The New-Knife Itch -- Self-Defense Fixed Blade Under 4"

J

JBoS6

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
Messages
157
Alright, I've got that "I need a new knife" itch, so I'm looking for a daily carry, self-defense fixed-blade. I do own a CRKT Stiff KISS, and a BM Nimravus Cub. However, as I said, I want a new blade. I know you all understand the feeling.

I live in the great (*cough cough* :rolleyes:) state of Massachusetts, and we have a concealed carry blade limit of 4". I'm also trying to keep this ~$50, but I can go as high as ~$100 (though I may have to wait a little longer to go ahead with the purchase -- for the right knife, big deal.) I would prefer a blade with a good sheath, but I'm willing to get a custom sheath if need be (again, for the right knife, big deal). As this is intended as primarily a self-defense blade, I'm open to suggestions on serrated/plain-blade/combo edge.

I greatly anticipate the wonderful advice I get here. Thanks VERY much in advance. My peace-of-mind thanks you, too.
 
How about the small Camillus CQB? It's blade length is 4 inches and comes with a great Kydex sheath.

terzjrplain.jpg
 
I've thought about that one ... the short list of ones that have come to mind thus far include:

CRKT Kasper/Polkowski Companion
CRKT Kit Carson F4
Gerber Yari
Livesay Woo
Livesay Uji Fighter
Kershaw Echo (not really a self-defense knife??)
REKAT Pikuni
Camillus CQB2 (small version -- LOVE the look of this knife)

I honestly greatly respect the opinions of many people on this board, and am looking for informed opinions on these or any other blades that fit the description that I gave. El Cid, thanks very much for your input. There is little I value above the safety of myself and those that I care about, and all responses to this question are assisting me ni better protecting myself.
 
JBoS6
You might also consider the Fallkniven WM-1 and Livesay NRGS, both are good workers and sub 4" blade.
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
Take a look at the Fällkniven G1 Garm Fighter model.

G1.jpg


Total length: 7.5" (190 mm)
Blade length3.54" (90 mm)
Blade thickness: 0.18" (4,5 mm)
Steel: VG-10
Blade hardness: 59 HRC
Handle: Thermorun
Blade surface: Black teflon®
 
I LOVE it!!!

But ...

It's double-edged. MA laws prohibit ownership/carrying of double-edged blades. Otherwise, I think that would absolutely fit the bill!!!


The search goes on ....
 
Running Dog Knives has some awesome blades. Very attractive and in in your price range with good kydex sheaths. Check them out.

981616481902.GIF


This is a Running Dog Maverick.
 
get a benchmade outbounder, because i want to hear what you think of it

here is a review


Outbounder

I just like how it looks!


I have wanted a Camillus CQB-2 for a while, but i am concerned about handle length, a valid concern?
 
hey dude! dont "cut" yourself short... there is no law restricting blade length in Mass... just no double edge, autos,dirks,daggers,or gravity knives...if a shorter blade is what your looking for...the pikuni,f4 or one of the others mentioned above may be the ticket;)
 
Do yourself a BIG favor and get yourself a Camillus Cuda CQB-2! I have a pair of the larger CQB-1, and find them to be EXCELLENT carry knives.:).
 
Originally posted by JBoS6
I live in the great (*cough cough* :rolleyes state of Massachusetts, and we have a concealed carry blade limit of 4". I'm also trying to keep this ~$50, but I can go as high as ~$100 (though I may have to wait a little longer to go ahead with the purchase -- for the right knife, big deal.) I would prefer a blade with a good sheath, but I'm willing to get a custom sheath if need be (again, for the right knife, big deal). As this is intended as primarily a self-defense blade, I'm open to suggestions on serrated/plain-blade/combo edge.
Click to expand...

JBoS6,

Where did you get that 4" Law? I think that is more of a Urban Legend instead of statute.

(b) Whoever, except as provided by law, carries on his person, or carries on his person or under his control in a vehicle, any stiletto, dagger or a device or case which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position, any ballistic knife, or any knife with a detachable blade capable of being propelled by any mechanism, dirk knife, any knife having a double-edged blade, or a switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which the blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches, or a slung shot, blowgun, blackjack, metallic knuckles or knuckles of any substance which could be put to the same use with the same or similar effect as metallic knuckles, nunchaku, zoobow, also known as klackers or kung fu sticks, or any similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire or leather, a shuriken or any similar pointed starlike object intended to injure a person when thrown, or any armband, made with leather which has metallic spikes, points or studs or any similar device made from any other substance or a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other substance and worn on the hand, or a manrikigusari or similar length of chain having weighted ends; or whoever, when arrested upon a warrant for an alleged crime, or when arrested while committing a breach or disturbance of the public peace, is armed with or has on his person, or has on his person or under his control in a vehicle, a billy or other dangerous weapon other than those herein mentioned and those mentioned in paragraph (a), shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two and one-half years nor more than five years in the state prison, or for not less than six months nor more than two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction, except that, if the court finds that the defendant has not been previously convicted of a felony, he may be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction.
 
Ya know, I've been asking around for 3 years, and I've heard both sides of this NUMEROUS times. Many people say "there's no length limit in MA", and just as many others say "there's a 4" limit". The Chesapeake Knife & Tool (in Quincy Market South) is supposed to be getting an up-to-date copy of the MA knife laws from a State Trooper in the near future.

The other possibility that has been brought up is that the 4" law might be a local law (for Boston), in which case it wouldn't show up in the MA Legal Code just posted. However, does anyone have any experience in walking into a police station and asking what the laws are? I've heard tell of officers having NO idea what the actual laws are, but still seeing fit to tell a citizen "I'm sorry, that weapon is illegal." Great ... who the heck do we trust?

I will keep y'all posted if I find anything more definitive on the carry lengths. I'm ALSO trying to find more on where to get my hands on that OH-SO-PRETTY CQB2!! Anyone have one they would consider parting with?? :D
 
Just a side note on cops not knowing the law -- I gave a friend a Pionner Tanto, he got pulled over by a cop (state trooper, I believe)and frisked, and the trooper told him it was illegal because it had a locking blade.

For a self-defense knife in the size range you mentioned, I think it would be hard to go wrong with one of Fred Perrin's excellent Griffes. Closer to $150-200, but really well-thought-out, well-made knives, with excellent kydex sheathing (so no need to go aftermarket).
 
Get the companion. It's the most knife for it's money and it's size, and with the price under your limit, you can afford a top of the line custom kydex sheath to go with it. I have used mine for utility of all kinds and the AUS-6 has performed alot better than I would have given it credit for without trying it.
 
You've had some excellent recommendations here! Don't overlook the Spyderco Moran in the group, but my personal choice is usually the CQB2 by Cuda.:D
 
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