Don’t Buy THESE Types of Self Defense Knives

[@willieboy3011]

Sage advice. Having been in a near fatal self-defense fight, I learned a lot. If you carry a folder, make sure the lock will withstand the tap test. I did not and it almost cost me my life. Practice opening it repeatedly without looking. Do not let the attacker see the knife before you use it. (I am only referring to self-defense of life here). A guard is essential. Do not expect him to die immediately, unless you hit a few choice spots. Finally, be prepared to die, and be prepared to feel bad when he dies. Always avoid a confrontation of this type if possible.

[@chiefslief1886]

Yeah that's some serious points here... But it's the truth! Thanks for share 👍🏻✌🏻

[@mikebryant8082]

Tap test?

[@willieboy3011]

Wear a thick glove. Open the folder, hold the handle with the gloved hand, and tap the spine (back) against something hard (lightly at first). Then tap harder. If the lock holds, then it likely will not fail. I have had liner locks fail. One was an expensive Zero Tolerance folder. @@mikebryant8082

[@donfierro777]

​@@mikebryant8082 hit the top spine of the blade to see if the lock fails DO NOT have your fingers in the way where it closes when you do. Check out the zt350 notorious for failing this test.

[@randir14]

@@mikebryant8082 It's the spine whack test, you smack the spine of the knife on a hard surface to see if the lock will fail. I got rid of my Zero Tolerance knives because they all failed that test.

[@edgybob1]

I have collected different brands and styles of knives over the years. In the last few years I have collected brands such as Bark River, Benchmade, Smith and Wesson, CRKT, Case, Buck, etc.. Your videos are a breath of fresh air. Finally someone speaks on the appropriateness of the shape and design and not just the looks.

[@marksaint2936]

As much as everyone complains about the Kabar being a rat tang, when being used as what it's designed for the cross guard way over compensates for it's deficiencies.

[@kuzinit2374]

I agree , the KaBar is an excellent fighter, not a very good prybar, like you may want in a good combat knife

[@MattTheHewer]

Yeah but you could grab something like the cold steel leatherneck which has the same design, but also has a big beefy tang

[@WR3ND]

The tang on it is actually about a half again larger than the portion you see on the bottom. It's notched down at the pommel where it slides into it and gets locked in with a pin. I've seen them being made and not many people know that. Yes, it isn't a full slab tang, but I wouldn't call it a rat tail either. Cheers.

[@waynesmallwood6027]

That's because they're too ignorant to know the difference between a long-proven hidden tang and a flimsy rat tail.

[@mikebuvoltzbushcraftandmar6384]

Very much agree with this. Even outside of self-defence, I get a little leery of knives that don't have a guard or great handle/grip retention. Having gone through and taught survival courses, these small preventative measures can go a long way to compensate for your carelessness when your fatigued, have sweaty hands or bloody hands from processing game, etc.....

[@joeystaples6869]

I was cleaning a squirrel with a pocket knife when I was younger and my bloody hand slid down the handle and sliced my finger open. I will always have hand/finger guards on my knives. Very good information sir.

[@davidburns5498]

A long time ago I was in a 3 gun club that held a knife match once a year. Mostly simple skill tests and cutting tasks, sometimes mixed into standard 3 gun stages. A member using a typical folder suffered a severe hand cut when his hand rode up as he stabbed a cardboard IPSC target: exactly the scenario you are talking about. He had a firm grip but impact, even on light cardboard, is powerful. Thanks for spreading the word on this.

[@beentheredonethat5908]

Imagine a powerful grip, hard stab, while your band is bleeding or wet on top of that. I've see fights lost, and a life lost, due to a cut recieved while fighting to the hand, which made his hand slip up the knife causing a deep wound allowing for a death blow. Hopefully I will never be in a place to see that again, or an environment that life js lived in that way, but just in case, finger holes, hand guards, and handles must be tested and retested , drawing test and practiced over and over until you are secure in your own safety.

[@nobodyatall7039]

I would never carry a folder because I've developed numerous techniques for comfortably concealing fixed blades since I was teenager, but if I did it would have to be strictly OTF precisely for that reason. Injuries from knives failing to deploy fully under stress and closing on the users hand are very common and I've read about numerous incidents like that from street fights, and even stuff like people trying to slash other people's tires. Swing out designs are just objectively bad and I don't use them. The reason they're so common is because most states have archaic laws against "gravity knives", which effectively ban OTF knives even if they're not automatic. This stupid issue has singlehandedly ruined the folding knife industry.

[@revelation5577]

"EXCELLENT" That S&W HRT Has just been ordered!!!! Thank you Beyond!!!! Your saving lives man, and protecting them!! Much appreciated

[@411Outdoors]

My joy and privilege! Thank you!🙂

[@WR3ND]

It does look like a nice knife. Cheers.

