Back up Knife?

9ballbilly · May 28, 2008, 03:58 PM

I've read quite a bit lately about the pros and cons of carrying a BUG. I personally never have, even when I was a cop. I did carry a sap, switchblade, and push knife while on duty and have continued the practice of carrying a tactical/personal defense knife daily in addition to a handgun.
Mine is a Kershaw 1640 vapor designed by Ken Onion with a 3" blade. I'm curious, how many of you guys carry a tactical knife in addition to your firearm? Anyone use pepper spray? Something else?

Note: I'm not making any judgement of BUG's. Just wondering how many people chose a different option.

Keltyke · May 28, 2008, 04:16 PM

In the past, I knew LEOs who carried a gun, two speed loaders (in the days of revolvers), a blackjack, pepper spray, a nightstick, AND a Maglite. I've known some cops to carry a backup piece AND a "throwdown" piece.

Carrying CWP, I've never carried a backup gun or spare ammo. Maybe I'm kidding myself. I feel pepper spray has too much chance of missing or being misdirected by the wind in addition to a hype or drunk not feeling it, and a knife allows the perp to get too close.

Moe Howard · May 28, 2008, 04:30 PM

Both I carry a BUG, a primary with extra mag, a lockback knife, (Camillus Heat), and a Victorinox Swiss Champ pocket knife with 30+ tools. When I am at work I have a Leatherman, and whatever else I can get into my vest. When I get undressed at night it is like disarming Germany.

ElectricHellfire · May 28, 2008, 04:35 PM

I have a number of different blades that I rotate out with my CCW. The "most carried" list is as follows:

(I carry only one of these at a time)

Spyderco Endura
Benchmade Ambush
SOG Flash II
SOG Trident
Kershaw Speed Bump (Ken Onion)

I also carry a Ontario RAT-3 Fixed blade and Leatherman Micro in my Maxpedition Versipack.

honkylips · May 28, 2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

I've known some cops to carry a backup piece AND a "throwdown" piece.

That's a pretty bold assertion to make. So you personally know cops who carry 'throwdown' pieces, or you're just making uneducated assumptions?

ChicagoTex · May 28, 2008, 04:50 PM

I used to carry a Vapor II as my fairly non-threatening "college knife" because it wasn't blacktical and it was cheap in case it ever got confiscated by the local college gestapo.

Back in my on-duty days however it was a Kershaw Blackout, mostly because I liked the idea of reliable and quick deployment each and everytime and the all-black finish went well with my uniform pants (which were also black). Bear in mind however I didn't carry it as a weapon, the thought was always in my mind that it might be needed as such, but really, I just carried it for utility.

The only knife I own that I really think could cut it as a "fighting" knife is my first generation Spyderco Chinook, but it eats up my entire pocket and scares the sheeple something fierce, so I don't carry it much.
My Benchmade TSEK Axis is a close second.

Shadi Khalil · May 28, 2008, 04:55 PM

I carry a small pocket knife along with my pistol and an extra mag. I have always had a knife in my pocket, ever since I was a little kid. I never thought of it as a defensive tool till I took some CC classes. Since taking the classes I've decided to get a knife that meets the needs what what I was taught to use it for defensively as well of something that cuts stuff....I ordered a SOG twitch. Im pretty excited.

EastSideRich · May 28, 2008, 05:16 PM

I always carry a knife; not so much as a back-up weapon, but because they always come in handy. I end up using it for something at least 9 out of 10 days.

A couple of knives I regularly carry could easily be used for self defense (Kershaw Boa, Sog Flash Tanto)

On occasion I'll carry a Colt Commander boot knife (which I would consider an actual fighting knife)

Usually (until I lost it a couple of months ago

after about five or six years and THOUSANDS of times being used) I carry a Kershaw Scallion. It's blade is 2 1/4"; it could really hurt you, but definitely not meant for self defense.

