CCW Knife Choices

[skb12172]

Two links, four defense knives. Which would you choose and why? I'm talking concealed carry, of course, which is legal in my state.

Fire Away!

http://www.coldsteel.com/safe-keeper.html

http://www.coldsteel.com/samase.html

[Termite]

My $.02:
I'm not a huge fan of push daggers, except for deep conceal/last ditch, like an Urban Pal.

If you are going to CCW a fixed blade knife for general protection, carry something better. Cold Steel's SRK, or their Kobun are decent choices.
But if price isn't a problem, then look at Al Mar's SERE Operator, or Mini SERE Operator.
I have the larger one, and it is one fine knife.

[skb12172]

Thanks, Termite. I really dig the looks and dimensions of the Kobun. I'm going to my local merchant to death, who carries Cold Steel, to see if I can fingerprint one. If the balance and heft is right, you have just sold one knife. You should get a commission!

[Termite]

Thanks, Termite. I really dig the looks and dimensions of the Kobun. I'm going to my local merchant to death, who carries Cold Steel, to see if I can fingerprint one. If the balance and heft is right, you have just sold one knife. You should get a commission!

No problem, glad to be of assistance.

I started carrying a blade long before I ever did a handgun; mostly because I was a teen when I started, then later in college because pistols were inconvenient, and the threat level was pretty low.

Just remember; presenting a knife as a defensive threat often doesn't have the same psycological effect as with a gun; unless it's one huge knife. So don't do it. Trust me on this.
If you have to use your knife, it should be a shock to whoever is threatening you.
I've only had to actually cut someone once, and the guy was stunned when his hand was suddenly bleeding. He never saw my blade, but he decided beating me up was a bad idea(he was one big guy).
I hope you never have to do it.

[Combat Controller]

Also remember, in the eyes of the law a knife and a gun are the same thing, a deadly weapon.

[NVGdude]

Also remember, in the eyes of the law a knife and a gun are the same thing, a deadly weapon.

Depends on the state.

[MDCMKY]

I have carried many different knives and I have come to prefer my S&W Extreme Ops folder. It is a very solid knife and opens quite fast with little effort. The balance is superb and the blade holds a nice edge. I bought my first one new [on sale] for only $19.99 and I have bought 3 other used [like new] ones at pawn shops for $10 or less. It is good quality for little money; I really like that too.

[308Mike]

SKB, remember, a different company runs the Cold Steel website, and they make their profit off the price difference from what you pay them and what they pay Cold Steel.

The link you want is here:

Safe Keeper II
2010 New Specifications:
Blade Length: 3 3/4"
Overall Length: 6 3/8"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless
Weight: 3.6 oz
Handle: 2 5/8" Long Kraton®
Sheath: Secure-Ex® Sheath
Regular price: $59.99
Special Projects Price: $47.99
12BT

Safe Keeper III
2010 New Specifications:
Blade Length: 2 1/2"
Overall Length: 5"
Steel: Japanese AUS 8A Stainless
Weight: 3.5 oz
Handle: 1 3/4" Long Kraton®
Sheath: Secure-Ex® Sheath
Regular price: $49.99
Special Projects Price: $39.99
12CT

It's a good thing you waited to place your order to get a better price.

Everyone has a different taste in knife styles they want, and even different ones for carry knives. Can you carry a concealed fixed blade, or only a folder with a maximum length? In my experience, while a folder is VERY handy, I find a fixed-blade more useful (unless it's a multi-tool knife). I've used my fixed-blades to open boxes (which can be also done by folders, as well as cutting tape, envelopes, etc., etc.), but they don't do so well at chopping branches at the range, or stabbing (and disposing of) gophers I flooded out of their tunnels, attaching to poles to cut items out of my reach, having handy whenever the local coyote pack comes around and I don't have my SIG on me, nor the the visible deterrent (an almost Bowie knife) it creates when the local illegal immigrants come snooping through our neighborhood taking note of the open garage doors and what's inside them.

I've noted that for most people, large fixed-bladed knives create a completely different reaction than the comparable-sized open folding knife while it's closed inside its case.

I can only guess what wearing my Wakazashi would do to the neighbors, when they don't even bat and eye with me walking around wearing a handgun and large fixed-blade knife - yet I think a LARGE blade like a Wakazashi might cause some to wonder or even perhaps call the local Sheriff.

VERY large cutting and chopping tools tend to do things like that - which is why I might eventually go to carrying a Kukri.

[SeekHer]

Push daggers are ok although limited in your usage of said blade (grip wise) but what are your laws on double edged blades? Most locales consider them "dangerous" and therefore an offensive and not defensive weapon or what ever wording they use where you live...Here all push daggers are illegal single or double edge doesn't matter, verboten and is true of a lot of other countries as well...There are other alternatives to carrying a fixed blade knife...Bud Nealy and Bob Dozier have unique carry systems--Bob's New York Special is just a great d/offensive knife.

You want a lovely little knife--try the CRKT M4-02S - designed by Kit Carson, 3¾" blade, stag scales $70 or the Ignitor 3.38" blade, G10 scales $60.00 or the Natural - Designed by Pat & Wes Crawford, 3.88" blade with bone & G10 scales $100 (In my pocket daily) or Fire Spark 3.8" blade and G10 & Alum scales $60 or my wife's favourite the Glide Lock - Designed by Barry Gallagher 2.875" blade, CPL Coral scales $50...Tactical blades there is the M21-14SFG - Designed by Kit Carson 3.875" blade w/Veff Serrations, G10 scales $80 or the excellent My Tighe - Designed by Brian Tighe 3.625" blade with Zytel scales $80.

Entrek, my newest favourite knife maker has two folder the Counterstrike and the Strikepoint identical dimension but with a straight clip vs. drop point silver or black blades 4.625" blade aluminum body $198 w/free shipping and a hat.

Emerson Knives has numerous folders like the CQC 7 or CQC 8 series $175 and $260...Note their disclaimer--they won't sell knives to New York residents at all.

Lone Wolf carry the superb Bill Harsey (Tactical) and equally famous Paul Pohlmann (Gentleman's) series of knives which was bought out by Benchmade Knives who also have a great lineup of knives.

The Italian firm of Extrema Ratio has some just fantastic knives in three classes--light, medium and heavy and a fourth class called heaviest for the fantastically ugly it's beautiful RAO folding knife on steroids...Fox Knives has some great examples

Boker, the German firm, has a terrific lineup with some collaborations with excellent knifemakers...Puma has some classic designs.

Mustn't forget about SOG or KAI--Kershaw Cutlery or the Swedish mastersmiths at Fallkniven especially the PXL.

Chris Reeve has some solid folders, the Sebenza is the most well known and for a more radical approach the American Kami company is superb





All prices shown are M.S.R.P. and will vary greatly between online retailors!