What folder, Psychology, and more??

M

mthall47

BOUNCED EMAIL: I need to update my email address in my profile!
Joined
Jun 21, 2005
Messages
70
Well, here is a somewhat different question.
Please bear with me while I attempt to explain my situation.

ANY advice is appreciated. My life and that of my family has been threatened on more than one occassion over the years. Both sides of my family has been in law enforcement, although I did not get that opportunity. I know from experience, and some training in security, that the Psychology of defense includes the ability to look threatening when needed. At least some of the time, the potential threat can be eliminated if you convey determination and have something that looks intimidating.

WIth that said, Does anyone have a favorite choice, or two, in the mid price range for either a folder (about 4", non serrated or a touch over that length), or one to carry on your belt that Looks (and is) quite large??

Thanks much.
 
Please do yourself a big favor and take self defense related matters seriously.
There are excellent books on this subject that are far better read at home then in hospital or prison. Carefully consider your options before deciding on even carrying a knife for self defense.
 
Unfortunately, the winner of a knife fight is the one who gets cut the least. "Looking threatening" works on both those for whom it is intended and those for which it is not. My suggestion is to avail yourself of any and all training you can (as GB said, there are books and videos a-plenty!) and learn to: 1) recognize a situation long before it occurs, 2) diffuse a situation long before it occurs, and 3) deal with any situation as it occurs if 1 & 2 don't work.

Also, check your local laws - simply carrying a "threatening" looking knife can be illegal. I would suggest a low profile, strong locking knife with a 3" blade that can be carried inconspicuously and easily and can be deployed quickly - the Spyderco Delica comes to mind. You want your knife to say "tool", not scream "WEAPON".

And, if your threat level is such that you have to consider arming yourself, get a firearm and training to use it. A knife is a last-ditch defensive tool, not something you want to go-to first.
 
First of all, I agree with the others, carrying a threatening knife is just asking for trouble. Also, the smartest way to win a fight is to avoid the fight in the first place. But, if you insist, I would suggest a large bowie. Size could be very intimidating. Or perhaps a large stilleto switchblade or balisong. Perhaps even a traditional looking tanto might suit your needs. Just look around at knives that would intimidate you. There's even cheapie fantasy looking daggers out there that would be pretty intimidating.
 
Thanks. That is good advice from all.
Maybe I should definitely re-think this issue and simply go for a knife
I like which will be a just plain good knife for what I am used to using a
knife for -- like opening boxes, whittling wood, etc.
 
Well, since your family is in law enforcment, I would ask there opinion about this matter, as they should be able to give better advice on this situation. But, as for the acual question, I think the knives that are regarded with most repect(fear :rolleyes: ) are definitly Bali's especialy if you know how to flip one fast (I know this from experience as a 14 year old, a strange molester was stalking the area and decided against an altercation after I brandished it, and as a cashier a few years back a person tried to rob me with a buck knife, and also decided against the altercation).Foolishly enough most people have seen Crocodile Dundee and most remeber the "Thats not a knife" scene. Anyway, the knife that most people at work said "whoa! thats too big!" to recently was a BM Skirmish. Just my 2 cents.
 
I would ask my family, but unfortunately they are all retired now.
I wish I knew how to use a Balisong, but have a feeling that would take some
practice. Looked at one online today by Cold Steel. Didn't know they were
that expensive.
 
As the others have already said, don't rely upon a "scarey looking" knife to defend yourself with.

HOWEVER....
IF you DO know how to fight and defend yourself, AND if you are determined to use a knife or have NO better weapon available, AND IF you cannot avoid the situation, it sure does'nt hurt to have a large mean looking knife.

You wanted a folder with a non-serrated 4" blade for the task, right?

I recommend the Spyderco Endura.

Although it's a large folder, it is very light-weight and you can carry it everywhere, all the time (blue jeans, jogging shorts, swimming trunks, sweat-pants, hospital scrubs, pajamas, underwear, etc...) so you will never be caught without it on your person.


