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

Well, VG, sounds like good points for using both hands for the weapon retention, or for having a knife available as you originally suggested.

Assuming that you're going to get a knife, I think that the fewer small muscle skills required to get it into action, the better off you'll be. Autos require hitting the button, and perhaps rotating the knife to begin with, if it isn't really left-handed. Folders require even more, although a left-handed folder would help with that.

I find it difficult to be a fan of the knives made by the company with the Wave. But, they sure do open fast. But, given the situation of a violent physical struggle, seems quite possible to me that the Wave would catch on some part of your clothing, and not be able to exit the pocket/receptacle it was in smoothly.

I think this leaves you with a fixed blade. IMO opinion, the CRKT Polkowski/Kasper Companion would be a good bet. One of the reviews of the knife went to some length about how easy it is to index the knife as you're drawing it, and to get it out in a proper grip. The review also praised quite highly the soundness of the grip once it has been withdrawn, how effective it would be for fighing.

It is a solid knife, quite sharp, and a point with which to reckon. If you have the same troubles with the sheaths some of us did, Normark makes a great Concealex sheath. Certainly could be configured for a lefty withdrawal.

Sure, there are a lot of knives out there. Any number would probably do the job for you. None at the Companions price point tho, except maybe the Sharpfinger. Depending upon what, if any, laws apply to you, I think the Boker Mini-Smatchet would be a great knife for your situation. It has the distinct advantage of being sharp on both sides of the blade. There is no right/left hand configuration to worry about. Jerry Van Cook praised the knife very highly in his review of it.

That's all I'll recommend. The best of luck choosing the best knife for your needs!
 
Woo BOY!
Don't I have a lotta responding to do!!!

Ok, here goes...

Qwerty (my, that's easy to type!) that's a good idea, and I have thought of it, but if possible, I'd like to keep the cost down, so I'm gonna aim for one that's already made...
Good thinkin' tho!
:D

Brainypart, I carried the Civilian for the first few days on the job, but it was a right handed model... that wasn't such a problem as the fact that the insides of the pocket clip have some kinda rubber in 'em, making a draw pretty slow...
If Camillus makes a Lefty-Cuda Hawkbill, that sounds like a candidate. I'll have to harrass Will Fenell about that one.
I have a Kershaw Speedsafe that I'm carrying off duty these days, but again, left handed, I think it'd take too much thinking to open under stress.
These Wave Emersons have my interest... I'm gonna go to Vegas tomorrow and check them out. Still, I really like the idea of a hooked blade to grab someone's wrist, rather than just stab...
Any port in a storm, tho...
I have 2 Sifus, the original ones that were offered here. I would have carried one, but it doesn't have a clip. There's enough stuff on my belt as it is (everything your average LEO has, that's what's there) and I don't really think that having a mean looking blade on that belt would "look" right. Rather have something more mow profile.
My wife refuses to part with the Micra... and I'm too scared to argue the point!
;)
Thanks for the suggestions though, ya gave me stuff to ponder!

BMCneil, thanks for the suggestions.... like I told Brainbits, I'm gonna look into the Wave.... the recurved blade shows promise, but the Speed Safe doesn't fit the bill for me... thanks much though!

RW Clark, I certainly remember the old adage about bringing a knife to a gunfight. Your suggestion regarding Mr. Hrisoulas is greatly appreciated!
I'm almost embarrassed to say that we are given no training in weapon retention, handcuffing techniques, baton or OC techniques, so I'm trying to learn as much as possible. Unfortunately, all of this training will have to be on my dime, so to speak, but I've heard of Mr. Hrisoulas and it's good to know that he's local. I believe that I'll be contacting him about additional training. For what it's worth, I HAVE been training with a former Chicago LEO firearms instructor, and he's managed to UNteach some of my bad habits.
Any instruction is good instruction, tho, so if there's a way I can swing the additional training, I'll go for it.
Your advice regarding the holster is right on the money, and jives with what my friend had already told me.
I'm carrying my Glock 21 in a Safariland SS III, triple retention, hi-ride holster. I go into a lot of VERY crowded bars in North Las vegas, and have gotten into the habit of locking my elbow over the weapon in crowds. Heh heh... at least I have a head start on that tip!
I was carrying my ASP in front of my weapon, with OC on the weak side. MarkCid advised me to swap the two, which I have done, so the ASP will be available on my weak side from here on. My only concern is that the ASP may be a bit slower to deploy than a knife that I've described... I may be wrong, but again, I'm flying by the seat of my pants here, and only have my imagination to go by, rather than real world experience.
I know, get training!!! I will.
Your advice is really appreciated, and I'll act on it. Thank you!!

Royo, thanks for letting me know about the Martiarch. It's a candidate if I can't find an auto.

Last Confederate... I understand what you're saying, but I'm thinking that my level 3 holster should at least give me the time needed to use my feet to back up, then reach for something to persuade the person to let go of the weapon. It's good advice, and like I said to RW, I might be wrong... but I'm trying to cover a few bases... thank you.

