Do you carry a knife?

[MDS]

Just wondering if many folks carry a knife as a secondary defense weapon.

[James A. Mullins]

Yes. gerber drop point 3-1/2 . Ivory scales to match my S&W 45 colt mountain gun.
Cheers
James

[MDS]

The reason I bring this up. I have seen a lot of discussions about the subject. Some people think if they carry a gun thier invincible. But many times a gun just isn't practicle. If some one gets in to contacy reach of you. By asking directions, asking for a dollar etc, etc. You can;t always pull a gun.

[azsixshooter]

Spyderco Endura. I even sleep with it clipped in my waistband. If I'm not carrying my Spydy I AM naked!

[fisherman66]

You don't kester it when ya shower?

[gfmun]

I carry a straight blade knife on my off/weak side, not as a secondary weapon, but because I want something available in case my strong/main side hand is tied up for one reason or another. I do not consider it a " backup ", just an option, depending on circumstances.

thanks, George

[odsixer]

ken onion kershaw. while I don't sleep with it:eek: I rarely leave the house without it hooked on my pocket.

[Jason_G]

Benchmade Mini Griptillian, Mel Pardue blade. I really wanted the plain edge, but I settled for the partially serrated. I carried a Gerber Harsey Air Ranger for years before that.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/itsthewhitmans/jason/pic2.jpg

Jason

[redblair]

I'd say I have a knife on me 98% of the time.

B

Dec. 15, 1791

[Bill DeShivs]

Yes, I carry a knife, but not as a weapon. If you can draw a knife, you can draw a gun.

[Jason_G]

Yes, I carry a knife, but not as a weapon. If you can draw a knife, you can draw a gun.
Ditto on that. A good knife is handy though. Also, in case anyone hasn't figured it out yet, you always need a knife when you don't have one. :D

Jason

[PTR 91]

I carry a Snap-On addition Kershaw ken onion with the speed assist. But when i'm in the woods I carry a big old 24 inch machete to get through the thick brush.

[armedandsafe]

I have been known to have a knife about me. I drive a school bus, so can't carry a fixed blade during the school year. Right now I have:

Strong front pocket: Old Timer 1940T
Weak front pocket: Coast 2 blade
Weak hip pocket: CRKT C/K PM
Weak cargo pocket: Leatherman KICK
Weak belt: Custom fixed 5" skinner
Strong belt IWB: Dan Wesson .357 (It's not a knife, but it'll cut ya.)

Pops

[rantingredneck]

http://www.rantingredneck.com/evolution/media/Everything%20but%20the%20kitchen%20sink.JPG

The folder is a CRKT Crawford Falcon.

[shaggy]

The folder is a CRKT Crawford Falcon.

Hey RR, I carry the same knife. Bought it from a great guy right here on TFL.


(thanks again! :D)

[rantingredneck]

Glad you liked it. :) Thank you!

[tony pasley]

Always carry a knife, CRKT m-16 great little tool more than a back up.

[Wrascal]

a pair of Gerber's; a small junky one for opening mail/cleaning fingernails/everyday use - and a bigger/assisted opening one, reserved for emergency use - maybe cutting a seat belt.

[tomh1426]

I used to carry a Ken Onion whirlwhind but now I carry a Bench Made 42 (balisong).
NOT as a weapon mostly for fun and to cut things now and then.
BTW If aneyones selling one Ill buy it

[Holman]

I do, but I would not say it is for secondary defense :rolleyes:

[FS2K]

Benchmade Full sized "Rukus". It replaced a my Benchmade Mel Pardue I'd carried for years.

[obxned]

I always carry at least one lock blade. It is one on the most often used tools I own. They could be used for SD should the need arise, but I would not say that is the primary reason I carry them. Currently I usually have a small Kershaw and a CRKT M-16 with me.

[Martyn4802]

I'm never without a folder on me.

