Spyderco Small Knife For Self Defense?

[Knife1]

I have a civilian and delica for self defense but after carrying each one for a couple weeks during the summer I find them that they take too much space and weigh too much for my summer activities. As such, I've actually been leaving behind these knives most of the time. I've therefore been thinking about carrying something very small that way it's always with me. Because what good does a civilian do if it's going to be at home in the need arises? I've been thinking either the Cricket or the Ladybug. Is one of these two better over the other? I read a comment about Michael Janich doing a "pork man" demonstration through a leather jacket using the cricket but can't find the video. But how would the ladybug stack against the cricket for self defense? Also, what's considered better for self defense a plain edge or a serrated edge? Because the civilian has a serrated edge but the delica and yojinmbo both have plain edges and are also highly regarded for self defense. Finally, is a locking blade a must for self defense or will a slipjoint do?

[SaltSerious]

I would consider a dragonfly salt hawkbill serrated. A lot of utility and in a pinch a formidable weapon.

[ZrowsN1s]

Those are pretty small for self defense. But certainly better than nothing. And with a lanyard(fob) you can get a firm grip on the three finger knives. The G-10 Dragonfly might be a good option as it has liners and will be sturdier than the linerless frn models. There is also a Pakawood handled Ladybug with Hap40 steel at Knifecenter. If you go the FRN route there are tons of dragonfly, manbug, and ladybug options. The hawkbill dfly and ladybug are nice. ZDP189 Manbug can be a pocket scalpel if your sharpening skills are there.

[bearrowland]

It really doesn't take much of a blade size wise to cause some damage. The big thing is that you have to be even closer to whoever has you worked up enough to want to slice. Knife fighting for self defense is nasty business.

[Wartstein]

I know nothing about self defense with a knife, but as I am big Chap lw fan: Maybe it´s thin (2mm) bladestock would be good for sd??? At least it bites into wood amazingly well compared to thicker knives, and is also a great slicer when it comes to food prep, meat being no exception. But really, I am just quite blindly guessing here, no sd expert at all!
Just thought: If a DELICA is too big for you already, there are not too many choices left.

One thing that´s probably not too good for SD when you consider the Chap: Due to its very light blade its not the fastest when it comes to opening. At least in my use my heavier backlocks swing out faster and easier when I flick them open.

[sal]

Hi Knife1,

Welcome to our forum.

In my opinion, the most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you have it with you when you need it. The second most important thing about a knife used in self defense is that you don't drop it.

Fist line of defense is get away. 2nd line is some type of non-lethal spray.

I recommend a Swick, but they take up more space than a Delica.

sal

[DSH007]

They are tiny, but I can definitely see the Cricket doing some real damage in a SD situation with that reverse S.. if you can manage to hold onto the thing. Maybe a Cricket with a lanyard attached to enhance grip?

That said, any knife that I would select as a dedicated SD knife, I would want to be able to get a full grip on.. and I can't really think of many circumstances where I'd consider a Delica too big..

[Evil D]

Unless you practice with it, it's more or less a talisman anyway so whatever makes you feel more safe and confident. Realistically anything you carry can be used for SD if you're desperate enough.

[bearfacedkiller]

I have jogged thousands of miles with a Delica clipped inside the waistband of gym shorts. I have never found a Delica cumbersome to carry and I wouldn’t want to go smaller for SD.

The Cricket is great but I don’t see how you could keep a grip on it in that scenario. Same with a Ladybug.

Maybe look at a Dragonfly or a Chaparral LW? Both offer a decent grip for such small knives.

[Doc Dan]

The Dragonfly hawkbill might be a good option as you can actually hold on to the knife. The Ladybug comes in that format, as well, but it is at best a 3 finger knife.

[zhyla]

Delica too heavy so considering a Cricket for self defense. Are we actually taking this thread seriously?

[James Y]

Small knives can work, but it depends on the person(s) involved and the situation, and you'd darn well better know what you're doing. I remember once reading about a bodyguard who was protecting a famous client who used a Ladybug, kept hidden in his fingers, to subtly poke the hands/fingers of the client's fans who reached out and tried to touch or grab her. Not the same as a SD situation, though, and not meant to injure but to dissuade mostly harmless people.

As others have mentioned, I personally cannot see where a Delica is too big or would weigh too much for daily activities. But if it is too much, then I'd take a Dragonfly over a Ladybug.

In addition to what Sal has already mentioned, if you carry a knife for SD purposes, other important points are that if it ever becomes unavoidable/absolutely necessary, that you know how, where and when to use it; and that you have the will to do so. Because some people, when the SHTF, cannot bring themselves to actually cut (or strike or shoot, etc.) another human being, even if they've had some training and the danger is imminent. It also pays to study up on your laws regarding SD.