RH, I dunno, maybe it's a mental thing, but I always believed that bigger is better. Having a curved blade to grab a person's wrist/arm rather than slicing and dicing is the way I prefer to go, at least at this point. Thanks just the same... :)

Mazolla, I'll hump your leg again when you buy me the knife I decide on, ok?
:p
As for the fixed blade... I've thought about it, but there's too much stuff on my belt as it is, and my heart's set on a pocket carry. Could you ask Mr. Vallotton to make me what I need and buy it for me?
:)

USAFSP, yep, that Wave thing definitely has my interest.,... I'm gonna check into that the next time I get to Vegas. I still have a hard time figuring out how it opens in my pants.... don't bother explaining... I'm mentally "off" and wouldn't understand the words... heh heh... I'll try one out at a place I saw them at.
Thanks!
PS - I saw some of your co-workers from Nellis the other night... they were unarmed.. I wasn't. I said hiya to 'em and thought of ya. I asked if they knew ya, but they said that they're ALL "USAFSPs"!
;)

Steve C, I'm glad that you think that I'm on the right track. As I said, unfortunately, we're given no training in weapon retention techniques, so I'm doing the best I can. At least I went for a triple retention holster that should certainly slow someone down if they try and snatch my weapon. I had my daughter put the belt on and I tried to snatch the Glock (yes, unloaded! lol) from it, and I was able to do so with difficulty. And I knew the secrets!!
As for being surprised, I honsetly feel that my situational awareness is as high as possible while working... even in the batrhoom! I seriously doubt that someone would surprise me, but I suppose that some kind of distraction would be possible.... And yes, there's a chance that a much more powerful person than I might go for it, but I'm not a little guy... but I ain't the biggest either. Just trying to be prepared in the event that the SHTF.
Thanks for the advice!

Glockman, Geeze, aren't you satisfied that I'm ALREADY carrying a Glock???
:p
Actually, I already thought of your advice and got me a Glock 26. (Yeah, yeah... the .40 woulda been better, but this was on sale)
The thing is aside from a crotch or belly holster, I have no place to carry it. My uniform consists of a poloshirt, I guess it's called, and BDU's, which I blouse. We're switching over to more conventional uniforms, and when that happens, I'll carry the Glock 26 in an ankle rig.
Ya see, we think alike!!!
(Be afraid!!)
Thanks!
:D

Jeff Clark.... even though Nevada allows open carry of handguns, without a permit, daggers are illegal. Uhh... come to think of it, so are autos, but at least they're not gonna be as noticeable until AFTER it's used. Thanks just the same tho!

Brian, thanks for the leads... I'll get in touch with them and see what they can come up with, and for how much. I appreciate it!

Not2... Thanks, but again, a fixed blade's not fitting the bill for me just yet.. good idea though, just not what I had in mind. Thanks just the same!

Sidewinder... I think I know where to check out a Commander.. thanks. sounds possible!

Remster.... If they make that in a lefty, I think it'll work for me...Thanks!!!

Satin, yep, ya said the right things... good advice, even if ya ARE 16!!!
:)
Thanks!

Jason, I seriously considered the Kestrel. I even had it in my hands on uhh... some day last week... I ALMOST got it, but I didn't cuz it's too small. If it had serrations, I woulda went for it, but a plain edge in a small blade might not last for me later on.
(I can't sharpen a blade to save my life!!! Yes, even with the Sharpmaker!!! Please don't kick me off BFC!!!)
Thanks though... we're on the same page!

Jeff, again, the fixed blade's not going to work for me. I prefer a folder with a clip for pocket carry. Thanks though!

Bugs, Hmmm... good points in favor of the fixed blade... the thing is that I'm already overwhelmed, sorta, with the stuff on my belt, and I think that a fixed blade being there would raise too many eyebrows. I don't care what "others" think, but my SGT and Supervisors would definitely question its presence. I've already talked them into allowing me to carry a .45 when everyone else is limited to 9's or 40's, so I don't wanna push my luck!
LOL
Thanks tho!

Ok, I've answered everyone that's been kind enough to respond to me here...
I think I should be able to make a decision with the info here, plus, I got a match under my butt to get some additional training!
Thanks to everyone!!!

Wondering how many folks will bother to read through this diatribe, and hoping like crazy that nobody's thinking that I'm a MALL NINJA(!!),
I remain,
VG
 
Already locking that elbow heh:D. I left the DODPD almost three years ago and I still find myself locking down on my cell phone (carried in the same location as my H+K used to be). You friend is right on the money regarding the OC and ASP. I always carried my chemical right behind my firearm, and my baton on the point of my left hip. An ASP can be a LITTLE slow but even closed to is still a nasty tool. Have you thought of switching to an PR-24X or maybe a Handler 12. Naw the handler can be slow to deploy from its holder.
 