Martyn

[FirstFreedom]

Does this:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236002

answer your question? :D

[almtiba]

I'm a knife nut as much I'm a gun nut...
Always carry 3 or more folders with me.
Today I'm carrying:
front right pocket: Custom Korth Folder
back right pocket: Customized Benchmade Skirmish
back left pocket: Spyderco Caly 3 Carbon fiber ZDP
Belt: Swisstoll

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil

[The Tourist]

I am also a knife nut. It's not only a part of my job but there is no CCW provision in my state.

I rotate between an Emerson HD-7 and several Strider folders. However, I must admit that the Emerson has been riding with me for quite sometime.


http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/TheTourist_bucket/ritual.jpg

[dairycreek]

Yes, I carry a knife as part of my self defense geat. Pictured is my Ruger SP-101 and a Cold Steel Vaquero Grande. It has been a very nice carry combo in a Smartcarry.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v736/dairycreek/rugerandvaquero.jpg

[Limeyfellow]

I carry one of two knifes on me pretty much at all times. A Bear balisong and a swiss army knife. They are just too inplanted into me as a survival tool not to carry and use it in the garden, cutting string, opening letters, the balisong could even be used to chop wood since the handle design makes it so strong, undo screws, clean nails, open cans of food, open bottles, strip some firearms, cooking, eating. They are the utilitarian masterpiece and its a shame its not seen to be carrying them anymore.

I have a bunch of other knifes, my wife normally carries a case folder and we have machettes, kurkris and so on for larger brush in the garden, a couple of larger survival knifes such as the MOD no4 knife and a kabar that we take into the mountains camping all the way down to sais that my wife uses to my fairbairn sykes which has little purpose other than looking good and reenactments though would make a good backup weapon. Add a bunch more of folders, balisongs, bayonets and so on and I have way too many sharp bits of metal beyond usual kitchen cuterly.

[jhgreasemonkey]

As long as im dressed I always carry a knife. My favorite lately is my SOG flash. Its a spring assist with a wicked sharp blade.

[Mister_Dinky]

Just wondering if many folks carry a knife as a secondary defense weapon.

I live in Nazi Jersey. It is my primary weapon as the US Constitution has no meaning here.

[Capt_Vin]

Rule #1: Never bring a knife to a gunfight!

But, however, I am never without my 2 back-ups, in my right front pocket I carry a 6" folder w/ a tiny flip-out flashlight built into the handle, and in my left front pocket, I carry a 4 1/2 inch folder. Both have a thumb knob for quick deployment, both are razor sharp and both cost less than %15.00 at the oriental store at the local mall. Ya never know when ya may need a good knife to cut a tough sandwich.

[20nickels]

Thanks for reminding me. I often forget it's even there. Benchmade folder.
No Hideaway Knives?

[Renfield]

Do you carry a knife?

yes but not as a secondary defense weapon

[RocketFoot]

I carry this folder even when I don't have the Ruger on me...It is a matte stainless commemorative knife from Mack Trucks. (I work for Mack, BTW) Not sure who manufactured it, but it is tight and opens flawlessly with one hand action...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a3/rocketfoot232/Mack_knife.gif

[Phelptwan]

I carried a spyderco civilian up until it was stolen about a month ago at an event I was at. Now I carry an endura.

[74camaroman]

I carry a Schrade 3" trifolder, front left Pocket.
Sog Flash W/spring assist on the belt. Schrade Thin Line in both boots.
:D. Best to have and not need than to need and not have.

[RockyMtnTactical]

Crkt M16 12z

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I carry 2---not as a back-up weapon ---but can be called upon for such duties if needed.

Custom Buck 110
Benchmade Griptilian 551

[Bigfatts]

I carry a Kabar Last Ditch Knife. Handy little thing to have.

[gfen]

Just wondering if many folks carry a knife as a secondary defense weapon.

I carry one as my primary can opener, that count?

