James:
Regarding the recent posts, I want to make a few posts about folding knives. First, while larger folders are definitely better for larger tasks and of course for self-defense, One needs to take time to learn what is legal to carry in their state. My state, for example, only allows a maximum blade length of 3.5 inches. I follow the law, but carry TWO such folders. It would be a massive hassle to get in trouble with an overly zealous police officer. Better to be sure, and know the law.
As for folders, I like several Spydercos, such as the Endura and Delica, the Para Military and the James Keating model. I have several CRKT [Columbia River Knife and Tool] models, as I am the CRKT Forum moderator at www.knifeforums.com The CRKT Hawk D.O.G. Lock is a sleeper in their line. I’ve carried one off and on for a few years, and you couldn’t kill it if you tried. I didn’t see it in Columbia River’s latest catalog, but there are a lot of them out there for sale in shops, on line, and on eBay. The CRKT Hammond Cruiser is also a very stout knife. I know of a soldier who has used his in Iraq to open cans, MREs and all kinds of things you shouldn’t be able to open with a folder.
As for folder fighting skills, I encourage everyone to buy the Gabe Suarez “Big Folders Fighting Skills” DVD. Gabe shows several drills to teach a student to draw and deploy large Cold Steel Voyager clip point folders. He favors the XL and X2 models, which are fine for woodsy camping carry, but not legal to carry here, because of their six inch blade length. However, his skills transfer to other similarly designed folders. I encourage anyone who carries a folder as a back up to buy this DVD and study it. – Lawrence in West Virginia
Sir,
I completely agree with both OSOM and yourself; a fixed blade is preferable for many reasons, but the convenience and legalities of a folder make it the one I carry everyday.
Emerson Knives has a middle ground I believe, a feature called the “wave” that catches on the edge of your pocket, causing the blade to come open as you draw it.
A gent who posts under the name “Goshin” on Alpharubicon suggetsed a way to add the same functionality to any tip up carried folder that utilizes a thumb hole. Using a Dremel tool or a hacksaw, you can remove enough steel from the thumbhole to allow a “catch” on your pocket and open as you draw. Another way (and superior, in my opinion) is to attach a cable or zip tie to the thumb hole and cut it short; this provides the same function without destructive modification.
(See: http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/speedkngoshin.htm )
I find it performs best to reverse the pocket clip so the knife comes up in a reverse grip. It is truly amazing how quickly a folder can be deployed this way [from a front pants pocket], perhaps even faster that a concealed fixed blade as there is no concealing garment to clear before drawing. As always, thank you for the resource your blog provides. Respectfully, – Pat R.