VG,

Just carry the small FB in your pocket. Have someone put together a couple of good quality sheaths and sew them to the pocket lining(there that will surprise them).

n2s
 
How about a curved neck knife. If you dont have to tuck in your shirt, that would be a good option. The best option of course would be to carry another Glock. They make small versions of most of their calibers.
 
For the fastest possible draw and deployment I would suggest either a fixed blade or one of Emerson's "Waved" folders. I'm really fond of the Commander, but if you want a hawkbill check out the P-SARK (a pointed version of their Search and Rescue model).

You can get left-handed Emersons, but I read about a technique on the Emerson forum that I like even better. Put a right-handed Waved folder in your left front pocket. It should be positioned all the way toward the front of the pocket, not against the back seam as would be normal for right-side carry. Draw it with your left hand in a fingers-forward position, not the usual fingers-down. Pull up and forward into a reverse (ice-pick) grip, keeping your fingers straight until after the Wave has opened the blade for you.

I'm not sure if I've explained this well, but if you can work out what I'm getting at the results are impressive. A straight-line grab and draw motion can be extended across into a nasty "passing cut" across the area where someone's arm has to be if they are reaching for a handgun on your right hip.

I'm not a big fan of reverse grips, but in this particular case it makes sense to me. It makes retaining the knife easier and provides plenty of power at very close range.

--Bob Q
 
VG,

Great minds DO think along the same lines, huh?...Scary, VERY scary!.:D.:eek:.:D.

BTW...Out of ALL of the good options presented to you, I really DO think that MINE is the BEST, 'cause if someone is trying to get your gun away from you, generally they intend to do gome BAD things to you, and a couple of "lead-pills" to the head/chest are probally the quickest way to end the threat.

BTW (again...)...MANY LEOS carry a 2nd gun (Glock) as "insurance", so you won't need to feel too paranoid about being "over-armed"...Hell, when I was a Deputy Sheriff (I'm now retired), I sometimes carried 3 guns!
 
Hiya, It is I, again...

RW, yep, been locking that elbow ever since walking into a North Las Vegas bar at 3 am on a Friday night.
(Think Belfast, but meaner..LOL)
Least I THINK I have good instincts!
I spent time as a Firefighter/EMT so I'm somewhat aware of what's going on around me in places that sane people usually don't stray. Heh heh... Pretty funny about locking down on your Cell phone tho... Hope nobody tries snatching it and reflexes kick in and you're trying to justify using lethal force!
Then again, most LEOs would understand!
:)
As for the PR 24... basically, we're told to carry a firearm with two changes of ammo (mags or speedloaders). This is what most guards carry. Scarily, (I think that's a word) most of the guards carry their weapons in $15 Uncle Mikes Generic holsters with a velcro strap as a retainer.
I've only been there 2 months, so I need to keep my mouth SOMEWHAT shut, but it makes me crazy!
Hell, one guard is a 4' 11, 95 lb female. She's professional enough, and I have no problem with her size/sex, but I admit that I worry about what could happen to her in a worst case scenario.
After I'm there a while longer, I'll gently make suggestions... I hate seeming like a know-it-all.
Still, when I heard that she was carrying one of those stun guns as back up, I gave her a spare can of OC. After all, ya don't have to get so close to the bad guy with OC!
Back to the PR 24...
Since everyone's totally under-equippied, at least in my opinion, the sight of a PR 24 on my belt would gain much attention from superiors that aren't involved in security.
My ASP is very low profile, and only one guard has even noticed it.
Hope this gets the picture across... I'm doing the best I can, with what I can, without looking like "Rambo" to the other folks. I just wanna be prepared for as many eventualities that I may come across.
(Yeesh, but I sure do talk alot!)

N2S, yeah, that's an idea, but my heart's still set on a folder... Even though it's more complicated than an FB, I'm MUCH more used to carrying them, and would probably reach for it in my sleep. Not sure about a FB tho.
(By the way, thanks for making me think for like 12 hours, trying to figure out what the hell "FB" meant!)
:p

Hiya Toolin'!
Yep, I have to tuck in my shirt..plus, it's a pullover kind, so I can't even slide my hand between the buttons to get to a neckie. I also carry my ID and spare cuff key on a neck wallet, so chances are that I'd probaby wind up stranging myself!
I have a Glock 26 (sub compact, 9mm) but as of yet I don't have a good place to carry it. When we switch uniforms, that'll change.


BQ, if I get a Wave, I'll study the instructions... thank you much!


Yep, Glockman, your suggestion IS the best...and once I can carry that 26 with me, the knife question will probably be moot... although I'll be carrying it in an ankle rig, so who knows if I'll be able to gain access.... crap, I need training!
LOL
Anyhow, I know about the "New York Reload"..man, I love that term! Thanks!
:)

Off to shop or something, I remain,
me
 
Back
Top