[The Tourist]

All kidding aside, I hope no one takes "the knife to a gunfight" as a serious recommendation for survival. A knife is a deadly instrument and it should not be denigrated.

Having some drunken idiot grab hold of you with a knife is a very disturbing possibility. As you begin your fending martial arts training and a speed-rock attempt, your aggressor is slashing in every direction.

I suggest that you google Snopes and research a vignette they did on some very serious knife wounds. It is truly eye opening.

You cannot pick your emergency. And having a well maintained, sharp tactical knife might be just the thing you need.

[skeeter]

I carry a Benchmade all titanium folder. i think it weights about an oz or 2. Blade is titanium too. It goes great with my carry SW329.

[USNavy_233]

If you have enough room to pull a knife, you have enough room to pull a gun.

That being said, I carry a Microtech SOCOM Elite Auto. Been carrying it for 6+ years now. You just never know when you'll need a good knife for something.

[Shooter 973]

If I'm up and dressed I'm carrying a knife! It's just part of my wardrobe, that and a pen and a pair of reading glasses now that I'm Old (57). I have always carried a knife as far back as I can remember. And all of my friends and work associates know I have a SHARP knife on me. I get asked to loan it everyday by someone. Some I say NO to. :)

[tazmss]

I carry a Benchmade auto-folder.....very handy

[Kreyzhorse]

Pocket knife unless I'm hunting or fishing. Usually carry a case toothpick or a buck folder. Funny, but I've never thought of a knife as a protection weapon although I'm well aware of what a trained person could do with one.

[PitBull]

CRKT M-16 with a plain blade. I carry it everywhere and use it for whatever I need it for.
I've thought about getting a Benchmade but I'd probly lose it. I don't know how many times my CRKT has "ridden up" in my pocket and almost been lost.
I have a CRKT Mt. Ranier that I used to carry but I don't care for the serrated part of the blade. Too much of a hassle to sharpen.

[RobertRogers]

Oh yes, a knife is very important

[The Tourist]

"If you have enough room to pull a knife, you have enough room to pull a gun."

USNavy_233, in many ways, I'm not disputing that. My comments were more addressed to defending yourself against a knife attack.

Over the years, I 've heard the same "knife to a gunfight" jokes you probably have. My concern here is that some people might feel invulnerable because they have a pistol, a CCW license and training.

The reason we practice walking in 'condition yellow' is that predators try to find the weakest or the guy who is not paying attention. The aggressor knows what he wants to do, but our moves will be a reaction. This is why lots of people are surprised by "the 21-foot rule."

Clearly, I want to go home safe and sound to my wife. No heroes here--in fact, much the opposite. But if a knife like an Emerson was all I could grab within grappling distance of my attacker, I would certainly aggressively use the knife.

http://www.snopes.com/photos/gruesome/kunsan.asp

[even11]

Not necessarily for a defensive item, but 98% of the time I carry a knife. Its a swiss army pocket anchor that I've been carrying on and off since I was about 16 or 17. I've tried the nice single blade tactical folders. I have a beautiful titanium and carbon fiber handmade one I wear on special occasions. But I always go back to the swiss, Just too many useful items on it.

Like many on here, I'm more of a knife collector than a gun collector. Probably just due to the prices more than anything. I bet I have enough knives to carry a different one each day for several months without a repeat.

-Dane

And all of my friends and work associates know I have a SHARP knife on me. I get asked to loan it everyday by someone.

Shooter, that is so very true, its not even funny!! Do you warn people that the knife is SHARP before you will loan it to them too? I bet there's 18 different blood types on my blade. (none of my own on this one, thankfully)
lol

[gmanpma]

I always carry a knife. And in Florida auto's are legal, and I have a bunch. As many have said not so much for defensive purposes, they are just handy to have.

[The Tourist]

I carried a spyderco civilian up until it was stolen

I don't mean to hijack this thread. My apologies.

Contact Josh. He still shows that model on his website.

