Tanto blade: Should I return my bear for a Kimura or a tactical folder?

[flickedbic]

MODS: Move to Bali forum? Questions about folders options is why I went general but it looks like I am returning for Kimura tanto Balisong for 60 shipped. But I want a bigger blade... oh well I"m happy. Here's my short story:

I was looking for a mid-level tactical and some EDC knife for work mostly (tape and some boxes). I do want something pretty sturdy; especially a sturdy tanto blade, I figure, is worth about as much as it's handle and that connection. Not that I want to do much (or any) prying. I love Balisong type so...

I ordered and have a 114a tanto Bear and Son. I like the blade but learning about the weak handles was dissapointing.

I'd love to carry a BM 47 Tanto; and this was a sort of compromise for a couple years untill then: but if it won't stand-up to much real-life use I would happily pay the restocking fee to get a Cold Steel Recon 1 tanto or Voyager tanto Lg?
Folders-----
The main thing I don't like about these folders is they aren't said to be really good as one-handed openers.

Also looking good is Boker Kalashnikov Tactical Tanto for the same price but smaller with a 3.3" blade 4.24" closed.

Boker Plus and Armed Forces also have some nice-looking Tactical Tanto folders in this price range.

-----More Balis?-----

I'd really love a good tanto balisong; the Kimura III looks great at $60 for a blemished one; but the blade seems a bit small; altho still a nice length... I'm probably getting the Kimura but was looking for something more beefy like on Darrel Ralph Venturi VIII ($400 out of the ballpark for my price-range.)
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Advice and other options truly appreciated.


Blessings.

 

[WhichGun]

I don't think a tanto blade makes a good tactical blade, and especially not a good EDC blade. Tanto blades are thick all the way up to the tip, making them very strong and good for stabbing and penetrating. But you lose a lot of cutting surface area for slicing and slashing (with the sharp angle in the edge close to the tip of a tanto blade, there literally is no belly. You end up trading tip strength for almost everything else.

I also do not recommend a balisong as a tactical knife regardless of blade shape. You need fine motor skills to do even the most basic openings, which is not good if you need the knife out now to defend your life.

I would definitely get the Kimura III, but also get an assisted-opening tactical folder such as the Kershaw Tremor.

 

[MadMullet]

Take a look at Emerson folders. Most Emerson knives have the option for the "Wave". Its a small hook on the top of the blade that hooks your pocket as you pull it out and deploys the blade in one motion. Faster then a auto in many cases. They are well built in the US by a maker that has made knives for US special forces and beyond. Take a look at the QCQ-7 if you like tantos. balisongs are cool to collect and flip but in the real world they are too hard and knida slow if you need to use it as a Last ditch means of protection.

 

[flickedbic]

WhichGun: I also don't think the Tanto shape is best for EDC. I do think it is a valid tactical tool; fast and deep snap cuts: and if it is chisel ground the advantage afforded in wound channel creation.

...and some Tantos still have their bellies; just like the originals...

I agree the balisong may not be "the best" for self-defense. I don't trust the blade/handle connection for prying (if it gets stuck), and balisong especially must be trained to be an extention of the body due to the tactile dexterity required, a very good point.

BTW; that Tremor is sexy and a great price to boot: thanks.

That "wave" is a great idea thanks for showing me it Mad Mullet; I had been hearing of it but it is nice to have a picture.

Cool knife; a little out of my price-range ATM but definitely very interesting.

I will surely get a sturdy survival folder at some point.

BTW: I've got that Kimura III en-route.

I will probably keep the Bear and Son to practice with, even though it doesn't lock open(!); the pivot pin doesn't allow the handles to get close enough to latch; and now I have dents in the handles from the one time I did latch it.

It latches closed just fine.

ADVICE?

Should I try returning the Bear and son anyways now? It kinda sucks not being able to lock it open. Or should I just file away the handles a bit where there are dents now, to allow the handles to come together and lock without bending the handles? This may be a sizeable contributor to handles breaking; as I've heard of this issue before... and the handles breaking near the top also which this could also account for; as that is where the stress would be put when forced to lock.

Blessings