[@SmeagstheGremlin]

I have it i wouldn't use it for Bushcraft or anything more then when shtf it will save you but if I was you I'd keep that edge perfect till the time comes you wanna be able to put the guy down as fast as you cann stay safe

[@volentipugnum4045]

Great advice, also if you have time, do a video on why a straight edge barber's razor would be the worst blade to bring to a fight. I run into guys that watch old mob movies and think you can fight with an actual shaving razor, I mean sure, someone could but as a barber myself I hold one often and as knife enthusiast I can't even explain how many ways it could go wrong. Cringeworthy wrong.

[@heathenshaunt681]

People who think movie weapons are good idea are hilarious just because you can doesn't mean you should 😅

[@desd1932]

Well actually back in the day in Scotland we had the razor gangs. They are 100% a good weapon that causes so much damage great for slashing a mans face and for making your enemy bleed out. Some were slashed from ear to the groin. Very nasty. You guys have guns but we have knife fights

[@009013M3]

It's super obnoxious, every one of them refers to a straight razor as a "cut throat razor".

[@lynnhall3532]

I am a knife maker. I always have a guard on my fixed blades. The only knives I make. Plus I do not put a tang hole on the handle end … for lil cutsie hanging items than can get caught in machinery & drag your hand in with it. My handle shaped fit the hand as well - not flat slabs like on production knives. Great article btw.

[@CadillacDriver]

What on earth would you put a knife near running machinery for? Weird mentality for a "knife maker".

[@drknstodstny4141]

​@@CadillacDriverMaybe this guy cleans the inside of his mower blade bay with his knives like a real smart guy. Maybe even with the mower still running.

[@johnruiz6743]

Why would little cutsie items be hanging from the end of a knife that you are putting next to moving machinery? If you are sharpening/grinding it then I would think that anything hanging off the end would be removed before you do that? 🤔

[@purpleturtle7477]

@@CadillacDriver Farmer.

[@CadillacDriver]

@@purpleturtle7477 no occupation or task requires a person to manually use a knife in operating machinery.

[@roadking681]

The answer to your question is: NONE!! I'm glad someone finally did a video on this, because I've been telling people this for years to get a knife that u can get a secure grip on without your hand sliding down the handle on to the blade. Thank you sir for sharing a very sensable video.

[@4StonesHandcraft]

I like the looks of a lot of the “Japanese” style knives, or at least they have Japanese names ( : , but many have no hand protection of any kind, even though they are obviously made for defense. A few CRKT’s come to mind. Love the look, but they stay in the drawer. We get cut sometimes when we’re just fiddling with or sharpening knives. Imagine using a forward thrust with the force necessary to save your life. On a different note, I am a leathercrafter and I hate to make sheaths for knives with guards! So many more options if there is no guard in the way haha. If I get a new knife for myself with a guard, it stays in the kydex ( :

[@oldcop18]

I’ve never carried any kind of knife for defense so this was interesting. I’ve carried a folding pocket knife as a tool since I was 10 yrs old.

[@mrsliver45]

Facts!!! Great insight and advice. No guard on either fixed blade or folding knives is a non-starter. The Schrade SCHA9 provided the only lesson ever needed. Thanks 187/10 🙏

[@411Outdoors]

👍👍🙏

[@onionhead5780]

Great video. A guard is a must in for certain situations. Back in the 80’s everyone carried Buck 110’s on their belts in school. Someone sliced my brothers tire in high school and there was blood everywhere. We figured his hand must have slipped down the blade when whoever did it stabbed the 36” off-road tire sidewall. The next day a guy who my brother had fought a month prior had a bandaged up hand in school. Coincidence? My brother didn’t think so and gave him another tail whooping on top of that messed up hand. 😉

[@Celebmacil]

When I was active duty in the Army with the 101st Airborne (3/187th Infantry), the personal blade I first carried was a Gerber Mark 1, which was basically the same design as the Smith & Wesson HRT/Cold Steel Counter Tac you show. It was a great fighting knife, but a pretty terrible utility knife. Turns out, I needed a utility knife far more than I needed a fighting knife for general use, so it got replaced reasonably quickly by a Gerber Gator. The Gator was a far more practical utility knife, without losing TOO much capability as a fighting blade. Fast forward multiple years to nowadays, and I pretty much exclusively carry knives that are primarily folding utility blades, typically a Muela Navaja GL-10R, or a Boker Magnum Rescue. I do this with the understanding that there are inherent limitations in their application as a self-defense knife, and essentially must be always used in a reverse grip for such applications, but am willing to deal with that limitation in that particular niche application for the gained broad practicality of utility in my 99.999% case usage of my blades. So, I guess it might be said that I don't even carry a knife "for self defense" per se, but I'm unwilling to dedicate the additional weight and bulk of carrying a dedicated fixed fighting blade for a 0.001% application, or 'pay' for the limitations inherent in true fighting blades when used in the utility role. But my knives are always a second or third fallback for me in terms of self-defense in any case, so I don't think I'm really missing out much in terms of practical limitations to usage with my blade choices. But that's just my view, ymmv.

