Knife Recommendation for Security/Law Enforcement

A

Armyboy_JTF2

Joined
May 13, 2015
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Hello everyone, I'm a new user who's just starting to work security now (with future goals of becoming a police officer). I've been looking around for a knife which could come in handy and I've looked at brands such as Benchmade, SOG, Gerber, Spyderco, and Kershaw.

After some more research I decided that Benchmade would probably be the company to go with, but I can't seem to decide on which particular model. I'm looking for one that does not have a liner lock, can't be auto (illegal unless I'm law enforcement which I'm not...yet), and my budget is hopefully less than $200.

I've been debating between the following models: 511 Griptilian, 14715 HK, 580 Barrage, and 908 Stryker.

Also, would a plain or combo edge be better for my situation?

Thank you for all the feedback!
 
Hello Armyboy_JTF2,

I'm currently a LEO and my EDC is a Cold Steel Recon 1 (tanto point) with a combo edge. I find it handles every task I throw at it, both at work and at home.

You definitely won't go wrong if you decide to purchase one :D :thumbup: :thumbup:

Cheers
 
A great candidate would be the Benchmade 520. Right in your price range and with heavy duty frame and good blade steel. Ambidextrous Axis lock with a bombproof warranty.
 
brindlebutcher said:
Hello Armyboy_JTF2,

I'm currently a LEO and my EDC is a Cold Steel Recon 1 (tanto point) with a combo edge. I find it handles every task I throw at it, both at work and at home.

You definitely won't go wrong if you decide to purchase one :D :thumbup: :thumbup:

Cheers
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Thanks for the feedback!

I had considered the Recon 1, but I preferred the original model which seems hard to find now. Reason I chose benchmade was because of the Axis-Lock. I was looking at Gerber Swagger A/O with the push button and I like being able to close the knife with one hand.

Would you happen to know where I could get a the original version of the Recon 1?
 
jkarp_53 said:
A great candidate would be the Benchmade 520. Right in your price range and with heavy duty frame and good blade steel. Ambidextrous Axis lock with a bombproof warranty.
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Is there a big difference between the 520 and the other models I've mentioned? Been looking for more info and it seems like the same type of blade steel and relatively same length as the Griptilian.
 
The 520 is about the same size as the large 551 Griptilian, and comes in 154CM blade steel. The difference is in the ribbed aluminum scales which provide a firm hold whether in gloves or not. I find the 520 more blade balanced due to the scales not being plastic. Folks have called the Presidio a pocket eater, but I've never had a problem with that. Hope this helps.
 
The Griptilians are a pretty good value both full size and mini. Three different blade shaped to choose from, comfortable, durable handles. I am not a security officer or a Police Officer but I bet you don't need a real big knife, just sharp and ready.
I edc a 555HG mini and could not be happier. The blade sclices very well, the handle is comfortable and grippy, the clip holds the knife in my pocket perfectly and its light weight so it's no trouble at all to carry standing or sitting.

Jim
 
Velitrius said:
Damn straight. I'll add.... and carries best with your gear and deploys like you want it to.
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:thumbup: When I see these questions, I get an idea in my mind that the OP might want something that is the be all end all piece of tactical badassery. Unfortunately, 90% of the cops I know (and I do know a lot of LEOs) carry something simple that cuts stuff. They don't carry things that would not be used in a knife fight per se. The other 10% carry slip joints. OP, as some are saying here, you won't need a folding katana to do your job, you will mostly be filing paperwork, I'd invest in a Benchmade Pen and a light weight folder for the times you occasionally have to cut something.
 
Armyboy_JTF2 said:
For some reason, I don't like Spyderco, and the 940 is out of my price range unfortunately :( But thanks!
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Got my 940 for $170, shipped.

17051122430_55870d4bd2_z.jpg
 
I'm a LEO and I carry several different, but the one thing that seems to always stand out is something with a deep carry pocket clip. I carry on my gun side, so the deeper carry helps avoid rubbing against my holster.

Just my 2 cents.
 
RevDevil said:
:thumbup: When I see these questions, I get an idea in my mind that the OP might want something that is the be all end all piece of tactical badassery. Unfortunately, 90% of the cops I know (and I do know a lot of LEOs) carry something simple that cuts stuff. They don't carry things that would not be used in a knife fight per se. The other 10% carry slip joints. OP, as some are saying here, you won't need a folding katana to do your job, you will mostly be filing paperwork, I'd invest in a Benchmade Pen and a light weight folder for the times you occasionally have to cut something.
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LOL! Rev and I are obviously related in a way to which we are both oblivious....

I'd get a lightweight Benchmade folder and a Fisher space pen. The pen will write in the rain, which you may end up doing at some point in this career or the next.

And Rev is characteristically correct, in that you will OCCASIONALLY have to cut something. But just because your cutting is occasional does not mean that you should do it with a lack of sharpness, style or reliability. Or attitude. :D

Your move, Rev. ;)
 
Some background on me:
Volunteer LEO & Fire/EMS with some (4) years of experience.
You've got some cops that carry the fully serrated Spyderco Endura so they can really mess someone up (in their terms), and also cut zip tie/cuffs.
You've got the rest that carry a Benchmade Griptilian, since it's a solid workhorse, etc. That's me.
I also have a BM 7 rescue hook that I use - I've actually got 3 of them. They're invaluable, and are especially useful where you cannot take a knife (jail) but need to still cut things. This will vary based on policy, but the ones I've been to allow them in.
Later on you'll start to get fancier stuff, like I ended up with an auto triage, but start out with a griptilian early, familiarize yourself with it.
As much as I hate serrations, if you aren't going to maintain your blade, go with the combo edge (or get D2, visit Cabela's ) but I prefer plain edge for everything.
 
For reliable high performance I'd say either a Manix 2 or Cold Steel American Lawman CTS-XHP

Manix.jpg


american-lawman-xhp-large.jpg


Both are tough folders with even tougher locks that are still modest enough in size not to freak people out.
 
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Thanks for all the feedback. Any suggestions on where to purchase benchmade Knives that ship to Canada?

Also, serrated/combo or plain?
 
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