EDC for defense... am I insane?

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perspective
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EDC for defense... am I insane?

#1

Post by perspective »

After several people around me got mugged in the broad daylight and took more or less beating for it, I've decided to take up EDC. I've gotten myself two spydies last week: FRN Endura 50/50, and a Cricket PE.



I'm also looking for some MBC classes right now.



The question I have is... am I behaving irrationaly? Would you say that carrying a knife the size of Endura is actually looking for problems and/or trying to cut someone apart?



Am I insane or just... careful?
yog
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#2

Post by yog »

I know from experience that it can feal a little wierd carrying a knife for EDC in a country with little or no knife culture. Living in a rural area with little or no street violence means that carrying a knife for self protection is not typically one of my reasons for carrying it, but like the boy-scouts motto, there is an element of being prepared.

That said, I do carry a knife for EDC, it's for all types of uses, and if I happen to be attacked by an armed assailant thats one of the uses I will put it to.... after I have tried talking my way out of it, begging, running away, or just handing over what they want.


Edited by - yog on 3/17/2002 5:08:27 AM
sam the man..
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#3

Post by sam the man.. »

A man's gotta do what he's got to do to protect himself.. When the fear factor is high, its kinda normal for folks to take up drastic measures.. I think it musta been hard on you perspective.. <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have surgical scars will travel..
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J Smith
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#4

Post by J Smith »

I don't really think of my knife as a self defence tool but I have been in places that I could not carry my Kimber that I was glad I had a knife.Here even with a permit there are several places were you can not carry,federal biuldings,hospitals,bars or any where that alchol is sold(I do carry in wal marts and other stores though.They sell beer but the law was misprinted and was to read where alchol is served not sold.

Jeff }{
Tightwad
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#5

Post by Tightwad »

Why is it that when the issue of self defense comes up it
has to equate to carring a gun or a knife?? There are lots
other more common items that one can carry / use that will
fill the bill for self defense. Both gun or a knife can ,and would
be, considered weapons creating huge legal problems for the person
defending themself. A gun is automatic legal problems and a knife
lets an attacker get way to close.

One option is a simple walking cane. There are training diciplines that will
show anyone how to use a cane or walking stick how to give an attacker a lot
of pain or injury for his efforts. There are other things like a heavy belt buckle
ETC. Carrying a knife is fine if firmly believe you will die as a result of the attack.

In that case you would have nothing to loss and everything to gain........IF you are lucky.
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vampyrewolf
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#6

Post by vampyrewolf »

Just grab an ASP. They come in a few good lengths, depending on your chosen range.
I plan to get a 16" soon. And thats only because of the areas I end up while I go on my 8-9hr bike rides. 7am-5pm is a normal time.

}{ We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare... }{
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SpyderNut
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#7

Post by SpyderNut »

I was just telling my Uncle the other day about the main reason that I "tote" around so many knives on my person. The reason is because I believe that it is wise to take some measures to pertect one's self, be it your 9 mm or a Spydie. My Dad always told us boys (and my sister) that we should always be ready to protect another person that was being attacked/harmed by someone else. God forbid that I should ever have to protect myself with my knife, but I wouldn't hesitate to use my knife to protect someone else from being hurt. That's just my thoughts on it.....<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>


Spydernut
yog
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#8

Post by yog »

Ironically enough the only thing I have every carried purely for self defence was a 4" Kubtan on my keyring. I stopped when I was politely informed that it could be considered an offensive weapon having no other praticle uses.
Go figure ?

There's a hole in the sky where the rain comes in, it's a very small hole that's why rain's so thin - In memory of the Goons
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AllenETreat
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#9

Post by AllenETreat »

Dear Perspective ;
Let's put it this way : We
live in a free country. People will take
advantage of freedom and display this in the
form of freedom to commit crime ; the 2nd
Amendment <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> gives us the right to "..keep
and bear arms..." or, the right to defend
ourselves against the criminal element. You
have this right, whether you know this or not
under OUR Constitution. The only wrong you
did was in acting on your instinct.

"...and let him who has no sword sell his
robe and buy one..." Luke 22:36

Or, for our times.....