[@chiefslief1886]

These are high value advices! The truth must be told and shown, thanks! Great video as always ❤👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻 P.S. try skateboard tape on the handles when having no guard..aw hell on any knife that's meant to be used for real.

[@thormusique]

Love your videos, man! No BS, just presenting the facts. I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel. Cheers!

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend!🙂

[@maciejc2947]

I was thinking about this S&W for a long time now, I think I'm finally convinced, thanks !

[@411Outdoors]

Glad I could help!

[@20Hikecdt23]

I never thought of this but it sure makes sense. Thank you. I subscribed to learn more. The knife I just bought that now I’d never consider for self-defense is the Mira Garberg. I did not buy it for self-defense. But it’s the last knife I bought.

[@SpitSharp]

Use to work at a fish plant in my youth when the fresh cod would arrive we would gut them and another would take heads off and debone, I was really good and fast to cut cod tongues at 50 cents a pound and standing in fish cuts all day 😂 A buddy from a short distance pitched me a cod tongue too fast before I was ready so when I tried to catch it in the blink of an eye and forgot about the very sharp knife in my right hand, well in went in my left dead centre, the only thing that saved my knife from going through was my gloves were soaked and slippery from fish slime causing my right hand to react in more kindness and slide down the blade 😂 one needs a guard so you can take it back out if need be or make sure there’s a hole in handle to tie a rope to and pull hard , I’m living proof 😢If one wants to protect his goods in the house and shed just put Vaseline on the door knobs , one lady put it on the bedroom door knob so the kids couldn’t get in 😂

[@411Outdoors]

Great idea haha!

[@gammonsandwich1756]

I recently purchased a Cold Steel OSS. Now living in England there is no way I can carry the thing, so it's my bedside blade. I also bought it because it is a sleek beautiful looking thing to my eyes.

[@globyois]

Agreed. I have that very same Smith you showed, as well as a Gerber MK II. Both are combat (tactical) blades, the Smith is very good, the MKII is one of the BEST I’ve ever seen!

[@blueeyeddevil9441]

Great advice. A guard is one of the first things I look for on a combat knife. The blade is important, of course, but do not ignore the importance of the guard, grip handle, and sheath that you deploy the knife from. In my truck I keep a TOPS Operator 7 and a TOPS Sky Marshall Tanto. Both fixed blades that vary in size and ability to conceal. Both are chunky monkeys that deliver impact. It's also good to keep pepper spray and a strong flashlight so you can blind your adversary.

[@SonoraSlinger]

Hand protection and retention almost fot together. Be it a guard or a karambit ring. You need a way to keep the knife in hand, and keep the hand off the blade. Bare minimum requirements for defensive blade. And most other blades for that matter.

[@Tesfyre]

This was a really good point, def reconsidering a lot of my options now

[@411Outdoors]

I’ve got another video coming out on this subject this week it’s kind of a part two to this

[@SoberDon74]

Cold Steel's Drop Forged boot knife is the better alternative to the CRKT sting if you want full tang

[@ericc.7000]

First honest knife evalutaion I've ever seen. Well done sir!

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!

[@DibutilFtalat]

I have two Stings and you are right, forward grip is not easy, I had to exercise a lot to learn using it like that. Yet, those prpoved extremely useful when I needed to crawl up a tree and used Sting as a step - it holds my 220lbs with no issue, does not bend or give even slightly. I have got SW too, it is great overall and, probably is suitable for fighting, but I would never dare to use it as a ladder step.

[@sombra6153]

Great video and all points you make are valid. For me, my early 80s vintage Gerber Guardian comes to mind. I never had a bad experience with it, but it was pointed out to me that if hands were wet, they’d slide forward on that aluminum handle. I traded a knock-off of a Mark I for it straight up so it’s not like I’d be out any money to let it sit on the shelf, though. Maybe next up was my Colt Steel Tri Lire folder. It does at least have a thumb stud that sort of might function as a guard. I bought it because it was slim and I wanted something that was easier to carry. Don’t carry it anymore, however. Not a fan of filet of finger.

[@sisleymichael]

I have a Buck Pathfinder, 5" fixed blade. I had a boot repair man make me a leather horizontal sheath. He got it right. The blade will not fall out. It is not big and bulky. I live on a ranch, so it also serves as a work tool. Decent steel and keeps an edge OK.