Everyone should carry a knife at all times. IMHO it's absolutely the most useful tool on the planet.
After all, our ancestors were using blades for cutting over 2 Million yrs ago.

Moe Howard · May 28, 2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Everyone should carry a knife at all times. IMHO it's absolutely the most useful tool on the planet.

I second that motion.

sophijo · May 28, 2008, 05:49 PM

Chris Reeves; Sabenza

spamanon · May 28, 2008, 05:49 PM

I only carry my Emerson Karambit.

Crimp · May 28, 2008, 06:38 PM

I always have a pocket knife. Usually my little Buck 505. Often, I'll drop a Kershaw Leek or Scallion in my pocket. I have absolutely no training or knowledge of using a knife as a weapon, so it scares me more than comforts me.

RT · May 28, 2008, 06:40 PM

Benchmade Griptilian is on my wasteband all the time

Erik · May 28, 2008, 08:06 PM

"Everyone should carry a knife at all times. IMHO it's absolutely the most useful tool on the planet."

Yep.

Erik- who advocates and carries a BUK.

soccergod04 · May 29, 2008, 01:34 AM

Always have at least one knife on me.

starshooter231 · May 29, 2008, 04:13 AM

I don't carry a BUG I do however carry a knife. I have carried a pocket knife since I was a little kid. I carry one now just in case I can not draw my sidearm or I am in a car wreck and can't get the buckle to release. You never know when you will need a knife for a job a sidearm just can't do.

Hk_Allday · May 29, 2008, 07:34 AM

In normal everyday life, I don't carry a BUG. Florida weather and corresponding attire can make CCW interesting for a single sidearm, let alone two.

I never leave the house without my Benchmade auto-styker in my hip pocket, but I suppose I consider it more "utility" than "back up". There are so many things in life where a knife is just simply better applied than a gun.

As for letting the BG get too close, well here's some graphic (very graphic) photos of what getting too close to a knife can end up like.

I'll post as attachments, so those who don't wish to look don't have to see them.

scoutleader · May 29, 2008, 07:36 AM

I carry my SOG or my Benchmade. At work I still carry the SOG since I can not CCW at work.
Danny

Keltyke · May 29, 2008, 07:39 AM

"That's a pretty bold assertion to make. So you personally know cops who carry 'throwdown' pieces, or you're just making uneducated assumptions?"

I stand by my statement.

flyby · May 29, 2008, 07:48 AM

a Cold-Steel Voyager folding tanto is one of my favorite carry knives...

..also have a Spyderco,Gerber,Benchmade etc...

flyby · May 29, 2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hk_Allday

I'll post as attachments, so those who don't wish to look don't have to see them.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg TooCloseToKnife.jpg (50.6 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg TooCloseToKnife-1.jpg (36.7 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg TooCloseToKnife-2.jpg (45.8 KB, 6 views)

AHH Ouch!! Someone stitch those poor sobs up already :barf:

Archie · May 29, 2008, 10:15 AM

Between the era of swords and daggars and the era of reliable cartridge firearms, most people carried something akin to a Bowie knife as their primary defense weapon. Based on the technology of the time, a good fighting knife was far more reliable than most of the handguns available and far more utilitarian in general life.

Sadly, the open carry of an eight to ten inch long knife has fallen into disfavor.

I normally carry a small pocket knife, but not as a weapon. I have a larger knife mounted on my 'outdoors' equipment belt.

vostracker · May 29, 2008, 11:45 AM

When I was on duty and off I always carried a knife, but no BUG. I just love myt "GT" ATS-34 spring op opening blade with tanto point. My other is a plain blade CRKT M16-03Z. My multi-tool is a Gerber.

ginshun · May 29, 2008, 12:26 PM

Its not a back up to anything, because stupid Wisconsin doesn't allow conceled carry, but my nomal EDC knife is a Strider SnG.

Hard Ball · May 29, 2008, 12:36 PM

I carry an Emerson Commander. It is a very useful tool and a very effective weapon.

