Along with a firearm,

[burrfoot]

I'm looking for a good auto knife to carry. (disclaimer: I'm a FL CCW holder, it's allowed)
It's not going to be a dedicated SD knife; I'm realistic enough to know that it'll end up being a daily carrier and light work knife (i.e. around town, not out camping); so I'm not looking for uber-tacticool ninja shit here- I just want a reliable, sharp knife. (Of course, if worse ever came to worst, I'd want it to be sturdy enough for self defense)
Price range I'm hoping for is around $100-high $100's (I do kind of love edged weapons). I know I'm not going to get a Sandshark or a Microtech OTF,
(but a boy can drool :evilgrin: ).

For this kind of use I prefer a smaller knife- say 7.5in open, max. Benchmade has nice option in their HK line, the "mini automatic."
I've heard crazy rumors about them being a horrible company who has everything made in China and steals designs from starving artists, etc., etc.; not sure how much of that is true.

Edit ** not an HK fanboy. On further perusal, Benchmade offers several autos in the size I'm looking for. Advice, please!! ;) **

Does anyone have experience with the Benchmade autos, or have any other suggestions I should look into? Please bear in mind that in order not to violate any federal laws, I need to be able to purchase the knife inside the state of Florida.

Also, if my understanding of the law is incorrect, don't hesitate to set me straight- constructive criticism that keeps me from being arrested is always appreciated.

O8)

Thanks in advance guys (and gals)!

Mods: If this is in the wrong forum, please move as appropriate. I didn't know quite where to put it as CCW and SD are key components of the topic. Thanks!!

[1]

1. are you close to st. augustine?

check out arizonacustomknives.com (don't let the name fool you, they are in st. augustine, fl.)

if there is a knife made, they have it.

and they can answer questions about federal laws for you as well.

[burrfoot]

2. Thanks!

I'm close enough that an overnight trip to St. Augustine with the SO could involve a stop by the store...... :evilgrin:


Just a few hours South and East, actually. :)

[PavePusher]

3. Don't know anything about Benchmade as a corporate entity...

but I've carried one of their knives for years (Thanks, Air Force!:D ) and have a spare as well. Solid like an anvil.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/9050

My baby....

[oneshooter]

4. I have carried Cold Steel knives for over 30 years

And sent them to my kinfolk serving in Iraq. Neve had a problem with them. Give them a look.

http://www.ltspecpro.com/

http://www.knivesplus.com/COLD-STEEL-KNIVES.HTML

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

5. I like the Kershaw Blur knives.

[1]

6. microtech halo iii. "when somebody has to die in the knifefight, and it isn't you..."

that's how i know arizona custom knives. they sold two halos for me recently on consignment.

very nice and honest folks...

[burrfoot]

8. I drool over the microtechs, but

I want the keep the $$ down and I don't want to scare people when I use it for it's 99% use, which for me will be: opening shit.
Also don't want to blow the edge on a gorgeous knife like that on daily duty.

Microtech makes truly beautiful knives, though; and I love the quote! :toast:

*edit for typos*

[krispos42]

7. I have a Benchmade tactical switchblade.

A gift from my boss for helping him move. His brother is a cop, and got it for him. I think I'd get in trouble for posessing it, so I don't carry it. But it's got a nice thick blade that's partially-serrated, the grips are think and made out of flat-black-anodized aluminum. The clip is reversable so you can carry it hinge-up or hinge-down, and the action feels very strong and positive. You have to press the release all the way in to get it to unlock, and that blade whips out like a catapult! It's about 8.5" long opened, which means that when you pull the knife out you have to re-position your hand to be able to hit the release. I think when I checked the price the MSRP was a little over $200.



I used to carry one of these from Buck Knives...

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3101

But I took it apart to clean it and couldn't get it back together again. Then I lost the safety catch. :dunce:

It was pretty sharp, opened very quickly with a flick of the finger, and locked pretty solid. Made a good everyday knife with secondary self-defence potential. I was able to pull it quickly from my pocket while positioning my index finger to pop the blade open as soon as it cleared my pocket. It's not a switchblade, it's technically "spring-assisted" opening. But the base of the blade has a little spur that protrudes slightly when the knife is closed. Flick off the safety and press down on the spur to partially open the knife, then the spring-assist takes over and whips out the blade. Haven't gotten around to replacing it yet, although I intend to. I got mine from the Sportsman's Guide for $55 a couple of years ago.