[sm]

Do you carry a knife?
Just wondering if many folks carry a knife as a secondary defense weapon.

No.



I was raised in a time one was not dressed if they did not have a knife on person.
Boys and Girls, Ladies and Gents, didn't matter, one was not dressed without a knife.
Knives were just another tool.

1.No tool is any better than user of said tool.
2. It is the intent of the user - not the tool itself.

Seems some folks around here use that second one a lot against Gun Control folks and legislations...;)

As a kid, we brought pocket knives to school, we sharpened pencils with them and what not.

Defensive stuff we were taught was Mental.
So yeah a knife "could be" used as a defensive tool, then again so could that stapler on the teacher's desk, or that mason jar full of pencils, crayons and the like, or that *groan* Math text book.

Oh I have used a Case Trapper and defended myself in a serious situation.
Sliced his stomach wide open with that carbon steel blade, and he let go, and dropped that gun right fast!

Case Trapper is what I carried because I did all sorts of things with it. Cutting rope, opening boxes, cleaning fish, game, whittling...

I don't run around with a Heavy Glass Pitcher as a defensive weapon, be it primary, secondary or name a "dary".

I know for a fact a Glass Pitcher will stop an immediate threat right fast.
I and mine in had guns, and the Mental said " use the pitcher".


Street Smarts:
I've seen the homeless person take a screwdriver and beat the gangbanger with a "nine" . He did not get cut using that screwdriver either.

[22-rimfire]

I carry a knife all the time unless I have to go into a public building. I don't feel dressed without a knife in my pocket. The knife gets used every single day as it is a very comvenient tool. Never been in a knife fight, and don't want to be. I enjoy all the new blades that are available these days. I also get a kick out of people that believe they are going to use their trusty Spydie for defense. It can happen, but not common. If it was common, I'd reach for a gun. Knife fights are down right messy. There are no winners.

[mountainclmbr]

I am usually armed in a caliber starting with a 4. At times I have to travel to the victim disarmament zones like California, Maryland, New Jersey and New York. I Awways carry a knife here too, but in these areas that is all I am left with. I carry a Kershaw Assisted Open when I can, a CRKT M16-02Z when I cant carry AO.

[hecate]

I always have at least two or three HideAwayKnives on me at all times. As a civilian government employee, I can't carry my Kimber at work, but my UHAK neck knife somehow ended up on the outside one day and NOBODY NOTICED. Not even in meetings. Of course, I normally wear three badges, three proximity cards, a pager (they're too cheap to issue us cell phones), an idisk, two conventional master keys and a gasboy key around my neck. Probably disappeared into the crowd.

The UHAK is for opening boxes and such. The Brock Midnight Claw on my belt under my shirt is for defense, and the Ankle Claw is for last-ditch defense.

I used to carry a Spyderco Matriarch with a Delica for box-opening duty, but in force-on-force training I found the HAK's (training drone) are the only blades I can use reliably when the fit hits the shan.

[westphoenix]

Dollar for dollar one of the best tools I have purchased:
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/west-phoenix-az/th_Leatherman_Charge_01.jpg (http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/west-phoenix-az/Leatherman_Charge_01.jpg) http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/west-phoenix-az/th_Leatherman_Charge_02.jpg (http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p123/west-phoenix-az/Leatherman_Charge_02.jpg)

[bkjeffrey]

Jason G, you stuck yourseld with that griptillitan yet? I had bad experiences with one where it would often open in my pocket. Lots of cut fingers! Traded it for a CRKT. Much happier now. That Pardue blade was always razor sharp though.

[Zesty]

I carry a Kershaw Scallion I think is the model. Black with the black treatment on the blade. To be honest the knife just fits me great. I am about 6'2" 170 pounds with average size hands and the knife is JUST big enough. It has the assisted opening which is definitely nice and useful. However, I have tried out some other brand new ones(mine says August '04 on blade), and the action was not nearly as smooth as mine.

