Sifu VS Spyderco Civilian

C

Chariot

Joined
Jul 9, 2000
Messages
173
ok, still haven't made up my mind of a folder for self defense, im narrowing it down though =)

sifu or civilian.

sifu is $118, civilian $128

sifu got a bigger blade. but i asume it's also bigger all in all, and not as light as the civilian meaning it might be very uncomfortable to carry, definitely a minus..

i guess both score pretty much the same on intimidation factor (i find civilian being more bad ass, but the blade is shorter)

sifu can be used for stabbing, which might be a good thing. (the tactic slash and run is something im still not sure about wether it's a realistic approach to self-defense... see my post in the tactics forum)

locks i guess sifu is better, still i doubt a spyderco civilian will fail me, especially since it wont be used for stabbing...

not easy to choose... please point out anything i've missed... i also like to clearify that they will be used ONLY as self-defense knives... they need to be concealed when carried...

also which one would you reckon is faster to pull the blade? sifu or civilian? is a round hole to be prefered?

i've also looked at the emerson commander (too expensive) bm 710 with axis lock (doesn't look like a strict self-defense knife, shorter blade etc) pocket hobbit (looks clumsy, prefered for reverse grip self-defense something i know nothing about...)

regards,
Chariot

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This space for rent
 
A SIFU for $118, please tell me where before I have a massive coronary.... I gotta get one of those.
biggrin.gif
 
A BM 710 may be a better choice.It will do anything defensively that can be reasonably expected of a knife. since you are going fully concealed,its less than 4" length may save you from violating any law.Please remember that if you ever have to use a knife for self defense,You will likely fight a second battle in court.Your defense will stand a lot better with a fairly innocent looking knife like a BM.
As far as the Civilian,unless you specifically study fighting tecniques that apply to that kind of knife, you will severly limit yourself. You basically give up any hope of a thrusting move. When the adreneline dump occurs,that is a good gross motor skill to have access to.
Also, Most will find that while they say the knife they carry may be for defense only,they will occasionally use it for utilitarian purposes.
Your mileage may vary. Figure out what you are most comfortable with and go for it.
I hope that it, along with your seatbelt and emergency kit, never has to be used for its intended purpose.
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
Sifu. It's all around more versatile than the Civilian. A slashing-only knife sounds to me like half a defensive knife, like a stabbing-only icepick, not quite a well-rounded knife. The Sifu will do both and more, and an extra 1.5" reach can't hurt.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I agree that the Sifu is a more practical design but a defensive knife will be carried more then it will be used and in this respect the Civilian is much more comfortable.I own both knives and I can deploy the Civilian faster then the Sifu.Any time I am carrying either of these knives I always carry something that has a more socially acceptable appearence in case I need a knife for a purpose more mundane then defense.The Civilian gets the nod for me.

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~Gordon~
 
Can someone list the weight of the sifu and the civilian? i'd like to get a picture how big the difference between them are and i can't seem to find this out searching on the web.... also the length of the two, both opened and closed... thanks.

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This space for rent
 
Have you picked either of them up?
Handled either?
If not, my suggestion is to do just that.
 
Defenseve knife? Just open the Civilian and they should be heading for other areas.I own one and it scares me just to look at it open.And I have it in my hand.
eek.gif


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have a"knife"day

[This message has been edited by nifrand (edited 07-26-2000).]
 
Howdy!
I don't have a scale, so I couldn't weigh the knives, but I broke out my trusty old Digital Camera and took a pic. At least it shows the size difference. I held both of the knives, and they seem to weigh about the same... it's POSSIBLE that the Sifu is lighter (due to the G-10 handles, unlike the Civilian with the metal handles) In any case, the weight difference is negligable. (Crap, how do you spell that werd?)
ANYways, I think that the Sifu is just a tad larger than the Civilian:
View


Hope that helps!
VG

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vampiregerbil@aol.com
 
thanks vampire! the new civilian got g-10 as well, so it should be (according to the websites) aprox 40% lighter, but it's great to see them together. thanks for the extra work, appreciate it.

regards
Chariot

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This space for rent
 
I do not own a Civilian, much as I love Spydies, but I do own a Sifu. I have carried it, not necessarily as a defense weapon. It rides very deeply in the side pocket and I have not noticed it to be uncomfortably heavy to carry. It seems to ride very easily.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
IMHO, these 2 knives are must-have for any hardcore knife knuts, no offense to anyone, I saved my lunch money and got both
smile.gif
. It's really tough to pick a winner, although i love the civilian w/ all my heart, the SIFU is a more rounded knife. Let's face it, the only time you will use the civilian is on someone else...
biggrin.gif
, the skinny tip is brittle for any utility purpose, IMO. But for SIFU, you can pry w/ that sucker, (I wouldnt do it though). Anyhow, my $.02 is get them both
smile.gif
.
 
Get an AFCK. Excellent defensive tool and better from a social/legal perspective. Does a job on my dummy! Also, fast opening and well priced.
 
Chariot,

Since your stated purpose is self defense, I would lean towards the Civilian since it is made specifically for getting ones hide out of a jam fast. The smaller size means it will be easier to conceal comfortably.
Just my two cents...

recoil

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stay alert/stay alive
 
I'd also choose the Civilian SINCE I can't accidentally stab someone with it (Here's to hoping that'll hold up in court!).

It's definitely a pure-breed self defense knife, and it should be used for only that purpose (unless your dispatching sentries
wink.gif
).
 
It would be in your best interest to physically hold each and see how the fit and feel is for a primary defensive knife..
The Sifu is far more versatile..
For Defense and Utility purposes I prefer the Spyderco Military Plain Edge..
 
Chariot - Which one of the two would you rather not get cut by...then that's the one for you.

The same argument works well for 9mm vs .45 cal.

sal
 
Sal,
I agree with you.Looking forward to seeing you at the Orlando Guild Show next
year!Still have may Civ.from so long ago.
(bought a new one also).They have no idea
what it can do!
jim
 
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