EDC vs SD knives

[pitor]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

First off... thanks for the compliment on the Kershaw. It is one of my favorites. To answer the question tho... I carry a zero tolerance 350, which uses the same Kershaw single finger opening system. Love the knife. it IS a bit heavier than my Kershaw, but I really do like the single flick opening. I actually like it better than a switchblade, since it's not really mechanical. Less to break. The most fun is when some liberal says "does anyone have a knife" and two seconds later I've got an open ZT in front of them saying "what do you need this for?".... The look on their face is "pricesless".


Michael

This, I carry the ZT 350 I won here, best defensive folder I currently own. I like the Kershaw Blur but I feel it needs a better finger choil so hand doesn't slip over edge.

But seriously, how many here are trained to use blades defensively? And if you did use it defensively how is that going to look to a prosecutor? Knife wounds (slashes and puncture wounds) are normally associated with criminal elements. If you can stab someone like that, especially with a 10 inch Bowie (really?) then you ought to shoot the bastard.

A good solid kubaton fits my need better, you can easily crack a sternum and kill if thrusted into neck areas or the temple. Also consider I work at a school so carrying a fixed blade for defensive use is a no-go. But my zero tolerance is stout when deployed to the point I don't feel feel under knifed if I have to put it into action.

[edgehill]

Originally Posted by pitor

This, I carry the ZT 350 I won here, best defensive folder I currently own. I like the Kershaw Blur but I feel it needs a better finger choil so hand doesn't slip over edge.

But seriously, how many here are trained to use blades defensively? And if you did use it defensively how is that going to look to a prosecutor? Knife wounds (slashes and puncture wounds) are normally associated with criminal elements. If you can stab someone like that, especially with a 10 inch Bowie (really?) then you ought to shoot the bastard.

A good solid kubaton fits my need better, you can easily crack a sternum and kill if thrusted into neck areas or the temple. Also consider I work at a school so carrying a fixed blade for defensive use is a no-go. But my zero tolerance is stout when deployed to the point I don't feel feel under knifed if I have to put it into action.

I treat the Bowie like most people would treat a BUG. But the tool I would use when attacked would be based on the situation. If my primary gun went fubar the knife would be there. Or if I was attacked on my strong side where I could not draw the gun, I could draw the knife from the left side.

And as you know, yup I've had a number of knife classes, including a class on long knives.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by edgehill

I treat the Bowie like most people would treat a BUG. But the tool I would use when attacked would be based on the situation. If my primary gun went fubar the knife would be there. Or if I was attacked on my strong side where I could not draw the gun, I could draw the knife from the left side.

And as you know, yup I've had a number of knife classes, including a class on long knives.

In your case I'm not questioning the training I know you've had, I'm questioning the practice of carrying a 10 inch blade that was appropriate for the old Wild West. You would have a really hard time explaining yourself if somebody was found slashed and stabbed with a 10 inch knife. A lot more scrutiny that if you just shot someone. If you use the 10-inch bowie knife as a bug why not just carry a bug?

I believe when it comes to knife fighting and long blades (bowies and such) there is a lot fantasizing an era we're big blades were called for. Unless you're hiking up in high mountain or the Plains, in an urban setting a 10 inch Bowie really has no practical purposes in my opinion. A short fixed blade as a last ditch effort, or gun retention tool is one thing, a 10 inch Bowie is a complete different story.

[Gatorade]

So when buying a folding knife do any of you look at a utility knife different than a self defense knife? Would you use a knife chosen for self defense as a utility knife on a daily basis?

[edgehill]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

So when buying a folding knife do any of you look at a utility knife different than a self defense knife? Would you use a knife chosen for self defense as a utility knife on a daily basis?

I don't. My utility knife is used for just about anything whereas my SD knife is only there for self defense.

Pedro, I guess it's an each there own thing with the Bowie. I've always liked long knives. I also see a Bowie like most consider a shotgun. The distinctive sound of racking a shotgun scares some people. The Bowie being pulled could do the same.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by Gatorade

So when buying a folding knife do any of you look at a utility knife different than a self defense knife? Would you use a knife chosen for self defense as a utility knife on a daily basis?

I use my ZT 350 knife to process food at work and although it looks like a hunk of Steel slicing little tomatoes, it's pretty effective at that. And of course it can be put to use in a defensive role in no time. I also carry a Victorinox Pioneer SAK with multi-tool purposes in mind.

Originally Posted by edgehill

Pedro, I guess it's an each there own thing with the Bowie. I've always liked long knives. I also see a Bowie like most consider a shotgun. The distinctive sound of racking a shotgun scares some people. The Bowie being pulled could do the same.

Absolutely right Andy, I never meant to disparage you for carrying your Bowie knife. I (ME) just simply don't understand the practice of doing so in an urban set up. And although I've heard to the contrary, I can't possibly imagine it's comfortable to have a 10-inch blade stuff down the side of your pants. I know it comes down to the sheath and I know Panther does a terrific job and this area.

That being said, I've seen your Covington's and Bagwell's and they are stunning, sharp as a scalpel, and truly masterpieces in their own right.

[edgehill]

Originally Posted by pitor

I use my ZT 350 knife to process food at work and although it looks like a hunk of Steel slicing little tomatoes, it's pretty effective at that. And of course it can be put to use in a defensive role in no time. I also carry a Victorinox Pioneer SAK with multi-tool purposes in mind.



Absolutely right Andy, I never meant to disparage you for carrying your Bowie knife. I (ME) just simply don't understand the practice of doing so in an urban set up. And although I've heard to the contrary, I can't possibly imagine it's comfortable to have a 10-inch blade stuff down the side of your pants. I know it comes down to the sheath and I know Panther does a terrific job and this area.

That being said, I've seen your Covington's and Bagwell's and they are stunning, sharp as a scalpel, and truly masterpieces in their own right.

I know, Pedro. I didn't take your comments as disparagement. Next time I'm up, I'll let you carry the Covington and show you the difference. The Commodore sheath allows the knife to float so it moves with your body. Once you learn the draw, you can have the knife deployed as fast as a gun (you saw Brownie draw the Bagwell).

I would agree with you. If you are going to carry a knife for self defense, get training. Using a knife for defense is much different than using a gun. It requires a different mindset.

[BlackKnight]

My folder is for utility only. For self defense all my blades are fixed blades. I carry two in addition to the folder. I also carry a Swiss Army in my pocket.
Now, I'll address below.

Originally Posted by pitor

But seriously, how many here are trained to use blades defensively? And if you did use it defensively how is that going to look to a prosecutor? Knife wounds (slashes and puncture wounds) are normally associated with criminal elements. If you can stab someone like that, especially with a 10 inch Bowie (really?) then you ought to shoot the bastard.

Very good thought process! And everyone must put themselves through this thought especially more so depending what state you live in.
Now on that note, my knives are defensive and I can articulate if I had to use them. For example, I carry a straight blade on my support side. If someone grabs my gun and is trying to disarm me I can draw and cut, stab, and defend the attempt. I also carry another one in strong side appendix carry.
I've learned through training and experience that sometimes a fight ensues before it becomes a deadly force situation and if I'm in the thick of it and grabbed there are times when it's nearly impossible to draw. The knives are to get to my gun. If it stops the threat, even better.
I guess it helps that I've written and testified in this state in the use of force and know what prosecutors like and don't like and what they look for.