View Full Version : Ideas for Fixed Blade
Currently seeking a fixed blade for civilian carry.
I carry a Benchmade auto folder and have a CRKT M60 in the car (was cheap and readily available) both of which I got when overseas. I also carry an inexpensive Gerber folder.
Id like to take the Benchmade out of service for personal reasons (I really like this little knife), and since the CRKT is an OIF model Id like to retire it too not to mention the fact I never really did like it that much other than it was heavy, felt good in my hand, and could reach a bad guys diagphram in a worse case scenario. It had a terrible sheath.
I have a Gerber LMF II on the way to carry on my IBA, and Im saving up to purchase the Green Beret knife by Chris Reeves also for field use.
Those have been easy choices.
Whats been difficult is to find a good fixed blade for out in the civilain sector.
I have always been fond of Bowie knives and used to have a cheap model years ago. Im thinking of getting something like that again but not sure it quite fits the bill.
Currently Im looking at the Bark River vest pocket bowie. They can be had for around 170 - 230 depending. Im not very familiar with this brand.
Qualities Im seeking would include:
Nice finish ie satin not subued or black.
Full tang with pommel ie window breaker
Able to cut through metal
Blade at or just under 6"
Leather sheath
Able to reach an aorta
Good price
Looking for any suggestions as I know you guys know your knives well-
Thanks
Bill Harsey
11-30-2008, 19:53
I could be a little biased :D ...
...but really encourage those with any ideas to jump in, there is no right or wrong in responding with what you recommend. Many individual makers and companies doing good stuff out there.
Be sure to check out Ken Brock and Spartan Blades too.
I could be a little biased :D ...
...but really encourage those with any ideas to jump in, there is no right or wrong in responding with what you recommend. Many individual makers and companies doing good stuff out there.
Be sure to check out Ken Brock and Spartan Blades too.
Bill
Please feel free to comment!
I did look at the Spartan knives and was impressed with them. But their price is at the top of what Id spend for a knife and that kind of money will go to the Reeves knife.
Ken Brock;s stuff is very interesting....
What do you think of Bark RIver for an off the shelf knife?
Thanks
I have two suggestions from Wilson:
http://www.wilsontactical.com/detail.aspx?ID=17
http://www.wilsontactical.com/detail.aspx?ID=13
Also, If you ever want a Spartan Blade, just register on our site and mention PS.com and/or your service and I will turn on a 10% discount for any purchase.:)
All the best in your search for the knife!
Smokin Joe
11-30-2008, 22:14
I'm a big fan of Harsey and Strider blades.
I think the PS.com blade or the Strider SAL or DB-L would meet your needs.
Just my .02 cents YMMV.
Just remember "buy nice or buy twice".
I'm a big fan of Harsey and Strider blades.
I think the PS.com blade or the Strider SAL or DB-L would meet your needs.
Just my .02 cents YMMV.
Just remember "buy nice or buy twice".
Joe
Both good looking knives. Thanks for the suggestion.
As far as tactical blades go Ive already decided on the Green Beret or Pacific blade by Chris Reeves.
Now Im trying to decide on a fixed blade for the street.
Ive looked at the PS.com blade which is obviously a well thought out and made knife. I dont use shackles though.
Rob_0811
12-01-2008, 11:07
You would not go wrong with the Bark River.
I own a couple myself, great knives. Mike, the owner of Bark River is very down to earth and a good guy.
Obviously, the Reeves/Harsey line is quite awesome, but if you want something different, BRKT is not a bad choice.
Full tang with pommel ie window breaker
Able to cut through metal
Blade at or just under 6"
Able to reach an aorta
This sounds kinda urban tactical??
With a 6" blade,, in most states that would qualify as concealed carry..
Your bio says ARNG,, Arkansas?? Do you have/need a CCW??
For RN & EMT work maybe something like the:
S&W 1st Response
Buck NRC
NRS Pilot
Gerber Hinderer Rescue
Boker Cop Tool
They are sooo ugly,, but they do the job asked..
