Do you guys have any? What do you think is the best/ most durable brand?
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Do you guys have any? What do you think is the best/ most durable brand?
Yes. i carry a Smith and Wesson S.W.A.T knife.
http://www.patriotknife.com/images/S...-19-SW3000.jpg
It's illegal to carry knives over here. Where Americans have a lot of gun crime, we have a lot of knife crime.
You probably want to be careful with the metal types, considering where you are. Stick with brass and stainless steel, avoid aluminum for any part of it. In dry areas, aluminum is fine for housings, and can make for lightweight cases, but if you are in a very humid area, and especially around the ocean, aluminum, when in contact with steel, will be rapidly reduced to powder through galvanic corrosion.
Butterflies are my favorite.
I own a Victorinox Swiss Knife. I use it when I go camping or hiking. I don't carry it on my otherwise.
Victorinox Swiss-Army.
I think I went to one of their gigs in the 90s. Ah, happy days.Quote:
galvanic corrosion
Any one has a Cold Steel knife? I just want to ask, since they are coated then how can we sharpen them when they get dull?
The manufacturers that are best to go with are Emerson and Benchmade when considering functionality over cost. Many will gravitate towards Spyderco mainly because of their price point and innovations such as the pocket clip and hole in the blade. At one time Spyderco was all that I would carry until I saw the light with both Emerson and Benchmade.
Here are some thoughts when considering purchasing a folder.
Quality of the locking mechanism plus location of the release for the lock is more important than how sharp the folder is. I own 300 to 400 folders with price ranges between 20 through 800 dollars and can say for a fact that all of these folders will cut well. Going back to locks, I have specific test which all folders of mine go through which determines if the knife is simply a collector’s item or working tool.
I spoke of the position for the lock, look at the Spyderco Police lock http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=2 which is exposed which allows for the lock to be disengaged by accident. A really good locking system is the Benchmade axis lock http://www.benchmade.com/about_knive...mechanisms.asp which is one of my favorite locks. Emerson Knife Company uses the same lock on most of their folders and can testify that they are close to fail safe as the Benchmade axis locking system.
An important consideration is the pocket clip. On most quality folders, their clips all work well but many vary the position of the clip, which could make a difference in how they hook to a pocket. My classic example is to take an Emerson Commander, Benchmade Griptilian or perhaps a Spyderco Endura and clip them into men’s front pockets then try the same folder on woman’s pants. All these folders will fit well into men’s pockets but not woman’s pockets because most women’s pockets are shallow. Of course, to get around this a female can cut the bottom out of her pocket which allows the folder to sit correctly. Another thing on locks, myself as well as any competent edge weapons instructor will tell you that in a defensive situation you want the blade (allows) facing towards the attacker. Some believe the reverse and I could write an entire post simply of the merits of edge orientation. Best to say that the idea mainly came from various sources from some Philippine arts and military taught techniques. Since I do not want to stomp on them I will leave it at that.
As there are battles between VB and C, .45 ACP vs 9mm so are there battles between serrated edge, plain edge and combo edge folders. If you look at police officers, they are more likely to have combo edge folders than civilians because they have a need for serrations as utilitarian usage. The same could be said about civilians but civilians are much better off with plain edge if for no other reason they are easier to maintain.
Since I teach edge weapon courses to civilian, police and military, I am able to obtain a unique perspective of what works for each of them. Since the majority of members here are civilian, I suggest staying with the top name brand companies. A wise choice is to select a folder that does not spark attention as in its appearance. Who needs a five-inch folder with skull and cross bones on it? I tell all of my students that if asked by LEO “why are you carrying XYY folder?” is to say for daily use chores but with the skull and cross bones (or similar) that is almost impossible to pull off.
My EDC (Every Day Carry), one Emerson full-size Commander, one Bram Frank LLC (Lapu-Lapu-Corto) clipped to my pants which is mirrored on my left ankle carried in a semi-auto ankle magazine carrier system.
Since you mentioned Cold Steel I can say they make decent edge tools especially their swords and a good assortment of canes for tactical usage. If you do enough research on this company you will find dirt which is why I steer clear of this company except for their swords and tactical canes.
Something to consider if you are purchasing a folder that might be for self-defense is to purchase a drone/trainer and if you have the dollars get a backup in the event you lose yours or the company stops producing that model. It has happened to me. Examples, Benchmade AFCK model (ended up spending 600 dollars for two of them), Spyderco Massad Ayoob folder and Bram Frank’s Spyderco Gunting (now reincarnated as a LLC (Lapu-Lapu-Corto). Any ways food for thought on purchasing two.
A quick thought on sharpening your folder or folders. The geometry makes a difference so if you used one technique on all your knifes you may very well mess them up. Metals used can dictate how to sharpen a knife too. I use to hand sharpen all my knifes but for the past 10 years take them to a local knife maker where he sharpens them by hand on a belt machine designed for sharpening edge tools. At two bucks for knife I can sharpen a who bunch and always satisfied.
