Recommendations for self-defense Spyderco

[Hal]

Hi,

I posted a similar post in the MBC forum, but I wanted to get as many responses as possible. I own an Endura and a Delica, but was wondering if there are better choices for self-defense.

Thanks,

Hal

[Carlos]

Hi Hal,

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

[yog]

Hi Hal.
There is a train of thought that says the best self defence knife is the one that you carry with you all the time. In that reguard just about any Spydie would do.

If you want a dedicated self defence knife I would go with the Gunting. Because of martial arts training I'm fairly familiar with joint locks and pressure points, the Gunting offers many exciting (or painful, depending on your perspective) possibilities before you even deploy the blade.

If on the other hand you wanted an everyday work knife that could double for self defence, I would go with the Native Lwt. It's fairly compact, but very sturdy, and the handle design allows for a number of very comfortable grips.

Then again, if you want a knife that would put the fear of god into any perspective BG, then I would go with the Civilian. Beware though, it is not a general utility knife, and in fact using it as a general utility knife would void it's warrenty.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

[Hal]

Thanks Yog,
Good input. I am seriously considering the Native LWT. The Bunting looks interesting, but I am concerned about it hanging up on the draw, and if the situation doesn't warrant deadly force I prefer to have both hands free anyhow. I also want to stay away from S-shaped blades like the civilian. What about the Police or the Military?
Hal

[Hal]

Thanks Yog,
Good input. I am seriously considering the Native LWT. The Bunting looks interesting, but I am concerned about it hanging up on the draw, and if the situation doesn't warrant deadly force I prefer to have both hands free anyhow. I also want to stay away from S-shaped blades like the civilian. What about the Police or the Military?
Hal

[Hal]

Thanks Yog,
Good input. I am seriously considering the Native LWT. The Bunting looks interesting, but I am concerned about it hanging up on the draw, and if the situation doesn't warrant deadly force I prefer to have both hands free anyhow. I also want to stay away from S-shaped blades like the civilian. What about the Police or the Military?
Hal

[Hal]

Thanks Yog,
Good input. I am seriously considering the Native LWT. The Bunting looks interesting, but I am concerned about it hanging up on the draw, and if the situation doesn't warrant deadly force I prefer to have both hands free anyhow. I also want to stay away from S-shaped blades like the civilian. What about the Police or the Military?
Hal

[Tightwad]

Hal, Watch that beginners stutter.....It got me too
when I started.

Whenever I read questions about the use of any knife
as a weapon I wonder if that person has the training to
employ the knife / gun with the care needed in high
stess situations. Any trainer will tell the student that
deadly force is seldom an option that should be first
choice.

With that thought in mind the knives you own will serve
as both tool and weapon if need be. They are both up to the
job if kept sharp.

Welcome to the forums,mate.

[yog]

Hi Hal.
If Knife size is not a worry to you or the local police force then the Police and Military would make competent self defence knives. The Police has exceptional penetrating capabilities whereas the Military excells at slicing cuts.

The reason I suggested the Native is that it would not look out of place for daily carry, whereas it would be difficult for me to carry the other two legally without a specific use.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

[la_benge]

Tightwad... I agree completely. I know a woman who had her keys held definsevely between her fingers for self-defense while walking home. She was assaulted and, of course, dropped her keys leaving her weaponless. I can't imagine she would have done better with a knife.

I'm a clearheaded woman who pays attention to where she walks. Still, there are time when I cut through parks at night. Ok - it's Queen's Park in Toronto... lots of universtiy kids use it so there can be decent traffic in there.
Still, when I have a knife on me, I walk a little more confidently... And I'm sure I will run-like-hell more confidently if attacked.

So - that's the self-defense aspect of the knife for me... more confidence - so I don't think I look like as much like a potential victim.
(I sure felt naked when I was between knives.)

[Tightwad]

la_benge, I'm glad you added a woman's point of view to this topic.
It is rarely heard at the forums, but is a bit more important than a guy's
point of view. Women are more often getting attacked than men.

That is why the knife you have one you is vastly more important than
if it's a good weapon of not. Even the common slipjoint pocketknife
provides some means of protection ........IF you have it on your person.

So I've never got to hung up about which knife is a better weapon as I'll
need a cutting tool 99.99% more often. But if I should need a weapon
to defend myself I know how to use what I have because I took the time
to learn how to use what's at hand.

[Tightwad]

la_benge, I'm glad you added a woman's point of view to this topic.
It is rarely heard at the forums, but is a bit more important than a guy's
point of view. Women are more often getting attacked than men.

That is why the knife you have one you is vastly more important than
if it's a good weapon of not. Even the common slipjoint pocketknife
provides some means of protection ........IF you have it on your person.

So I've never got to hung up about which knife is a better weapon as I'll
need a cutting tool 99.99% more often. But if I should need a weapon
to defend myself I know how to use what I have because I took the time
to learn how to use what's at hand.

[Hal]

Thanks for all the input. I've checked out lots of knives over the last few days and here is what is decided. If I draw a knife it will only be in response to a knife or club wielding assailant or a losing battle with mutiple attackers. I would never flash a blade so I don't care about a scary appearance, rather, I would prefer a working knife appearance to keep the jury on my side.

Native: great! Nice compact size, good grip and a "jury-friendly" appearance. I'm getting one.

Endura/Delica: Great knives (I own them), trainer models available, but too wicked looking--"jury-unfriendly".

Police/Military: Nice and big, but I don't like tip-down carry. A bit too big and mean looking for the jury.

Benchmade 942 Osborne: Nice compact design, cool axis lock, lightweight, jury-friendly look.

SOG Mini Xray Vision: Nice lock system, doesn't stick out of pocket. Tanto blade---jury-neutral? Great compact choice for 3" blade limits and wearing with dress pants or khakis.

Hal

[bell]

La Benge,
Good to have you on the forum. Carry with confidence.

[judge]

Whatever you carry, make sure you know what to do if you have to pull it.
And besides, pulling (opening) a knife doesn´t mean using it lethally. Get to know punyo (butt), punching, hooking and levering, the Gunting is a good example. It all depends on circumstances, your moves and witnesses.
And god bless all women who spend some thoughts on self defense before getting into an ugly situation (and afterwards, too).

[Blades]

I would say first thing is run. After that, more than one Spydie. You know, left side, right side, and a back-up for your back-up. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Blades