Why assisted openers and autos are a nogo for personal protection

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Originally Posted by mercop

Don’t make things harder on yourself by carrying a knife that relies on a spring to work properly.

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Good post, and couldn't agree more.

Question about blades with springs: would you include in this such knives as BM "manual" Axis locks that are NOT considered assisted, but do still have those "Omega springs" in them that can fail?

I've never had a BM folder fail on me, though I do occasionally hear others state that they've had failures. Apparently, on the manual Axis locks, even with one broken Omega spring, the blade can still be opened.

However, if what you're saying is logically extended to these spring-based mechanisms, then even a BM manual Axis knife is not really ideal for deploying for defensive use.

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Originally Posted by mercop

In reference to the wave. It does not do well during force on force. The exception being the EKI Karambit worn on the reaction side in reverse grip. Otherwise you are gripping the knives with your fingertips and pulling it to the rear. This motion is exaggerated under stress. This often causes dropped knives and half opened blades. In order to open the blade fully you have two choices-

Flick it open using centrifugal force, which almost ensures you will drop it. The reason is vasoconstriction causing blood loss to your fingertips. Hard to open what you cannot feel. Picture the adrenaline shakes.

The other option that is difficult again because of vasoconstiriciton would be to changed your grip from a the finger tip pinch grip to a regular grip that would allow you to open the blade using the thumb stud. Unless you have trained this as an immediate action drill it will not happen.

So if you manage to get the blade waved open, you still need to get until a usable grip. Not the easiest thing to do as written above.- George

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So what do you recommend for a suitable EDC/backup/fightin' knife? I have always carried a Benchmade Auto on my weak side and a Emerson A-100 on strong side. Guess maybe I should rethink my EDC pieces.

Hands down Spyderco Endura because it can be set up for left/right, tip up/tip down and has a trainer viable.- George

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Originally Posted by mercop

Hands down Spyderco Endura because it can be set up for left/right, tip up/tip down and has a trainer viable.- George

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Any opinion on serrations? I carry the fully serrated Delica (blade size limitations)...a little less practical for EDC use but seems to bite better in denim and leather in informal tests.

Not a fan for an EDC blade. Hard to do fine work and sharpen. I would rather have a wicked sharp plain edge.- George

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Originally Posted by mercop

Of course there are those who say “that is why I carry a fixed blade”. I would bet that they are also the ones who talk about how you need to carry a 1911 but have a habit of putting a 38 snubbie or a 380 in their pocket when they venture out.

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The rest of it makes sense but one thing I'm not clear on is why this comment about fixed blades. Wouldn't fixed blades be a GOOD defensive carry option for those who have the option? Obviously there are inexperienced knife users out there. But if the solution is to get training, I'd assume that applies equally to those who carry folders as well as fixed.

Yes, but the rub with fixed blades is carry options. There are plenty of great carry options but few deployment options for infight access. I have found only two and they are self-serving because I came up with them to carry in the two positions I can best access a fixed blade from no matter my body position. The mercharness puts the fixed blade either under your armpit or can be adjusted to wear the knife more over your pec. The Tactical Tether allows is a static cord that allows you to carry IWB while allowing the sheath to mover with you.

There are more great knife makers out there than great sheath makers. Most production and custom makers sheath suck ass.

Again, this is all just my opinion. YMMV- George

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Originally Posted by mercop

Hands down Spyderco Endura because it can be set up for left/right, tip up/tip down and has a trainer viable.- George

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I Have both the knife and the trainer.

With the trainer, it seems that reverse grip, support side being easiest to deploy, but I've only tested full-range.

Your post really drove the point that I *need* to do it for the three distances. Close-in and clinch being the most important. Assuming that a situation has not completely deteriorated, largo-mano has the possibility of de-escalation.
A close in or clinch situation presents a very real threat of grievous bodily harm that would justify lethal force.

I also tend to think that fixed (even short) blade are preferable to folders. But due to being fat, carrying a fixed blade in the pelvis crease is a no-go since the only fixed suitable for carry I have is a double edged - I fear gutting myself.
I have to find a suitable single edge for that use. I have a Kershaw that is nice, but maybe too nice if I really needed to use. I would miss it.

I would like to hear your opinion on double edged blades for SD.

I carry an Infidel as my EDC knife. I use it for anything I need to use a knife for (besides for prying stuff open or cutting wood/metal/etc), I used to carry it at work but started carrying a sog flash 2 (with the safety removed). I carry a brave heart as my primary action knife/secondary to my pistol. I do not trust my fine motor skills in a deadly force situation enough to use any type of knife other than a fixed blade.

I dumped all the traditional stuff because it did not blend well as being part of a system that involved carrying pistol. What I teach for gun guys who want to know how to use a knife to cut an attacker off them and work to their pistol is Inverted Edge Tactics.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2...g?t=1320802478

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Not a fan of double edged blades. They are prohibited many places so just carrying it can put you on the wrong side of the law. And carrying something they are not supposed to will make a good guy hesitate.- George