Spyderco Forums

Well, I'm a new guy around here. I've heard alot of good things about Spyderco knives so I thought I'd come here and look around. I've browsed around some of the forum posts, seems like theres alot of Spyderco vets around here, not many new guys. I'm sure I stick out like a sore thumb :P

Well, I wanted to get some thoughts and suggestions from you guys on a knife. I had debated on a fixed blade knife, but decided a lockback/folder would be easier to conceal. Now, the main reason, to be honest, is just to give me an advantage in a situation where I may need to defend myself. Things are getting worse and worse around here and thefts are increasing. A blade will give me a small advantage.

It may also become abit of a replacement for my old knife since it'll be easier to get out and use. I have an old Victorinox Swiss Army knife that I've had since I was a kid and I've used it countless times over the years for all kinds of jobs and it's performed excellently and has never let me down, but it's not exactly a knife you can deploy and use quickly. I've never even considered getting another knife until now.

The Spyderco collection is HUGE, making it a tough decision on what to get. Price doesn't matter, but Tennessee state laws states that a blade over 4 inches is considered a weapon (if I remember correctly) so that is the only limitation.

welcome...i say get a waved endura. sorry for the short reply but my battery is running low :p

Welcome to the group Spanky.

For your needs I would say get a Chinook 3. Its intimidating looking and extremely strong. It could be used for defense, a scare tactic, or general purpose. There are those that would disagree, but that is our group, we always disagree. The chinook in my opinion would be the best folder to catch the guy thats stealing your car stereo in the middle of the night. Its a bit heavy, but you get a lot of knife for that extra weight.

im gonna have to agree with Tony on this and go for a waved endura or delica even

Chinook III is very good, actually designed for the purpose you are thinking about, and as far as I know, it's still an active product.

I have a Chinook and a Manix and I actually prefer the Manix (actually I like the Chinook handle and the Manix blade), but except for the sprint run they aren't making the Manix any more.

The Superhawk, Harpy, Civilian, and Police would also be reasonable for this use, I think.

Hello and Welcome from Colorado....

I would recomend a Full Serrated Endur4.

I am a big fan of the SE for Self Defense. Packs more cutting power into a smaller pacjage, when cutting pretty isn't a priority.
I also feal that a SE is easier and more effectivly implimented with less training / or under stress... maybe more effective with slasher thrashing voilent uncordinated attacks IDK maybe not

- Clock

If you can find a Manix get one. The Chinook is another good choice. If you are looking to go less expensive & lighter, than I suggest a Endura - waved or standard, your preference.

Welcome to the Spydie Forums Spank!

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices already mentioned. A Waved Endura, Chinook III and Manix are winners all around. Enjoy your stay! :)

Welcome Spank :D

I think to keep it short and sweet and for your purposes Tony's suggestion of a waved Endura is good. I'd get a full serrated edge.

Also consider the Civilian for self defense as it was specifically designed for that. Other noteworthy mentions include the MBC designed Chinook and Yojimbo :D Manix is a tough bugger too.

Just note that the Endura and Civilian are FRN and are appreciably lighter and easier to conceal than either one of the heavyweights in the Chinook and Yojimbo. Don't discount the other folders in the collection though. Spyderco make excellent tools for the job you are looking at.

Also I will echo the sentiments of those here that are more experienced than me in martial arts.... practice a LOT with whichever folder you decide to get....especially the Waved versions.

Welcome again, I love this forum :p

datan wrote:Welcome Spank :D

I think to keep it short and sweet and for your purposes Tony's suggestion of a waved Endura is good. I'd get a full serrated edge.

Also consider the Civilian for self defense as it was specifically designed for that. Other noteworthy mentions include the MBC designed Chinook and Yojimbo :D Manix is a tough bugger too.

Just note that the Endura and Civilian are FRN and are appreciably lighter and easier to conceal than either one of the heavyweights in the Chinook and Yojimbo. Don't discount the other folders in the collection though. Spyderco make excellent tools for the job you are looking at.