[@aaronnoffsinger5922]

It is surprisingly difficult to retrieve a blade from live tissue so pulling is an important part the handles function as well.

[@mississippidrifter5960]

A cold steel wasp is one of the knives I would say not to buy. I bought one and gave it away. The kabar ek44 is a much better knife after you replace the sheath.

[@michaelschaffer9165]

Cold Steel's Spike series has decent hand protection and inexpensive too.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Very good information... I just got into knife making. And I'm finding some problems... I've made a couple very nice looking blades with exotic wooden scales and handles. But when I polish them so they look great... they're almost too slick to use . Especially if you're hands are wet ... it's hard to beat rubberized handles.

[@LastBastian]

Hobbyist knife maker here as well. Polished handles look really nice, but I don't like how they feel. I prefer a "grippier" finish. I've even taken a few purchased knives with polished handles, sanded them down and textured them. I haven't used any rubber material, but "Terotuf" material feels phenomenal. (It's not the fanciest looking though)

[@donscottvansandt4139]

@@LastBastian I'll have to try it... I've done one skinnier handle with nice wood and then wrapped it with paracoard and it worked good but colors didn't match. I want to find the balance between beauty and function. I know it's possible. And have used some like that.

[@LastBastian]

@@donscottvansandt4139 For comfort it's hard to beat. Has a cloth like look and feel, and actually gets slightly more grippy when wet. It's also non toxic to sand, unlike G10 or Micarta, etc...

[@donscottvansandt4139]

@@LastBastian nice! Gotta get me some.

[@Qwerty_Q101]

at my age, 53yo after military, just the kobun and the hide out from Cold Steel but I'm not a defensive guy anymore, so I prefer a good camping knife 😂...if you put in your mind the need of self defense you are opening the chances of a situation where you have to defend yourself against someone...really, a knife fight is extremely dangerous, is erratic and fast and brutal...perhaps, running away as fast as you can is the choice...nice video and thanks.

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you as well! Definitely wanna avoid a knife fight if all possible💯👍👍

[@Vintage-Bob]

I'd strongly disagree here. If you don't think about self defense (or self protection, the term I prefer), then you're irresponsible. Not thinking about and preparing for bad things does not prevent bad things from happening. Conversely, thinking about and preparing for bad things does not make them happen.

[@shortyxmoshpigx5488]

scythe grip with a thumb cap grip. i prefer point down, edge in grip. this makes the handguard question irrelevant, and makes lock strength in a folder less important.

[@michaelangelo7511]

I like your vids and the way you deliver the information. Great job all the time. Old Marine 64-70 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my fried!🙂

[@Nunyadamnbusiness222]

Few people understand the nasty business that's involved in defending yourself with a knife. They're unfamiliar with just how much blood is involved and how slippery that blood can make a knife handle. Oftentimes police find stabbing assailants getting stitches at the same hospital their victim is in because their hand slid down the guardless blade. As for tactical folders that are what I definitely carry daily, flippers are great because they make a guard along the bottom of the blade that I think in most cases would stop your fingers from sliding down the blade. Great advice!🇺🇸

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks bro!

[@Highfiber123]

Smart! Good to see safety addresses safety so explicitly

[@joetamaccio9475]

Finally, somebody said it these knives are dangerous and I might have a couple laying around. I prefer I hand guard a double hand guard you are absolutely correct and thank you for saying it.

[@seagray5727]

Missing a pinky finger reduces your overall hand grip strength by 75%. Found this out the hard way. Guards are a must on blades in which any sort of thrusting could be utilized.

[@richardrocha702]

That Smith and Wesson HRT is what I carry in my boot...I'm happy that you approve. How do you feel about the KaBar made "Spartan Harsey Fighter"...? The Buck Tops Nighthawk 650 and the 655..?

[@johnruiz6743]

Good advice! Any knife I would consider for a defensive situation would have a good guard on it. Most EDC knives would not be ideal for self defense. Fixed blades are superior in this regard. One can make do with anything, but using the right tool for the right job comes to mind...🤔

[@wellingtonblackwell3118]

As a Cold Steel fan, I make sure that I buy a knife with some sort of guard for protection. Whether it is a fixed blade, food prep, machete, or even a folder, knowing that your hand won't slip brings peace of mind when doing a task. Thank you for this informative video! This needed to be said!