[Old Coach]

For work I carry a German Eye 3 blade stockman. I use it Every day. On weekends and after work I carry a Kershaw scallion, and my Sunday go to meetin knife is a pretty little Benchmade.

[RB047]

I carry a BenchMade Mini griptillion... its a great little knife and super durable for whatever i need it for, after damaging a couple knives before these seem to be very reliable and well worth the price.

[DonR101395]

Here is what I carry. It's a Mark Goldsworthy custom with a left hand chisel grind.

[MyXD40]

I was thinking of if I want to carry a knife or not. I dont know if I want all that weight on my belt/pockets. I'm getting ragged on for saying I want to carry handcuffs with me..but I guess if you want to stab someone or shoot them rather than handcuff them..well I dont know. Maybe I should carry a knife though because well, ANYTHING can happen!

maybe I'll go look at some tomorrow..hmmm now another toy for me to buy and another reason for my girly to yell at me! lol

[Ocraknife]

ken onion kershaw. while I don't sleep with it I rarely leave the house without it hooked on my pocket.

Yep, got two of those.

[CamoCop]

i carry a Ken Onion "Kershaw" self assisted folding knife

[nforcelaw4u]

I carry a Benchmade Auto and have for about 10 years. As a matter of fact it has been through 3 pocket clips and one spring. I have sent it back to the factory each time for repairs and resharpening. I have lots of knives but love my Benchmade. If I dont have my Benchmade with me I feel Naked !! I find it comforting to know that I have it with me should I need it, but I dont feel like I carry it as a backup weapon. Hope this helps !!

[spankaveli]

Yep, 2 of em. Microtech Kestrel Manual in my left front pocket and CRKT M16-13Z in my right.

[Murdoch]

I carry a knife anywhere I legally can, except work, usually. Not as a weapon though...like most of the posters here, I view knives as very useful tools that CAN be used as a weapon if needed.

That said, I tend to carry a liner or axis-type locking blade clipped in my strongside front, back or cargo pocket depending on clip configuration and what I'm wearing. I like CRKT and Benchmade (They have a nice line of "budget" folders) as well as my trusty Spyderco Rescue.

Have I ever used it as a weapon? No...thought I might have to once or twice, but always a false alarm. Use it as a tool? Pretty much every day.

On a side note, I do like folders that protrude from my grip some when still folded...something that can be used as an impact weapon if needed without the blade open. I like having options :)

[MyXD40]

my 2nd defense weapon is my wife.

..no lol but honestly, my 2nd defense weapon is my gun. it may be half plastic, but the slide has got a good kick to it! and cheap, only $500 so I can either open my safe and get another new XD or just buy another one. sweetness

no knifes for me. I like things that flash, or are bling bling like..not a good idea

[dwatts47]

^^^^


and we all know how flashy and bling bling black xd pistols are.

[MyXD40]

^^exactly! it lacks bling bling..so a barrel polish is on the way:cool:

[dwatts47]

Just kiddin guy....

Dura coated XD's and Glocks look kinda ...well I think I saw a mall Ninja with a ceramic coated G-lock.

[Alaskanmonte]

I carry an old Spyderco. I don't remember the model name. Its has a curved, fully serrated blade. It has the old black metal pocket clip on it. I've been carrying it for 5-6 years now. I don't leave home without it.

[skeeter1]

Whenever I'm out of the house, I've got one of a half-dozen folders to chose from, and one will go with me clipped in a pocket. Although it would certainly work for SD, I find myseld using them all the time for opening boxes, cutting twine, etc. The newest one is a 4" Benchmade, and it's a beaut! The only one that never leaves the house is the Italian stilleto. THe last I heard, they were illegal, and I figure if I ever need to use a knife for SD, I'll be in enough hot water and don't need to make it any worse for myself

[625]

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/SPS/pages/SP7.htm

Right now, Schrade SP7. Great "beater" knife. Use it all the time. Mostly opening boxes and such. Usually I'll carry a nicer knife around when I'm not at work. I must have over 40 different ones. Buck, Gerber, Ka-Bar, Bench Made, Spyderco, Case, Kershaw, Victorinox, Al Mar, Remington, Colt, SOG, you name it. Inherited most of them.

