Best self-defense folder?

Noctis3880

Noctis3880

Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
11,409
I've taken a quick look at my current set of folders, and none of them fit the bill as a knife that can be used for self defense.

I'm perfectly aware that a folding knife is hardly a prime choice over a fixed blade, but it's really the only viable option for me as:
1) I doubt I can carry a fixed blade in my pocket all the time.
2) I'm pretty sure that hanging a knife in a sheath from your belt is just begging for you to be arrested or to have the knife stolen and used against you. Thus, concealment is the only option.

I'm going to take a few stabs at the ideal properties of a good defensive folder, and I invite anyone to correct me if I'm wrong(or debate your point).

Handle Grip-
I believe the scales on my Endura fits the bill perfectly for maintaining a firm grip on the knife during combat. My BM 943 and Kershaw Shallot handles are far too smooth to be practical in live combat. A rubber handle would be nothing short of perfect, but I don't really see those on a folder.

Blade Geometry-
I believe a thick and wide blade with a saber grind would be best, as a full flat grind blade is more than likely to be snapped off. Edge bevel should probably be 25+ degrees per side for added toughness. It wouldn't do well if the knife only cut once before breaking off. This is why I can't consider my Endura as a defensive option, as the flat ground blade is too thin for a rough fight.

Edge Detail-
I'm not entirely certain, but I believe a full plain edge is best for combat. It's been stated that a serrated edge will "catch" on clothing, whereas a plain edge will cut straight through. Combo-edges are IMO, simply to intimidate while hampering the function of the knife.

Lock-
I believe the back lock will provide the sturdiest lock on the blade.

Steel-
I believe D2, M4, M2, or any other tool steel with high strength and toughness(more toughness than strength) is key. Corrosion resistance should be more or less irrelevant, as rust will be the last thing you're worried about in a combat situation. You also don't want the blade to chip or break off.

Opening Mechanism-
The spyderco round hole doesn't quite seem to compare with the thumb studs on my BM 943. It could simply be the tight screw though. The Speed Safe on my Kershaw is cool and all, but I still feel that my 943 is my fastest opening knife(though it wiggles). An automatic knife would be best, but there's a bit of legality issues surrounding that type of opening mechanism.

Based on these considerations, I believe the Benchmade 913 and Spyderco Military or Police models best fit what I'm looking for. Though Benchmade for me has had a slightly sloppy fit and finish(blade wiggles when loose, yet when tightened enough to stop the wiggling, the knife becomes impossible to open. There is no "sweet spot" and lubing the knife more doesn't help). The Spyderco knives don't have the tougher tool steel in their line of Military or Police models.

I've also had my eye on the Spyderco Scorpius, which doesn't have handle scales or the plain edge I'm shooting for, but the wavy contours on the handle allows you to get a tighter grip on the knife. The end of the handle is also perfectly shaped for a sharp non-lethal blow. Though I'm questioning the wisdom in getting drawn even an inch closer to combat due to the handle and 3 inch blade.
 
Couple of things. The Scorpius (I have several) isn't what I'd use as a 'folding fighter' for a couple of reasons. That stainless steel handle is very thin and slick (traction tape or G-10 overlays could help in both regards) and the handle doesn't have much in the way of a guard to prevent sliding up on the blade. As an impact weapon, the Scorpius would function flawlessly! That tail is great!

You mention the Spyder-hole not working as well as thumbstuds for you, well it sounds to me like you need to try a Spyderco Endura Wave. It'll leave your thumbstuds in the dust. If you're seriously considering a folding fighter, I'd suggest you check out the Spyderco Endura Wave. In my opinion, there's none better!!

C10PGYW_L.jpg


Regards,
3G
 
50+ inclusive edge angle, i think you should carry a folding icepick with g10 handles lol:p.

If an endura is not enough tough, the police 3 is way out of the list, its much thinner. (same 3mm VG10 but FFG.)

Checkout Emerson knives, or Strider. Spyderco's best SD folder now is the Chinook 3.
 
'The best self defense folder?' I'll state it - probably the WASR AK-47s with that underfolder stock. Still a decent value - ~$500.