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the video. I believe that many knives are made for comfort of carry more than self-defense. Most knives are never going to be used in self-defense, so optimizing the knife for self-defense becomes less of a factor in design of many knives. I think that's particularly true for the CRKT Sting. While the double-edged, dagger design makes this knife look like some kind of self-defense knife, I suspect that this knife has been used in very few fights. This knife seems to be a lightweight utility knife that can be carried easily without snagging on things. Putting a guard on this knife to optimize the fighting qualities of the knife would add quite a bit of bulk and a little bit of weight. A knife that currently doesn't have any protruding parts to dig into the skin would suddenly have protruding parts. I don't think most people using this knife would like the look or feel of this knife with the changes that you would recommend to optimize this knife for fighting. I agree with you that someone who wants to carry a knife for self-defense needs to consider whether there is positive protection to keep the hand from slipping forward and being cut on the blade. That factor is important even for some utilitarian uses. On the other hand, many knives can do everything that they ever need to do without that design feature. Companies design knives without that protection because they know that most users aren't planning to use their knives in self-defense. You mentioned that many places ban double-edged knives. While knives with a guard may not be specifically banned, an ambitious prosecutor might try to claim that carrying a knife with that guard to allow heavy thrusting into a person is evidence of intent to get into a knife fight. On the other hand, stabbing someone with a pocket knife that had secure grip but not guard couldn't be spun the same way. Much also depends on fighting style. One of the most famous fighting knives of all time is the Ghurka kukri. These knives have no protection to keep the hand from sliding forward, but the whole fighting style for these knives is based on slashing and chopping. One could thrust a little bit, and the odd angle of the blade might redirect the force and prevent one's hand from sliding onto the blade. However, the fighting style is not based on thrusting.

[@PanTheMan000]

have you heard of the series of books, 100 Deadly Skills, by retired Navy Seal Clint Emerson? I believe they would make for a great video/videos, and to see your opinion on them.

[@Scott-ye4qh]

That's good advice for us and information that can benefit the companies in the future.

[@surfinglad118]

I really like my SOG Seal Pup in terms of fit, feel and usability. Single sided blade so carry should be easier to deal with, but I’m about to test out the Benchmade Adamas fixed, standard and mini folders this week so stoked to Try them out. Very helpful video

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!

[@Apex_grind562]

Real talk!!! Benchmade fact . Not safe brother. Great content.

[@lckgilmo43]

You don't want to be in a knife fight. One man goes to the hospital. The other man goes to a morgue. Carry a pistol and be proficient using it. I carry a large Cold Steel Ti-Lite.

[@qparxiii]

I just subbed because of the martial arts practicality content. I would prefer a blunt force weapon like a slap jack or even a kukri or cleaver design but if you were in very confined spaces like on the floor being mauled or etc, the gentleman of this channel is the one evidently giving you far better options and advice

[@edbrown6985]

I agree with you.i carry an srk.theres just as many crappy knives as there are good ones,and most people I know buy cheap ones.all it took was a USMC kbars tip to break on me and I stopped buying knives that just aren't up to the job.i just buy cold steel I use fixed blades,they are so much more reliable and dont break or bend.

[@Omega34685]

New subscriber- thanks for the great advice.

[@avatarion]

My CRKT HZ6 also lacks a guard, but the handle on this is so grippy it's almost painful. I would absolutely trust my life on it.

[@thaistomp]

That thing is a Japanese beast for sure. I love the James Williams blades.

[@josueclarke5765]

Ty bro this is excellent information you neva know when life will throw a situation like this at you and you’re not prepared

[@carnivorecaveman]

I don't have a single knife only and specifically for self-defense. On the other hand, I have an APO-1S type survival knife ("Survival Lilly" design, made of austenitic steel), I am very satisfied with it, this knife is good for almost everything that can happen in bushcraft and in the hobby of "survival in extreme conditions". And when it comes to self-defense, I deeply believe that it would be an excellent tool there as well, although I have not yet had a case where I had to use it for this. But I'm sure it's big enough and robust enough to have enough deterrent power, because it just looks scary enough. The weight is 432 gramm, the length of the blade is 14.5 cm, full tang, the total length is 27.5 cm, the blade thickness is 4.7 mm. It has finger-guard, of course, although on the bottom only, not on the top. Very, very robust, a real monster! I don't think it needs to be better than that. Those who are not deterred by this will not be deterred by all kinds of daggers and double-edged knives. On the same time however, as it was told above, I can use this for any other purpose as well, not only for self-defense.

[@brianderr4336]

Vids like this are why I’m subscribed!

[@christianschellbruck9788]

The Knifes with a large Handguard are larger in general. So maybe you do not carry it every single day. In 99.9% you propably never need your every day carry knife in a fight. If you are uncomfortable with it, you may have days you do not have it with you. So the best knife is the one you have with you. Also: Equipt with a knife you dont have to stab someone with large force to do much damage. Are the Knifes with large Handguards better in a combat situation? Yes! But the other knifes are totally fine for most Kind of Self defense. You could also argue a Machete is better than your knife... Always carry a machete or a sword with you... Thats nonsense. And the human body (even if you hit a bone) is not as hard as wood or a wall. A minor little cut with small force can be devastating.

