The One Knife?

[Colorodo]

Spyderco because there are so many different flavors to pick from. The one always becomes the next one.

 

[22-rimfire]

I know I will probably be shot down for this but I want to take a different stance than most. I understand knives are addictive, just like Flashlights, or Guns. For me my addictive limits are 3. I tend to buy no more than 3 of a type of item before I find the one I stay with. My flashlight, bought three types and landed on Zebra SC600W IV Plus, my Gun, bought three types and landed on the Hk compact... My knife... ? ?? . Hence this post. I need your help. Benchmade custom 20Cv Mini crooked river and paramilitary 2 are my two knives.. I need a third and possibly your opinion on which of the three knives I should make my primary then.

Needs: EDC with option ability to use Tactical.

You have a pretty narrow "addiction". You seem to like Benchmades, then you might stick with them. I like Benchmade stuff simply because I like their axis lock and the knives are generally pretty well made. Something that is is generally a tad more expensive are ZT's and I think you can find your 3rd there if you want to. Generally they are all well made, use good steel, and function very reliably and can be very tactical if you like.

When I first read your title, I was thinking you were looking for "the one". Some might call that the grail knife, but not me. Grails are generally unreachable from my point of view. Or "the one" could be the one knife you use for the rest of your life. In that case I was going to say Vic SAK. But they aren't very tactical.

If you are truly only going to have three knives, one of them should be a fixed blade. If SD is really a concern for which knife you carry, once again, a fixed blade is what is needed. If is not legal for you to carry a FB, then just pick the best folder for the job.

Since you don't own a fixed blade, you might consider one. But you will probably need three of those. The Bradford Guardian 3.5 is a good choice, as are Lionsteels, and other medium priced fixed blades. The White River Backpacker Pro is a good small regular carry fixed blade.

Consider a custom or handmade fixed blade??

 

[gadgetgeek]

I think part of the problem is applying the same solution to a different question.
Gun= one use, will last practically forever, no reason to change.
Flashlight= One use, won't last forever, but tech moves enough that replacing it when it dies is worth while.
Knife= many uses, some more or less damaging to the knife itself, all designs become compromises.

My thought is that if you are looking for a CCW companion, then look at a specialist SD fixed blade, so it can be integrated into your current carry system. Then get something that appeals to you aesthetically for breaking down boxes and cutting cheese. Most dedicated CCW/weapon retention knives can be found in a trainer version as well, since if you want to carry it for that, you should be training with it. The EDC will fit a very different role, and you might find a more classic style knife to then be an option for you, or you can do something more modern and subtle, or go hog wild, but trying to have a "tactical" EDC is just looking to be both disappointed and potentially under-armed.

 

[Mario Jones]

If you're not going to talk about what research you've done already, not going to go into any depth about your preferences or requirements, have no intention to actually join the hobby, and you don't even have enough invested in this process to get even get Chris R's last name right, you might as well just pick a knife out of a hat.

Yeah... Sorry I made a human error. Didn't mean to make a total stranger so mad with a simple question.

 

[Mario Jones]

To almost everyone....you guys were so amazing for responding .I have honestly taken all of your replies into consideration. Almost everyone gave very good feedback that will help me with my choice. Be blessed everyone and thank you all for your kindness! I will decide in few days and will report back then .

 

[Chucktabulous]

If I could only have one folder I'd have to pick the SwissChamp. I'm a fidgeter. No one or two bladed knife overtakes its usefulness for me.
One one bladed folder? Spyderco Gayle Bradley... without a doubt. It's always the first one to come to mind when I ponder the "only one knife" question.
One big fixed blade? My Swamp Rat Rodent 9 (the best heat treat in the biz). It laughs at other "tough" steels like a bully laughs at his victims.
One small fixed blade? My Benchmade Nim Cub in M2. That steel gets silly, silly sharp and the knife is a champ.
Not long ago I sold the vast majority of my collection and only kept the ones that should keep me happy till I croak.
I miss the pile of knives that didn't fit my needs but I'm very happy with what I kept.