Also I will echo the sentiments of those here that are more experienced than me in martial arts.... practice a LOT with whichever folder you decide to get....especially the Waved versions.

Welcome again, I love this forum :p

Well put Dave, I agree they all do serve different purposes. And I guess thats what makes spyderco so great. +1 on loving this forum.

There are many good choices amongst the Spyderco lineup. If you want very, very small and "people friendly" and yet very capable, there is the Lava. If you want medium sized, then Delica, small Persian, and others fit the bill. If you can go to four inches, then the Military is a good choice, as is the Kris, the Manix and some others. The Endura is a good and inexpensive choice that started many of us on our Spyderco journey. I, personally, would stay away from the Civilian. As I have said here before, it has all of the disadvantages of the karambit, and none of the advantages. It is highly specialized.

The first thing you need to do is determine what knife fits you and feels right. You are in the process of doing that. The next thing you need to do is get some training--in knife and empty hand (because you can't solve every situation with a knife and you often can't get to your knife in the middle of an attack and need to use some empty hand skill while trying to retrieve your knife). I can't overemphasize training. It is essential.

There are quite a few videos of various Spydercos (Lava, Kris, Endura trainer, Gunting trainer, Karambit) being used over on my website. For comparison purposes, I have a medium-large hand, if you are looking at the various knives "in the hand." If you go over to the site, read over some of the stuff on self-defense, and look over some of the other videos. Feel free to ask questions via a PM or email.

Here are some links where a Spyderco is used:

http://www.albokalisilat.org/beginner.html
http://www.albokalisilat.org/folding.html
http://www.albokalisilat.org/video4.html

Train hard and stay safe

A couple of quick points to remember.
First, if you have a 4" limit, forget the Police and the Civilian, as the blades are over 4" long on both.
Second, under stress, people tend to react as they have trained. With no training, your reaction is likely to be what you have trained to do...nothing.

Welcome to the forum!

Very welcome to the forums :cool:

Well, I must admit, that's alot more responses than I would have ever imagined. I do appreciate the suggestions and I'll look into each of them.

Well, I'm sitting here and wondering between the two I've narrowed it down to, the Chinook 3 and the Military. The Military looks like it'd be better for general use, I don't know about the Chinook's swept back blade. The knife will get more general use that self defense use I'm sure.

Next question, when I'm ready to buy, who do you guys suggest shopping with? Any good trustworthy online retailers? I'm sure I could get them cheaper somewhere else other than direct from Spyderco, it's about that way with any company though.

Hi Spank, welcome to the forums! :)

First off, I would re-read KaliGman's post a couple of times, as he has forgotten more about the Martial Arts than most people will ever learn.

As for a knife, pick one that feels good in the hand and is easy to carry. Personally, I think your choice of a Military is a good one, as it is light weight, extremely tough and gives you a bit more 'reach' that may prove handy. I use a Carbon Fiber Military as my EDC (Every Day Carry) and have been very pleased with it.

We are not allowed to mention specific knife stores on the forums, but for cutting myself, I have found that New Graham Pharmacy has everything I need to make it better. :)

Hi Spank,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum. Hope you enjoy your time here.

sal

Ambient Weather has always treated me well. :)
Welcome to the forums! I still would suggest a waved knife for your purposes, where rapid deployment may be key.

Welcom to the forum Spank.
I can't speak for the Chinook but the Military is one awsome knife. Even though they aren't left hand friendly I find it has been in my pocket more and more. Around the house/yard I use it all the time. I think its a fine choice.

Welcome to the forum Spank.

My recommendation is that no matter which knife you get, get some training to go along with it. Even if you have the sharpest and most intelligently designed fighting knife in the world, if the other guy knows how to disarm you you'll just end up with your own knife in your back.
Where I currently live people aren't much of a threat. However, if I were to move to a more densely populated area SD classes would be high on the priority list.
For that matter, take up jogging too. You can't lose a fight that never happened.