Recommendation? New folder for edc/self defense

[BubbaGump]

Does Chicago have a karambit statute? Lol way back in my early knife days I actually took one with me, I was in Chinatown late at night by myself.

Certain knife styles or profiles will automatically be given the 'weapon' status, some simply because there really is no other practical use for such a blade.

Some states and jurisdictions ban certain styles, usually related to the ease of deployment but also by blade profile. But the definition of what is a weapon and what is not is not something that is clearly defined. But like the classic SC Justices' definition of pornography, most juries and judges will use the same definition : "I cannot clearly define it. But I know it when I see it."

As an example, try convincing a judge or jury that your were carrying concealed the blade below only as an EDC user. Doesnt help much that the knife is named 'Shasta McNasty'. I think it is obvious what the outcome would be once the jury saw the knife in court and was told it is called Shasta McNasty.

At best, the jury thinks your just a mall ninja playing billy bada$$ and lets you off with a fine and community service. At worse, you're looking at felony and 2-5 years for concealed carry of a deadly weapon.

Some other blades would be borderline calls. It's best to not overdo it and its best to not announce to the world what you choose to carry around.

 

[Lapedog]

Are you possibly will to take other suggestions as I think there are many knives that would do better than the ones you're asking about. Honestly, I don't like the wave feature for SD, it requires a very uncontrollable movement to wave it out of your pocket, when you take it out of your pocket your blade is pointing behind you, you need to adjust your grip (adding time) before it can be used and so many situations where you may have limited space or range of motion where it is ineffective. It is best that your deployment method is simple and standard, that you always use so it is muscle memory(flipper I strongly recommend), remember in stressful situations slow is fast, fast is slow. Just my 2 cents, sorry if I got too off-topic.

That is why the better wave for self defense is the reverse wave.

That’s why I recommend the waved Endura for self defense, you can set it up for reverse wave whereas Emersons are only tapped for right hand carry. (Fine if you are left handed)

To the OP. If your heart is set on a PM2 then check out the products from wisemencompany (search wisemencompany pm2 in google) which will turn your pm2 or other Spydercos into a true fighting folder.

Wisemen Company Fang for PM2

Signet Ring for pm2

Once again imho the only folders that are barely adequate for self defense are waved folders. Practice reverse waving.

 

[BladeScout]

The "SD" part of this farce needs to be in Practical / Tactical .

The particular selection of a specific knife (or any weapon ) for SD / fighting is trivial and meaningless without significant knowledge , training , and practice in it's use for that purpose . Otherwise , it's ridiculous and dangerous to equip with no ability to FIGHT !

I touched upon this subject early in the thread and also asked about which training the OP has had.

I further more recommended, that one not plan on using a knife for SD, which is a bad idea without the proper training and mindset.

As per usual (or rather as of yet), we have not gotten an answer.

As per usual, we most likely already know the likely answer.

Im willing to admit, that there are exeptions but the vast majority of the population is woefully untrained for SD with or without a knife.

A knife or gun is not something you start packing and presto, you are a fully functional knife/gun fighter.

 

[FullMetalJackass]

SD is not about the length and shape of the blade, but about the weight of the brain first, then balls

If I had to equip a knife for self protection purpose, I'd go with a waved or similar quick opening design knife (like on these cold steel Ti-Lite).
And as BladeScout said, you won't instantly get Ernie's superpowers just by waving a Karambit.
Training and good physical condition are your best SD tools. Now, stop browsing the forum and go running

 

[SALTY]

Speaking as a guy who owns too many Emersons, I respectfully suggest that if you are looking for an effective SD folder and an EDC knife that you need two knives.

Emerson make an effective SD folder - to the extent any folder is effective for SD; their grinds do not lend themselves to the slicing that is so much apart of at least my own personal EDC functions.

As I mentioned, I do own a bunch of Emersons and do like them - really like Eernie, Mary & Company, but a SAK, a Becker Necker BK-11 (or it's close cousin the BK-14), Cold Steel Voyager, CS American Lawman, Endura or the like is usally also with me - though not all at the same time obviously.

The point being that IMO Emerson knives can perform (again, in the context of a folding knife) for SD but the grinds are better for slicing on other knives. The Horseman could probably pull of EDC and SD but this is BladeForums and the answer will almost always be "bet both" or, in this case, just get two knives.

 

[DocJD]

If you carry two knives (or more) , one can be dedicated to SD/emergency use and kept as sharp as possible even if serrated like Cold Steel type SE .

Also , you can , and should keep your SD knife out of public view . So it need not be harmless looking .

 

[b00n]

it is called Shasta McNasty.

I want one of those sooo bad. But I can't find one on my side of the pond :/

 

[Velitrius]

Ultimately, unless you are trained in some specific knife SD and have a knife specifically designed for that, like a Spydero PKal, then in the incredibly rare event that you are forced to use your knife for SD, pretty much all folders are going to be equally (in)effective.

So get one that works well the 99.999999999% of the time, when you are not in a knife fight.

Marci beat me to it. Invariably, when somebody wants a knife for "edc/self defense" I have to say this:

Get the knife that you will use for the purpose that will occupy 99.9999999% of the usage.... EDC.

I had an Emerson CQC-7 and the Benchmade CQC-7 (BM 970) If you want one of these, get the Benchmade. I wouldn't recommend either version for EDC, but this is for you to decide. I found it useful on the docks, but I wouldn't carry one today.

I'm not a fan of the Spyderco PM2. But of your choices you've mentioned thus far, I'd recommend the PM2 for you.