May 28, 2008, 03:58 PM	#1
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 611	Back up Knife? I've read quite a bit lately about the pros and cons of carrying a BUG. I personally never have, even when I was a cop. I did carry a sap, switchblade, and push knife while on duty and have continued the practice of carrying a tactical/personal defense knife daily in addition to a handgun. Mine is a Kershaw 1640 vapor designed by Ken Onion with a 3" blade. I'm curious, how many of you guys carry a tactical knife in addition to your firearm? Anyone use pepper spray? Something else? Note: I'm not making any judgement of BUG's. Just wondering how many people chose a different option.

May 28, 2008, 04:35 PM	#4
ElectricHellfire Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,271	I have a number of different blades that I rotate out with my CCW. The "most carried" list is as follows: (I carry only one of these at a time) Spyderco Endura Benchmade Ambush SOG Flash II SOG Trident Kershaw Speed Bump (Ken Onion) I also carry a Ontario RAT-3 Fixed blade and Leatherman Micro in my Maxpedition Versipack. __________________ *Texas, the only State to Have Ever Kicked Another Country's Butt*

May 28, 2008, 05:49 PM	#10
sophijo Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 666	knife Chris Reeves; Sabenza

May 28, 2008, 05:49 PM	#11
spamanon Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2008 Location: idaho Posts: 373	I do carry a knife for back-up/utility I only carry my Emerson Karambit. __________________ The second amendment articulates one of my rights, but like the other amendments, grants none. Last edited by spamanon; May 29, 2008 at 05:48 PM. Reason: The pic of my knife isn't showing up(?) so I will put this in.

May 28, 2008, 06:38 PM	#12
Crimp Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 276	I always have a pocket knife. Usually my little Buck 505. Often, I'll drop a Kershaw Leek or Scallion in my pocket. I have absolutely no training or knowledge of using a knife as a weapon, so it scares me more than comforts me. __________________ -Montani Semper Liberi- West Virginians: Consider joining the West Virginia Citizens Defense League.

May 28, 2008, 04:16 PM	#2
Keltyke Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 2,933	In the past, I knew LEOs who carried a gun, two speed loaders (in the days of revolvers), a blackjack, pepper spray, a nightstick, AND a Maglite. I've known some cops to carry a backup piece AND a "throwdown" piece. Carrying CWP, I've never carried a backup gun or spare ammo. Maybe I'm kidding myself. I feel pepper spray has too much chance of missing or being misdirected by the wind in addition to a hype or drunk not feeling it, and a knife allows the perp to get too close.

May 28, 2008, 04:30 PM	#3
Moe Howard Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2008 Location: North Texas Posts: 690	Both I carry a BUG, a primary with extra mag, a lockback knife, (Camillus Heat), and a Victorinox Swiss Champ pocket knife with 30+ tools. When I am at work I have a Leatherman, and whatever else I can get into my vest. When I get undressed at night it is like disarming Germany.

May 28, 2008, 04:50 PM	#6
ChicagoTex Junior member Join Date: March 18, 2008 Location: DFW Metroplex Posts: 1,909	I used to carry a Vapor II as my fairly non-threatening "college knife" because it wasn't blacktical and it was cheap in case it ever got confiscated by the local college gestapo. Back in my on-duty days however it was a Kershaw Blackout, mostly because I liked the idea of reliable and quick deployment each and everytime and the all-black finish went well with my uniform pants (which were also black). Bear in mind however I didn't carry it as a weapon, the thought was always in my mind that it might be needed as such, but really, I just carried it for utility. The only knife I own that I really think could cut it as a "fighting" knife is my first generation Spyderco Chinook, but it eats up my entire pocket and scares the sheeple something fierce, so I don't carry it much. My Benchmade TSEK Axis is a close second.