Lastly your environment determines the care of your choice in folders which ranges from humidity to how dirty you get it. My ankle carry folders are cleaned every other day because of dirt while my right ankle backup firearm is clean every day as firearms are more prone to contaminates than knifes are but you need to consider these things.
BTW Fix blades are a much better choice than folders if you local laws permit them.
The following is from my web site which are my top suggestions for folders. If not for price point the Spyderco’s would be eliminated.
http://kevininstructor.home.comcast....or/knives.html
A good resource for finding a folder but prices are better on eBay
http://www.knifecenter.com/
Spyderco knife anatomy
http://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/knifeanatomy.php
Benchmade AFCK
http://zknives.com/knives/folding/be...e/bmafck.shtml
Somewhere I have a 4-inch blade switch blade knife that I brought back from Italy when I was a boy.
Although, at least the uk can change.Quote:
Originally Posted by InvisibleDuncan
It must be hard sorting out true utilitarian knives. So many appear to be made merely for ornamental/collectible purposes.
I sure don't need any fat-bladed "folder" and find that a classic jack knife works fine, I suppose you'd call mine a largish "whittler" by today's nomenclature. It's almost 10 years old though, no idea who made it but I can tell you it isn't coated, chromed, or anything fancy. Looks like it says S30V stainless.
My favourite knife is my victorinox "Rucksack" (http://www.victorinox.com/product/1/100/1004/0.8863)
I've had it since my 14th birthday, and it is still serving me well today.
Normally, I just carry a Leatherman multitool. The blade is used only for gutting fish, cutting apples, and other such culinary and work related activities. My only goal there is to remember to clean the blade between gutting fish and cutting apples...unless the apples are for somebody else. The other tools have other uses, of course. Very useful to have around.
For hiking I carry a knife that is small, lightweight, and would not impress KI. It cuts rope, opens any nasty plastic container that resists other means of entry, cuts fishing line, cuts fish, and that's about it. The goal of that knife was something super light, fairly sharp, and somewhat useable.
Normally I carry two kevlar samurai swords in my trouser.
You must have big pockets. I'm sure the samurai's of old must have preferred the kevlar swords.
Its only illegal if you don't have good explanation for carrying it. I.e. if you are carrying a knife in the middle of a street in a busy city, miles away from the country then you'll probably be prosecuted. If you are carrying one in the forest while camping then you will probably be fine; especially as there isn't much of a police presence there.Quote:
Originally Posted by InvisibleDuncan
I assuming you are in the UK as well :)
In my County, the law states as long as it isnt concealed, can fold, and doesn't have an assisted opening device (meaning, you have to use your thumb to open it all the way), then you are allowed to carry. meaning.... if you wanted to carry a sword around, as long as your are able to fold it shut, its legal. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by visualAd
Interesting in that there are no blanket laws in the USA like that. For instance, in Oregon the basic law is no concealed Bali-song, dirk or dagger. Nice that Oregon allows automatics altough Washington State to our North does not permit autos which is why many from Washington State will travel South to purchase them. Of course to our South the land of strict laws many folders are not permitted.Quote:
Originally Posted by dclamp
I thought you were just particularly pleased to see me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bonker Gudd
I am indeed.Quote:
Originally Posted by visualAd
While that's certainly the letter of the law, a good explanation can be very subjective. It's not one that I would want to put to the test by carrying a knife to go camping - just in case.
But a camping knife could save your life. Especially if you are attacked by bears.
Quote:
Originally Posted by visualAd
Pepper spray would be a better investment in this case, than a camping knife.:p
Or a jar of honey you can toss to your left and run to your right.
Added plus: jars of honey are legal everywhere I know.:D
Would you really want to face a bear with a that type of knife? Heck the average person would not want to face a bear even with a large firearm.Quote:
Originally Posted by visualAd
One of the many problems with pepper spray or OC is that many times there is cross contamination in the you spray and the wind brings it back on yourself. Another issue is that many can quickly overcome the effects. If anyone is considering carrying pepper spray or OC then learn all you can about it. Next, they have expiration dates and best to not exceed it. Practice with it from drawing to firing it. Buy two, practice with one as in using it and also with a partner spray yourself to understand the effects (it is not that bad especially if you decontaminate yourself immediately afterwards).Quote:
Originally Posted by abhijit
A much better and cheaper option are tools such as Kubatons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan
Thanks, I'll pass on that. We are talking bears here.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevininstructor
Maybe that's a tool to face other humans.
I don't want any part of my body close to anywhere near a bear.
And I was talking humans in regards to the Kubaton. If I am in bear country rest assured there is a huge firearm with me :)Quote:
Originally Posted by abhijit
I just got this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61063701@N06/
=)
Personally, whenever I want to distract a bear I like to use a pickernick basket. There aren't many in Hampshire though.