[burrfoot]

9. Thanks for that-

I really hadn't been thinking of assisted openers, but that looks like a sweet little knife. May have to broaden my search...

[krispos42]

11. The Buck is very ergonomic, it's effectively a switchblade

Most of them have a knob or stud on the side of the blade that you have to use your thumb to open, which takes a lot of movement to do. But this design has the little knurled spur (you can see it in the picture to the right of the end of the edge) that you press with your index finger.

My only issue with Buck is that they proselytize with some Bible verses in the accompanying literature that comes with the knife. but it's minor to me. There stuff is made in the USA, so I'll take it.

[burrfoot]

10. I think I'm leaning toward the Benchmade

auto side-openers. The first of these is made by Benchmade, the second made in the Benchmade factories.

Currently I'm torn between the HK Mini Auto: <http://www.bladehq.com/item--HK-14750SBX-Mini--939>

and the Bradley Alias II Small Auto: <http://www.bladehq.com/item--Bradley-Alias-II-Small--3159>

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, cries of what the fuck are you thinking spending that much money for when you can buy a Gerber or a Leatherman at Wal Mart for $30??

HK: pro- really like the "swelling" at the throat, keeping finger/thumb away from the blade when cutting.
pro- really like the price point, $50 below the Bradley
con- honestly, if this didn't have HK prominently on the blade I'd already have ordered tonight, but I dislike blatant branding like that.

Bradley: pro- love the blade shape
pro- I love Jennifer Garner and this model name reminds me of her show
con- miss the "swelling" at the throat (I don't know what you call the region that would the crossgaurd or quillions of a sword)
con- Fifty bucks more.

I guess it comes down to this- if the Bradley is really a better knife, I'm more than happy to spend the extra $$ and if I'm working so hard at cutting something that I might slip my grip, I might be using the wrong tool for the job.
I live in FL, though, and it gets hot and humid and motherfucking sweaty here in the summer. Maybe that extra finger protection isn't a bad idea after all.

Reasessing..... anybody think the Alias looks slightly less scary than to the sheeple than the HK? Or might sound slightly less "TACTICAL" than the HK if I ever (god forbid) ended up in trouble for carrying (not sure how that would happen really) it or having to use it?

Is it odd that I have an aversion to an HK product, just because it's HK? Their good, it's just their customer service that gives them a bad rep, right? And since this isn't even made by them.....

Thank you everybody who reads/comments on this, for bearing with me. It helps to type out the thought process and it's quarter to four in the morning so I'm rambling a bit.


:toast:

[krispos42]

12. Ah, here's the one I have, I think

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-9051SBK-AFO-II--3067


It's a sizeable hunk of cutlery.

[burrfoot]

13. That's beautiful!

It's a little larger than what I'm looking for, but I'm glad to hear that you've been happy with Benchmade.

Thanks!

:toast:

[jeepnstein]

14. Benchmade.

I have a well-worn mini Reflex that is nothing short of my absolute favorite all-around knife. It has been re-sharpened once in the last fifteen years.

My experience with Benchmade has been positive. As far as I know they still make their stuff in the U.S.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/2550#skus

[burrfoot]

15. Ah, the mini reflex....

I love that one. The slim handle design incorporating the finger groove appeals to me greatly.

I'd just settled myself on the Alias II and now I have to start thinking again........:evilgrin:

[jeepnstein]

16. I can't recommend it highly enough.

It is simply the best knife I've ever owned. I've gotten over the novelty of it being automatic. I use it all the time when I'm fishing. I once had to hold a guy up with one arm and cut the bed sheet he was hanging by with my free hand. Without the Benchmade, well, it would not have been a very good day. Benchmade makes a great tool. The serrations will rip a seat belt or, heaven forbid, a noose quickly.

[burrfoot]

18. Well, shit.

I don't know if I've ever heard a better recommendation in my life.