 

[Wowbagger]

Benchmade custom 20Cv Mini crooked river and paramilitary 2 are my two knives.. I need a third and possibly your opinion on which of the three knives I should make my primary then.

Well for convenience just stick with the Para2; it is one of my very favorite stock work knives.

Of course I like to be a bit "different" so . . . if you are willing to try something off the beaten path : Cold Steel, Ti Lite IV (four inch blade) . . . get one from the old stock of CTS-XHP and get it full flat ground.
I ground mine to a "crazy thin" 1.9mm but if you want tactical leave it thicker but it isn't so hot for everyday use with the ridge down the center of the blade.
Down side : best carried in a belt pouch; though it comes with a perfectly serviceable pocket clip I find I like the handle best with the clip removed.
By the way I have two of these I like them so much ! ! ! !
PS: the thing fires open so fast; if you haven't tried one you should.
For me the handle shape is only second to the other knife in the photo at this LINK>>>>> but that Urban Trapper is way too wimpy for fighting though it is my very favorite EDC period.

 

[JParanee]

If i has to pick one knife it would be a custom fixed blade

If I had to pick a prouduction folder from the group you mentioned it would be a Spyderco Yojimbo II

I have a lot of very good knives and I’m still drawn to this design

 

[vanadium]

Yeah... Sorry I made a human error. Didn't mean to make a total stranger so mad with a simple question.

I'm not mad at all. That was my actual advice.

 

[Filthyj24]

You seem to like Benchmade, need a knife that can be used "tactically" and you don't have a fixed blade...

This little guy has beat out a full size custom crooked river, ZT 0804cf, Adamas 375 and Spartan blades phrike as my EDC knife. All of the aforementioned knives were fantastic and would meet your criteria pretty well, but the altitude just hits that sweet spot for me.

 

[sabre cat]

Flashlights are addictive? Buy a Surefire and be done with it. The hellfire for ultimate tactical .50cal mountable and burns like the sun. Other than that if you only get the one knife, it's a fix blade imo. I'm in love with my BM 162 at the moment. Anything sharp and pointy works for me though.

Yes, Benchmade's 162 is a great knife (except for the sheath). I like mine but, I question if it would make a great SD knife. If BM offered the 162 as a FFG model, I think it would be better but, once again, I would question it for a SD role. Not really sure what fixed blade I would recommend if self defense is the main reason to carry.

As for flashlights, IMHO, you are spot on with Surefire. There are a few other brands I like but, no question, Surefire is top shelf. I have never found a flashlight that is perfect for my needs and I don't think I ever will.

 

[marchone]

The one knife ... desert island scenario ... fantasy redux ... it would be a 4 1/2 to 5-inch fixed blade made from Vibranium.

 

[21bangbang]

Yes, Benchmade's 162 is a great knife (except for the sheath). I like mine but, I question if it would make a great SD knife. If BM offered the 162 as a FFG model, I think it would be better but, once again, I would question it for a SD role. Not really sure what fixed blade I would recommend if self defense is the main reason to carry.

As for flashlights, IMHO, you are spot on with Surefire. There are a few other brands I like but, no question, Surefire is top shelf. I have never found a flashlight that is perfect for my needs and I don't think I ever will.

Imo any knife that's sharp and pointy is fine for SD. With such a thick blade it's gonna leave a big hole. At the end of the day though a knife is a poor SD option imo. Way to many people carry firearms, and once you pull a knife chances of getting shot rise drastically. I'd rather have a taser if a gun wasn't a option.

 

[Born200yrs2late]

CRK without question or doubt. Quality, reputation and a history of awards that are unequalled by and head and shoulders above all the others along with warranty and spa service to match. Simplicity, convenience, ease and speed of owner disassembly and cleaning/service of the Sebenza 21 is unparalleled by competitors and you can opt for small or large models.

CRK Sebenza 21..........dropping the mic. Seriously tho.......what makes this fun is no two people are alike, thus there really is no right or wrong. For me, take with a grain of salt, I've sold off all my bearing knives. I spend ALOT of time camping, hiking, mountainbiking,.........I spend alot of time in the dirt. Bearings and dirt suck. Period. I love my hinderer XM-18 gen 5 on teflon washers and my large sebenza 21.