"...and let him that has no Spydie <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> sell
his coat and buy one..." <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

ATE ( alias A.E.T. )
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chambers
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#10

Post by chambers »

Perspective: I would not say the endura is anything more than a tool. If you have taken it up as a tool for self defence and are planning to attend a MBC class then it seems to me that you are only looking to see to your own protection. If you'd have posted something along the lines of : "yeah I went out and bought the biggest knife I could find let's see those bastards try that stuff with me" Then I would have been concerned that you were looking for trouble. but as it stands right now I'd say you're only looking to stay one step ahead of the game. See that you get the training you need to feel comfortable with your weapon of choice and remember as tightwad points out there are other options to toting around a blade.
Stay safe

oxxxxxx{------------------------
perspective
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#11

Post by perspective »

I must admit, though, I do enjoy my Endura as a tool, and have gotten quite attached to it in the last couple of days.

Mighty nice tools these spydies. And I have done some desecration with it: I actually used it one morning to cut off a slice of bread. It just went through, with almost no pushing.

It **** well teaches me to respect it more and more every day...
Sword and Shield
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#12

Post by Sword and Shield »

Be it knife, cane, stick or baton:
First, get some training.
Second, Get Some Training.
Third, <b>GET SOME TRAINING!!!</b>

Make sure that you can use what you have effectively, with an eye towards minimizing force used. A person waving a knife about blindly is in greater danger than one who is unarmed.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.
Blades
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#13

Post by Blades »

Perspective,
Welcome to the Spydie forum!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Your Endura and Cricket are tools. Tools to cut bread, tools to give ya a chance to run. You can only use 2 tools at once. If there are 3 things that need cutting, cut 2 and then run. You are the only one who will know the time to use your tools. Keep in mind that a pocket of change thrown at someone's eyes makes them blink, does that make change a "weapon" or a tool?? Be safe, be aware of your surrondings.


Blades

Edited by - Blades on 3/17/2002 5:21:30 PM
bell
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#14

Post by bell »

Perspective:
I think for self defense, a cricket is not going to do it. Like the guy said in "Jaws" you need a bigger knife. Military, Matriarch, Civilian.
Pachucko
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#15

Post by Pachucko »

Would you rather have a Chinook or a Cricket if the poop hit the air circluation device? I thought so. But what if laws, work policies, or whatever else prevent you from having anything larger than a Cricket? The BG isn't going to waste time bemoaning your situation, neither should you. Ceterus Paribus, I'd take the Chinook any day of the week, but in reality there are many other factors that are more important than the size of your tool. Pachucks
liko
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#16

Post by liko »

If you truly feel that you need a knife for self-defense, there's nothing irrational about it. Just remember to play by the rules, and that means following local regs regarding blade length. A Delica or Calypso Jr, if you can still find the latter, actually makes a good self-defense knife, and doesn't violate the blade length regs in all but the strictest jurisdictions (Cali, Boston, etc). Your Endura also makes a good self-defense knife, but it is too large for many jurisdictions.

When choosing an EDC, remember to balance self-defense needs with any other utility needs you'll use a knife for. An Endura is probably too large to pass as a simple box-cutter/bag opener, but if you need a knife for larger and tougher cuts, it would fit right in.

Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
bell
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#17

Post by bell »

Maybe Pachuco has the right idea. Its not how big your tool is, it how you use it.
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Knife Knut
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#18

Post by Knife Knut »

Ok I am no expert, but:
One advantage of Making your EDC your MBC blade is that you have a head start on the muscle memory for deployment. You are also completely comfortable with the knife.

I really do need to get some training.

Knife Knut on a shoestring budget. <P>RKBA
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ken
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#19

Post by ken »

perspective-

This is a great topic. And I think your irrational if you don't carry a knife! And the endura is a good choice.

Just ask "Simona" for her opinion!!

You should always carry a knife anyway-it's a great "tool" for cutting "things"-like boxes, tape, and people that want to lay some whoop a@@ on ya! Let's face it most muggers are not highley trained in self defense anyway. And if someone already has there hands on ya it to late for anything but cutting em'.

Hopefully this will never happen to you but it nice to be prepared!

ken

Edited by - ken on 3/16/2003 7:44:04 PM
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Zrexxer
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#20

Post by Zrexxer »

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=1 face=arial>quote:<hr height=1 noshade>Dear Perspective ;
Let's put it this way : We
live in a free country. People will take
advantage of freedom and display this in the
form of freedom to commit crime ; the 2nd
Amendment gives us the right to "..keep
and bear arms..." <hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE></font><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2> Alas, Allen, our friend Perspective is in Croatia. Another example perhaps of how we sometimes take our freedoms for granted in the U.S.
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