Cold Steel Safe Maker I vs II

A

agoutihead

Joined
May 5, 2007
Messages
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I have a Cold Steel Safe Maker II (the smaller version) and was considering the Safe Maker I (the 1" larger version) but am concerned it's just a little bit too big for a back up push dagger.

I've seen comparison videos but that just doesn't do it enough justice.

Does anyone have both & prefer the smaller one as a back up over the larger version?
 
I do not own both, however I am very glad I purchased the Safe Maker II instead of the larger version. The blade seems plenty big enough to be "lethal" and just the perfect size to fit behind my belt without being intrusive.
 
There are an abundance of pictures of both side by side and compared to other items and knives online. I'd go with the 2, it would be more practical for me. I've been looking into one myself.
 
Large would make it more bulky for covert carry.

The advantages of a longer blade is it's "reach" and "psychological advantage".

The trade offs of owning a shorter blade aren't a disadvantage if one knows how to deploy it correctly.

Makes perfect sense to go small if one can't wear it out in the open.
 
I planned on wearing this on the outside of my left boot, but the inside of my left leg (not tucked in boot is what im trying to say) for quick draw with my right hand.
 
agoutihead said:
I planned on wearing this on the outside of my left boot, but the inside of my left leg (not tucked in boot is what im trying to say) for quick draw with my right hand.
Click to expand...

I'm going to interpret your need for a fast draw as in reactive self defense, and there are so many things wrong with boot carry for this, like speed, balance, and/or position vulnerability. If you raise your leg to access the knife, you are in a weak balance position; if you bend down to access it, your position is very vulnerable; and neither way is as fast reactively as coming from your waist (9 o'clock to 3 o'clock), OTB or IWB.
 
I carried a Safe Keeper I (5" blade) for a couple of years, inside the waist band, right hip pocket. I did not find it to be intrusive, but I did always know it was there. For sitting, a smaller one would have been a better choice I think.
 
I have the SM II. The SM I seemed a bit much for a push dagger. The smaller one would be plenty capable of ruining someone's day.
 
As far as a psychological advantage goes, I have an old SafeKeeper II (haven't tried the SafeMaker) that works wonders. It's also very rugged, and has held up well for over a decade with heavy work use. It's "lemon squeezer" handle I've found also makes it a wonderful knife for utility use due to it's vastly utilitarian yet powerful grip. It's blade, is small enough to be practical yet still be very effective if put to SD use, and tends to turn the aggression-wick down on the meanest of would-be beer muscle bullies; sort of like seeing the big 'hole' on the front of a .45 or 12-guage.
 
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