense scenario to get the forum buzzing and this one takes the cake. Can't wait to read all the knife advise about how to prepare for a lion attack from guys with 50 knives, none of which even have scratches on them.
 
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