Very cool :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dee-u
When I'm in bear country, there's nothing with me but my mind. For the lower 48, carry guns when hiking for use against the most dangerous animal out there: Other humans. If you are carrying one for any other reason you haven't properly evaluated the situation. After all, bears aren't the second most dangerous animal out there. That would be moose. Against either moose or bear you'd be lucky to be able to draw fast enough to even get a shot off.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevininstructor
Besides, if you are going to carry that much additional weight, you might as well allocate it for greater threats. So far, I have been hit by two falling rocks, narrowly missed by one falling tree, narrowly missed by lightning (at the bottom of a deep, narrow, valley, no less) and the greatest threat would be hypothermia. If you want to carry those extra pounds, put them into clothing.
Man found mauled to death - very well dressed against the elements - and oddly enough carrying a lightning rod...
Officials say it was the rod that attracted the bear in the first place :p
He needed one of those combo tools. Lightning rod with fold out knife and bear rifle.
Never been in bear country.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaggy Hiker
I carry self-defense tools when a) working detail jobs (executive protection) b) personal protection c) when teaching civilian, military, secutity and LEO.
I have been in some interesting confrontations not with mother nature but with fellow man from fist to fist to shanks and firearms and rather have the extra weight than not.
That picture over on the left is my twin boys hoisting King Arthur's sword from the stone.
I proudly display it over my mantle - just in case the ex-wife ever shows up. That's what I'm afraid of :eek2:
You LIVE in bear country. I suppose they might not come into the city if you are in one of the larger ones, but they will show up in suburbs and in smaller cities. Very unlikely that they would be a problem, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by kevininstructor
One thing that I have noted is that every person is a slave to their particular experience. Most law enforcement and security types carry guns backpacking. Most medical professionals carry outrageous first aid kits. People get highly tuned in to a particular threat. They aren't wrong, they are just overly responsive in that one area. Those things might be needed in any number of situations. It just comes down to the amount of weight you can, and are willing to, carry, and how you allocate those ounces to different needs. I have my own peculiarities in how I make that choice. There isn't any right or wrong to it. You're always throwing the dice, to some extent.Quote:
I have been in some interesting confrontations not with mother nature but with fellow man from fist to fist to shanks and firearms and rather have the extra weight than not.
I hava a Nontron that is mostly always in my pockets. they're kind of expensive though as they are handmade.
Here's a picture
That is one beauty of a folder, I can see that it must be expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by stlaural
Thanks, I admit that I just couldn't resist. :bigyello:
Just ordered myself a trainer (have version 1 of the sharp one)
http://www.iknifecollector.com/group...&xg_source=msg
I have a swiss knife, but it's not an original one so I am not too sure if it's useful anywhere other than maybe opening cans. I don't drink anything out of cans, never been hiking in remote parts or wilderness and never carry the knife on my person. It's in my camera bag. I am sure to miss it the moment I need it, because I haven't needed it yet.
Say, what's this kubotan? That sounds mighty interesting. Are there any good sources to buy it from? Are there any good tutorials that I can learn from?
.
Thanks! Got it for just $10! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by kevininstructor
That makes it even sweeter as my guess from the photo it is worth $50+Quote:
Originally Posted by dee-u
Pretty nice too, fits perfectly with the shotgun :pQuote:
Originally Posted by kevininstructor
Below are other versions originally called Spyderco Gunting and later by another manufacturer called LLC, Lapu Lapu Corto.Quote:
Originally Posted by stlaural
I prefer the trainer you posted first, those look strange :p
They do look strange but are great defensive tools. Each part of the tool has specific purposes. http://www.jimjacobe.com/LLC.htmlQuote:
Originally Posted by stlaural
I generally carry a blue one (non-sharp) for EDC.
The best description of a Kubaton.Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee
Alternates include tactical pens and Min-Mag flashlight since a regular Kubaton is recognized as a weapon they are not permitted in court rooms and airplanes but pens and flashlights are permitted.
Our group teaches a four hour class which cost 80USD. My advice is if interested in a Kubaton is to get the following book for under 10USD http://www.amazon.com/Official-Kubot...1495976&sr=1-1 and a Mini-mag flash light, go from there, total expense would be less than 40USD. If you feel the need for a class than look for a class in your area.
A blog I wrote a while back http://kevininstructor1956.spaces.li...89E5!147.entry
So they are designed for self defense. Pretty interesting stuff, I'll have a look at the different uses. Never seen that kind of knives here in Quebec though. Its usually only Hunting knives.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask, I am a certified instructorQuote:
Originally Posted by stlaural
i recommend carbon steel
when you flick the knife it should make a high ting sound
I don't think those kubotan thingies are knives, to be precise.Quote:
Originally Posted by stlaural
.
Not a knife although some have created Kubatons with knifes inside.Quote:
Originally Posted by honeybee
I always assumed they were at a lemonade stand, and that was a pitcher of lemonadeQuote:
Originally Posted by szlamany