May 28, 2008, 04:55 PM	#7
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I carry a small pocket knife along with my pistol and an extra mag. I have always had a knife in my pocket, ever since I was a little kid. I never thought of it as a defensive tool till I took some CC classes. Since taking the classes I've decided to get a knife that meets the needs what what I was taught to use it for defensively as well of something that cuts stuff....I ordered a SOG twitch. Im pretty excited.

May 28, 2008, 05:16 PM	#8
EastSideRich Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: St Paul, Minnesota Posts: 369	I always carry a knife; not so much as a back-up weapon, but because they always come in handy. I end up using it for something at least 9 out of 10 days. A couple of knives I regularly carry could easily be used for self defense (Kershaw Boa, Sog Flash Tanto) On occasion I'll carry a Colt Commander boot knife (which I would consider an actual fighting knife) Usually (until I lost it a couple of months ago after about five or six years and THOUSANDS of times being used) I carry a Kershaw Scallion. It's blade is 2 1/4"; it could really hurt you, but definitely not meant for self defense. Everyone should carry a knife at all times. IMHO it's absolutely the most useful tool on the planet. After all, our ancestors were using blades for cutting over 2 Million yrs ago.

May 28, 2008, 06:40 PM	#13
RT Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2000 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,194	Benchmade Griptilian is on my wasteband all the time

May 28, 2008, 08:06 PM	#14
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	"Everyone should carry a knife at all times. IMHO it's absolutely the most useful tool on the planet." Yep. Erik- who advocates and carries a BUK. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

May 29, 2008, 01:34 AM	#15
soccergod04 Junior Member Join Date: May 9, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 12	Always have at least one knife on me.

May 29, 2008, 04:13 AM	#16
starshooter231 Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 2006 Location: Central Michigan Posts: 210	I don't carry a BUG I do however carry a knife. I have carried a pocket knife since I was a little kid. I carry one now just in case I can not draw my sidearm or I am in a car wreck and can't get the buckle to release. You never know when you will need a knife for a job a sidearm just can't do. __________________ Michigan Gun Owner Michigan CPL Holder Proud Member of The NRA

May 29, 2008, 07:36 AM	#18
scoutleader Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2007 Location: WestTN Posts: 121	I carry my SOG or my Benchmade. At work I still carry the SOG since I can not CCW at work. Danny

May 29, 2008, 07:39 AM	#19
Keltyke Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 2,933	honkylips "That's a pretty bold assertion to make. So you personally know cops who carry 'throwdown' pieces, or you're just making uneducated assumptions?" I stand by my statement.

May 29, 2008, 07:48 AM	#20
flyby Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: S.FL Posts: 222	a Cold-Steel Voyager folding tanto is one of my favorite carry knives... ..also have a Spyderco,Gerber,Benchmade etc... __________________ “The vulcan neck pinch is not half as powerful as the vulcan groin kick, but it's more politically correct” ~ spock

May 29, 2008, 10:15 AM	#22
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	As a matter of history... Between the era of swords and daggars and the era of reliable cartridge firearms, most people carried something akin to a Bowie knife as their primary defense weapon. Based on the technology of the time, a good fighting knife was far more reliable than most of the handguns available and far more utilitarian in general life. Sadly, the open carry of an eight to ten inch long knife has fallen into disfavor. I normally carry a small pocket knife, but not as a weapon. I have a larger knife mounted on my 'outdoors' equipment belt. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

May 29, 2008, 11:45 AM	#23
vostracker Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 416	BUK When I was on duty and off I always carried a knife, but no BUG. I just love myt "GT" ATS-34 spring op opening blade with tanto point. My other is a plain blade CRKT M16-03Z. My multi-tool is a Gerber.

May 29, 2008, 12:26 PM	#24
ginshun Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2008 Posts: 162	Its not a back up to anything, because stupid Wisconsin doesn't allow conceled carry, but my nomal EDC knife is a Strider SnG.

May 29, 2008, 12:36 PM	#25
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	I carry an Emerson Commander. It is a very useful tool and a very effective weapon. __________________ "I swear to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemeis domestic or foreign WHOMSOEVER."