Self defense knife under 3.5”?

[Spyderwebs]

My wife carries one of these for letter opening.

Class her up with the Stainless Steel version from Olfa. The blade even locks on this model
https://olfa.com/collections/profession ... auto-knife

Olfa's, due to their extremely thin blade, are the sliceyest of all slicey things, only exceeded IME by laser level japanese kitchen knives.

Edit - If spyderco ever made a knife that accepted this blade type that would be the greatest utility knife ever!!! Think about it Sal...

[Danke]

Talk about conspicuous consumption, snap off knife blade in REX 121.

[toomanyquestions]

Talk about conspicuous consumption, snap off knife blade in REX 121.

:) I would opt for a utility blade before one of those!

[prog_knife]

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

I absolutely agree with Sal on points 1, 3, and 4.
Point 2 will send attentive readers running for a knife with a finger ring. It's very common-sensical and valid, but finger rings are at odds with the limited training I've received, which emphasized being able to switch hands if the hand holding the knife is immobilized–-for instance, by a larger, stronger attacker getting a hold of the defender's wrist. This is all a matter of opinion, training, preference, circumstance, and so on. I trained with Ed Calderon, who is strongly against finger rings, but Ed is also a great admirer of Fred Perrin, the king of the ring.

When it comes to dropping knives, it's a good idea to practice picking the knife up from a flat surface. In the sparring portion of the class I took, if anyone dropped a trainer knife, everyone was expected to scramble for it and scoop it up off the floor. Lots of fun.

[Naperville]

Talk about conspicuous consumption, snap off knife blade in REX 121.

Nah... I think Sal would never sell a bad knife. It's probably fine for most things. It's a small blade, perfect for self defense in Chicago.

If there is one available when I have the money I will buy one, and I only carry for self defense.

[Naperville]

Talk about conspicuous consumption, snap off knife blade in REX 121.

:) I would opt for a utility blade before one of those!

If you are looking for a utility knife, check Menards, this is the Spyderco Forums, where we collect high end steels.

[Naperville]

Hi Hobbyist,

Some personal thoughts on a knife for self defense. These are just my own personal opinions.

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

My personal suggestion is a Swick (Swift + Quick). Developed over a 22 year period with numerous models to get to our final product. 2 finger ring sizes (Fred Perrin concept). We use a Wharncliffe blade shape (influenced by Mike Janich). Very difficult to be take from you. A slash to any body part will do damage. Can be carried on a belt or pants or skirt lip. Can be carried in a a pocket while sheathed. Can be carried as a neck knife. Does not require a great deal off training.

sal

Sal knows, he's been involved for 50+ years with cutlery. I'll have to look at the Swick. Right now I carry a Spyderco Native Chief, which is an awesome self defense knife.

[Naperville]

I absolutely agree with Sal on points 1, 3, and 4.
Point 2 will send attentive readers running for a knife with a finger ring. It's very common-sensical and valid, but finger rings are at odds with the limited training I've received, which emphasized being able to switch hands if the hand holding the knife is immobilized–-for instance, by a larger, stronger attacker getting a hold of the defender's wrist. This is all a matter of opinion, training, preference, circumstance, and so on. I trained with Ed Calderon, who is strongly against finger rings, but Ed is also a great admirer of Fred Perrin, the king of the ring.

When it comes to dropping knives, it's a good idea to practice picking the knife up from a flat surface. In the sparring portion of the class I took, if anyone dropped a trainer knife, everyone was expected to scramble for it and scoop it up off the floor. Lots of fun.

It's fun taking self defense weapons classes. Things happen rapidly so students really have to get in close and pay attention.

I may have one finger ring knife. Never trained with one, and I'd be reluctant to use it in self defense but I think it's a Toor last ditch neck knife...I'll have to look for that knife.

Like the idea of scrambling for a dropped trainer in class.

[toomanyquestions]

If you are looking for a utility knife, check Menards, this is the Spyderco Forums, where we collect high end steels.