Jim

[kwselke]

My Tasman Salt 2 SE weighs in at 2 ounces on my kitchen scale, the same as my Chapparal LW. My Delica 4 in ZDP189 weighs in at a whooping 2.3 ounces. I do not carry a knife for defense, but will use one as a last resort if need be and figure two ounces is not that much to carry for a 60 something karate man want a be, and I might need to cut something anyway.

[steelcity16]

Isn't the Lil Matriarch designed for SD? Basically a Delica with an SD purposed blade, no? It is still available at Bento Box Shop.

[Accutronman]

I have a civilian and delica for self defense but after carrying each one for a couple weeks during the summer I find them that they take too much space and weigh too much for my summer activities. As such, I've actually been leaving behind these knives most of the time. I've therefore been thinking about carrying something very small that way it's always with me. Because what good does a civilian do if it's going to be at home in the need arises? I've been thinking either the Cricket or the Ladybug. Is one of these two better over the other? I read a comment about Michael Janich doing a "pork man" demonstration through a leather jacket using the cricket but can't find the video. But how would the ladybug stack against the cricket for self defense? Also, what's considered better for self defense a plain edge or a serrated edge? Because the civilian has a serrated edge but the delica and yojinmbo both have plain edges and are also highly regarded for self defense. Finally, is a locking blade a must for self defense or will a slipjoint do?

Get a Kahr Arms Delica. Since they’ve been discontinued by Kahr, you’ll have to buy on secondary market. Here’s the link to the pork man video using the Kahr Arms Delica which is a great video: https://youtu.be/FgTV8KKNQ3w

[BLUETYPEII]

I have a civilian and delica for self defense but after carrying each one for a couple weeks during the summer I find them that they take too much space and weigh too much for my summer activities. As such, I've actually been leaving behind these knives most of the time. I've therefore been thinking about carrying something very small that way it's always with me. Because what good does a civilian do if it's going to be at home in the need arises? I've been thinking either the Cricket or the Ladybug. Is one of these two better over the other? I read a comment about Michael Janich doing a "pork man" demonstration through a leather jacket using the cricket but can't find the video. But how would the ladybug stack against the cricket for self defense? Also, what's considered better for self defense a plain edge or a serrated edge? Because the civilian has a serrated edge but the delica and yojinmbo both have plain edges and are also highly regarded for self defense. Finally, is a locking blade a must for self defense or will a slipjoint do?

Get a Kahr Arms Delica. Since they’ve been discontinued by Kahr, you’ll have to buy on secondary market. Here’s the link to the pork man video using the Kahr Arms Delica which is a great video: https://youtu.be/FgTV8KKNQ3w

If you want a Kahr Arms Delica here is the next best thing (almost the same thing really lol) https://www.knivesplus.com/modified-spy ... grind.html

For me the smallest knife I feel comfortable caring for SD is the Tasman, it really is a great lightweight SD blade.

Personally I would never attempt to defend myself with a cricket or a ladybug but to each their own, something is always better than nothing.

[SF Native]

Isn't the Lil Matriarch designed for SD? Basically a Delica with an SD purposed blade, no? It is still available at Bento Box Shop.

Yes, and it’s a fantastic knife. Works pretty good for edc too. Problem is that the s curve blade makes it even wider in the pocket. The dragonfly sounds like a good call. Hawk or otherwise.

[jdw]

^^^+2 on this. The lil Matriarch is far more practical for EDC than it looks and it's a great blade shape for SD.

[wrdwrght]

You will be the SD weapon, not the knife you choose.

Are you skilled enough? Quick enough? I am no longer, and doubt I ever really was, even with military training.

I think you need to be like Mike (Janich) to be an SD weapon. Otherwise, as Evil D has said, your knife is just a talisman.

I’m now inclined toward other actions, including Sal’s sound get-away/non-lethal ones.

Now that I acknowledge there are places I ought not be, I actively avoid them, if I know about them, as I generally do within the reach of my everyday life. Avoidance means I need not get away or deploy a spray (or Effie, my new Cairn Terrier puppy).

If I’m on strange ground (and therefore carrying a concealed firearm) and stumble into a dicey encounter, I will do as Sal suggests.

Failing that (and in the gravest extreme that Mas Ayoob has soberly defined), I will be yelling “Stop!” repeatedly, until I must shoot to stop, repeatedly.

My whatever-sized Spydie will still be pocketed. Why? Because I don’t want to be stabbed with it.

[benben]

Since the Dragonfly has been brought up several times, in that size knife I'd definitely rather have a serrated Lil' Native over a Dragonfly! Hardly any difference in the blade size but a world of difference in overall stoutness, and grip.

But, I'm with wrdwrght, I'm not Mr. Mike Janich, not trained at all in knife fighting! But I shoot quite often and train for terrible situations when I can which isn't nearly enough! Like others have said, avoid sketchy places even though we all know trouble can be anywhere!

If I were to present a knife, you can bet it's a scary situation and my very last resort!