[@Tusk2001]

Education in how to use something is fundamental in safety and useage

[@MrSteveC]

Good point, I’m a knife guy I have more than a few knives you could use to kill a rhino but most people are killed by cheap kitchen or gas station knives.

[@billythekidd623]

i have butcher and kitchen knives for slicing and daggers for well poking things only and a axe or hawk for battoning or splitting wood

[@Mr.Andrich]

That is about as honest and logical as it gets folks.

[@ArturBednarek.official]

I as well do prefer guards. But also I understand that some people avoid them, especially in dmall knives, because of the risk of snagging the guard through clothes and fabric. The hole in the sting one is designed for Your thumb, so the blade sits well, without the risk of cutting Youself, but that greatly diminishes it's clinch knife abilities. In my opinion, kraton guards and handles are in between, giving You both of the advantages. I've recently posted a short video about that with Marauder's bowie.

[@scottnovak8903]

Suggestion survival equipment I use and swear on Smith's diamond coat sharpener with great case and lid convertible to extension handle. Fast sharpening. Work's giving razor edge.

[@EricMiller]

you make extremely good points. The knife I cannot truly understand is the karambit. It seems like the design limits the use

[@Jakoshdw]

I luckily live in a fairly tame area within a 10 min drive of my house. So I've been lucky for 45+ years with judicious use of awareness and avoiding any sketchy situations. I'm admittedly not a martial artist or self defense guru. Personally not going to attempt to fight anyone with a knife unless I had training for it... and even then it would be a last resort. I've basically been told by a number of people who are knowledgeable on the subject that there are no "winners" in a knife fight. This is what I've heard from friends with backgrounds in military and medical fields. Someone hyped up on adrenaline and drugs isn't going to care you have a knife unless you have the training to hit them with what amounts to a kill shot...which is still damn difficult from what I've heard. That said... I've felt the majority of most knives that "claim" to be self defense weapons are just trying to sell more product. Many of them have no traction on the handle, no finger guard, or both. Glad to see vids like this at least warning people away from bad products.

[@robertfleming387]

Lol...In 63 yrs I've had many and learned much, (after 9 yrs USMC) I still have some knives that have very limited use...(like the CRKT dagger) most of my knives are geared toward everyday outdoor use , camping hunting, fishing, bushcrafting...but my self defense knives have boiled down to a small group...ty this vid...💯

[@ArizonaTengu]

I’ve pretty much moved away from modern knives, because they are at best multi purpose tools. Meaning, combat is an additional feature of the knife design instead of the focus. The most dangerous knife I carried was a dirk that had only a hole drilled through it for retention. That’s something I can make myself honestly. I think the TOPS Ranger dagger was a decent modern compromise, and definitely one of the best balanced knives for the money. But I’ve moved over to Bowie knives instead. Most bowie knives don’t look menacing, they come in various useful sizes, and the actual fighting designs from historical examples are very effective.

[@robertpeacock1635]

Those are the kind of knives I would use in a no-spin throw to disable or distract an attacker while bringing main knife into play. Like in a gunfight, using your pistol until you get to your rifle. Like the video, now a subscriber.

[@411Outdoors]

Awesome my friend 🙂

[@MultiOhioman]

Glad you mentioned legality of double edge. But I train with my puka style knife against my palm and pinky. I’ve stabbed stuff with heavy resistance. Obviously there is still a risk, but as with firearms and multiple participants one has to practice properly so you do not flag or reduce flagging your team mates. Nice good points.

[@westonknight7474]

As a Kali and Silat guy, knives are absolutely worth their weight in gold, as are tomahawks, (they really are a physical exclamation point to techniques that you already have), but you've made a wonderful point in saying that it really does behoove one to know the laws of the state that they reside in. The legal system is truly a world unto itself, and once you're in it, I'm sure that you would want to be anywhere else than in that system. For instance, I love my Cold Steel Tai Pan, but I've yet to carry it, although I train with it often. I think that I will stop here, or I'll go further down the rabbit hole 🕳. This was a wonderful video sir, please take care and be well. 🤔

[@411Outdoors]

Thank you!

[@James-ke5sx]

I have two security knives. A cold steel Recon tanto and a condor plan A.