And my budget knows it -- and I haven't even gotten into high end steels yet!

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Hi Hobbyist,

Some personal thoughts on a knife for self defense. These are just my own personal opinions.

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

My personal suggestion is a Swick (Swift + Quick). Developed over a 22 year period with numerous models to get to our final product. 2 finger ring sizes (Fred Perrin concept). We use a Wharncliffe blade shape (influenced by Mike Janich). Very difficult to be take from you. A slash to any body part will do damage. Can be carried on a belt or pants or skirt lip. Can be carried in a a pocket while sheathed. Can be carried as a neck knife. Does not require a great deal off training.

sal

Sal knows, he's been involved for 50+ years with cutlery. I'll have to look at the Swick. Right now I carry a Spyderco Native Chief, which is an awesome self defense knife.

After a deep analysis of self defense knives I have concluded that among Spyderco folders, the Native Chief, Yojimbo, Spyder Hawk, Matriarch, and the (hopefully) upcoming Byrd Scimitar and the Endura Wharncliffe and Byrd Wharncliffe are the best self protection knives. The Native Chief is like a Spyderco version of Sting from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The only downsides to this group of knives are:
1 In some locations the Native Chief blade length is illegal. Many places allow only a sub 4 inch long blade.

2 The psychological effect of the Matriarch like the Spyder Hawk alone can scare away would be attackers. Sadly, because of anti knife authorities, that same effect may have negative effects. A self defense legal case. I wish it were not like that. The Spyder Hawk can be explained as a Portable Gardening Tool.

[Naperville]

If you are looking for a utility knife, check Menards, this is the Spyderco Forums, where we collect high end steels.

And my budget knows it -- and I haven't even gotten into high end steels yet!

Hey don't I know it, but my only priority right now is 1) buy more excellent knives before they are discontinued, 2) winning an election so I donate up and down ballot, 3) pay off credit card debt, so sell $9k in knives that no longer fit the bill.

I used to have a pretty large knife collection, 100+ very good knives, but I'm whittling it down to what I carry or will carry, knives for home protection, and very few others. No pie in the sky....USERS!

If Rex 121 or some other steel passes Sal and Eric's useability test, then it is good enough for me. I will get one if I can for trips to Chicago.

I also just bought this afternoon an Enuff 2, 3.95 inch plain edge fixed blade in K390. Looks great. Great steel and the handle looks grippy. I'll get another one if it is as good as or better than my Bradford Guardian 4 in M390 in the hand. Looking for <4 inch legit self defense fixed blades right now because I do not think I can get away with a 5 inch blade without legal issues.

[Naperville]

Hi Hobbyist,

Some personal thoughts on a knife for self defense. These are just my own personal opinions.

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

My personal suggestion is a Swick (Swift + Quick). Developed over a 22 year period with numerous models to get to our final product. 2 finger ring sizes (Fred Perrin concept). We use a Wharncliffe blade shape (influenced by Mike Janich). Very difficult to be take from you. A slash to any body part will do damage. Can be carried on a belt or pants or skirt lip. Can be carried in a a pocket while sheathed. Can be carried as a neck knife. Does not require a great deal off training.

sal

Sal knows, he's been involved for 50+ years with cutlery. I'll have to look at the Swick. Right now I carry a Spyderco Native Chief, which is an awesome self defense knife.

After a deep analysis of self defense knives I have concluded that among Spyderco folders, the Native Chief, Yojimbo, Spyder Hawk, Matriarch, and the (hopefully) upcoming Byrd Scimitar and the Endura Wharncliffe and Byrd Wharncliffe are the best self protection knives. The Native Chief is like a Spyderco version of Sting from JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The only downsides to this group of knives are:
1 In some locations the Native Chief blade length is illegal. Many places allow only a sub 4 inch long blade.

2 The psychological effect of the Matriarch like the Spyder Hawk alone can scare away would be attackers. Sadly, because of anti knife authorities, that same effect may have negative effects. A self defense legal case. I wish it were not like that. The Spyder Hawk can be explained as a Portable Gardening Tool.