BTW, here's some more advice that my old Drill Sgt. once told me:

"If I've got a knife, you aint gonna know about it till I stab you!".

Good luck,
Allen.
 
You can't rely on openly carrying a knife to protect you against someone that really wants to harm you. Why? As soon as they see the knife, they just plan on whacking you in the back of the head with a bat, or shooting you. Carrying scary-looking weapons only works against someone that isn't specifically targetting YOU - like the robber at the corner store, or the drunk fool that's just looking to beat some random person up. If someone actually wants to harm YOU, they will just work around whatever weapon you are displaying.

Waitaminute, I thought I was in knife reviews?
 
I concur with Julian. This should really be in the practical\tactical section.
But if you are looking at a folder, consider the BM Skirmish\806 or something similar. As for strapping on a large "scary" looking knife. I also would advise against it. I do carry a fixed blade 90% of the time for defense reasons, however it is ALWAYS concealed. Don't ever rely on the "fright" factor of your weapon to end the fight. Most experience fighters or hardened criminals won't be overly shaken by it. Or you could whip out the giant scary knife and the bad guy might just pull his .38\.45, etc and blast ya. Try to take everything into carefull consideration before making a decision on a matter like this...
 
My opinion:

Rule one: avoid.

Rule two: run if possible.

Rule three: Respond as fast as you can, suprising the bad guy, with total violence. The idea is to put him (or her) down - right now, no hesitation.

Anywhere along the way, you be the guy to call the cops, if possible.

Note: scaring the bad guy is not one of my rules.

Ed
 
Pulling a knife to threaten somebody is not how you avoid attack. If you are still reacting out of fear, an experienced attacker will know this and will not be intimidated. If your state allows CCW I would go that route. I carry a folder that is easy to draw and that I am familiar with, when I need one for defense. Mine is a Crawford KFF with a Spyderhole. It is not huge and threatening, but when the time comes it will do the job. Projecting an aura of confidence and being aware of your surroundings will protect you better than a scary knife.
But, that being said, if the Cuda Maxx 5.5" is legal to carry in your area, that would suffice.
 
Just my .02 but a great choice for REAL self defense is something like a BM 175. The reasons?

Strong grip so it won't be taken away.
Very instictive attacks. Just draw the blade and punch. Lather, rinse, repeat until desire effect is acheived.
It's a"fixed" blade which decreases deployment time.

But I must go on record as saying the best way to win a knife fight is with a high-capacity handgun.

And +1 to what Julian said about someone targeting you specifically.


edited: because of my typo's
 
Hi Mthall47.

A great deal of well thought out wisdom has been expressed. The results, no doubt, from countless hours of thought and discussion on the subject.

The most important part about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it. Something reasonably sized and easy to carry would help make sure that you have it with you.

I would add that "sharp" is important.

Your "self defense" may be against a situation other than a person. someone trapped or caught in a rope or clothing in a machine, etc. There are many "tactical" situations that may need "self defense" cutting other than against a human adversary.

sal
 
Unless you are real good at poker I'd not attempt to bluff just to look a part you really don't fit into. Walk the talk and talk the walk as my dad used to say. Get ya a good dog and let him do the intimidating for you.
 
What about the waved endura? Good steel, quick draw, and it's huge/pointy. Small enough to realistically carry, though too big probably for a lot of people's EDCs, depending on environment. You'd probably want to carry a second sub-3 inch knife for day to day use.
 
Is this a serious question? Your "life" was threatened, am I getting that correctly? Knives are fine for various tasks, guys come on now, get a gun. If anyone threatened my life (do you mean they actually said "I am going to kill you"?) I would get a license to carry a handgun. How many of you have had to pull a knife on someone to defend yourself? None of you? Honestly.
 
Not real recently,
but YES!!!!!!!! Including being shot at. Do not want to go into details. Where I live now I could get a concealed carry permit probably. However, in the state I work in, and where my family lives, DON"T even think about asking unless you are in law enforcement, a judge, or carry tons of money.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top