Double edge blade as an actual user knife?

C

calebpo

Joined
Nov 10, 2012
Messages
239
Hey guys,

Just picked up a Makora II and had a question on EDCing a double edged blade as a user. Have carried a single edge ultratech as a user the last two years and used it for absolutely everything i do on a daily basis. Been extremely pleased. Flush with zippo fluid when it gets slow, pass over the stone when dull and right back to beating the hell out of it.

The Makora purchase was more of an impulse buy and haven't been sure I am going to keep it but I have fallen in love with the size and look. Beautiful design, deploys hard, but... It has that damn double edge. Is it all practical as an every day use knife? Before I go throwing it in the pocket and thrashing on it, ruining resale/trade value, would it suffice for everyday use, like food prep, open if boxes, skinning squirrels ect?

If not practical, what would your recommend for a single edge user larger that a UT? Scarab, combat troodon, halo? Always had a thing for the halo and never had or even held one.

If this should be in the auto forum I apologize and please move. More a question on double edge usability.
Thanks for your help folks!
Caleb
 
I would say no. The only time I've ever used a double edge I was cutting some Para cord and the back edge cut my knuckle pretty good. It was obviously user error, but it is just a chance not worth taking imo. You could aalways dull the back edge to make it a false edge if you plan on keeping it.
 
I've used a double-edge balisong as my EDC for a while. It was okay but the double-edged blade got annoying after a while and you realize how much more useful a good area to place your thumb is. So my solution was to grind down the bottom 2/3rds of the blade to be smooth and rounded. Once I did that, loved it! Back edge I kept at a "utilitarian" low grit high angle edge while the front was shaving sharp. Useful to me because the back edge could be used on the more abusive tasks like scraping or eating off a ceramic plate. Probably my favorite bali after my mods even though it's my cheapest and probably the least well made of the bunch.

But I doubt you're going to grind the back of that microtech down lol, I only did that to mine because it was a cheap (30$) bali from the philippines with a great thin handle that otherwise wasn't going to see use.
 
Double edge looks sweet on a microtech but i dont like it for EDC. I tend to put my thumb or index finger on the spine of the blade when makings certain cuts. I tried to EDC a double edge Ultratech and had to keep stopping myself from doing this. I carry my Troodon single edge daily and love it.
 
I carried balis for the longest time. I carried a double edged one for a short time since it got really annoying in use(besides cutting my knuckles when I flipped) because there was nowhere to exert more pressure if needed.
 
Yes you might cut yourself but also there are many states that prohibit them !
 
I think a double edge knife is useful only for stabbing, ie; SD. For all other uses the extra care needed to not
hurt yourself, because you are so used to using a single edge knife is an extra hassle. And as mentioned, double edge is specifically prohibited under many State laws.
 
Cons of a double edged blade
- illegal most places and public perception
- it cuts both ways. this is a pain in heavy cutting if you want to brace the spine of the blade against something.

Pros
- looks cool
- it cuts both ways
 
I have always loved double edged knives and swords. They are most useful for ""self defence" if you train in their use, because it is easy to injure yourself if you aren't careful or get carried away. I also like them for "utility" purposes but again there are things you have to be careful about. I do not recommend this for folders except for a dagger unless you are very careful because, obviously, too much pressure on the top edge and an improper grip and you'll be looking for finger so they can re-attach it at the hospital. And, as noted, they are illegal in too many places. Fixed blades don't have quite the same problem but for many tasks you want to put pressure on the top and if the top edge isn't far enough back or well indexed again you can have a problem unless you block it off with something, which isn't convenient especially if you are somewhere where wood isn't plentiful to use as a block. Not the biggest fan of serrated top edges because they are usually lousy anyway but I do have them and sometimes they are useful, especially for rope, cord or a backup edge, but not as useful as a proper saw of any size. Purists are usually against
I like 'em but you run the risk of being mistaken for a Rambo wannabe, until you actually use the thing and it's obvious you know what you're doing, if that matters to you.
 
When exactly does the spine classify as a second edge? Would a 90 degree angle get you in trouble already? How about 45? Or is it only a second edge if it cuts paper?

In Germany for example a tip sharpened on the spine side would not qualify as a second edge as long as the sharpened portion is less than 4 cm in length.

I wonder about the legal definition of a double edge in the US and particularly in California.
 
I think even Microtech has asked themselves this question many times over.

I have a Combat Troodon that I love. It is double sided and suffers from the same issue that you bring up. So I just bought an Executive Scarab in drop point single edge. The Scarab I think was designed with ultra reliability in mind for the everyday user. That is why it comes mostly in a drop point variation (from what I've seen) and has 2 firing springs inside instead of one.
In my opinion, I think the Executive Scarab is the best EDC option in their line up.

However my wife just ordered a Bayonet Grind Ultratech, and I think this is Microtech's solution/compromise for guys who want it all; a double edge EDC. I liked my wife's so much that I just ordered one too and it's in the mail. It won't replace my Exec. Scarab for pocket time, but it will certainly join the rotation every once in awhile.

As seen on the picture below it has a double edge, but Microtech left the spine nice and flat to push your thumb against for those tough cuts. As far as I know, only the Ultratech comes in with the Bayonet Grind.


120-1_b.jpg
 
P.S. That Makora II is one sweet knife. It may not be the "best" EDC knife.. But maybe you can make it work.

I have a Halo V (no pocket clip on them) that is definitely not an EDC either even with it's single edge, but it sure makes for a nice piece in my small collection and is nice for carrying out in the woods. Maybe you can keep that awesome Makora II for a collection piece and buy a nice Scarab for EDC or something else on the Exchange here on BF for a good deal?

There's plenty of options for you.. Either way, you certainly won't lose out by owning a Microtech. They are amazing products.
 
1) not legal here, so that removes DE blades from my buyer's eye
2) DE has very little purpose outside of use as a weapon.

So no, DE blades have never been on my radar, ever. They look cool, but that's it. (for me)
 
Jens Schuetz said:
When exactly does the spine classify as a second edge? Would a 90 degree angle get you in trouble already? How about 45? Or is it only a second edge if it cuts paper?

In Germany for example a tip sharpened on the spine side would not qualify as a second edge as long as the sharpened portion is less than 4 cm in length.

I wonder about the legal definition of a double edge in the US and particularly in California.
Click to expand...
There is no reference to "double-edged" knives anywhere in the California penal code. http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml

The California penal code does make mention of "dirks" and "daggers", but it specifically defines what a "dirk" or "dagger" is under California law, and that definition says nothing about how many edges the knife has (CA penal code 16470). Here is that statute- http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=16470

It should also be noted that "dirks" and "daggers", as defined by CA pc 16470) are not specifically illegal in CA, they are however illegal to carry CONCEALED in California (CA penal code 21310).

It is perfectly legal to own and OPENLY CARRY a double-edged fixed-blade knife under California state law. And it is perfectly legal to own and carry concealed a double-edged folder under California state law as long as they are not carried concealed with the blade open.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top