La La Land, Chicago, has a 2.5 inch max length, but if you use a knife for self defense, they run you in anyway. Happened to me.

Illinois says that a 3 inch knife is OK, just don't say it's for self defense. OK, whatever, I just bought a 3.95 inch fixed blade. If I use it in Illinois I know that I am in trouble, so I will not use it unless I am getting the beans beat out of me. I'll wait until I have been struck several times before I draw the knife to stop the altercation. Worked before. All that I did was display a knife and the problem ceased to exist.

I do NOT look for any trouble whatsoever and it would really have to be deadly serious for me to get involved in anything. WHY? Because they will put me in jail if I do anything, I am sure of it. I live in a very conservative county and have a record. My record is all from self defense after being attacked. WHY? I never lose.

[toomanyquestions]

I also just bought this afternoon an Enuff 2, 3.95 inch plain edge fixed blade in K390. Looks great. Great steel and the handle looks grippy. I'll get another one if it is as good as or better than my Bradford Guardian 4 in M390 in the hand.

I haven't been able to bring myself to buy an Enuff 2; recently the E2's price motivated me to half-consider getting a Ronin 2 (the economics of replacement goods). I have been interested in the E2 as a sub 4 hiking / outdoor / self defense knife; good for everything but emergency batoning. Too bad it isn't offered in SPY27 for that extra toughness.

Let us know how it goes w/the Enuff 2!

[jdw]

I chimed in early on with a Delica suggestion but this thread has continued long enough that I will give a self defense opinion instead of a knife opinion. It’s my standard answer when these types of threads come up.

I would forget the knife completely for SD unless a person is extremely well trained. Learn your local carry laws, buy a gun, and then practice shooting it. A firearm requires far less time and training than a knife to learn use effectively for self defense and your attacker doesn’t have to be within arms reach before you are able to respond. JMO.

[sal]

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

I absolutely agree with Sal on points 1, 3, and 4.
Point 2 will send attentive readers running for a knife with a finger ring. It's very common-sensical and valid, but finger rings are at odds with the limited training I've received, which emphasized being able to switch hands if the hand holding the knife is immobilized–-for instance, by a larger, stronger attacker getting a hold of the defender's wrist. This is all a matter of opinion, training, preference, circumstance, and so on. I trained with Ed Calderon, who is strongly against finger rings, but Ed is also a great admirer of Fred Perrin, the king of the ring.

When it comes to dropping knives, it's a good idea to practice picking the knife up from a flat surface. In the sparring portion of the class I took, if anyone dropped a trainer knife, everyone was expected to scramble for it and scoop it up off the floor. Lots of fun.

Hi Evan,

With all due respect, may I humbly disagree with Ed Calderon. The Swick is more than just a "finger ring knife. I've worked with a number of finger ring knives and found them lacking in a secure grip or some other area, especially for one not trained. The grip provided with the ergos of the Swick is very secure.

I produced more than a dozen versions which were sold consumer direct to our customers over a 22 year period to refine the Swick. If someone grabs your wrist while holding a Swick, a bend and a twist of the wrist and the hand holding the wrist is now bleeding and will let go, while you are still in control of the blade. Scrambling around on the floor to retrieve a dropped weapon is the very reason that I advocate for and developed the Swick. Scrambling for the weapon may be fun in a class, but it is not fun if your opponent retrieves the knife instead of you. So in the end, I humbly stand by my design for your safety.

Certainly we are all entitled to our own opinions and theories. I consider Michael Janich to be one of the best in this arena, but we don't agree on everything.

sal

[prog_knife]

1. The most important thing about a knife is that you have it with you when you need it.
2. The most important thing about a knife for self defense is that you do not drop it. It can't be something that can easily be knocked out of your hand, You don't to be rummaging around on the floor trying to retrieve your self defense tool while being attacked.
3. It must be readily available. No hunting for it.
4. I have always advocated or carrying a dedicated self defense knife and it should be as sharp as possible. If you have a dual purpose knife, it may not be at its sharpest when you need it.

