WOW!! I actually have a knife related HELP ME post for this forum!!!

Vampire Gerbil

Vampire Gerbil

Gone, but not forgotten. RIP Dave
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Sep 21, 1999
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Good Evening.
It is I, THE GREAT AND POWERFUL VAMPIRE GERBIL!

It's been a while since I posted here, as I realized that I have little to offer in the way of answeing knife related stuff.
In a nutshell, all I know about knives is that they're usually sharp and pointy, and they don't feel good when they get stuck in me.

But I now have a real request for assistance!!!

I'm an armed guard, uniformed, and carry a duty belt with all the stuff that the average Constable On Patrol lugs around with him/her.
What I would like to do is to get a blade to carry on my weak side, in my pants pocket, that can be rapidly deployed in the event that a silly-willy attempts to grab my Glock outta its holster.

What I would consider to be a perfect choice would be a Spyderco Civilian, but automatic and left handed. Since they don't make that, I'll settle for an auto that is ambidextrous or left handed, with serrated edges and has an extreme hook shape to its blade. A REKAT Hobbit, folder would work too...
The thing is, I really want it to be an auto, as it'll be on my weak side and if needed, will have to be deployed as simply and rapidly as possible.

I know that some custom makers could make this for me, but I don't have the time nor the cash for that option, at least not yet...

I KNOW that you're thinking that this belongs in the AUTO FORUM, but I already posted there and I received some help, but nothing that floats my cork just yet.

The reason I post here is to see if there's any of the other fast opening knives that might fit this bill.
Like say a Camillus CUDA type slide-button that opens the blade, but where the blade is hooked like a Civilian or a Hobbit....
Or perhaps one of Ken Onion's Speed-thingies, with the same blade shape?
Again, left handed is needed, so that might make a difference.

If you have any ideas, I sure would appreciate 'em!

Thanks!
VG
 
I know next to jack about auto knives, but did have this thought - I do know there are a number of makers that do conversions of production knives to auto, and I imagine any custom maker that routinely makes auto knives could do it with a knife that could be disassembled. Also might cut down on the wait time as well. I don't know if there is anyone who does conversion specifically on Civilians, but that might be worth asking.

Incidently, doesn't the tip of the Civilian catch on your cape when you deploy it?
 
VG, You can get a left-handed Civilian. They come with CF handles. I've never heard of a Spyderco auto conversion, so when someone does make one it will be expensive.

There is also a Camillus CUDA Hawkbill. I'm not sure if they make those left-handed.

I know that some, if not all, of the Kershaw/Onion speed safe knives are also made left handed. There's no hawkbill, but the Boa with it's recurve might work well.

Most right-handed autos are pretty easy to open left-handed. The only real problem would be the right-handed clip. If you can wear the knife in a sheath this won't be a problem.

Also look at the waved Emersons, they can be ordered left-handed directly from EKI.

The selection of LH folders is somewhat limited, but fixed blades are ambi so that's an option too. I just received a gorgeous fixed blade hawkbill from a custom maker for less than many production folders go for.

And don't forget the Sifu. It's not an auto, it's not a hawkbill, and it's not left-handed, but I can draw mine from my Sastre concealex sheath and snap it open in one motion. The sheath is ambi and the knife can be opened just as easily with either hand.

If all else fails, go with what you've trained with, with what you already own, with what you know to be deadly, the MICRA!!
 
Yeah, with a waved emmerson (try the commander), it's open before you're even ready to slash or stab with it. I betcha I could get it open way before any dude with his auto.

And a Kershaw/Onion speedsafe is just as fast (if not faster) then an auto too.
 
I totaly support the use of a folder in uniform, I always had at least one on me at all times while on duty. Normally in my sap (flashlight) pocket.

But, you will be doing yourself a great disservice using one for the reasons you gave. Remember the old joke about a knife at a gun fight. The last thing you want to do, when trying to retain your sidearm, is to go fumbling for any other piece of gear.

You need to contact Jim Hrisoulas. Not only is he one of the top knife and sword makers, but he is also the head of the firearms training program for LV Metro. And he is local to you (Henderson). He can tell you about weapon retention training. Get that training!!!!

Carry your sidearm in a high ride level three holster. The newer STS system or anything similar will serve you flawlessly over the years. With a level three holster, it is almost impossible for anyone but the wearer to draw the weapon. By using a hide ride system you can also use your elbow to lock your weapon against your body.

The right holster, combined with the right training will insure that you will be the one going home in the rare event of an attemped take away.

Anyhow, your baton is much better than a knife should you feel the need to use a tool to aid in weapon retention. It is much faster to draw, and a short jab to the face with your baton will drop an attacker in a heart beat.
 
VG
Have you given any thought to the Spyderco Matriarch? It is the civilian with the FRG handle. It can also be set up for left handed carry. Plus it is ALOT less expensive than the civilian.
 
While I completely agree with carring a medium to large folder in uniform, having taken training in handgun retention, I can tell you that if someone is trying to take your sidearm, you best bet is to use BOTH hands to control the arm reaching for your weapon first.

Hang on the that arm, and don't let go for any reason!! Struggling to get out and open a folding knife while someone else is taking your sidearm will most likely get you shot with your own gun.
 
How about a small curved FIXED blade, like the CRKT Bear Claw, or a LaGriffe?

I think a grab & swing weapon like a small (rigid) baton or sap might be quicker.
 
Vampy: I miss your leg humps.

Vampy: Emerson just came out with a "Police" model small fixed blade. Rinaldi also has a police model. Anyways, get a small fixed blade. That way you have a usefull tool with you that you won't have to fumble with during weapon retention snafus. You just grab in reverse grip on your left side and stab a few times in the bg's arm, hand, whatever. Useful tool and weapon that requires little fine motor skills.
 