I think I recall that you are/were LE of some derivation? Can I ask if you have an opinion regarding the general view (not necessarily yours) of civilians carrying what may look to many like a "tactiacal" knife?

The Bradley was winning out because, to my eye anyway, it looks more like a tool than a weapon. (this isn't an important distinction to me, but I'm thinking along the lines of it not looking "SCARY" when I use it)

The mini reflex was an early favorite in my search, though. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM...............

[jeepnstein]

19. All knives are "scary".

I nearly got carved up by a drunk with a Bowie knife one night. He was well within the 21 feet and I was genuinely ready to shoot. I couldn't get a good shot because his wife and kids were tangled up in the mess so I figured on probably having to do it when he got within three feet. It worked out well and nobody went to the hospital.

"Tactical" knives are so common these days they don't get a second look. Most of them are junk of the highest magnitude but they'll still make your wife a widow.

I searched a homeless guy last night who had an old-fashioned straight razor. No big deal as long as we all behave like adults. He was just happy to be getting a warm place to sleep and a hot breakfast in the morning. That razor could have been just as deadly as whatever boutique brand of knife you can imagine.

Anyways... the mini Reflex has that little finger notch that lets your really old on well. That's important when it's slick with mud, fish guts, oil, or well you get the idea. Make sure you get something with serrations.

[PavePusher]

20. "Tactical" and "scary", in relation to knives...

simply mean "ergonomic, durable, utilitarian and of modern design".

Just like firearms, come to think...

[burrfoot]

21. I agree with you 100%

It's not my feelings about the knife I'm thinking of.

[PavePusher]

30. I submit that if you let other peoples "feelings" dictate...

or even influence your choice of potentially life-saving tools, you may be using the wrong criteria.

The only primary criteria should be strict functionality. If that means your neighbors irrational nueroses are aroused... to bad for your neighbor. If you are chosing between two items that are equally functional and fitting to YOU, then asthetics may come into play.

[burrfoot]

32. My only thought was that it might save hassle,

in today's "climate," to have a knife that looked less "weapon" and more "tool." I am completely aware that this is a false distinction, but I also know that people freak out at dumb shit.

I do appreciate everyone's thoughts and comments, and I've decided to go with the Benchmade Mini Reflex. I think I was overly concerned with people's negative attitude toward things that even look dangerous; and it's not like I'm going to be showing it off all over the place or waving it around.

So.... anybody know a good Benchmade dealer in FL? I've been tooling around the internets for a while and it seems that many won't sell to non LE/Military, even though it's legal here.


:toast:

[PavePusher]

33. Kudos and good luck! n/t

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

57. "Tactical" and "Scary" means "Black"

If the handle is black, it's scary. Woodgrain, or faux-ivory, pearl, or antler, those are kindler, gentler knives.

If the blade is black, well, wow, just doubly scary.

And if the blade tip is the sawn-off "tanto" look, then that thing is so tactical it will start wars all by itself.

The knife that's normally in my pocket is a small, barely tactical piece. The handle is black plastic, but nothing else is tactical, just practical. Spyderco Dragonfly.

[spin]

29. In my experience, most regular shooters in Florida...

carry a quality folding knife, often a Cold Steel, Gerber, Benchmade or Spyderco. Most of these knives have thumb studs or holes for one handed use or are assisted opening knives.

I prefer a thumb stud on the blade for quick opening. I find my knives open as fast as an assisted opener and almost as fast as an auto opener.

The most important consideration when purchasing a folding blade is the strength of the locking mechanism. If it ever fails in use you can get one nasty cut.

[biermeister]

17. I usually carry my Kershaw-

www.bladehq.com/item--1670RD-Kershaw-Blur--119

bought it on ebay for $45 delivered (i think). they have a bunch of different blade styles in a similar package

[Katya Mullethov]

22. The answer is 42

V42 that is . Instant on .

[burrfoot]

23. Ooooh that's pretty..... :)

Old military? I like the leather backing of the crossguard- that's a tool that was made to be used.