I absolutely agree with Sal on points 1, 3, and 4.
Point 2 will send attentive readers running for a knife with a finger ring. It's very common-sensical and valid, but finger rings are at odds with the limited training I've received, which emphasized being able to switch hands if the hand holding the knife is immobilized–-for instance, by a larger, stronger attacker getting a hold of the defender's wrist. This is all a matter of opinion, training, preference, circumstance, and so on. I trained with Ed Calderon, who is strongly against finger rings, but Ed is also a great admirer of Fred Perrin, the king of the ring.

When it comes to dropping knives, it's a good idea to practice picking the knife up from a flat surface. In the sparring portion of the class I took, if anyone dropped a trainer knife, everyone was expected to scramble for it and scoop it up off the floor. Lots of fun.

Hi Evan,

With all due respect, may I humbly disagree with Ed Calderon. The Swick is more than just a "finger ring knife. I've worked with a number of finger ring knives and found them lacking in a secure grip or some other area, especially for one not trained. The grip provided with the ergos of the Swick is very secure.

I produced more than a dozen versions which were sold consumer direct to our customers over a 22 year period to refine the Swick. If someone grabs your wrist while holding a Swick, a bend and a twist of the wrist and the hand holding the wrist is now bleeding and will let go, while you are still in control of the blade. Scrambling around on the floor to retrieve a dropped weapon is the very reason that I advocate for and developed the Swick. Scrambling for the weapon may be fun in a class, but it is not fun if your opponent retrieves the knife instead of you. So in the end, I humbly stand by my design for your safety.

Certainly we are all entitled to our own opinions and theories. I consider Michael Janich to be one of the best in this arena, but we don't agree on everything.

sal

Hi Sal,

Your point is well taken! I wasn't aware of the Swick working in the way you describe. Hopefully I'll be able to handle one in the not-too-distant future. I carry a Spyderco ARK when I run or swim, and I recall John Shirley demonstrating a similar technique that he had in mind when designing that knife (for anyone curious, it's in a YouTube video titled "Spyderco ARK Defensive Basics"). So, it makes sense to me. I've tested it out, to the extent I could do so safely.

Now that I think about it, I suppose my initial post elided a major difference in intent between your design on the one hand, and Ed's class on the other. The class was in large part about improvising weapons or working with whatever knives might be available in an "austere" environment. So, a hastily-sharpened sharpened implement, or something like a cheap paring knife on the one hand, and a refined, purpose-built tool on the other. Apples and oranges.

-Evan

[sal]

Hi Evan,

Thanx much for your understanding. I believe that a finely tuned serrated Swick (Tuned on a Triangle Sharpmaker as described in our "Sticky" thread), and immediately retrieved is a very effective self defense tool. I especially recommend the Swick for females, whom are often taken advantage of. Always have it with you and readily available

In my opinion, the first line of defense is situational awareness. Just don't be in a potentially dangerous situation. The second line of self defense, is some type of non lethal tool, eg; Pepper Spray, electronic stunner, etc. The third line is a Swick. Things like loud sound devices might be effective where others might be available to help, but bad guys will often select an area where no one is around to help, and you are on your own. My Dad taught me not to be nice to people that are trying to hurt me.

sal

[JoviAl]

My Dad taught me not to be nice to people that are trying to hurt me.

sal

I’ve enjoyed a lot of your quotes over my time here Sal, but that one might just be my favourite. It would make for a great engraving on the blade of a knife gifted to someone for SD.

[sal]

Hi Al,

Are you Chummingl?

sal

[Jim Malone]

Let´s not forget that "carry a firearm" does not apply to 90% of the people on this earth. Nor is it legal to carry pepperspray. In most countries in Europe it´s illegal to carry anything to defend yourself. Self defense is not a valid reason to have a firearm in most European countries, let alone carry one.