 

[kda89508]

How about a Cold Steel AD10 when they come out. I bet it will be a do it all Folder. Kevin

 

[sabre cat]

Imo any knife that's sharp and pointy is fine for SD. With such a thick blade it's gonna leave a big hole. At the end of the day though a knife is a poor SD option imo. Way to many people carry firearms, and once you pull a knife chances of getting shot rise drastically. I'd rather have a taser if a gun wasn't a option.

My problem with using a knife for self-defense is that I have to get too close to my opponent.

I would want a knife if that was my only option but can't help feeling if I keep my wits about me, things should never escalate to the point where I need to pull a knife to begin with. At that point I probably have already made a few poor choices to begin with. Who I am with, where I am at, how I'm dressed, when I am out and about, what I am doing, etc..

 

[21bangbang]

My problem with using a knife for self-defense is that I have to get too close to my opponent.

I would want a knife if that was my only option but can't help feeling if I keep my wits about me, things should never escalate to the point where I need to pull a knife to begin with. At that point I probably have already made a few poor choices to begin with. Who I am with, where I am at, how I'm dressed, when I am out and about, what I am doing, etc..

I agree, they're 100% last resort. Unless you get a debilitating blow chances are whoever you stab won't even know it at first, and they just might house you before they realise it. I got shot in my foot in Iraq, and didn't even realise it till the shooting stopped. Adrenaline was pumping so hard it didn't effect me one bit. Once things calmed I was whining like a little baby making my buddies help me to the truck. Mind you I was running on it prior to that. It hurt terribly once I could think about it, but for a good few minutes I didn't feel a thing. That's what makes a knife a poor SD weapon. You have to be so close and chances are good they won't go down immediately. All that said I wouldn't be caught dead without one, and it's far better than nothing, it's just not a great option imo. Probably the most effective, and least likely to get you a manslaughter charge is a taser. We played around with them in the military. Everyone went straight down and down hard. Then they're usually fine after.

 

[jceckrosh]

I have a lot of very good knives

A bit of an understatement.

 

[jstn]

I know I will probably be shot down for this but I want to take a different stance than most. I understand knives are addictive, just like Flashlights, or Guns. For me my addictive limits are 3. I tend to buy no more than 3 of a type of item before I find the one I stay with. My flashlight, bought three types and landed on Zebra SC600W IV Plus, my Gun, bought three types and landed on the Hk compact... My knife... ? ?? . Hence this post. I need your help. Benchmade custom 20Cv Mini crooked river and paramilitary 2 are my two knives.. I need a third and possibly your opinion on which of the three knives I should make my primary then.

Needs: EDC with option ability to use Tactical.

The PM2 in Cruwear is pretty close for me. The Manix 2 is close is well. From a design standpoint, the Spyderco Amalgam is absolutely the perfect folder for me, but I wish it were on washers instead of bearings, had grippy G10 rather than the G10/CF laminate, and a different blade steel (Vanax would be nice). I may eventually have to send it off to someone to mod it into the configuration I want.

I have found my perfect fixed blade: the Dark Timber Honey Badger. I really don't need to buy anymore fixed blades at this point.

 

[jstn]

I agree, they're 100% last resort. Unless you get a debilitating blow chances are whoever you stab won't even know it at first, and they just might house you before they realise it. I got shot in my foot in Iraq, and didn't even realise it till the shooting stopped. Adrenaline was pumping so hard it didn't effect me one bit. Once things calmed I was whining like a little baby making my buddies help me to the truck. Mind you I was running on it prior to that. It hurt terribly once I could think about it, but for a good few minutes I didn't feel a thing. That's what makes a knife a poor SD weapon. You have to be so close and chances are good they won't go down immediately. All that said I wouldn't be caught dead without one, and it's far better than nothing, it's just not a great option imo. Probably the most effective, and least likely to get you a manslaughter charge is a taser. We played around with them in the military. Everyone went straight down and down hard. Then they're usually fine after.

Lots of wisdom in this post.