[pipoman]

24. I have several Benchmades

they are great knives. I started carrying a spiderco 20 years ago, they are pretty well made too, though I don't know if they make an auto. On a recent stay on Camp Pendleton I was looking at the SOG line in the PX, specifically the Aegis models. They are assisted open, not push button..I was pretty impressed, in fact I think I will have my son bring me one when he comes home next time.

http://sogknives.com/store/AE-06.html

[spin]

25. Auto knives are cool, but ...

the mechanisms are somewhat complex and subject to Murphy's law. I like the KISS principle.

My son in law is fond of auto knives but when I offered to buy him a quality auto knife, he said that he would never use such an expensive knife but preferred the cheaper knifes he had picked up at flea markets. He carries a Microtech Scarab OTF clone called a Lightning. Most owners have problems with these cheap knifes, but he has had good luck.

He definitely misuses it, but the clone has stood up to his abuse. It did require disassembly once or twice for a thorough cleaning and he managed break the tip off while prying. Fortunately, he's handy and had no problems taking the knife apart and putting it together again and he was able to grind a new tip.

Before I retired, I carried a Benchmade 710 axis lock. With a little practice, it opens as fast as a switchblade and locks solidly.



Now that I am retired, I carry two knifes. One is a fully serrated Spyderco Endura for tough work.



I also carry a small fixed blade knife. Fixed blades are study, simple and easy to clean if used for food prep. Currently I'm carrying a Bark River Knife and Tool Woodland Special with a 3.2 inch blade. If you find the knife is a little lose in the provided sheath, a couple of strips of moleskin on the inside of the sheath solves the problem. Moleskin is cheap and easy to find at a drug store.




Or a Bark River Classic Lite Hunter with a 4" blade: (This knife is currently hard to find, but a new run should be coming out soon from Bark River. (This knife is almost too good looking to use.)



Bark River knifes are well made (but not inexpensive) blades. The selection of different knives is enormous. A good dealer and place to view them is http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives. They do require a different method of sharpening than most knives as you use a strop. At first sharpening is a bit challenging, but with practice I find I prefer it to other methods.



Another company which makes excellent fixed blade knives is RAT Cutlery.

One small RAT knife that I own and like is the Izula with a 2.88 inch blade.



Another excellent RAT knife is the Rat 3 with a 3 3/8" blade.



A slightly more tactical RAT knife is the HEST. (Note, I don't own this blade, but it gets good reviews.)



A good dealer and place to look at RAT knives is http://newgraham.com/store/category/1/50/RAT/

My advise would be to post some messages and ask questions on either http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/index.php?s=b9bdf61f41d885192a95de55beb1ed7a or http://knifeforums.com/forums/fusionbb.php? Blade Forums has a section for RAT Cutlery and Knife forums has a section for Bark River. Both have an auto knife forum but you to have to sign up to view it at Blade Forums.

The knives I mentioned should fit in your price range.

Police are often unfamiliar with knife laws. To top that off, the fixed blade laws in Florida are ambiguous at best. Most police have little problem with a fixed blade of four inches or less when carried openly in the rural towns. The cops in the large urban areas may hassle you and I try to avoid such encounters by simply carrying either a very small fixed blade such as the Izula or concealing the weapon. I also have a concealed weapons permit. Remember, if you travel in Georgia, your permit allows you to carry a firearm, but you have to abide by their knife laws.

[burrfoot]

26. Thanks Spin!

I always enjoy your knife posts- you know way the hell more about them than I do and I like hearing about companies and knife lines I'm not familiar with.

I realize that part of my attraction to auto knives is the "gagetry" aspect. Recognize it and accept it. :evilgrin:

[burrfoot]

27. In the above post, I mean that "I" recognize it and

accept it. Wasn't trying to be snarky.


:toast:

[spin]

28. No problem. I didn't misinterpret your statement. My son in law...

sometimes watches movies while playing with his OTF auto knife.

We had a local police officer who roomed with us for a while and he also seemed to enjoy playing with his Benchmade auto opener.

I also have two cheap switchblades that I acquired along the way. I don't carry them but just occasionally show them to someone for show and tell. They are fascinating tools but in reality lack the strength and reliability that I look for in a knife.

I don't consider a knife a weapon that I would use (unless I no other choice), but I realize that it can easily be used as one. Most current "tactical" knifes are good slashers. A dagger is a better fighting weapon IMO as it is double edged and designed for stabbing.



