Tactical folder for self defense

P

pbpasquale

Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
6
Hi. Anyone have any suggestions for a good "tactical folder" primarily for self defense I can carry in my pocket or clipped to a belt? My budget is no more than $200, but preferabley less. I don't care for Spyderco (just personal preferance). I would like a 3-4" blade not in a tanto style unless highly recommended. I have looked at many models from CRKT, Emerson, Combat Elite, Microtech, Cold Steel, Benchmade, and MOD and I am especially looking at knives with larger grips (I have big hands) that will provide a solid grip in any situation. I am leaning towards a Benchmade model for the price/quality compromise, but all suggestions are welcome. I know this a broad, subjective topic, but maybe I can seperate some of the wheat from the chaff. Any help would be much appreciated. Also, no autos please. THNX.
 
In my honest and humble opinion, folding pocket knives make crappy weapons to begin with so I'll start from there and say that I believe speed of deployment (then maybe size) trumps all else if you are considering using a pocket knife on someone or something that threatens you.
Fastest manual I've ever handled is the Benchmade Griptilian series,
Although they are not designed as tac knives (thankfully too),
They are about as "Tactical" as any folder you'll find. Hell any Axis knife is fast really but the grip series for some reason seem easier to open for me anyways.
Plus they have kick A$$ customer service, just make sure you wipe the blood off the blade before sending it in for service! :eek: :p
 
Here are two excellent choices:

Benchmade 806D2.
Benchmade 805...(That's what I carry.).
 
Hi pbpasquale,
There's a lot of good choices out there (like you already said), but you may wanna check out the CRKT Crawford-Kasper a little more closely.

This knife was made 'specially for SD, is also useable for EDC chores (but could scare the horses, so carry an SAK), fits most peoples' hands very well in several grips (my push daggers are the only thing I feel are more secure), rides low in your pocket with the clip, comes in 2 sizes, several steels, 1/2 and non-serrated, ambidextrous studs, thick blade, and is is relatively inexpensive. It also has a cool extra locking system if you're unsure about "just liner locks" called LAWKS, I think. Very easy and intuitive. If you really like the folder, a fixed-blade version is available.

The only modification I ever wanted to do to mine was to add a small strip of sk8tbord tape on the backstrap for a little more gription. Total cost including shipment (think it was New Graham Knives, Great folks to deal with) was about $50.00 to me here in Euro.

If I break it in training or use or loose it or have to replace it I'm not gonna cry too loudly. This could be an important consideration if you ever did have to use whatever you end up choosing for SD purposes, as your tool could very well be "impounded" in an evidence locker if things get nasty and the authorities have to get deeply involved. I'd hate to be out $150-300 just like that. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Anyhow, good luck on your search and take care.
 
Here are the two with the best locks: Benchmade 42 and the Microtech Dragonfly. I recently traded my 42 for the Dragonfly because it was a little smaller and fits better in my pocket. You can't go wrong with either.
 
There are a number of good tactical knives available, but I like Sticky's suggestion of the Benchmade Griptilian. The fact that it does not have a name that advertises that it is a fighting knife is a very important point in it's favor. The popular tactic among liberal lawyers and prosecutors these days is trying to turning criminals into victims and vice versa. If you are obviously carrying a weapon for self-defense, they'll claim that you were looking for a fight when the scumbag ex-con gang member jumped you.

Also, in many jurisdictions knife laws are rather poorly defined. It might be illegal to carry a defensive knife, but not one that you can claim was carried for utility. The Griptilian can be argued to be a utility knife, whereas you are SOL trying to make that claim about a knife with words like "tactical" or "combat" in their names.
 
I have been carrying custom folders over the last few years, so my experience with many of the modern production folders is fairly limited. There are however several that I have handled/owned/used while EDCing customs.

Any of the Carson designs from CRKT would be great. I used an M18 a lot last summer as a beater. The new m21 looks really nice as well.

The Micortech Lightfoot LCC/MA is one of the best quality tactical folders I have seen on the production market.

The Buck Mayo would be another choice to conder.

WHile I have not handled one, I like the looks of the Benchmade 630 Blackwood. That may be one you could get your hands on and see how it fits you.

I personally prefer the Carson designs, because I carry custom versions and am proud to call the man a great friend.

JR
 
Camillus Dominator. Just about the only folder I carry with regularity... this coming from a non-folder guy. S30V blade steel, titanium handles, framelock, robo-assist... great knife.
 
Jeremy Reynolds said:
The Buck Mayo would be another choice to conder.
JR
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. I'm not buying any production folders at the moment, but one that keeps popping into my head is the Buck/Mayo. If I can't find a pre-owned custom Mayo in the next few months that meets my requirements, I just may have to pick up the production version to hold me over :p

It's in your price range and a great quality piece.
 
I know you said "folder" but have you considered the Hideaway?

OTher than that if you are just dead set against Spyderco, well I feel it's your loss but I will second all of the Benchmade models that have been suggested.
 
I don’t know, but a lot of people suck up the hype of a lot of the new generation knives. People have been killing people for hundreds and thousands of years without all the trick things that are necessary today in a modern knife. Granted I enjoy the new innovations as much as anyone, but you take a sharp well designed blade and in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing you are in big trouble. A wide eyed kid with the greatest tactile knife in the world is hamburger to a person with experience and knowledge with a dull butter knife.
 
Looking for a big, comfortable, secure grip? I would second the recommendation for the CRKT Crawford Kasper folder. (There is a "professional" version available with AUS8 blade steel and aluminum scales.) The only problem is that it feels very bulky in the pocket.

Another recommendation would be the CRKT Desert Cruiser. The overall size is a bit more petite than the Craword Kasper, so it feels better in the pocket. The grips are very thick and very well designed. It also has a great flipper, which makes it lightening fast to deploy. (The thumb stud isn't great though, so if you are stuck on using the thumb stud for deployment, this may not be the best knife.)

Regards,
cds1
 
CRKT Crawford Kasper Folding Fighter (KFF) or Hammond Crusier. Both cheap, so you can dull and blunt one as a trainer and you wont care when they rot in an evidence locker
 
A wide eyed kid with the greatest tactile knife in the world is hamburger to a person with experience and knowledge with a dull butter knife.
Click to expand...

How true!!

There are some great tactical folders on the market, but if you beleive you need protection walking to the local bottle shop, carry a firearm or a longer fixed blade and learn how to effectively deploy and use both.
Walking away from a confrontation also helps - "he who walks away, gets to fight another day."
 
The Benchmade 520 feels like a tank when opened, and the sculpted handle will give you a rock solid grip.

It has a somewhat shorter blade for those jurisdictions that care about that sort of thing, and there is no "tactical this, or combat that" in the name, just 520.
 
If I were you, I'd save money on the knife, and take some combat classes instead...much more important. I'd rather be stuck with skills and no knife, than with a knife but no skills.
 
I went thru the same search and review of the best folders and got the Chinook II from newgraham. I know you said Spyderco wasn't on your list but the Chinook was the top of my list and newgraham has it for a big discount over the list price. Blade is 3 3/4". Full liner. Extra strong lock. Big, big grip. Very best CPMS30V steel.
http://www.newgraham.com/chinookii.htm
reconsider.
og
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top