The above mentioned knives are great pieces of art that do just about whatever you may want, but for EDC I prefer something that 1)isn't gonna get confiscated and 2)isn't going to make me cry if it's stolen or lost..
I should mention,, as a certified FOG,, my hi-speed days are behind me..
And that's my $00.0002
The Reaper
12-01-2008, 14:16
I agree, you need to consider the implications of carrying a large knife for social work.
IMHO, judges and juries tend to view an attack or homicide by knife as more sinister and brutal than a similar crime with a firearm.
Packing a big knife as a weapon can also lead to CCW issues as well.
Not a big fan of this concept in urban areas. Maybe out in the boonies, but then why not pack a firearm for self-defense?
Just my .02, YMMV.
TR
Peregrino
12-01-2008, 14:38
Check out the Benchmade Nimravus. Special deals available from Benchmade and currently available at the FBNC MCSS. It's not in the same league as some of the others (certainly not a direct competitor for my Yarborough) but it will do all you're asking and I'm not worried about replacement costs if something happens to it. (Having "lost" a Randall 17 in Bolivia many years ago, I don't buy a lot of high end knives any more.) Just another "data point".
JJ
ARNG for Army National Guard. Im an Infantryman in a line unit. I have a CCW in my state and carry daily (.45 USPc). I have a small Gerber rescue type knife for rescue of which I do very little.
Urban tactical is almost exactlyt right. Under 6 inches would need to be a necessity for the reasons you stated above. If they made the Harsey knife in civilian dress it would be what Id buy, maybe with a few mods-
Sir
I agree completely. I carry a firearm for self defense, and a pocket knife.
I have a larger fixed blade in my car and only rarely carry it when Im not able to carry a firearm and Im at a gas station etc. Then Ill stick it in my waste band.
I cant carry a firearm to work as they are not allowed on the premisis let alone in one of the buildings thus the gun is at home locked in a safe. I cannot in good conscience leave it in the car. Usually Ill plan around this so I do not have to stop for gas etc to or from work. Occasionaly Ill need to get gas or stop at the store on the way home late at night.
I have a crowbar in the trunk for roadside rescue if I happen across an accident.
Id like to replace the CRKT M60 with something about the same size and weight but with a more civil look. Its there for protection, self rescue, and because I like it.
It would also be used in the woods occasionaly.
There will be no attacks on my behalf, only self defense in a worse case last resort scenario.
Thank you Sir for your thoughts-
Bill Harsey
12-01-2008, 15:39
Here is one of mine coming out from Boker, http://www.boker.de/index.php?c=125,,&a=120545&p=&pp=0
I do not know how to post the pic and description so you'll have to clicky on the above link. Also do not know when they are ready for delivery, one of the things I'll probably learn at SHOT Show.
As the Devil's Advocate, reiterating a bit of TR's comment:
I think you ought to think hard about the implications of carrying such a knife in urban settings, especially as you already carry a pistol and another knife. As much as it pains me to have to, I often try to think in terms of 'what's a jury going to think?' That is, what convincing argument can you make to twelve sheeple if you're on trial (for your house and car, or for your freedom) after using your 'able to reach an aorta' fixed blade to lethal result?
I can hear the opposing attorney now: 'Mr. Ccrn. Seeing as how you were already carrying not one but two deadly weapons, why did you see the need to carry a third, a vicious knife? I see that all of the practical reasons for carrying a knife were well fulfilled by the pocketknife you carry; and any self-defense reasoning is obviated by the .45 you had with you. Why another huge knife? You were just looking for a fight, weren't you? You just wanted a chance to stab somebody, didn't you?'
Exaggeration aside, I wouldn't put it past a lawyer to say something just like that, and for a jury to believe it. You come off looking like a Rambo, and the mother of the criminal you stabbed comes up and sobs and tells a story about how her little boy loved to play baseball and hug puppies. If your day-to-day needs are covered by your folder, and self-defense needs by your pistol, is it worth risking your freedom to carry a six-inch fixed blade?
