Suggestion of knife for women - self-defense?

S

Shoknife

Joined
Jan 21, 2001
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8
I need suggestions of knives suitable for a female, for self-defense. I've allready had a look at the LaGriffe but I'd like more suggestions, preferebly not as costy. Thanks for any suggestions and if possible webadresses so I can look them up.

Many thanks in advance!!
 
Standard disclaimer: knives should not be used as weapons unless proper training is first undergone.

With that said, check out the Bear Claw from CRKT. Same concept as La Griffe at a lower price. If I'm not mistaken, the Bear Claw was designed by Russ Komer specifically with self defense for females in mind. Check out my review here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=138888

Technical info available at: www.crkt.com
 
I would second that recomendation, but also say that you get what you pay for, the lagriffe is lower maintainace, better steel, lower profile. They're both almost undisarmable from a determined man or woman, training or no training. However, I think it is foolish to throw a knife around your neck and think you're ready. Seek out whatever training you can find in your area, and this forum is a great resource to get advice on that too. There is a forum called practical tactical that would be a great place to ask. Good luck!
 
I'm with Mr. Mayo. And peruse the small revolvers available, Taurus has some very nice models that are very reasonable.

I don't carry a knife for self defense because I am not properly trained. If cornered, I'd use a kitchen sink if I had to, but only as a last resort. Heck I'm not too macho for pepper-spray, if I didn't already have a small Glock in .40 s&w. ;)
 
I've heard good things about them, but watch out that you don't get the doubled edged version, as NYC has lawa against that.
 
It's a little pricey at $120.00 but it's a solid liner lock folder. It comes with a 2 3/8" 154CM hawk bill blade with double thumb stud, aluminum scales with checkered kraton rubber inserts and a pocket clip. Overall length is 5 1/2" open. It has a nice finger groove that serves as a guard and it's notched for a good grip. I love mine. If I had a pic I'd post it.
 
The Civilian was created as a backup weapon and fierce looking all by it's lonesome! I prefer the older style with the kraton inserts, wicked knife! As James Mattis once said, a lovely Bagel Slicer!!

G2
 
I think the first avenue to pursue regarding self-defense for a woman (or a man, or a Martian, or whomever) is to seek out proper training, rather than trying to select a knife design. I mean, once you know what you're doing, your knife choice will be dictated by your tastes and needs.
 
A Spyderco Delica would be a good inexpensive choice.
 
Don´t forget to do some searching on the Practical Tactical forum here at Bladeforums.

/Colinz
 
A Spyderco Delica or Native would be good for social use, is easy to carry and will provide for utility use as well.
Stay sharp,
Chad
 
Like I said before....a small nine and lots of practice.
Concealable......controllable.
But before you do that...go out in the back yard with your buddy and two magic markers and see who wins a knife fight!! GET REAL YOU DORKS!! THERE IS NO WAY OUT!!!!!!! You dont even want anyone getting within 10 yds of you with a knife. :)
 
ok.....i repent.....those are strong words....you guys arent dorks and I CARRY A KNIFE ALL THE TIME>>>> but if I had a choice...I would run!! :)
 
Originally posted by tom mayo
ok.....i repent.....those are strong words....you guys arent dorks and I CARRY A KNIFE ALL THE TIME>>>> but if I had a choice...I would run!! :)
Click to expand...

Echoing Tom, Michael Janich writes on page 5 in Knife Fighting A Practical Course , "The first rule of knife fighting is, unless it is impossible to avoid it, don't do it....If you can possibly avoid a confrontation, do so. Walk, run or drive away and diffuse the situation before it escalates." A picture on the back of the book shows him running away from a man armed with a knife.

Your object should be to survive. Anyone's survival chances are much better if they can escape, than if they have to use a knife to defend themselves. Do any of you disagree? Awareness is massively important.

A key point with most weapons (perhaps not mace or pepper spray) - certainly a knife - is that you must be willing to kill your attacker with them. You may not have to, but you must be willing to. If you are not, don't carry them.


Alan
 
I am probably one of the least qualified to respond to this thread, but here goes....

Like has been mentioned, Training is the most important and only proper beginning. And I beleive that the first thing that should be learned, by all, and especially women, is Awareness.

Awareness (call it a "danger radar") is the skill/sense that will make conflict mostly unnecessary. An instructor with real world experience once said "If you can stay Awake and Aware, you can get Away Alive." Few truer words have been spoken.

Once Awareness has begun to grow, and Training is beginning to show fruit....

Then, I feel that a Spyderco Product like the Merlin or Matriarch would be a good choice. Or, even better, a Delica or Endura, then if a -likely event- transpires, like needing to cut string or open a letter, or any one of the daily tasks needing a knife, she will be prepared for it, and the unlikely confrontation.

Another advantage of the Delica and Endura is that both have complimenting trainers, similar knives, designed to be safe to train with, while allowing you to practice all the mechanics of use.

Unfortunately, the Emerson LaGriffe and CRKT Bear Claw are both fixed blades, making them illegal in a number of jurisdictions, while the Delica is legal in a larger number of jurisdictions, be sure to know what laws you must labour under.
 
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