Tactical folder for self defense

PEPPER SPRAY !!!!

Then you can LEAVE THE AREA.

or...if nobody's lookin....an the bad guy ain't thrashin too much...you can lean down and make a few cuts.

I had personal experience a few weeks back when I ....forgot....my CCW ...GUN and had nothing but my knife.

I ......DO......NOT......WANT.......TO......FIGHT......WITH......A.....KNIFE !!

Period.

(but, then on the other hand, I want all my knives to look like they'd be good to fight with)

:confused:
 
Let me first say thanks for all the good info and ideas. Let me also say that I am not against Spyderco. I really like some of their knives (like the ATR), but to be honest it's just a matter of asthetics. I did own 2 Spydercos, a Zytel(?) handled Endura (paid $30) and the Military model I got for $40 because the clerk at the PX mismarked the price. OBTW, I am a Marine. Semper Fi! I did have negative experiences with both knives, however. The plastic clip on the Endura broke after about 3 weeks and the liner lock on the Military kept failing after awhile. I did really like the Military model, but subsequently lost it somewhere. I don't hold these experiences against Spyderco. The Endura was the cheap version and maybe I could have fixed or tuned the Military model. I just am not a real big fan of how the Spydees look. That's probably not the best way to judge a knife, but if I don't get excited about it, I won't use it. Right now, I am leaning toward the BM 710 (large version), the 732 Ares, the 943 Osborne, 806 AFCK, or the 551. I also like the MT mini SOCOM Elite, SERE 2000, the Emerson SOFCK, CRKT Desert Cruiser, CRKT M16, and some of the MOD knives. The 710 is my prime choice right now based it's price and many positive reviews, but any pro's and con's of the other models are welcome.
 
Pepper spray
or
CCW + firearm

Knife fights are ugly, dirty, bloody affairs.
Good luck.
 
OK, no Spyderco. Then what I have for second choice carry is my D2 Griptilian, full size. Got it from Cabelas. Many on this site have Griptilians. Fairly big grip that you listed you need.
Cheers,
og
 
maybe you should look @ the Spyderco Gunting or something similar, as you don't prefer Spyderco.. why? 'cause it can be used as a weapon without deploying the blade.. you can just grab it and strike with it's skull-crusher looking thing.. it's faster that way, and a well-placed strike or two would buy you enough time to either A). get outta harm's way, or B). deploy the blade..

i'm pretty sure a couple other manufacturers make blades with a similar skull-crusher looking appendage.. not sure who tho.. sorry.
 
I'll second Ivan Yulaev's recommendation:

Get some proper schooling. Especially on how to recognize threats and avoid them. Muggers, for some peculiar reason, often have drug habits. Folks strung out enough to use violence to get your valuables often have Hep-B, Hep-C, or HIV. You don't want that type of blood on you and knives and closed-handed strikes are great for putting it on you.
 
There is no faster folder to deploy than an Emerson with the "wave"- period!
Either a Commander or a CQC 7- best tactical self-defense knives out there (IMHO). That's what they were designed for.
 
I carry an Emerson CQC 7B w/wave. It is absolutely the fastest opening knife out of the pocket I have ever seen. Built solid and made for defense. I love it.

Have owned several auto's and none compare to how fast this Emerson opens!

Get one and you won't be disappointed. (IMHO and YMMV :D )
 
"Then what I have for second choice carry is my D2 Griptilian, full size. Got it from Cabelas"

Last I checked the D2 models are no longer available from Cabelas. There is a company offering a Griptilian with an S30V blade now, but I forget who it is. The price is also about double that of the standard model with the 440C blade.
 
Thanks Kref, for posting that url. Wow! a Griptilian with a S30V blade. And only a few dollars more than I paid for my D2 Grip.
Everybody needs at least one Griptilian and here is the chance to get one with the very best blade. Better than the D2. And way, way better than the 440C offered with the standard Grips from Benchmade.
Just my opinion.
og
 
Not to be a big poopie-head, but I think it's important to put O.C./Pepper spray into context here----it's a nice 'plan A', but it is certainly NOT a fightstopper you can rely on. I've sprayed well over 100 people with O.C. in training (I'm an OCAT certified instructor) and a number of bad guys. NOT ONE has been incapable of harming someone after being sprayed. In pain? Yes. Incapacitated-certainly not.