A similar design in a folding knife is the Gerber Covert (which has one sharp edge and one false edge). I carried one of these for several years at work before I bought my Benchmade 710. I considered the lock on he Benchmade to be a little better, although I never had a problem with the Gerber.



I also own a couple daggers which are double edged blades. Usually the edges of these blades are not all that sharp for good reason:

A single-edge knife will commonly be anywhere from a 20 to 35 degree angle too the stone approx. and it will take a razor or hair cutting edge pretty easily.
A true dagger like the Fairbairn-Sykes uses a much more blunt angle for several reasons:
1) It will not be dulled so easily as it is stabbed past bone.(Remember it is Primarily a stabbing instrument!)
2) A dagger uses a less than razor edge because a wound made with a scalpel like knife will close and stop bleeding; Whereas a more blunt blade angle of a dagger will not close as easily and will bleed freely.
http://lancesknives.blogspot.com/2008/06/sharpening-fairbairn-sykes-commando.html

My favorite dagger is shaving sharp on both edges.

Bark River Knives: Mountain Man Dag

One of the most Prized possessions of the Trapper and Native American was His Dag. It was his first line of defense at Close Quarters and a utility tool for everyday survival in the back county. The Bark River Mountain Man Dag has a matching handle to Our Mountain Man Knife and is a perfect Companion for it. In actual Period Use the Dag was also used as a primary Belt Knife by a lot of people. The Blade is purposely wider than most knives to give it knife-like Cutting Geometry while still maintaining the original look and use as a Dagger.

Specs:

Overall Length: 9.875 Inches
Blade Length: 5.5 Inches
Blade Steel: 52-100 @ 58rc
Blade Thickness: .110 Inch
Weight: 5.250 Ounces
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives-Mountain-Man-Dag-Desert-Ironwood-Burl

It makes a nice addition to my small knife collection.

edited to add info about the Gerber folder.

[Xela]

49. RE: auto

Ooops...I should have read more posts before joining in. I now see (and respect) your preference for autos. My apologies.

I'm with Spin on this one, I also like the KISS principle on EDC knives. In my shopping, I even saw some crazy stuff that seemed it had a safety to a safety!!!

That is not to say that there aren't some great autos (semi?) that I didn't like: In which case, Kershaw comes to mind :)

Xela

[guardian]

31. Take a look at the Benchmade Nitrous Blitz

http://www.policeone.com/police-products/duty-gear/knives/articles/1703919-HK-Nitrous-Blitz-Knife-from-Benchmade/

Very light. Solid as a rock.

[burrfoot]

34. I like it!

A shade longer than my personal preference for EDC, though.

Not that it really makes much of a difference, but if I didn't make an arbitrary line somewhere I'd never be able to choose between all the options!! :evilgrin:

[burrfoot]

35. Hey Jeep-

your testimonial pushed the Mini Reflex into the top spot. Thanks for sharing, and I'm stoked to pick this up as soon as I can locate a dealer in FL who will sell to non-LE/Mil.


I actually didn't expect that to be a problem, but apparently some dealers treat it like a CYA issue. :shrug:

Thanks again, also, to everyone else who pitched in thoughts and suggestions, and put up with my rambling decision making process!

[spin]

36. Contact Arizona Custom Knives

and talk to them.

http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/contact/

They will ship in Florida and are located in Jacksonville despite their name.

Unfortunately they do not have a good stock of Benchmade auto knives and don't special order. They do have several Benchmade Infidels and one Benchmade 9130 Auto Stryker with some heavy scratching on the clip for $120.





http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/?id=11775

Still if you talk to them on the phone, they may be able to recommend a good knife for you.

[burrfoot]

37. Spin-

I actually did email them, along with a few other dealers. Another dealer happened to be the first to get back to me with a stellar price on a Mini-Reflex.

They have some GORGEOUS knives on there, I may be tempted back in their direction in the future now that they're on my radar :)

[spin]

38. Good deal ...

Glad you got a good knife at a good price.

Beware, knives are addictive.