[Erik]

"Do you carry a knife? Just wondering if many folks carry a knife as a secondary defense weapon."

Usually two. One dedicated for strong-side in-fight access and one dedicated to either hand in-fight access. Always the strong-side one.

[ddskehan]

every body bleeds in a knife fight. That's what I have found to be the case. If your in that type of situation then run. If he gives chase then pull out your gun and deal with it another way. I do carry a knife thou.. a small spyderco that has a blade length of about 1 1/4 inches. just to open boxes or cut a rope.

[The Tourist]

every body bleeds in a knife fight.

I'm not sure this is true. It comes mostly from the emperical observation of LEOs and ER personnel treating drunks after bar time.

I don't drink, and I'm safe in bed at bar time. If I have to use a knife, it's going to be a quick, decisive, deep and thorough incision to protect my otherwise worthless hide.

I don't fight for honor, bragging rights or a scalp count. I just don't like to get knocked around. I never did.

[Murdoch]

CRKT M16Z, Spyderco Rescue Jr., Benchmade Mini Ambush, CRKT 14K Summit are my main EDC blades.

Utilitarian, good in a pinch if I ever need them.

[JohnKSa]

If I have to use a knife, it's going to be a quick, decisive, deep and thorough incision to protect my otherwise worthless hide.It's hard to make a quick, decisive, deep and thorough incision without getting cut yourself. In fact, if the other guy is any good at all, it's impossible.

It's possible to cut someone without getting cut, but generally only on the hands, arms and head (people tend to lean forward at the waist).

I usually have a knife or two on me. Here's the one I ALWAYS carry, but I usually have something larger tucked away as well.
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27379&stc=1&d=1191564065

[The Tourist]

Here's the one I ALWAYS carry

Who did your edge?

[Murdoch]

Here's the thing...I think some people are thinking "knife in defensive situation" and some are thinking "knife fight!"

If a guy has a knife, I'd almost rather go barehanded, to better block and try to control his weapon, though a knife might deter an unarmed assailant. If you're outnumbered or otherwise justified in potentially lethal force, a knife might save your life. But you have to know what you're doing. If you start flailing around, you're not going to do much damage, and probably just get yourself hurt or killed. Especially with the folders most of us will be carrying. I'm not talking about bowies and military knives here.

A knife is the same as a gun in that regard...you pull it out, you better be prepared to use it, and to use it decisively. Face, neck, vitals. Arms and legs will hurt, but not stop a determined or drugged attacker.

Don't get me wrong, I carry a knife most every day. But I carry it as a tool first, defensive weapon second. I often forget I even have it when I get in a situation where I feel threatened.

Oh, and +1 on the above...great edge on the spydie.

[The Tourist]

If a guy has a knife, I'd almost rather go barehanded

I urge all muggers in the Madison area to do precisely that.

One of the reasons I polish jackknives to mirror finishes using Japanese waterstones is that any common knife might have to be pressed into service for defense. As you know, Wisconsin has no legal provision for CCW.

As many will verify, any fight in the real world is sloppy at best. There is no well choreographed exchange as in a Bruce Lee movie. There's pushing and shoving, childish kicks and confusion.

A knife with a mirror finished edge is a problem from two standpoints.

First, you'd better be very good at an offense utilizing blocks, counter-attacks and grappling away weapons. Failure means you get your tendons cut down to the bone. Ask my hunting clients about field dressing deer.

Secondly, even your defensive wounds will be life threatening. There is a good reason why "death by a 1,000 cuts" is an apt ideology. Your hands and wrists cannot sustain numerous slices for very long before a large arteries are sliced open.