Bill Harsey
12-01-2008, 20:19
DanUCSB,
Good legal argument and points are taken but the guys just looking for a knife. I thought that was still legal in this country, to some degree, at least for a little while longer.
I also thought the right of self defense to protect ones life or the life of another was a right for citizens of this country unless I've missed a news day or two and this has all changed.
To the best of my knowledge this right has not been restricted to a particular instrument or tool and yes I'm quite aware that we surrender this right to carry said article in many places, like onboard commercial aircraft or in many of our public buildings.
Justification of use is another issue. You bet the law, once engaged, is a tough entanglement and roll of the dice with no guaranteed results.
Personally I have never advocated the use of a knife for general use self defense because without extensive training the tool could easily be turned against the person trying to protect their own life.
This is a whole different crowd around here and I think they can make their own minds up about what they are comfortable carrying on their persons and for what reasons.
Here is one of mine coming out from Boker, http://www.boker.de/index.php?c=125,,&a=120545&p=&pp=0
I do not know how to post the pic and description so you'll have to clicky on the above link. Also do not know when they are ready for delivery, one of the things I'll probably learn at SHOT Show.
Damn...
Another knife Ill have to save up for. I came here seeking just one more.
How does that happen?
Dan
Per above explanation I dont ever plan on carrying all three. I carry the USPc and pocket knife for daily carry.
The larger knife will stay in the car for defense and egress purposes, only to be carried briefly when I am not carrying a pistol and pocket knife ie work commute.
Your points are very worthy however and on my mind-
Thank you
ZonieDiver
12-01-2008, 23:34
Personally I have never advocated the use of a knife for general use self defense because without extensive training the tool could easily be turned against the person trying to protect their own life.
I didn't learn much from my step-father, and got away from home as soon as I could. He did, however, teach me to play pool and that you 'drive for show and putt for dough' in golf. He also once imparted these words of wisdom - elegantly paraphrased by Mr. Harsey above - that "a knife is just something someone is going to take away from you and hurt you with." :)
Let me start off by saying I have no special insight into what makes a good daily carry/self-defense knife outside of carrying a knife of some type since I was quite young (back in the days a boy without a pocketknife, even at school, was the odd one out), common sense and some recent experience at an eye-opening course conducted by SouthNarc from Shivworks. That said, I've heard the arguments over long blade vs short blade, folder vs. fixed, sheath vs. pocket vs. IWB, tip up vs. tip down, forward grip vs. reverse grip, edge in vs. edge out, etc. ad nauseum.
With all that said, the above mentioned SouthNarc In Extremis Knife class I attended this fall (and which I HIGHLY recommend to anyone able to attend) helped me make some decisions in what and how I now carry a knife every day for utility and self-defense. Unlike a LE or military scenario where one may be likely to approach a situation with an offensive mindset and prepared for action, the worst case criminal context of a self-defense event has the target (you) surprised and immediately defending against blows to vital areas (head, neck) meant to quickly incapacitate, or against a clinch and effort to bring you to the ground. This means the target has to not only fend off these attacks, but simultaneously try to gain control, and immediately thereafter access, draw and employ his weapon--in this case, a knife. In case its not obvious, its much harder to pull a folder from one's pocket and open the blade when you're being pummeled, your arms are pinned to your sides or you're bent over at the waist fighting a takedown.
With all that in mind, my personal choice for a daily carry knife that can be used in both utility and SD roles is a fixed blade with an overall length of 7" or less and blade length of right around 3", a compromise between concealability, grip size (I have good sized hands) and maneuverability in the confines of a clinch. I carry it IWB just over my strongside hip for good concealability and ease of access when upright or bent over wrestling for arm control. It rides at an extreme angle (slightly under horizontal) to facilitate a locked wrist grip (for strength) right from the draw. The knife is thin (3/16") with a cord-wrapped grip to minimize thickness (again, concealability and carry comfort).
