Wegner for defense use?

shootist16

shootist16

knife law moderator
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OK I confess I have never held a Wegner. Chris at Top of Texas tells me the ergonomics are great. I tend to like knives that can be used for utility and defense. I am a LEO and while the Civilian intrigues me, I like a knife that can be used for other tasks besides defense. While I try to be as prepared as possible for a defensive event they dont happen all that often. I find myself using knives more often for utility. Anyway what do you all think of the Wegner? Would it make a good defensive tool? I know that the best defensive knife is the one you have with you, but obviously some excel more than others.

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-Dennis-


 
I'd prefer one of the tip-down Spydies over the Wegner for what you have in mind. They're just a heck of a lot faster to deploy, with practice. I just got a Wegner and I'm very pleased with it overall, but I'll be making a few modifications that should include converting it to tip-down carry. I love "the drop."

-Drew
 
Shootist16,
are you looking at the C48 (full-size) or the C49 (Jnr.)? IMHO, and looking at your explanation, I'd opt for the large (C48) Wegner, IF you REALLY want a Wegner. Also, I'd go for the combo-edge model. (I have both the C48 and C49, although my C48 is the plain-edge model. However, it's a GREAT knife, even distinguished in the Spydie line-up!!)

So, if you're looking at Spyderco's Wegner models for your uses as described above, why not look at a Starmate? The blade shape is not much different, and you get superior steel for a smallish increase in price! Once again, I'd recommend the combo-edge model here for your needs.

LBNL, don't forget about the Military! It has the tip-down feature, the CPM440V, the G-10 handle, the linerlock, exceptional Spyderco quality, etc., etc... Unfortunately, they don't come in a combo-edge configuration (only about 95/5 or maybe 90/10 serrated/plain), but you can modify that or have it modified for you to 60/40 or whatever you want... This will make an AWESOME utility/defensive folder with all the right attributes! The choice of steel will also keep the knife sharper after utility work for that once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully only once!!) defensive need, as opposed to when another steel type was used. I guess you just have to KEEP the knife scary sharp ALL the time!

 
Let me start off by saying I own neither a Starmate nor a Military so I can't make the kind of long term usage comments about them as I can the full size Wegner. I'm sure they are both fine knives and I wouldn't mind owning and carrying both of them at some point in the future. But the Wegner does have its place which is why I bought it in the first place.

Somebody was talking about the Wegner the other day and they said their impression of it was that it was "all curves." That's a great comment. Some people have complained about the Starmate's sharp angled handle. And the Military's handle is so long. The Wegner's is curved the whole distance. It is no bigger that it has to be. There are no sharp edges to rub holes in your jeans. Even the blade is all rounded. The knife fits your hand great both in standard and reverse grip.

Anyway I do agree that the best knife to depend on is the knife you always have with you. The only knife I carry more is the little Rekat Hobbit Fang neck knife. I carry it all the time. I carry it alone when I'm wearing just shorts and a t-shirt. But I would a hundred times rather defend myself with the solid as a rock, partly serrated Wegner than that little Rekat! But the Wegner really does weigh 5.5 oz (I weighed it on a postal scale) and that kind of makes elastic top shorts keep sagging downward. (And I do have the Blue Native with neck sheath. But I rarely carry it when working outside while wearing shorts and t-shirt because I hate sweating on it. And I don't wear it to town very often because it just isn't as flat [under your shirt] as the little Rekat.)

Gregg Greenwood
Collinsville, OK
 
Wegner as a defense knife? Keep in mind that it was designed to skin! LOL
biggrin.gif


Seriously, it seems to make a good self defnse knife. Handle ergonomics are very comfy and secure. The very attributes that make it an outstanding knife in the field also make it a viable defense tool.

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator
AKTI Member # A000005


 
In my more cynical moments, I sometimes think that purpose-built working knives are often better defensive knives than purpose-built tactical knives. In a work knife, often the designer pays real attention to ergonomics that are secure even when wet, edges that really cut, etc. Whereas sometimes tactical knives favor strength over cutting ability, and cool looks above everything.

Let's ask another question: for what possible reason would the Wegner not be great for defensive use? Because the ergonomics are exceptional? Because the edge geometry is for great cutting? Because the whole thing is built solidly? It's a fine choice. If I weren't allergic to liner locks, I'd get one myself!

Joe
 
I agree with Joe. Like I said earlier, I tend to prefer knives that will handle utilitarian tasks. Lets face it how often are any of us going to be in a defensive situation where we use a knife? Hopefully never. Of course it pays to be prepared, both mentally and physically. I try not to walk around in condition white. It does seem that knives specifically made and labeled as "tactical" arent very ergonomic. It seems that knives designed as utilitarian are designedin a way that makes them good defense knives. I am going to post a new topic in the general discussion forum about tactical knives versus utility knives for defensive purposes. So if you are going to respond about that lets go there. I think this could fuel an interesting debate. Here is the link:
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/004580.html
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-Dennis-




[This message has been edited by shootist16 (edited 07 September 1999).]
 
Hey Fellas

Just in case you did'nt catch the 3 or 4 posts I made regarding the C48 and the C49 Spydercos that had posted under the Wegner Jr Topic ( back around Sept 2nd ), I'd like to make a referal back to them. My reasons being, they answer some current questions and also address some future possibilities concerning these two knives.