This kind of knife truly levels the playing field. Now granted, being in yellow is always a sound strategy for any aspect of modern life. However, even a trained figher had better be careful if I clamp onto him and start 'flailing' away with a mirror finished chisel grind knife.

[Murdoch]

Valid point. I guess I have a different though on the whole thing. It simply depends on the situation. If I am pulling a knife on someone, it is because I believe my life is in danger, and I am prepared to do whatever I need to to prevent that threat. Be that using a blade, or breaking his knee, it's hard to say "in this situation I'd do this" (which I guess I sort of did above)...

I guess all I'm trying to say is this...the spydie in your pocket does not make you invincible, any more than a gun. You have to know what you're doing. Same with hand-to hand. Whatever you have and are good at, use it if you have to.

[HD's Guns & Ammo]

Don't ever bring a knife to a gun fight...

[The Tourist]

the spydie in your pocket does not make you invincible

That's why I stack the deck.

There's not much, including some protective vests, that can withstand a razor blade. The trick in this equation is "perfecting" the edge.

First, the bevel must be 'repaired.' Not only must chips and grinding errors be eliminated, but the bevel must be trued front to back, and then left to right. It must have an equal width.

Then you buff with increasingly finer and finer grades of waterstones, and finish the polishing with paste and papers--usually in the 4000 grit range. The final result must appear like a flawless chrome bumper.

This kind of knife ain't your daddy's Barlow. Several of my clients carry two knives, one of them kept in pristine condition "just in case."

The one thing I've learned is that being good in martial arts doesn't make you invincible, either. I just give my clients better tools--and I tell them to stay out of saloons.

[Murdoch]

The one thing I've learned is that being good in martial arts doesn't make you invincible, either. I just give my clients better tools--and I tell them to stay out of saloons.

Agreed. To me, rule #1 is stay away from "bad places." If I feel like I "need" a weapon to go somewhere, I try not to go.

Rule #2 is to never underestimate an attacker, and to give it all you have in a life or death situation.

Rule #3 is to always be better armed that the other guy ;)

[The Tourist]

always be better armed that the other guy

...yes, it is a tidy little retirement business...;)

However, I feel about knives like I feel about ABS. I don't want to be in the midst of a crash to realize my brake fluid is low.

I happen to be one of those "knives are tools" guys in my philosophy. I have one of the best knives ever made, the Emerson HD-7. I cut UPS boxes, blue painters tape and thread. You could make a very good case in opining that I carry too much knife.

However, there might be a time when I have to slice a radiator hose, or cut someone's shirt from spinning machinery.

And sadly, the world is full of predators.

[JohnKSa]

Who did your edge?I did. I grind the bevel with a coarse stone, take out the scratches with the Spyderco "Fine" bench stone and then finish/polish it with a Spyderco "Ultrafine" ceramic bench stone.

So far I've been doing it freehand, but I'm looking at getting a sharpening guide to try out.

[Murdoch]

Fine Job on the edge, John. And Tourist, I do like those emersons...most are a little big for pocket carry for me, but man do they make a nice blade.

[JohnKSa]

Fine Job on the edge, John.Thanks! It's sharper than it looks. ;) :D...most are a little big for pocket carry for me...It's all a state of mind. :D

Here's what I used to carry (with the Worker for size reference).
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=27421&stc=1&d=1191737032

I've moved down slightly in blade size these days from the Voyager XL, but only by about half an inch.

[The Tourist]

Fine Job on the edge, John.

Yes, he did do a great job, you beat me to it.

If you'll also notice, he took care to provide the best edge possible. This makes knives useful, and not many either know or take the time to better the tools they carry.

[Wrascal]

How does one unsubscribe from this post?
Its like the energizer bunny.

[Mainah]

I just got a Gatco Edgemate system. Anyone have any experience with these?

[Splat!!]

My .02 cents.............keep a folder for the tool, any size fixed blade for defense......