I've found I can carry the blade just about anywhere without being noticed, so long as I don't have to to pass through a metal detector or get a pat down search. This is the very reason that I EDC a knife; carrying a pistol in some of these areas would have severe, federally punishable consequences that make the penalty of being caught too harsh to risk. The knife gives me far less SD options than a firearm, but more than a small impact weapon or empty handed defense.
I'm still working on a preferred sheath and attachment system for more secure IWB carry without a belt, but in the meantime I've done some redneck modifications, cutting down the sheath and using a simple metal belt clip attached with a Chicago Screw to an eyelet on the sheath. Should the sheath come out during a draw still attached to the knife, a quick flick of my thumb snaps the sheath off the knife without losing my grip.
A push dagger would probably make a much better dedicated SD knife, IMO, but you lose much of the utility function, many localities outlaw daggers or double-edged knives, and many push daggers tend to be harder to conceal with a tucked in shirt.
My EDC knife:
For clarification, the purpose of my post was not so much to dissuade you of the use of a fixed blade, but rather to make the point that all self-defense equipment decisions should be made with all points of view considered, including those that we find distasteful (such as those of the weapon-banning elite of this country). People who carry often spend tremendous amounts of time thinking about the tactical uses of the equipment, and not so much about the long-range ramifications of lethal use.
While it's less of a concern in certain areas of the country, I can tell you for certain I would never wish to face a jury of the couch-bound bon-bon eaters and earnest young Womens' Studies majors that inhabit the coasts of this country, even with the law solidly on my side.
Just food for thought.
Razor
I see you have the PS.com knive. Very interesting comments and selection.
As far as knife retention yes it is very much a concern (or should be) for anyone carrying a weapon.
For that matter anyone carrying a handgun should be concerned about that too (I dont think enough are).
Thanks everyone for your comments I do appreciate it-
While it's less of a concern in certain areas of the country, I can tell you for certain I would never wish to face a jury of the couch-bound bon-bon eaters and earnest young Womens' Studies majors that inhabit the coasts of this country, even with the law solidly on my side.
That would be a rough jury to face, but I'd much rather face them and take my chances than already be dead or seriously injured.
Along time ago, mid 80s, I read an article by Masad Ayoob(SP?) regarding how the Prosecution portrays the defendant by which type of firearm was used in self defence. Hi cap mags, Hollow point ammo, etc equals a bad person who was out looking for a fight. No "normal" person would carry para military hardware like that. This portrayal of the defendant usually worked on most juries and ended in a conviction of some sort.
Could this tactic be used today for edged weapons? Should that play a role in the decision making process for which type of knife to carry? I am asking because I do not know.
Personally when I feel the need to carry one for self defense I go for broke, a 7 inch neck knife, and a 10 inch boot knife IWB, and one or two easy open lock blades in various pockets. Keep in mind I only do this when a great need arises. Usually I just have a 2 blade pocket knife or a single lock blade on me for daily use.
I would also like to mention that when discussing this with a few LEO friends of mine they have stated that they would much rather find someone armed with a couple of regular knives on them than someone with a single auto opener.
Bill Harsey
12-03-2008, 09:08
cold1,
The anti knife laws are proposed at about the same rate as the anti-firearm laws but do not get the same media coverage or attention.
Blade Magazine has a running column on knives and the law written by a judge.
http://www.akti.org/ was formed by the leaders of the knife and tool industry to provide some common sense and push back to the anti knife laws.
Bill Harsey
12-03-2008, 09:30
Razor,
Thank you very much for your posts here.
All,
here is a story about law enforcement and knives that will warm your hearts:
http://www.akti.org/news-updates/NYBust.html
This is an example of how the law gets bent and warped to fit a purpose and this is not a rare event.
I would also like to mention that when discussing this with a few LEO friends of mine they have stated that they would much rather find someone armed with a couple of regular knives on them than someone with a single auto opener.