Thanks for checking them out! www.blade-tech.com
email: tim@blade-tech.com
Chow for now!
Tim
 
I have the Starmate, Military, Civilian and Wegner. I think any of them would make a fine defensive knife.
For an all around, do everything knife, my vote would go to the Wegner. The curved handle rests perfectly in the hand and the blade becomes an extension or your hand.
As long as you are commited to keeping your knife razor sharp,( for defensive purposes I want it to cut something if you just look at it!)
wink.gif
I see no reason why a Wegner couldn't be used for all purposes.
There are better blades for just defensive purposes, but it would be hard to beat the Wegner for an all-around knife.
I was a fulltime LEO for 11 years and was a Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor for 9 years before I pursued other other options. ( still work as a LEO in reserve capacity ) So I'll give the Wegner my seal of approval ( for what it's worth ) as an all around , do everything knife. Just my 2 pennies.
smile.gif


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Why do you press harder on a remote-control when you know the battery is
dead?


[This message has been edited by Excalibur (edited 07 September 1999).]
 
It was my understanding that the Wegner C48 was going to be the official Gunsite Knife. I spoke with Tim & Gunsite at the SHOT Show while these plans were made. Ultimately, the Cold Steel model took the position, Tim knows more of the particulars. But the knife itself wasn't the problem, more the price.
sal
 
Since I first saw the full sized Wenger it has always reminded me of the Emerson CQC8 (?rhino?)and the hobbit knives from REKAT.
 
Mr B, you're right, I was wondering what the curves on my funky Wegner Jr reminded me of and looked up the REKAT Hobbit again.

The added bonus in regards to defensive use, is that you're less likely to have it confiscated by the "friendly forces", and therefore more likely to have it on you, whereas the Hobbit will hardly ever pass muster as a utility knife.
 
How to skin a mother-in-law with a Wegner ?

Many skinners are really good at self defense ask any Predator around !

Cheers,

JM
 
After all this talk about the Wenger I decided to get one. I picked up the Wenger Jr. combo blade for carrying daily. All I can say is that I found an almost perfect utility knife for daily carry (the liner lock is a bit too thin). It's too bad that Spyderco has discontinued this knife...I would like to have seen it in 440V. But I'm truly happy as it is...I know that I will now have to buy the larger version.

jj

[This message has been edited by jeffj (edited 09 September 1999).]
 
a knife that is good at being a knife is good for both defense and utility. a knife can be specialized for a single purpose, like defense, and that might make it somewhat better for the purpose. but the diffference between one knife and another is very small compared to the other factors that determine the outcome of a fight. pick the knife thatr suits your utility needs the best and i'm sure it will serve you well if it is ever used in combat. i would suggest staying away from the really big ones. they are somewhat more powerful (because cutting ability is a function of the length of the cutting edge and a longer blade reaches farther), but the smaller ones are easier to carry and hide and manipulate. even in the hands of a good guy invisibility can be a great virtue in a knife used for defense. a small knife can be very powerful: a two inch blade has been used to sever the decending aorta many times. get one with a handle that you can get a good firm grip on even if the hand is wet with sweat or blood, probably a textured handle. a handle that gets bigger toward one end or the other gives the hand something to push or pull against in cutting or stabbing. most knives with a clip for easy carrying and one hand opening capability will serve you very well, just find the one that feels the best in your hand, with a blade that is not to specialized.
 
The Wegner is a wonderful folder, far better than many. But, I have reservations about half-scalloped linerlocks. It just seems prone to white-knuckle failure. As a general rule, I don't find that as a good feature for fighting folders.

And while I'm trashing everybody
wink.gif
I am not too wild about the Cold Steel's Gunsite folder either. I have the greatest respect for Gunsite. I do, but their choice of folders to sponser leaves much to be desired.

>>>$.02<<<
 
So far I have abused the bleep!!! out of these knives, mostly for my own piece of mind to gauge how far I could trust this knife in extreme conditions. I have used the C48 in nearly every possible grip configuration, stabbing, jabbing, twisting, prying, and I have yet to break one or have the liner fail while in a white knuckle death grip. In camp last year I was (sabergrip) thrusting one into a large mule deer carcass. (don'tell PETA) I was simulating stabs on a portion of bloodshot shoulder. Caused by a 338 mag round two close to the shoulder bone. Oops! Talk about some weird looks, you'd think I was Freddy Cruger. Happily no meat was wasted as Cutter the Rigdeback got what we did'nt eat, and I got to do Rocky with a knife. Of course I had kevlar gloves on, just in case I slipped.(I MAY BE DUMB BUT I'M NOT STUPID!!!)

Tim
 
So far I have abused the bleep!!! out of these knives, mostly for my own piece of mind to gauge how far I could trust this knife in extreme conditions. I have used the C48 in nearly every possible grip configuration, stabbing, jabbing, twisting, prying, and I have yet to break one or have the liner fail while in a white knuckle death grip. In camp last year I was (sabergrip) thrusting one into a large mule deer carcass. (don'tell PETA) I was simulating stabs on a portion of bloodshot shoulder. Caused by a 338 mag round two close to the shoulder bone. Oops! Talk about some weird looks, you'd think I was Freddy Cruger. Happily no meat was wasted as Cutter the Rigdeback got what we did'nt eat, and I got to do Rocky with a knife. Of course I had kevlar gloves on, just in case I slipped.(I MAY BE DUMB BUT I'M NOT STUPID!!!)

Tim
 
Just recieved my Wegner from Top of Texas knives. I can definately say that this knife would be excellent for defensive purposes. It feels like an extension of your hand. I can tell from the feel of it that it will quickly become one of my favorites. It even feels good in reverse grip. I wouldn't mind picking up the custom version. Spyderco definately has a winner here.

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-Dennis-


 
Hmmmm....Shootist16, a couple knives i would pick, and these i use as a last resort, and i'm talking for self-defense/utility, ok, heres my picks....
#1 is the AFCK i like the 800sbt best
#2 spyderco centofante II-believe me, this knife kicks ass
#3 axis lock
#4 Military
 
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