 

[BladeScout]

How come you dont like the PM2?

 

[Sonnydaze]

Forget self-defense with a knife. The perp pulls his 9mm and you're dead. You'd better learn this lesson; these meatballs shoot you for kicks.
Tune into Orlando, FL tv news sometime... it'll rattle your teeth.

 

[DocJD]

Forget self-defense with a knife. The perp pulls his 9mm and you're dead. You'd better learn this lesson; these meatballs shoot you for kicks.
Tune into Orlando, FL tv news sometime... it'll rattle your teeth.

Gross oversimplification . Illogical conclusion . Fun argument for Prac/Tac .

 

[ZtCubster]

so im torn now between a yojimbo 2 and an emerson. I'll probably flip a coin when i decide officially but im leaning towards the emerson cause you guys are right about scratching that itch. What do you guys think of a gentleman jim?

 

[DocJD]

so im torn now between a yojimbo 2 and an emerson. I'll probably flip a coin when i decide officially but im leaning towards the emerson cause you guys are right about scratching that itch. What do you guys think of a gentleman jim?

For most common EDC utility use , none of the above is ideal .

Do some research on the design and SD application of the Yo2 ref. Michael Janich vs your Emerson interests , which would make better hard use pry knives .

 

[GIRLYmann]

The single biggest thing one should be afraid of with any folder is lock failures...
I would be very cautious in pulling out any sorta folder
with the intention for extreme use.
It could also be rather distracting to be forced to deal with such issues under duress.
Consider having a fixed something (could be a steel pen) just in case.

 

[Sosa]

The single biggest thing one should be afraid of with any folder is lock failures...
I would be very cautious in pulling out any sorta folder
with the intention for extreme use.
It could also be rather distracting to be forced to deal with such issues under duress.
Consider having a fixed something (could be a steel pen) just in case.

 

[Sosa]

The single biggest thing one should be afraid of with any folder is lock failures...
I would be very cautious in pulling out any sorta folder
with the intention for extreme use.
It could also be rather distracting to be forced to deal with such issues under duress.
Consider having a fixed something (could be a steel pen) just in case.

You know what I bet the buck 110 performed admirably 99% of the time they were called upon. And imagine the advantages of the triad lock. But as everyone knows lock strength doesn’t matter. Blades have never been effectively used in modern times. Training is essential even though the tool is useless.

 

[DocJD]

The single biggest thing one should be afraid of with any folder is lock failures...
I would be very cautious in pulling out any sorta folder
with the intention for extreme use.
It could also be rather distracting to be forced to deal with such issues under duress.
Consider having a fixed something (could be a steel pen) just in case.

In case someone requests your autograph !

 

[GIRLYmann]

You know what I bet the buck 110 performed admirably 99% of the time they were called upon. And imagine the advantages of the triad lock. But as everyone knows lock strength doesn’t matter. Blades have never been effectively used in modern times. Training is essential even though the tool is useless.

Well considering that Not all locks types are of an equally dependable nature,
One should be also be equally aware that all the best preparation for any h2h eventuality
Is not going to work out as an absolute gurantee for beating the odds.
One's Fate in any given outcome, is in the air it seems.
You only need to sign on with the almighty for the approprite grounds for indemnity ;-)

 

[cricketdave]

Well i do carry a Get off me knife, waved. I would rather depend on being aware of surroundings, and not ever using either a knife or gun to defend myself. Just in case though i carry both. A few that haven't been mentioned are Cold Steel's waved folders, very strong lock and the pop open easy and fast.

 

[Mick_1KRR]

Ultimately, unless you are trained in some specific knife SD and have a knife specifically designed for that, like a Spydero PKal, then in the incredibly rare event that you are forced to use your knife for SD, pretty much all folders are going to be equally (in)effective.

So get one that works well the 99.999999999% of the time, when you are not in a knife fight.

Like, here's a pro tip: you can stab somebody with a Delica. Can you believe that?!?



(Or just use a grocery store steak knife as a dedicated SD knife. Sometimes grocery store knives fall in the sewer or river, and if they do, no big loss.)

Forget self-defense with a knife. The perp pulls his 9mm and you're dead. You'd better learn this lesson; these meatballs shoot you for kicks.
Tune into Orlando, FL tv news sometime... it'll rattle your teeth.

I have to say (and yeah some will of course disagree with this so be open minded) I find it pretty ridiculous that people think that hypothetically in a life/death situation you think having an edged weapon is 99.9% useless unless you're trained. Fantasy situation - You're in a spot where you cannot run away (smart thing to do) and you're being set upon by maybe a couple guys 100% set out to do you and maybe a loved one possibly fatal harm. You're trying to have people believe holding a edged tool out as not only a deterrent but to also be the first thing maybe an advancing arm or fist comes in contact with while you keep your distance and defusing the attackers is useless? I shake my head at this. These useless edged tools seem to do pretty well at causing innocent people harm and sending them to the emergency rooms don't they? but magically become useless if it's the last thing an innocent person has to defend their life with in if things get that up close and dangerous. I know knife fighting is absolutely ridiculous, but people, please...I know the majority of people here live in the USA, and you're allowed to carry firearms, which make knives obsolete in such situations, but for people in say Australia, we don't have the ability or luxury. I wonder how many of you would look at a man advancing towards you in a dark ally with a 4 inch bladed knife and think "not to worry folks, that weapon he's holding is 99.9999% useless unless he's trained".