This comment by your LEO friends is tyical of an woefully under-trained and funded domestic law enforcement. What is the difference?! Either the person carrying has the skill to use the tool (knife or gun)+ the intent to break the law; OR NOT! The threat is no more or less greater with an unknown opponent with a different type of weapon.
A knife (and a gun), no matter its type, is as dangerous as the intent and skill of the user. Recognizing intent, mentation of opponent and situational awareness, along with proper training, tactics and procedures should put any LEO in the best position to protect self and public. It also puts the law abiding armed citizen in the best position to protect self, family and property.
Any good defense lawyer should be able to defend lawful actions if the bearer of arms has followed the law and used sound judgement in dealing with a threat (wounding or killing in self-defense). (IE. If your state does not allow auto-openers, then don't carry one, become skilled with another form of blade and work to change the law if so inclined!)
Just my thoughts:(
This comment by your LEO friends is tyical of an woefully under-trained and funded domestic law enforcement. What is the difference?! Either the person carrying has the skill to use the tool (knife or gun)+ the intent to break the law; OR NOT! The threat is no more or less greater with an unknown opponent with a different type of weapon.
I agree. from what I can understand most of the bias regarding auto openers is left over from the time when they were the prefered weapons of gangs. The knives now have a stigma to them, kinda like tattoos. If you have one then you are predesposed to being a criminal.
A knife (and a gun), no matter its type, is as dangerous as the intent and skill of the user. Recognizing intent, mentation of opponent and situational awareness, along with proper training, tactics and procedures should put any LEO in the best position to protect self and public. It also puts the law abiding armed citizen in the best position to protect self, family and property.
I agree but does the jury see it that way. Most people today were raised in an era where the only time they used a knife was to open those damned plastic packages that their new toys came in. They do not use them daily or see a need for them. The only frame of reference they have for the use of knives, outside of that scope, was what they saw in slasher movies. Therefore knives are bad. The same goes for firearms.
What is going to happen when the newest zero tolerance generation become old enough to be jury members? Even in the "country" schools here, common sense is disappearing when it comes to zero tolerance. It has even worked its way down to some day cares and preschools.
Any good defense lawyer should be able to defend lawful actions if the bearer of arms has followed the law and used sound judgement in dealing with a threat (wounding or killing in self-defense). (IE. If your state does not allow auto-openers, then don't carry one, become skilled with another form of blade and work to change the law if so inclined!)
Just my thoughts:(
Here is the key word, "good". Not everybody is OJ and not everybody has his money.
I guess the bottom line is that you have to conduct your own evaluation of the risks and benefits derived from arming yourself, and then follow through with what you feel provides you and your family and friends with the best balance of security and risk.
Bill Harsey
12-09-2008, 09:43
I guess the bottom line is that you have to conduct your own evaluation of the risks and benefits derived from arming yourself, and then follow through with what you feel provides you and your family and friends with the best balance of security and risk.
...and then pick the knife you want.
Well said Razor.
Greetings all,
Sorry not to participate. Currently at a school for the next ten days. Thanks again for all the thoughts-
Blitzzz (RIP)
12-10-2008, 23:14
I've got a really good inexpensive Western with about 3.5 in blade that carries well mid back on the belt. I have instead gone to carrying a CRKT M-16 I have 2 of them because the little screws they use to hold it together kept falling out . I baught the second one and used "tite lock" on all the screws with no problems. The big reason for the M-16 is that the folding blade can be locked into a "fix" Blade witht a push of the thumb. The blade is of a good design and of enough to get the job done. Blitz
Blitzz,
I have two of them as well. Screws fell out of one and the tip of the blade broke off, so now I keep it in the junk drawer, and I am real careful with the one I still have in working condition.
Mr. Harsey,
I really like your interpretation of the Applegate Fairbane by Bokker. I have not bought a fixed blade since my M3 trench knife broke at the hilt in 2003.