Here is your answer. Get one of those Emerson SARK things. They make one with a pointed blade instead of a blunt blade. And it's waved so you can get it into action faster than an auto. It'll open as it leaves your pocket. Emerson will make it a lefty for you, or you can have them drill clip holes on the other side. Go to the web site and fish around. You'll find something. Here is a pic of the blunt model.
SARK-BTS.jpg

I saw a pic of the other one with the pointed blade but I forget where. Call Emerson. They probably have the answer.
 
One assumes the gentlemen who advise against deploying a secondary weapon against an attempted snatch are speaking from a theoretical position.

Like many theories, this one sounds good on paper. "Don't worry about a knife, just hang onto to the gun." That works fine if you're stronger and have more endurance than the snatcher, or if you are well-versed in and CONSTANTLY PRACTICE retention techniques.

If, OTOH, you are like 99.99% of uniformed cops, security guards, etc., you may have been exposed to retention techniques but when it gets down to the nut-cutting you are going to revert to whatever fight mechanism is in your subconcious. Unless you have been working with them almost daily for quite some time, all those fancy retention moves will flee your brain quicker than a roach runs from light.

I have been a cop for 23 years. I have survived two attempts to snatch my holstered pistol. Both times, the snatcher did NOT let go until he was "distracted" by other means. Without going into a lot of detail, just let me say that I was very fortunate to have "other means" at my disposal. This was in the days before rapidly-deployable pocket folders became common and popular. If I had had one in either of the two mentioned incidents, they would have been over a lot sooner.

Vampire, you are thinking on the right track. I don't work uniform anymore, but I still carry a Glock on my right hip, and a serious folder (currently a Spyderco Wegner C48) in my left front trouser pocket. I carry it there for PRECISELY the reason you want to.

Unless you are totally surprised (bad on you) or your assailant is overwhelmingly more powerful than you (you're hosed anyway in that case), you should be able to prevent him getting the piece clear of leather long enough to deploy your knife and cut something significant; like a handy arm tendon, or whatever it takes to make him lose interest in your firearm.

We practice this in DT. It works, with just a little bit of effort on your part.

You will no doubt get many opinions on this; believe what you will. But also believe this- if the person trying to snatch your piece is much stronger and/or more determined than you are, without something else to tip the scales in your favor besides simply hanging on you WILL lose your pistol. Been there, almost had it happen to me. It is about as scary a situation as you will ever face.

Steve
 
VG,

FORGET the knife thing (strange coming from me, huh? :D.)...Instead, get yourself a small 2nd gun, like a Glock M26 or M27 (or even a .40/.45 "Derringer"), and if some bozo tries to relieve you of your primary weapon, shoot him/her with your 2nd gun.:eek:.
 
For weak-hand use I would go with a push dagger (if the law permits). The Cold Steel Safekeeper-II would be good. I would either get a custom pocket sheath (that really filled the pocket side-to-side and was velcroed into my pocket) or preferably I would forget the pocket and attach it inside my waistband.

If the law would not allow the push dagger I would go with a Greco Mini Companion fixed blade. I wouldn't want to be fumbling with a folder with my off-hand.
 
Hi VG, Just for shits and giggles, why dont you take a look at the Dalton Arc Angel. It might be hard to find, but I think it meets the criteria you mentioned.;)
 
This one is a classic. Just one person (KC) has tried to answer the question. Has anyone suggested a lefty, hook-bladed auto? Nope.

Try Reese Weiland or Rick Hinderer, and you'll probably be able to get what you want made for you. I'd imagine that Dale Reif would also be more than happy to concoct one, with patrol experience to make it as good as it can be.
 
RW Clark nailed the answer. The only thing I would add is thinking about slipping a S&W 642 in that left hand pocket so if you can free up a hand, while maintaining retention of your service weapon you can simply draw out your pocket 357 and neutralize the threat by relocating his brains to the next county.....wolf
 
VG,

If it comes down to mud westling with someone, why not go with a small Fixed Blade. It will be faster to deploy, easier to index, and 100% unlikely to fold. I know I would not want to be fumbling around trying to feel for a release button. Just get a schrade sharp finger and have someone put together a practical sheath for it.

n2s
 
VG,
Maybe you should check out this knife. I do believe they make them in a left-handed configuration and they go for about $100 or less.

cam-CUDA4S.jpg


CUDA® Quik-Action Claw CUDA4S

5" length closed (8-1/2" open)
3-5/8" hawkbill blade, with full serration
.16" blade thickness
ATS-34 hollow ground, bead blast finish blade
Bead-blasted fine weave G-10 scales
Dual stainless steel liners
Stainless steel post construction
Black stainless steel pocket clip
Patent pending
 
Ok VG...my first reaction was to suggest an Emersom Commander.
But I actually think that the suggest hwkbill model with Wave feature is the thing for ya...

I carry a Waved Emerson (commander) daily, it doe sopen as it comes out of your pocket, very fast, and very reliable. Its open, and locked, before one could even fire an auto.

I would assume the same would apply for the SARK model from Emerson.

Of course I dont think you;d want the blunt tipped model, but they do offer one with a pointy tip.

And I think they do make a lefty model.....I hope so, otherwise I'll look like a moron.

Look into it, you wont be dissapointed.

Mind you the opinion of a 16 year old probably means about dick....but yeah...its still my opinion...and you got to read it so :P

[Edited 'cause I spell like a 16 year old who went to public school... :eek: )
 
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