Before people answer the 'which knife' question with 'pepper spray', consider this scenario-you and I are locked in a subway car (or hallway, or elevator..) and you have a can of O.C. I have a Kershaw Vapor from WalMart.

Any takers?


Larry
 
If you are looking for something on the less expensive side, a Griptillian or an XL Cold Steel Voyager might be good choices.

I would also recommend considering carrying a small fixed blade such as the Spyderco Ronin instead. Fixed blades are fast and don't have any lock issues to deal with.
 
My two cents...

For defense, and even for utility, I want a grip that makes it mechanically impossible for my hand to slip forward onto the blade. That means a knife with either a deep finger indent or a real lower guard. As much as I love my customized (Ironwood) 710, I never carry it as my primary blade.

For a defensive folder I would go with something like a Camillus Dominator, Kershaw Boa, Spyderco Chinook, Benchmade 806, CRKT M16, or another knife with similar characteristics. (What I actually EDC are a Camillus Aftermath and a Darrel Ralph Madd Maxx 4", both with dual guards.)

--Bob Q
 
Here's the thing...usually in muggings, there's no 'ambush' type scenario...these are actually pretty rare. Usually, it's one person distracting you, then a partner getting you when your guard is down. And when your guard is down, the 12" Ultra-Combat-Tactical-Killem knife in your pocket might as well be at home.

Take some classes, learn to recognize and avoid threats...THEN, only then, worry about getting an SD knife.
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions and sound advice. I wanted recommendations for a stout, all around quality folder that could be used effectively for self defense if absolutely necesary. I did not intend to present myself as a Rambo wannabe. I am not a "knife fighter" and have no illusions that carrying a "tactical" folder will make me one. I suppose any knife could be used as a last resort, however I want something a cut above your average X-mart knife and there are not any stores nearby that offer a selection of quality Benchmade, Spyderco, etc. I am also in the military and want something that would hold up under hard use if need be. I have purchased several cheaper knives from Walmart and other stores in the past and I am tired of them breaking, chipping, etc.. You have led me in the right direction and I appreciate all your suggestions. I am going to go with the BM710HS, although there are so many good models and manufacturers that I will definiteley have to add some more to my aspiring collection.
 
pbpasquale said:
Hi. Anyone have any suggestions for a good "tactical folder" primarily for self defense I can carry in my pocket or clipped to a belt? My budget is no more than $200, but preferabley less. I don't care for Spyderco (just personal preferance). I would like a 3-4" blade not in a tanto style unless highly recommended. I have looked at many models from CRKT, Emerson, Combat Elite, Microtech, Cold Steel, Benchmade, and MOD and I am especially looking at knives with larger grips (I have big hands) that will provide a solid grip in any situation. I am leaning towards a Benchmade model for the price/quality compromise, but all suggestions are welcome. I know this a broad, subjective topic, but maybe I can seperate some of the wheat from the chaff. Any help would be much appreciated. Also, no autos please. THNX.
Click to expand...
if you want something for self defense, dont pay a lot for it, because if you ever use it, its going to be taken by the cops. I tend to lean towards CRKT for Everyday Carry. Good Knives at a good price
 
Lavan said:
PEPPER SPRAY !!!!

Then you can LEAVE THE AREA.

or...if nobody's lookin....an the bad guy ain't thrashin too much...you can lean down and make a few cuts.

I had personal experience a few weeks back when I ....forgot....my CCW ...GUN and had nothing but my knife.

I ......DO......NOT......WANT.......TO......FIGHT......WITH......A.....KNIFE !!

Period.

(but, then on the other hand, I want all my knives to look like they'd be good to fight with)

:confused:
Click to expand...
I agree with this guy, Pepper Spray or Taser is the way to go unless you have a CCW permit and a reliable gun. Take a look at Sabre Law Enforcement products. This way you dont get arrested for wrongful cutting haha.
 
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