Dye Playa wrote: carl_the_sniper wrote: Why do you carry a knife now? I always have, the one I carry is a little too big and bulky, and the other one I carry is a lot lighter and smoother, but it's a switchblade. So I need like a medium sized legal knife.

But why though?

Carry a 3.5 incher that I picked up off a friend for $8, and I've had it for 4 years so it's paid its way.

I also have a KA BAR but I don't carry that because of its size.  I can't even find a way to carry it if I wanted to.

Dye Playa wrote: carl_the_sniper wrote: Dye Playa wrote: carl_the_sniper wrote: Why do you carry a knife now? I always have, the one I carry is a little too big and bulky, and the other one I carry is a lot lighter and smoother, but it's a switchblade. So I need like a medium sized legal knife. But why though? A knife is pretty much the most versatile tool like ever created. Why wouldn't you carry one? I use mine all the time. I work at a restaurant so I have to open boxes, cut zip ties, all the nonsense. If you have to pry something, you can, and you can fix a lot of simple stuff with it. And if the situation ever arose, it's also self defense. It's small enough where you can carry it in your pocket so it's also really convenient. And reb I know the blade length legality varies, I was asking more for a personal preference. I think most states it's gotta be less than 4 inches though.

Then get a swiss army knife.

If you live in a place where having a knife for self defense is even a consideration, you should move out of the ghetto.

Carl, what is your logic behind your complaints? Can you offer any reason why we should consider a Swiss Army knife (which I find personally inferior to my other, single-blade knives) over, say, a Kershaw?

I REALLY want to hear the logic behind your comments...

DeTrevni wrote: Carl, what is your logic behind your complaints? Can you offer any reason why we should consider a Swiss Army knife (which I find personally inferior to my other, single-blade knives) over, say, a Kershaw? I REALLY want to hear the logic behind your comments...

1) People who carry around knives to protect themselves are tools

2) The swiss army knife has more tools and options than a normal folding knife.

No federal laws here about about the lengths of knives allowed, However there are many informal "blade length rules" in Canada. These vary from 3" to 4" for folders in various areas around the country depending on what differentiates a pocket knife from a fighting knife to the local constabulary.

I can carry the second and last one, the first is for show, the 3rd is double sided (police dont like em).

I currently carry a SOG Flash-II.  In the past I have carried various 2"-4" folders.  When I was a kid I carried a boot knife around.

Started carrying mostly due to self-perceived badassery, still carry from habit and extreme convenience (all of my pocket knives get used on a daily basis).

As to self-defense - I split.  I agree that carrying ANY weapon without a minimum amount of training and practice is silly and dangerous.  On the other hand, it isn't that hard to gain minimal proficiency with a knife, since it can be used essentially as an extension of unarmed-ness.  So assuming you are minimally competent unarmed, you won't do too badly with a knife added.

I have a nice leatherman and a couple Swiss Army knives. Yes, DeTrevni, I use the "extra crap" on the Victorinox. Maybe you have no use for other tools, but that doesn't mean everyone else should automatically pass on one. The torx bits came in handy just yesterday. I don't feel the need to carry them around with me, I have a boxcutter at work, so the tools just sit at home.

Snake6 wrote: When out in town I carry a 4" S&W SWAT folder

Nice knife.  Much more "heft" than most folders.  One of my personal favorites.

Well, as with any weapon, a knife requires self-discipline - including the self-discipline not to use it.

Sure, an armed person has greater potential for getting in trouble.  But I guess my theory is that any hand-to-hand weapon (such as a knife) requires a different mindset than a firearm. 

In my experience, there are a whole lot of people that are willing to carry guns "just to scare people", and intend to just wave them around without shooting.  Knives just don' tgive you that sense of invincibility.  Not a lot of people pull out the knife unless they plan on doing some stabbin', on the other hand.  And that requires a greater amount of preparation.  Knives are also easier to practice with than guns, so you are less likely to be a complete incompetent.

But you are right to the extent that introducing any weapon to a dangerous situation raises the level of violence, and that may not always be a good thing.

got me one of these

but its strait edge.

The handle and blade are made of 440C Anodized Stainless Steel with a Titanium Coated Camo pattern covering the entire knife. Blade is 3-3/4"" in Lengh. The handle length is 5-1/8"".