Knife Carry

[jon'76]

So as many of you know my life isn't yet valuable enough to permit me to carry a handgun; so instead I carry a knife. As a resident of the lovely city of Philadelphia I have concern for my safety, and no longer wish to carry only a folder.

I understand that carrying any cutting instrument in philadelphia is against some silly ordnance. I have heard that most cops will let you go as long as your not acting stupid, and I never intend to give the police an opportunity to see my knife. I have also been told that violations of said ordnance are treated like a traffic ticket. At this point I'm more worried about staying safe than staying ticket-free.


With that said I've been looking for a decent fixed blade and was wondering if anyone could suggest a nice fixed blade no shorter than 4" and no longer than 5" that would be under $100 or so.

Here is the one that I really like and will most likely get if no one suggests anything I like better. http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st....html?s=KS4351

It seems to be meant for CC, is a decent size 4.5" without being "scary", comes with a sheath that can be strapped and attached to various areas, and it's supposed to be easy to sharpen up the false edge on top. I read somewhere that the tip was a bit thin, but I think it would probably be sufficient for my purposes.

Opinions, suggestions, and criticisms please.

BTW: I have a GLOCK combat knife, and it would be semi-easy to conceal; but it would also probably be viewed in a less favorable light as compared to the Kershaw. I was also thinking asp, but I have heard those are an absolute no go legally.

[LorDiego01]

Opinions, suggestions, and criticisms please.

Not sure about your experience, but I'd be looking at taking a proper class in knife fighting, and knife retention technique before I spend the dough to buy an expensive knife. Heck, even a martial arts class, such as Krav Maga would suit you better than a knife.

Also, if somebody pulls a gun on you, the old saying that "don't bring a knife to a gun fight" would most certainly apply. And I don't think I've ever heard of a proper knife fight happening in the city.

If some hoodlum is giving you lip, and you stab them with your knife, you are gonna be in a world of hurt, legal wise.

Don't take my post the wrong way, I carry some sort of knife everywhere I go, but its more for its usefulness in everyday activities, than for it being a proper defensive weapon.

[jon'76]

I understand what you're saying, but at this point its better than nothing. In my area most robberies are done by a single guy with a knife, or a group of teenagers. I already make it a point to travel with friends when possible, and I avoid bad areas at night.

I would not be stupid and try to stab someone with a gun unless it looked like it was my only option, and I would generally try to avoid physical confrontation. However, sometimes retreat simply isn't an option as we all know and in those situations a fixed blade would make me feel much better.

I am also a big guy and if I pulled out a knife I doubt many would stick around to fight it out, but if they do then at least I'm ready.

I'm not 21 so I have to make do with what I have .

[Philbert]

My $0.02: get some pepper spray, take a course in some kind of unarmed martial art, and do your best to stay out of trouble. In a couple of years (and they will go fast, believe me) you will be able to apply for an LTCF. Don't give the government any excuse to deny your application.

[jon'76]

Pepper spray is illegal as well . I do have some which I intend to carry in conjunction with the knife, but I'm not comfortable relying on a product that the wind can nullify if not turn against me and that a certain percent of the population is immune to. When we argue 9mmVS.45acp no one argues mace is better.

As to the don't give them a reason to deny me comment, many here carry a knife and its still illegal for them (depending on local ordnances) despite having a LTCF.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but I have been carrying a folding pocket knife since I was 17 and its not a weapon to me so much as a useful tool that can be used as a weapon. I have never had a problem as I stay low-key and don't show it off. The only situation in which I could ever even imagine having a cop hassle me is an actual SD situation in which case having an "illegal" knife is the last of my worries.

Admittedly this fixed blade will be primarily a weapon, but IMO my right to life is slightly more important than some politicians right to legislate morality .



Could someone who carries a smaller fixed blade daily please chime in and possibly comment on my first post as I really would like advice and other options.

[Philbert]

Pepper spray is illegal as well .

It is not. It is sold all over Philadelphia. As are knives, I know, but I'm pretty sure it's legal. Where did you hear that it was not?

[synergy]

http://www.insightstraining.com/us/v...5&categoryID=4

Some friends of mine just took this course...they had some interesting things to share about the course...I wish I had been able to attend.

Bringing a knife to a gunfight is a GREAT idea when inside of arms length. Many times when a gun is used in a crime it's used to threaten and intimidate the victim...the gun is often shoved in someones face or the like. People have to get close to you to take your wallet/ keys/ body. Its the rare criminal that maintains distance...and there's not many ways to fight back against an assassination attempt

A knife doesn't jam, run out of ammo, get rendered safe, etc. It's quiet, concealable, and extremely deadly.

I wouldn't advocate carrying a blade over 4" long. I wouldn't select a "double edged" blade either.

Check out this site. Eastern influenced.
http://www.shivworks.com and check out his designs and approach to edged weapon usage.

It's a lot easier to pull a trigger than it is to stick a knife in someone....you better have your shit together upstairs before you consider carrying a knife for defensive use.

[jahwarrior72]

if you insist on a fixed blade, you'd be better off with something a bit smaller, to avoid running afoul of any cop who's looking for a collar. there are plenty of fixed blades out there under 4", and under $100, that you can get.

http://www.defensedevices.com/corififa.html
http://www.thebladeshop.com/Cold_Ste...DS_p/11sds.htm
http://www.thebladeshop.com/SearchResults.asp
http://www.thebladeshop.com/Ka_bar_L...6_p/kb1486.htm


in reality, unless you need it to skin game, a small blade is as good, if not better, than a larger one. for one thing, concealability. you don't need to advertise the fact that you have a blade; they carry a greater stigma than guns do, in certain parts of the world.

another point is this: most major arteries and veins lie less than 1 centimeter under the skin. tendons and muscles which can be cut to disable someone's limbs are less than 1" under the skin. the only advantage of a large blade is the ability to reach major organs. in a self defense situation, organs are the last thing you should be aiming for; you want to disable the attacker, then get away. targeting muscles and tendons can be done just as well with a 2" blade as a 12" bowie knife.

i would recommend against most dagger styled boot knives, because if the illegality of double edged blades throught most states. if you get the kershaw, DO NOT sharpen the top swedge; you are begging for an arrest if you do.

i have a bunch of fixed blades, but i only carry 2 of them with any regularity; both are under 3". if you insist on carrying somethng longer, just be sure to try and stay inconspicuous.

[jon'76]

Thanks for the help. I will not sharpen the top now that I know that would make it a dagger.

I'm fairly certain that given the situation I'd have to be in to pull the knife I would be able to use it. Also due to anatomy and physiology courses I would know the basic areas to strike, and I know that stabbing is more effective than slashing.

I have a folder already to carry that's about 4" so I do have a folder; I'd just much prefer a fixed blade.

[jahwarrior72]

I know that stabbing is more effective than slashing.

just a thought on his: stabbing is more effective than slashing, if you're looking for major organs, for a lethal strike. remember, mortal wounds won't necessarily drop the attacker right away; they still have use of their limbs, eyes, and have already decided to hurt you. slashing at and severing muscle groups and tendons will almost instantly render a limb useless, which is more practical in self defense situations.

and you should always consider the legal aspect of violent encounters. you'll be less likely to be charged with a crime if you cut open some guys bicep or tricep and got away, than if you stab him in the heart.