[The Tourist]

How does one unsubscribe from this post? Its like the energizer bunny.

I'm sorry you feel that way, but to many of us, this is the realistic condition of readiness, which also encompasses self defense.

As I have stated, I have no CCW privileges/rights in Wisconsin. Unless I break the law (and that would be wrong), I am limited to contact weapons and pepper spray.

And as another aspect of the real world, when I work it's usually within the building of a client. In the Peoples' Republik of Madison that means liberals. Even if I had a CCW license I might be restricted due to sign posting. And, of course, losing that client.

And while I am a very serious firearms collector and reloader, many like me have to endure the never-ending amateurish jokes (and insults) about taking a knife to a gunfight.

One of the great places for political debates is at the locker room at my health club. And we discuss many of the same concerns there that we do at TFL. Believe it or not, not all Democrats belittle firearms or self defense.

When the issue of martial arts and "knive/gunfight" got tossed around, I defended our rights and even mentioned the 21-foot-rule. Surprisingly, many were informed.

One of the members who works out with me is a knowledgeable martial arts practitioner. We've discussed bare-handed confrontations on several occasions. And we've also discussed contact weapons.

He made this comment, "...that doesn't apply to you, Chico, you're a professional sharpener and you've been knocked around a few times..."

One of the deciding factors (and I agree) is training and focus. There are several men in their sixties that I still give a wide berth. They're strong, they're trained and they are dangerous.

Perhaps a serious discussion of contract weapons (or simple knives as tools) might be better served in a different segment of this forum--that's for the mods to decide. But while people with contact weapons remain threats, good guys like us must apply our knowledge to defense with firearms and other martial diciplines.

[Rasputin]

I Have A Ka-Bar d2 but i dont carry it.. however i do carry my cold steel arc-angel

[Wrascal]

Hey Mr T. (I like that)

I'm not against you or knives as I also carry one (actually two, as I stated months ago). Its just that I continue to get emails on this subject - after three months, they're all pretty much the same. That says alot about the importance of this subject to people.

I just don't wish to be notified of every comment anymore, hence my desire to unsubscribe.

Enjoy your Columbus Day!

[CharlieBrown]

Boker

back pocket

[JohnKSa]

desire to unsubscribeClick on "User CP" at the upper right hand side of the screen. There should be a "List Subscriptions" option somewhere about halfway down the right side of the screen. Click on that and there should be an option to unsubscribe from any of your subscribed threads.He made this comment, "...that doesn't apply to you, Chico, you're a professional sharpener and you've been knocked around a few times..."Interesting comment, and one I agree with. Not because I know you, but because I know that a truly sharp knife in the hands of someone who has a reasonable idea how to use it can be a formidable weapon.

[The Tourist]

a truly sharp knife in the hands of someone who has a reasonable idea how to use it

If you had been there for our entire discussion you would have dfinitely heard your position discussed. The sharpest knife in the world is of little good to a novice.

However, we also discussed physical conditioning (which I have approached with a new regard over the past three months) and the mental aspects of readiness and even 'will.'

These are of more importance, I believe. For example, my wife is surrounded by very good equipment, and has been for over three decades. I think there would be tears in her eyes if she had to pull a trigger. And by that I mean during the exchange, not as a part of PTSD.

To be honest, some people and situations just tick me off. And I mean in a more visceral mode. It centers in some form of unfairness, usually to a smaller person or animal. I never cared for bullies, probably because my own Father tried it--once too often.

During these limited incidents of exchange it will be a good bet that all I'll have is a HD-7 and some type of off-body .380 ACP. You run what you brung. And since local laws and attitudes limit my choices, even as a good guy, you must perfect your edges.

[DougO83]

No, I do carry a CRKT Kasper, a Schrade Uncle Henry, and a cheap o maxam knife. Oh, and the Leatherman Super Tool or the Gerber Diesel. Not one of these is a weapon, all tools.