[@Morgan_Blackhand]

I've been carrying around a Buck 119 on my belt for the past year. It has a decent hand guard on it, and I keep it razor sharp. All I need is a better sheath and some grip tape. But even then I feel confident I can use it to protect myself if it came down to it. I hope I never have to, though. Until then, I've used it from everything to cutting wires, rope, meal prep, etc. It's a handy knife. 👌

[@davidshechtman4746]

Al Mar SERE. Benchmade Spike. Koncept Back Alley Fighter. Blackjack Wasp. Camillus Cuda. Emerson CQC...I could go on

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

Swiss army knife. Cousin got it for me. Buuut, it's basically impossible to use that normal grip or the blade would fold down, or no your hand would slide forward. I'd say just skip any foldable knives, it might have a good mechanism and lock but you never know what's gonna happen in an emergency. Karambits are kinda limited to reverse grip as well but, they're meant to be used with a certain martial art so those can still be used. Plus they're awesome for opening packages and picking fruits. So it's not really a problem about limitation but rather being forced to use something one way that it's not exactly specialized for.

[@BoneTactical]

Man! You don’t have to carry a 100+ year old design to have a knife that’s effective with a secure grip! I’ve designed and am producing several models of the worlds most effective edged weapons that no longer need a cross guard due to superior design, better materials, and manufacturing skill. Whether one can catch one while they’re still in stock or afford one is another story haha. Welcome to the modern era of blades!

[@411Outdoors]

If the grip is right, that’s the main thing but so many of these on the market are lacking those qualities. Would love to see some of your designs.

[@Christopher33312]

Great advice... Thanks! 😁

[@zdravkostankov255]

Yooo, bro nice video! I will glad to hear your opinion about karambits and self defense with them

[@411Outdoors]

💯🙂👍👍

[@KompletterGeist]

Honestly, a knife is the wrong tool for self defense to begin with...doesnt immidiately stop the attacker (therefore they are still a threat to you) and if they happen to be unarmed and die from your "self defense" stabbing, you now have a malice murder charge on your hands

[@411Outdoors]

Knives are tricky. In my training system I focus on Shock zones. Definitely a lot of trouble if unarmed for sure!

[@Joe-pw7ky]

CRKT Obake is the mistake I bought lol . I liked the look and it was cheap in price but for self defense , you would probably seriously injure your hand trying to defend yourself. Seems like CRKT has quite a few hard to hold on to models. Great and informative video👍🏻 look into TKell when you get a chance. I really think his blades and carry sheaths are your style👍🏻

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks brother

[@TruckerJDub]

I see Microtech ultratech and Benchmade Infidels promoted as fighting knives but I have the same feeling about the grip. I own both because they where "grail" knives for me but I'd be hesitant about fighting with them.

[@Tipi_Dan]

I like some CRKT products very much, and own three, two tomahawks (one smaller with a hammer pall and one based on an ancient design) and their "Ritual" folding knife. I tuned in to see if you didn't like the Ritual. It's similar to the Cold Steel Scimitar, but slimmer. Might not appeal to everybody.

[@Spetulhu]

Long ago I bought a Böker Quick-Flip knife because it looks cool. It's got a clip on the handle so you can put it somewhere easily reached and it does flip open with one hand. The blade is very very sharp and the construction is solid, but hand protection? A few grooves on both sides of the metal handle which won't do anything at all if your hands are a bit sweaty from, say, being in a scary situation. As you might guess I got bit by it, luckily just while fooling around. Clean straight slice to my palm, maybe 1,5 inches long. Just flex the hand a bit and the scar is clearly visible to this day. Yeah, that's not one I'm going to carry around. It looks better in my collection.

[@i-am-cylon-man]

Good hand protection and cheap as hell to make sure that if you have to get rid of it fast you don't want to say goodbye to a $50 Knife. In my opinion the best self defence knife is one that has no shine to it, small enough to easily conceal and easy to get rid of in a hurry.

[@ChaLy-r4d]

My father's bible was kepharts book. He was a buschcrafter before they coined the term. When I was a kid i bought a Cold Steel tanto. He took one look at it and in his mind it became "his". Took it in camping trips, if i wanted to use it i had to get it out of his backpack 😂. Finally i asked him why he loved 😍 it so much? He answered right away. The blade shape is "perfect". Perfect for scraping the frying pan 🍳, getting under the bacon 🥓 and eggs like a spatula. He never gave that knife up, years and years that was his ideal camping knife.

[@michaelschaffer9165]

I have a CRKT Obake that I've carried for years and I had never thought about the danger that you describe. Think I need to retire it.

[@411Outdoors]

It’s such a cool knife but it’s limited to ice pick grip with a thumb brace

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Knives,knives,knives so many knives,as a minimalist SAK in the pocket EDC,Mora Companion for short trail hikes or camp jobs or just play around making Bow and Arrows…Hatchet with built in saw is very useful (Workpro) but there’s always Buck 110… Peace ❤

[@DickGozinya-zl2bd]

Good point that I've thought about myself. My EDC is the "Phrike" from Spartan Blades. It has good jimping on the back & a recessed cut for the index finger but, once the handle gets bloody, I don't think those features are enough to keep my fingers from sliding down the blade. I figure that after the second or third stab, I'll switch to a slashing attack. This will probably work against a single opponent but, against a mob a better designed blade is in order.