I would like to buy one, but all of the new fixed blades I see are more of the "utility" or "Gucci" family as far as I am concerned; they are good knives for performing back country chores, or so radically styled that they look ridiculous, no serious man would wear one of those "Gucci" knives, IMO. But to each his own...
I'd like to see a modern interpretation of the M3 Trench Knife with a good solid piece of steel (six or seven inch dagger blade) that is the same thickness throughout the knife, a good ball shaped pommel (as in "ball peen hammer"), micarta handle, perhaps a serrated "Bone Saw" running down from the hilt to about half way down the blade; similar to the one on the USAF plain jane survival knife, flute the blade like the K Bar. It should look like the M3 trench knife and have a nice big friggen "USA" on it.
A fighting knife, that you might use to saw through a bone or piece of wood in a jam, but whose primary purpose is quickly and deeply penetrating a human body, or hammering a hand or a face with a back hand move. It ought to hold a mighty sharp edge to slash quick and clean.
If a Soldier has to fight with a knife, the knife ought to be free of frills and able to do one thing well: Kill.
The Army Fighting Knife, Made in USA.
Heck, I'd buy two.
Bill Harsey
12-17-2008, 20:00
JGarcia,
Been working the problem you asked about at the end of your post. Been working it for well over a year and forward progress is being made.
Mr Harsey,
I can see the brutally utilitarian thing in my head, but I'm neither an artist or a knifemaker.
The serrated bone saw on the back edge of the AF survival knife comes in handy to make shavings from soft materials (magnesium, aluminum) and sawing through carcass bones. http://www.epcamps.com/images/550036.jpg It’s also got a fluted or grooved blade like the Ka-Bar, which is a feature I’d like to see on this knife.
The M3 trench knife comes close to ideal for me, except it is very weak at the hilt and the pin in the pommel wiggles around, the thing is very prone to rust as well. The knife as built is too fragile. But look closely and you will notice that the dagger edge does not run the full length on both sides of the knife; there is a flat edged unsharpened bit that runs half way down the knife from the hilt. That is where I’d put the bit of serrated edge like the AF survival knife has.
http://www.5thrib.com/images/weapons/m3.jpg
I like the shape of the pommel of the roman gladius. It’s far too big a pommel for the design I have in mind, but the oval shape of it gives an idea of what I am thinking. I would have the single piece of steel dagger terminate at the pommel into a ball end with a raised “USA” on it.
http://wiki.rpg.net/images/b/bc/Gladius.jpg
More on the pommel; the ball end pommel is inspired by the ball peen hammer; imagine a 7 inch dagger blade extending from this ball:
http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/McGrawHill/atchitecture/f0081-01.png
The raised “USA” on the ball pommel comes from this:
http://www.gatling-gun.com/images/Standard_Civil_War_Infantry_Waist_Belt_with_Oval_U S_Buckle_11.jpg
I like the micarta handles I’ve seen on your knives; I’ve always admired the handle designs you made. But while the knives are beauties, and excellent knives by any standard, they aren’t what I consider (but who am I, right?) a man killing tool.
http://www.signedknife.com/images/Dscf1050at1040.jpg
Everyone seems to be making variations of the gerber lmf type knives these days. I’m still waiting for someone to go ugly, to go old school like a pair of chuck taylor’s or a rack grade M3 grease gun of fighting knives. Something so free of “bling” its sole purpose is undeniable.
Everyone seems to be making variations of the gerber lmf type knives these days. I’m still waiting for someone to go ugly, to go old school like a pair of chuck taylor’s or a rack grade M3 grease gun of fighting knives. Something so free of “bling” its sole purpose is undeniable.
I am not in the same profession as you or have the same needs in a knife, but Damn I love the way you think.
Rock on
Bill Harsey
12-18-2008, 09:40
JGarcia,
Sawteeth hang up in stuff like web gear, clothing and tough connecting tissues. This is proven and why we don't do saw teeth on the backs of knives.