A knife, especially a folder, makes a poor 'planned' self-defender. I, a mere civilian, will legally go for something that doesn't require being 'up very close and very personal', albeit a bit louder. I do carry a myriad of folders to be used in dissecting marauding bugs, etc - and to open bills with.

As said, an ice pick probably would be a better choice than the typical 'blade'. For a folder, consider a Marlinspike equipped knife - a Buck 315, for example.

IMG_3376.jpg


Oops - there would go the secondary market values on these long discontinued models. I suppose the Victorinox Mariner series - and that 'skeletonized' Marlinspike could be pushed into service - with the added danger of the corkscrew, of course. It would probably require future such knives to bear a Federal warning, a la pesticide containers, warning that use not in accordance with the normal intent/instructions would violate some Federal statute. Wow, you've done it now!

Stainz
 
80% self defense is good foot work and common sense... Best self defense knife is one is comfortable for you but you need some basic know how for it. IMHO, good foot work is good ( albeit me knee has been operated 6 times in past 5 years running is not that good option ) but most punks who weilds knife barely knows how to use one. Its good that they don't grip from the blade...

Your best self defense is to get basic defense options, especially how to grap ones hanfe hand. Usually punks try to slash with wide andgle or thrust.

Do you really want to go in knife fight? Best self defense are: Running away, extremely bright flash light aimed to their eyes and such prior knife.

But if you want to have self defense folder. Take one that fits your hand like glow and get trained to use that. Or else its just as good as expensive paper weight. No knife makes you better fighter unless you have skill to weild it.
 
If you want a heavy thick blade check out the ZT line. I have a ZT0300 and it's not going to break against a human target. With it's assisted opening it's very quick to deploy. Want something cheaper and still fast and heavy-duty, you can go to the ZT0200.
 
jill jackson said:
If you want a heavy thick blade check out the ZT line. I have a ZT0300 and it's not going to break against a human target. With it's assisted opening it's very quick to deploy. Want something cheaper and still fast and heavy-duty, you can go to the ZT0200.
Click to expand...

So how are you liking that ZT 0300 sofar? :D
 
Endura is big and tough enough for SD unless the bad guy is wearing a medieval suit of armour. The wave makes it lightning fast. Plus it's one of the best if not the best user EDC. I'd take a waved Endura or a similar sized, similar weight waved folder over any other design.
 
Lycosa said:
The Best SD knife?
The knife on you and knowing how to use it.
Click to expand...

...that's pretty much it, isn't it...unless you have preferences like ripping instead of puncturing, you could have more dialog over that...:rolleyes:

be advised that if you're not 100% fearless when you draw the Ideal SD Folder, that knife can and will be used against you...
 
Talwarfolder.jpg
This knife has a wave for a snag opening which is faster than an auto. It also has that nice steel ball at the pommel for less than lethal strike. For slashing there is the generous belly and a very sharp point for the thrust.

Talwar by Cold Steel.
 
Freak Show Scott said:
Talwarfolder.jpg
This knife has a wave for a snag opening which is faster than an auto. It also has that nice steel ball at the pommel for less than lethal strike. For slashing there is the generous belly and a very sharp point for the thrust.

Talwar by Cold Steel.
Click to expand...

Sweet blade. :D
 
Any knife with a wave feature that you have trained religiously with can be deployed way faster than any auto, assisted, or manual folder. With the wave feature there is a step that is eliminated. When you deploy autos, assisteds, and manuals there is always a 2 step process, 1. Deploy from pocket and 2. Deploy the blade. With a waved knife both are done at the same time, which might give you that split-second edge when faced with a deadly SD situation
check out a couple of my short vids on waved deployment, first vid is an Emerson Combat Karambit and the second one is a waved delica double draw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuJan4rK6nc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFYBanzRGCE



Emerson and Spyderco make great waved knives
 
jill jackson said:
I liked it but it went straight to the factory, because it has thin coating on the blade. (metal showing in one spot near the tip as well as it's thin past that point)
Click to expand...

That's weird, wonder how that one slipped by. :confused:

I am sure they will take care of it for you though. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top