Posted on 01/09/2010 4:54:45 PM PST by Travis McGee
Sure, we all know that classic line from the movie Crocodile Dundee. Sometimes, bigger IS better. Like when a punk pulls out a small switchblade.
But the problem is, you can't carry a giant bowie knife concealed very easily. And anyway, if you're going to carry a giant one-pound-plus hunting knife, you might as well carry a pistol, right?
Well, maybe not. Maybe there's an alternative. I came across this knife recommendation in Fernando Aguirre's book "The Modern Survival Manual." It's about his experiences in Argentina since the 2002 monetary collapse. He has extensive, detailed chapters on personal defense, including with firearms and knives. He recommended this particular knife as a great value, and I bought one. It's changed how I look at self defense.
The recommended knife is the folding "Vaquero Grande" by Cold Steel. I purchased mine off of the internet for $80, without really shopping around. For comparison, I photographed it next to a big, heavy Colt hunting/survival knife with a fixed blade.
If you grip this big folding knife in the middle of the handle where it's most comfortable, you will notice that you have eight inches of blade extending past your fistThis is the same blade extension as the big Colt survival knife, gripped normally. But try putting that big hunting knife in your pocket like this! (The black macrame string extension is my own addition, to make it faster and easier to draw.)In your pocket, you can't tell the big Vaquero Grande folder from the average folding knife, which has about a four inch blade, and only a four inch extension from the hand when open.
Note the overall size of the heavy Colt hunting/survival knife, compared to the folded size of the Vaquero Grande. Yes, the folding knife fits easily into any front pocket, and doesn't look any different from an average folding knife that many folks carry today. But when it comes out, look out! "THAT'S a knife!"
Now, in Florida where I live, my CCW permits me to legally carry all types of concealed weapons, not just handguns. You may have to look into your own local laws. But carrying a BIG folding knife does open up some new options.
Inside of the 21 foot "Tueller drill" distance, a blade actually has some advantages over a pistol. It won't run out of bullets, and it's much harder to wrestle away or disarm, to name a couple.
The curvature of this blade is not based on style or looks, but is intentional. The downward curve of the fully serrated knife belly gives it the deep cutting/slashing power associated with the Ghurka knife. The recurved tip makes it an effective stabber. And so on. It's not my intention to get into knife design or knife fighting tactics. I just wanted to present another option for a VERY effective lightweight weapon that you can carry in your pocket. I don't leave home without mine.
that chick on MSNBC that dresses like a man was on letterman the other night and she said any weather changes now are because of global warming.
Its easy to change the rules of the argument if you control the media isnt it?
Im a knife tester for columbia river knife and tool since I write for an online magazine called www.themartialist.com
Im getting a new assisted opener this month from CRKT that is designed by Ken Onion, the guy who made all the speed safe design for Kershaw. I should have it next week, I hope.
An assisted opener with like a 4-inch blade would be the thing to have, since its as fast as a switchblade but legal, where a switchblade is not.
Please add me to your ping list. Thanks.
Very nice. And yes, size does matter. I’ll have to get my hands on one and see how it handles. One can never have too many knives. For me, it comes down to what I’ve trained to fight with. I have a Cold Steel Recon tanto that’s been with me for 37 years now. It’s one of the originals made in the US - brass cap and hilt, grey Parkerized blade and it’s slightly hilt-heavy. Didn’t really learn to fight well with it until the early 90s. Then I got schooled.
Even today, that knife still runs through my hands like water. That’s the one in my kit.
And it’s curious - I bought an updated edition of the same knife back in 97. Made in Japan. Perfectly balanced. All stainless steel. Beautifully made. But it just doesn’t feel the same.
I acquired anotehr knife right about that same time: a Chris Reeve large Sabenza. It’s a folder with a titanium handle. Taht one, too seems to have a life of it’s own. Perhaps it does. That one’s always on my belt.
kanawa ping!
(I didn’t ping Sam)
I consider a folder to be a dress knife...to be carried in dress pants.
I like a fixed blade in my work pants. It goes in the side pocket of a pair of carpenter style pants.
Whats the name of that new knife and can I find a pic of it on the net somewhere?
That’s a great Jeff Cooper term that should get more usage.
Goblins, that is.
When I was up in Portland, visiting the CRKT plant, Rod Bremer gave me a Carson M21-14, that has been my EDC since then. It has no springs, and is faster than a switch. The AUS-8 Steel will take a very good edge and hold it, and will slice through clothing and hide. The combo edge cuts through rib bone easily. Even though it is a large knife, it carries well in a front pocket with the 4 way clip.
The new CRKT?
Dont know what they call it yet. Its supposed to be unveiled at the SHOT Show
That is my favorite all time FR thread. I photoshopped kanawa’s knife picture (shown in my post above) back in ‘06 with the inscriptions.
Yes, Im a cooperite, even though I dont carry a 1911. I have two of them, but Id rather carry a pistol I dont have to spend $1,000 on to get it to work.
A 45 acp Glock 30 or a 45 cal S&W Military and Police is a much better alternative.
My Si Gong taught me to get close to a gun, away from a knife. Unless you have the advantage with your own knife. Guns - in this case, pistols - can be deflected, blocked, taken away. They can do damage only when they are pointed, aimed and fired. Although that’s conventional thinking. Its’ surprising what you can do with an empty pistol close up.
But knives - tht’s another story. Fear the man who knows how to use a knife. Because both of you are going to get hurt. Badly. Unless you can finish it fast. And only one of you will walk away.
Not to hard to get get a permit in my Nor Cal county either and they are good throughout California.
Btw, I’m glad at least one person is familiar with the term Goblins...
I know what you mean, but Im not fit enough due to a car accident to do martial arts. I CAN draw a 38 J frame snubby rather easily though.
A very nice photoshop job too! Only people who have tried their hand know how difficult it is to do a superb job.
I’m with you on that. I’m a Glock fan.
It’s a piece of emergency equipment. I like complete simplicity and reliability of operation.
Nothing wrong with all the other stuff, I don’t like getting all parochial on the subject, don’t have a problem with other points of view. But that is mine, and my answer as well.
A 45 acp Glock 30 ...
Okay, I've strayed a few times in the last fifteen or so years, but I always keep coming back.
Now that she's lost a little around the "hips" with the SF model, I'm not even interested in "looking" anymore.
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