Your favorite Spyderco SD folder?

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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May 21, 2000
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Just wondering, what is your all time favorite Spyderco folder for self defense and why? What Spyderco do you normally carry for SD? Personally, I usually go with the Military. I seem to be able to open it much faster than any of my other Spydercos, and it's light weight means that it's always with me. The Military probably has the most ergonomic handle design too. I'm also pretty fond of my Chinook here lately, mostly because I know that the lockup is so strong.
 
Mili is a good choice, but mine stays home and the Lil Temperance is what I choose! Better balance and more secure grip. Compression lock! It’s an awesome knife!
 
My Millie is my EDC, but if we're talking SD, there's only one choice - the Civilian. Hell, that's what it was designed for! The lock is a lot stronger than the Millie's and the tip sees no difference in penetrating leather or heavy denim than it does butter.

Other SD advantages include a whole series of easily learned techniques (it fits in very well with my kenpo) as well as quick slash and run-fu. And the intimidation factor is also worth considering. Would a BG continue chasing you after getting one horrific slash from that evil blade, or even seeing it snap open as your run-fu kicks in?
 
I tend to carry my Military for utility purposes, but I don't have any reservations about using it for SD. The main reason? The speed of deployment. With the tip down carry, I'm able to deploy the blade lightning quick (in about 2 sec.;))
 
I agree KBR, the military is lightning quick to deploy!
I always have mine a second away.
 
The Gunting gets another vote.

I'm definitely looking forward to the ATR - it appears to have a lot of Gunting-like features such as the bumps & knobs used for closed-blade locks & pressure-point strikes. The holes in the grip & clip look like they're designed to serve as index divots when switching to reverse grip. It also looks easier to carry in a pocket than the Gunting.

I want one.
 
Two Delicas. One fully serrated. One Plain edge. No fuss, no muss. Legal everywhere I go [well almost]. Cheap to replace should the need arise. And, heck, I just like 'em.
 
Usually I'd reply with Ayoob or Police model. Recently my select is Calypso JR SS/PE. Why, because I can place it in my hand while walking and nobody notices it, can easily deply it. Also will carry it around my neck (micarta Calypso JR PE) when wearing t shirts that are not tucked in.

My plans for next year are to get a Grunting, a drone and video tape.
 
Yet another vote for the Gunting! Currently carry a drone. Live version is inbound as is a video. May continue carrying the drone for the non-lethal application of force unless headed into known troubled waters.

Stay safe! Stay sharp!
 
My favorite is my PE Chinook, but I'd sure like to see one with a longer blade.:).
 
You'll all laugh at this one, but it's my choice :

C29SBK "Cricket" ;)

I'm not really into MBC or "non-lethal" means ; if someone
attacks me I want something small & lightweight with a razor
sharp edge for slashing, using the old gladiator rule of "cut
& run" until either the opponent is slowed down or stops the engagement all together. When I was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga.
I learned this technique from a couple of comrades from N.Y.
I also learned that to stab with any implement that implement
( such as a bayonet ;)) will get stuck in human tissue & will,
in a hand-to-hand situation be almost impossible to remove. No
opponent just collapses ( like even those shot ( unless in the head ))
I've talked to veterans that told me my choice was sound, and at least
not a "Rambo" knife type of choice. As for blade length, which is a
diminuative 1 1/2", who(m) needs all that extra length just for slashing?

A.E.T.
 
You'll all laugh at this one, but it's my choice :

C29SBK "Cricket" ;)

I'm not really into MBC or "non-lethal" means ; if someone
attacks me I want something small & lightweight with a razor
sharp edge for slashing, using the old gladiator rule of "cut
& run" until either the opponent is slowed down or stops the engagement all together. When I was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga.
I learned this technique from a couple of comrades from N.Y.
I also learned that to stab with any implement that implement
( such as a bayonet ;)) will get stuck in human tissue & will,
in a hand-to-hand situation be almost impossible to remove. No
opponent just collapses ( like even those shot ( unless in the head ))
I've talked to veterans that told me my choice was sound, and at least
not a "Rambo" knife type of choice. As for blade length, which is a
diminuative 1 1/2", who(m) needs all that extra length just for slashing?

A.E.T.
 
You'll all laugh at this one, but it's my choice :

C29SBK "Cricket" ;)

I'm not really into MBC or "non-lethal" means ; if someone
attacks me I want something small & lightweight with a razor
sharp edge for slashing, using the old gladiator rule of "cut
& run" until either the opponent is slowed down or stops the engagement all together. When I was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga.
I learned this technique from a couple of comrades from N.Y.
I also learned that to stab with any implement that implement
( such as a bayonet ;)) will get stuck in human tissue & will,
in a hand-to-hand situation be almost impossible to remove. No
opponent just collapses ( like even those shot ( unless in the head ))
I've talked to veterans that told me my choice was sound, and at least
not a "Rambo" knife type of choice. As for blade length, which is a
diminuative 1 1/2", who(m) needs all that extra length just for slashing?

A.E.T.
 
"who(m) needs all that extra length just for slashing?"

Allen, not meaning to preach, since you aren't 'into' the MB-Craft, but to clarify that point, the mechanics of a slash require an edge to be 'drawn' through a target, so more edge length translates into deeper/longer wound channel, which can reach down into vital so-called 'biomechanical' workings such as tendons, arteries, etc. In turn increasing the probability of the opponent stopping due to loss of blood/limb control or realizing the intensity of the slash received. My point being, it's safer for the defender to end the confrontation as soon as possible in the fewest attacks. A small-reach weapon that requires the defender to extend farther and fuller on ever attack/counter attack, is an unwise risk of getting 'defanged' by the opponent. Regardless, of ones physical size, one 'has' to extend their arm/hand to attack/counter the opponent, the longer the blade reaches, the tighter your hand stays back and the safer it is.
Because a blade is 1.5" long, doesn't mean it will slash that deep, theoretically yes, but to hit a vital target and get the full edge length worth of slash at that moment is hard to pull off(at least that is what I've discovered in my training).

I won't laugh at either the Cricket or Meerkat as viable defensive blades even for myself, if that is the max. legal possible carry. Many accomplished martial artists have commented that a violent un-trained individual with a knife is at least as dangerous as a seasoned emptyhand martial artists. I've sparred people with very little to no training in bladecraft, but who were aggressive and hard pressing with all their attacks, and was definitely suprised at how well they did, if I had to rely on my empty hand training alone, I would not have lasted long at all.

True that 'some' stabbing implements can possibly get stuck in human tissue in certain circumstances, so it is a general rule(in our system anyway) to carry multiple blades at all times just for such situations.

Just some things to consider.

take care,
Ken
 
Well, It was my Vesuvius (which was my EDC) but, while jogging one day, it opened in my pocket.

I have never trusted liner-locks for this reason (the one reason I don't prefer the Military) and now I don't think I can trust the compression-lock to stay closed either.

So I replaced the Vesuvius with a 50/50 VG-10 Endura.
It is now my EDC, which means it's my utility knife, my emergency/rescue knife, and my self-defence knife.

So far I'm very happy with it and the lock-back keeps me worry-free about it opening in my pocket.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
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