If ugly added to the function we'd already be doing that.
I've spent time around the Oregon State Police forensics lab and have been shown the evidence in many cases involving the lethal use of a knife. They don't have to look "man killing" to work very well.
I have a feeling many of those knives look more "vegetable paring" or "steak cutting" rather than "man killing".
Whatever is at hand, eh Razor.
Mr. Harsey,
You're the expert. Come to think of it, my multi tool has stuff that can do that sawing, filing, shaving stuff better. Thanks for the focus.
Okay, I say cross out the saw teeth.... But aside from that; I'd like to see the other featurs in the Mark 1 Mod 0 Army Fighting Knife. Thanks for listening.
Bill Harsey
12-19-2008, 11:22
JGarcia,
Been thinking about your design term "go ugly" I think this could mean real direct and straight foward design with minimal stuff. Most of the knifemakers here try to do that unless Brock has changed direction on me.
Maybe just a difference in words.
Ps. If you find anything frilly on my knives, I'll buy the beverages when we meet.
Mr. Harsey,
If we ever meet I'll buy the beverages and just shut up and listen to you talk. I dont think that your knives are frilly, at all. I am certainly no expert on knives or fighting with them; you are the hands down authority on knife building. Your knives are great knives.
But if you wanted ideas on fixed blade knives, I throw mine into the ring.
You got my meaning exactly right on the phrase "go ugly" .... Just a straightforward dagger fighting knife, like the M3 knife, but updated.
I did not mean to imply that your knives were frilly. Please accept my apologies if that is how I came across.
Ken Brock
01-02-2009, 10:53
JGarcia,
Been thinking about your design term "go ugly" I think this could mean real direct and straight foward design with minimal stuff. Most of the knifemakers here try to do that unless Brock has changed direction on me.
Maybe just a difference in words.
no sir, you know I'll never change directions in that respect
:D
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=263
sal
x SF med
01-02-2009, 12:07
no sir, you know I'll never change directions in that respect
:D
Ken, Please don't change directions on your designs, not until I can finally get one...
As Mr. Harsey will attest, I own a few knives (there would be a larger collection, but I have to buy other items like food, and pay rent) a significant fraction of which are his designs.
Each has it's own use - some are multi function, some have been used for the wrong thing, and some (unless I would like a vacation at the expense of the state) are not generally carried. When I lived in the Northeast, I had to be extremely careful even with my daily carry blades (yes, even when I was wearing a suit to work, I carried a knife of two, some things become ingrained) my Sebenza was illegal in NY, My T-1 was illegal in NY, so my little Gerber 300 (total 3" open) was a given - and ther were many times I was ignoring the law and carried a blade over 2.75" long... A knife is a tool to me, as is a hammer, or a rake, or a swing blade... any one of them can be a weapon, any one of them can be a life saver, any one of them can be harmless.
I could not see carrying my GB in the streets of NY, nor my old cheap survival knife from my days in the field - but I also feel naked without a GOOD knife, generally a folder with me 99% of the time.
The GB is a wonderful tool for survival in both aspects - field craft and reducing your enemy to a carcass - I have barely used it for the former, and hope I don't have to use it for the latter - although it would be my #1 choice for that.
if you want to have a "civilian" blade, why do not look at a nice and compact hunting knife, maybe a half integral knife, made of one piece of steel.
Satin finish and leather sheath included...
And it does look friendly, cause it is not made for causing damage to humans
if you want to have a "civilian" blade, why do not look at a nice and compact hunting knife, maybe a half integral knife, made of one piece of steel.
Satin finish and leather sheath included...
And it does look friendly, cause it is not made for causing damage to humans
Yep I see where youre going with that. The fact that its a civilian blade is its own camaflouge concealing its intended use.
Ive got the LMF II and have been working with that. Nice knife for a cheap off the shelf model and well thought out. Goes to show that something inteded for one purpose works well for another.
Still saving for the Harsey "Green Beret"knife.
And looking for something for EDC-