What makes for a good self-defense knife?

A

AlonzoMosely

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Aug 18, 2002
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Don't know a whole lot about knives and wondering what things I should consider for a self-defense knife that is not too threatening looking so it can also be used for utility without scaring people. What shape blade? What type of steel? Handle material? Are the characteristics of a good self defense knife different from the characteristics of a good utility knife? Any recommendations in the $50-$100 range?
 
Hi...

One of the most important things is a high quality, carry system that allows you to put the knife where it is comfortable to you, and easy to get at, while staying out of site,hidden until it's needed...

The only other thing that I ask for is a good guard and a good handling comfortable handle....

Your answers are going to Really vary in this department...

Hope that helps somwhat..

ttyle

Eric...
 
Training is crucial but that aside for a second I would suggest something with a strong pommel (preferebly G10 handled knives) for non-lethal applications.

I've always liked the AFCK myself. There is a small too for a less intimidating knife.
 
I think one of the most important aspects concerns the handle/scales. You need a handle that has a sound ergonomic design because you have to feel comfortable with the way it feels in your hand. Secondly, the material must be something that provides good purchase. That's a fancy way of saying that the scales should be of a material that resists slipping or won't allow the knife to be pulled from you hand.
 
Well... I found most people don't like the look of any knife no matter how innocuous. Although, I found people don't mind so much when the knife is small and has a non aggresive or basic blade profile. Swiss Army Knife / Victorinox or Case pocket knives are usually the ones that people don't seem to mind. They don't deploy quickly, though. The only other one's that seem to go relatively unnoticed are basic Spydercos. A little bit easier to deploy. Neck knives could be quite discreet although their carrying systems aren't for utility use. Just my 2 cents. :footinmou
 
A Swiss Army Knife is as non-threatening as you can get. How about a Victorinox Tinker? Open the reamer and grip the knife with the reamer exposed between your fingers and you have a self-defence tool that will pack quite a punch (No pun intended).:D
 
I'd say the following is good for SD:


Pointy at one end, not pointy at the other

Fairly narrow blade profile

Good, confortable, no slip handle

Fixed blade (for quick draw)

3-5" long blade

One of those finger guard things (what's it called?), so you don't slip a finger onto the blade and accidentally remove it

Good sheath so that the knife's accessable



I've repeated some things others have said but this, for me, is what an SD blade should have. Now as for not scaring people, some knives with these characteristics will scare more than others but fixed blades do seem to unsettle some people no matter what they look like.
 
I don't mean to oversimplify, but one of the main considerations for a self-defense knife is one you have with you, and one you can get to pretty handy.

I bought a Boa. It was a whale of a cutter, very secure in the hand, and had the assisted opening feature. Should have been a great self-defense knife.

Problem was, it was so uncomfortable to carry that I didn't carry it much. Therefore, it wasn't much of a self-defense knife for me. Anything you are going to rely on for self- defense needs to be with you all the time, so much that packing it is second nature.
 
Originally posted by Coonskinner:

>>>>I bought a Boa. It was a whale of a cutter, very secure in the hand, and had the assisted opening feature. Should have been a great self-defense knife.

>>>>Problem was, it was so uncomfortable to carry that I didn't carry it much.

CS, May I ask why it was uncomfortable?....

I have been carrying one for a couple months, and although the pocket clip is a new thing to me, I didn't take long to adapt to it. I carry mostly in the watch pocket of my Wranglers...and it's hardly noticable.

I sure love the piece...top drawer all the way.

Philthy
 
Normark hit it on the head. It doesn't matter what knife it is if you don't have it with you. A comfortable carry system is as important as the knife. My feeling is that beginners overestimate the size of knife needed. Unless you're carrying a large sheath knife in the open,a 3"-5" sturdy blade will do almost everything you need a knife to do.
As to a goodUtility/defense knife, a Buck 110, or a Benchmade Ascent in M2 steel are good starters, and will be good working knives that will last a long time.
 
The knife was a little too wide for me, but the main thing was the flipper was sharp-edged and always snagging on my pocket. The thumbstud also, which I'm not quite sure is on the knife anyway.

Comfort is a subjective thing. I am more accustomed to slipjoints, so the Boa felt a little invasive to me.

There are some "tactical" type folders that I carry. The Benchmade 940 is one that I find quite comfortable.
 
For your price range I think you would be well suited with a Spyderco Endura or Delica or Vesuvius.
They're so light that you hardly know that they are in your pocket, they have terrific steel, and they are very comfortable to use.


Good luck,
Allen.
 
I appreciate the input. I've picked up a Camillus EDC in 154 CM and a Microtech Mini-Socom manual. The MT is lighter and seems to have better ergonomics and seems to be made with tighter tolerances, but working against the MT is that it opened up in my jeans pocket once (not while it was clipped). Also, they could have designed the MT clip so that it would ride lower in the pocket. Maybe I'll just alternate between the two.

I also bought a Benmchmade 771, and I have to say that that was the most expensive of the three knives, yet is the least impressive of them to me.
 
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