[Glassunion]

39. True example of America's abiding love for knives

:sarcasm:

[spin]

40. Knives are addictive ...

I'm currently consider ordering this one:

[Glassunion]

41. What is there to consider?

[spin]

42. Just put the order in ...

Had to figure which of two choices would look better in my knife display case.

The other choice was:



The knives were originally $389 but the last two were marked down to $145.

[burrfoot]

43. Nice addition!!! n/t

Edited twice cause I can't type for crap I guess ;)

[Glassunion]

44. Very nice...

In the words of my mother when she bought me my first gun... Be careful, remember everything I taught you... And don't fuck up or I will personally hand you your own ass.

Good ol mom.

[tburnsten]

45. Way under your price range

But I've got an ~$30ish dollar Gerber Fast Draw that really surprised me for how well-made it is.

I don't have any experience with knives over the $60 range.

[one-eyed fat man]

46. automatic knives

I still have a Gerber the Army issued me long ago. There's a whole bunch of switchblades that are GI issue, including Benchmade. If your on active duty your unit supply sergeant can order you one.

[burrfoot]

47. Negative.

Just a civilian, living in SW Florida, with a CCW.

I was able to find a dealer in Jacksonville who was willing to ship to me.

(purchase, possession, and carry of automatic knives are all legal if you live in FL and are a CCW holder. there just seems to be a fairly common CYA policy by which many dealers will not sell to non- Mil/LE)

I will soon- perhaps this afternoon- be the happy owner of a Benchmade Mini-Reflex. :evilgrin:

[Xela]

48. Buy US made: Kershaw, Buck

I have recently bought Kershaw's Storm designed by Ken Onion. It reminded a lot of my old Gerber "Torch I" (drop point) that I gave to one of my younger brothers, which I loved. But the Storm is a tad larger. My Storm is the basic model, so it lacks the serrated blade.

I really like its solid build, but in retrospect I think it's going to be a little difficult to sharpen with the slight curve on it's blade. It's a one hand open knife without an assist (which I don't like).

From Buck I got the base model (Select) of the Vantage. Again, no assist. Just a plain jane, one hand open EDC (every day carry) knife. Sweet little thing I can't keep my hands off of it.

I also carry a Buck Prince from time to time, especially in environments where larger evil looking items would be frowned upon.

I have been looking at Spydercos and Bokers and SOGs, and a couple of Gerbers, and other what nots...but I keep coming back to Buck and Kershaw.

I'm currently in the market for Buck's Bravo (the 3 folder models); and I want to upgrade to the next 2 levels of the Buck Vantage (Avid, Pro), and I may get the shorter Select; and I'm also looking for a Leatherman Juice XE6. From my research, it looks like it won't be cheap, but I think I will get a nice set of knives in the end that I will be very proud of.

What worked for me: I bought American, thought of function, utility, price, quality, and aesthetics...oh, and don't forget to feel it, grab it, and play with it before you buy if you have a chance.

I know Kershaw and Buck both carry Chinese made products (and I have nothing against them pseudo-commies-turned-capitalists, heck I own two Russian SKS's), I just made the extra effort of getting the American made models to have a more unique item.

Xela

[burrfoot]

50. A last comment before this threads sinks into the sea of old news-

My Benchmade Mini-Reflex auto arrived today, and I love it.

I haven't bought a knife in several years, and this reminded me that I really have a problem with how much I enjoy edged weapons/ fine tools.

With hope that I'll be carrying this one for years, as I have my last few EDC's- let me offer a big thanks to everyone who took the time to comment. :yourock:




:toast:

[MisterBill45]

51. Strictly my opinion but...

Old saying: Never bring a knife to a gunfight.

My preferred carry is my CC pistol and mace.

That gives me both a lethal and non-lethal option as far as defense and hopefully that will allow me to use the mace instead of a bullet to do the job.

self-defense-wise, a knife is VASTLY inferior to a firearm. If I'm looking for a non-lethal option, mace is non-lethal and a knife is NOT NON-LETHAL.

As a plain old tool, who cares? If it holds and edge and cuts then I'm good.

Never seen the fascination with knives other than as collector's items.

