what are trainer folding knives for?

sogflash

sogflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
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I've seen that spyderco has a few knives with training blades. what in the world are people supposed to train for with such a knife?

I understand what people to with butterfly training knives, but folders?
 
My question is why are training blades made with premium steels? All that does is drive the prices way up.
 
Cold Kill said:
My question is why are training blades made with premium steels? All that does is drive the prices way up.
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Premium?

Stainless steel is a good idea since these blades probalby see a fair amount of sweat and they probably do not get cleaned all that religiously (after a hard work out, the last thing I want to do is clean/lube training blades).

My trainers are AUS-6, and I would hesitate to call it "premium". I suppose it is not the cheapest metal that can be found, but I think there is merit to using "decent" steel in that you do not want to train with a steel so poor that the locks fail, and the blades bend laterally.
 
They work well for training people how to safely operate various locks.:)
Which is good, because so many people cannot get it (they just keep shoving on the back of the blade...stupid).
They are also great for getting kids to safely operate knives, or they can just be a fun toy.
Also good for practicing martial arts defenses; has the rigidity to make you not want to get poked, but won't rip your guts out either.
 
I've not handled Spyderco training blades, but many trainers are made from aluminum, not steel at all. I can only speak from my perspective, but I'm pretty sure they're designed for knife based martial arts/SD. Some knives have a unique enough design that manufacturers feel a trainer for the specific model is justified. At my gym we tend to rely more on fairly generic and, totally coincidentally I assure you, less expensive training blades.
 
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most trainers ive seen are 440c, which is a decent steel but definitely not a premium. As to the use of these mid grade steels, No idea, maybe the company has left overs from older runs (I recall seeing some old spydie models in 440c) and instead of buying some cheap stainless they could use this, plus if anyone wanted you could have it ground and properly HT into a live blade. And that would be cool to see IMO, like an Endura 4 in 440c, not nearly as good as vg-10 but still cool, like a new beater blade
 
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sogflash said:
I've seen that spyderco has a few knives with training blades. what in the world are people supposed to train for with such a knife?

I understand what people to with butterfly training knives, but folders?
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I once took a pistol class that taught some weapon retention with a folding knife in your off-hand (weak side I think you guys would call it?) front pocket. We practiced it with bright blue training GLOCKS and a some very well made no-name folders with the circle cutout training blades. Part of the technique is the draw so practice opening the folder is quite important.
 
Also the reason they're Endura or Delica look alikes so that in Martial Arts/SD you are using a knife that is the exact same weight/opening and handle type.
 
sorry, I forgot about the American culture with weapons and self deference. that kind of stuff is quite unheard of and taboo here.
 
sogflash said:
sorry, I forgot about the American culture with weapons and self deference. that kind of stuff is quite unheard of and taboo here.
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where is "here"?

and what is this culture you speak of?

As others have stated, they are for martial arts training, they feel and look the same as the live blade you would be using in a real life situation.
 
Another reason for using a 'real' knife steel in the trainers is that they're hard enough to stand up to the repeated openings. Also, these trainers are probably used harder than their live counterparts.
 
I would think they use a quality steel very similar to the real thing so the feel and weight of the knife would be the same for training purposes as the knife that is too be used in a real life situation.
 
sogflash said:
sorry, I forgot about the American culture with weapons and self deference. that kind of stuff is quite unheard of and taboo here.
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Let me guess...You are in the UK? Just a guess given the mention of a taboo on being able to use a weapon to defend oneself.
 
if you have never tried to deploy your folder quickly in a pressure situation adrenaline and fear can bring Murphy into play.

Dropping the knife, not fully opening the blade and have it close on your hand under use could happen.

Or just fumbling around while it is taken from you or taking punches or stabs.

Carrying a folder with some sort of intent to protect yourself from harm should incorporate training for muscle memory and reflex.

nice trolly post about the "culture" btw, and I am in Canada.

Where is your wonderful country of smiles and sunshine with everyone holding hands? No need for jails or police right?

with regards

Brad
 
The density of different steels is almost the same - they'll probably have to think about the geometry of the blade and the cutouts a lot more and they could vary them to match the weight.

Maybe they're using hardened steel so the lock works properly and doesn't wear out faster than the original. And perhaps they want to achieve the same flexibility of the blade and the knife itself, but I'd guess the lock is more important...
 
no, I'm not in the UK, and I was not trolling or trying to insult anyone. it's just that impression that it seems like most people have about Americans.

we do have police and jails here, and sure we do have crime. I haven't studied the laws, but I think you can defend yourself with any legals means the situation requires.

I started this thread dead serious not being able to imagine what you needed a training folding knife for. might have been naive of me.
 
>>>> sorry, I forgot about the American culture with weapons and self deference. that kind of stuff is quite unheard of and taboo here.

Let me guess...You are in the UK? Just a guess given the mention of a taboo on being able to use a weapon to defend oneself.
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I don't know where the OP is living, but more in general carrying a knife for self defense is frowned upon over here in Europe. It's indeed a different culture, that did form my preferences as well since I do like elegant knives, but I have very little interest in martial applications.
 
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