[burrfoot]

52. Hey-

I completely agree with you that it's not an ideal SD weapon. I mentioned it in passing as a last option, and also to keep the relevance to the gung...sub forum we're posting in ;)

I do appreciate your comment about carrying a strictly non-lethal option, though. In another forum I'd love to hear some discussion about it. (I only say in another forum because, undoubtedly, someone would alert on it here)

I already acknowledged upthread that my choice of a (relatively) expensive auto-knife is because I get great personal enjoyment out of edged weapons/tools and gadgetry.

I'm sure that one of these days I'll need the thing and the spring will be broken or dirty and it won't flip open. I'll just pull the blade open then and do a facepalm for giving into my penchant. I can live with that. :shrug:


:toast:

[MisterBill45]

53. Carrying of a non-lethal weapon/lethal

Discussion is not against the rules unless there's a hidden set someplace. -I just re-read the forum rules.
Just because someone alerts on something doesn't mean it's going to get deleted.

Knives, particularly hand-made ones can be beautiful works of craftsmanship in and of themselves regardless of utility. Personally something that's just stamped or CNC'd hold no fascination for me. The kind of thing that makes me oo and ahh is the sort of thing someone has made in a forge from plain stock, hand-etched artwork on a blade and of course the leather on the haft etc.

-Think ren-faire stuff. Unless it's something along those lines, to me it's strictly a utilitarian tool and looks make no difference. Some firearms are pretty.

I have a 1911 that I've spent a couple thousand dollars having a really good gunsmith work on. A lot of that was functionality, but some was cosmetic. It's pretty as can be. On the other hand, my SIG p220 is ugly, but is one of the finest weapons I've ever owned.

[burrfoot]

54. That's a beautiful 1911,

no doubt about it. I imagine it's a pleasure to shoot.

The Sig is your carry, I assume? I'm starting to think about options along the lines of the Sig p238 or a Kahr PM9. If you don't mind my asking, which Sig do you carry and why was it your choice?

I was mostly joking about the alerting thing. Technically, self defense discussions in this forum should be related to the use of firearms, at least the way I read it. Obviously this isn't strictly adhered to; but it used to be common in for posters who seemed to have general dislike of RKBA/concealed carry to alert on minute technicalities just for the hell of it.

[MisterBill45]

56. Thanks for the compliment!

Actually my preferred carry is a 1911. Note the bobtail mainspring housing on mine, which is to reduce "printing."

The SIG is actually my wife's gun but she doesn't carry because our Chief of Police hasn't issued her a CC permit *yet.*

What I carry is totally dependent on the clothing situation. I shoot better with a longer barrel so a full size is always my first choice. Sometimes a wheel-gun snuby in a pocket holster is the best choice because it's tiny. An officer's model 1911 compact is an excellent choice as well. I think the design of the 1911 and the Browning Hi-Power beats all others, byu that's my opinion. Last choice of all is an ankle rig. -too hard to quickly draw from.

As for caliber, .45 ACP +p beats all possible contenders as a defensive round. Flavor is pretty much irrelevant.

But a .32 or for that matter .22 will more than do the job in many or most cases. And of course the .25 auto THAT YOU ACTUALLY CARRY beats the custom .45 man-stopper that's still sitting in your safe.

My experience is that people will try several different guns for CC and eventually settle on what works best for them. A gun that works and is loaded..almost ANY gun with more than 2 rounds available will work well. You're not arming yourself for a standoff with 10 terrorists, you're arming yourself against 1-3 thugs. If it's 6-1 and they've got guns, your best choice is to RUN, not fight, *if you can.* It's really a matter of personal choice. Hard to make a call of X is good or not good for another person.

[Callisto32]

55. For basic utility...

maybe look into a spyderco Manix 2, or the original Manix if you can find one.

[scrinmaster]

58. Benchmade Griptillian or Mini-Griptillian or Spydero Endura or Delica.

You can't really go wrong with any of these, the main difference is size.

[burrfoot]

59. I'm actually thinking of the

Support-Breast-Cancer pink mini griptillian for my girlfriend for Valentine's day :evilgrin:

(No worries, ladies, that won't be the only thing. I'm too young to die.)

I've become a real fan of Benchmade through the process of finding my own new knife, I sure wouldn't mind her having one too.