[@Jesters-Jinx]

Great video, I honestly never thought about that. Its not like we are living in the middle ages where they learned the had way haha. But you are 100% right, that should be a concern.

[@946towguy2]

Malco DK6S 6" duct knife. It does what it needs to do and if it is mixed in with tools, is just another 'work tool'. This is my go-to diving knife.

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Thanks for the videos. Appreciated. My question: I am an older retired man on SS, so not exactly a 1% er lol. What knife would you suggest for me to buy, in the 75-100 dollar range? Belt held sheath knife, in the 5 inch blade range. Most importantly to me is good hard, durable steel. I like the looks of the Buck 119, but get mixed reviews, and am not sure where to get the right, US steel model. Any help would be much appreciated.

[@411Outdoors]

You’re right on track my friend I would either say the book 119 or the Gerber Strongarm. The Gerber Strongarm is probably my favorite knife in the world

[@nathanlambshead4778]

Thank you sir (I take it you meant 'Buck' right?) @@411Outdoors

[@nathanlambshead4778]

PS I see either one at a wide range of price. $35 to $100+ I take it 75 and over will be a better knife? and do you know the reason for the difference? @@411Outdoors

[@garyhost1830]

Had do defend myself against 3 attackers with weapons and ended up stabbing all 3 but then snapped the knife and got flogged, that knife definitely saved my life. Here are some lessons i learnt along the way Pro tips: 1) your never going to use it like a dagger like this dude said unless your standing over them to begin with or your the attacker, reason : your exposing your body to attack and it is less forceful then you expect on an upright and hard to do while people are moving 2) folding knives arent worth sheet, i snapped a rat tail tang clean off . Full tang is the only thing to trust, i may trust a cold steel triad lock but in genral full tang for when your life matters 3) make sure the blade isnt huge, 3 inches is perfect. Also great for countries outside america with normal knive and gun laws. The stabs will go in much easier as your force point is directle (3inches) away from impact point. It it much less likley to hit vitals unless you want it to, as well as wayyy easier to explain to cops or in court. Also knowing you have a smaller blade allows you to go ham on them without being fearful of having some guy die on your living room floor. 4) instead of having expensive folders have many cheap full tangs with a good edge in various spots around the car and house, have dedicated defense knives and dont rely on your trusty pocket knife to defend yourself. That being said also dont use the knife you plan on stabbing someone with to cut chord and wierd bushcraft sheet. 5) when it comes time dont hesitate at all, when i knew it was a home invasion i went outside and that was enough to make them stop and hesitate and yell something(pointing something at me) that was when i thought i would stab him. FIRST before he could do anything to me DONT HESITATE, this isnt a tea party we know the outcome if you dont. 6) small knives are so effective in hand to hand combat, you can still hold your hands like fists and fight/defend and stab when you can. Big rambo knives are so big people try to slash with it, when you two are close as hitting each other a big slash isnt as effective and is inefficient compared to pulling them in closer and stabbing them. If someone is trying to come to punch you they are closing ground already while bigger slashing blade requires distance. You want to be able to engage rather than retreat to maintain distance. 8) I was worried about my hand sliding down the blade as I think we all have had nightmares about. Dont be scared it wont happen. When it comes time instincts kick in and your holding the thing that tight nothing will happen. The handle was wooden on my knife, i hit ribs and everything. Everything will be fine but another reason I guess that a small blade trumps a big one is less resistance and more of the actual blade penetration so less to slip on. 9) learn how to defend yourself. A weapon is only as good as the person using it. I dont mean learn how to shoot or knife skills, i mean learn how to defend yourself. Ive done muai thai and that was as helpful as the weapon itself. Not freaking out and thinking clearly while being attacked is unbelievably useful. Also engaging them before they engaged me i definitely put down to muai thai, no wepaon will give you the feeling of security and confidence that knowing how to defend yourself gives you Dont mean to sound like a want to be hero but i wish i had read some advice like this before the incident. I only saw you tube bug out heros promote survival knives. I had a semi tang 7 in double sided dagger. I only stabed into them a few inches because of the severity of the knife and it snapped partly due due semi tang but also the blade length .....3-5 inch full tang depending on severity you wish to inflict and for price and strenght i reccommend cold steel. Id trust my life to it, sorry about spelling and grammer. Writing on a phone

[@michaelschaffer9165]

I carried a CRKT Obake for years. I like a fixed blade on my weak side. This video reminded me of a weakness of this knife. I gave that knife away. I have a Spyderco Street Beat now. Much better blade.

[@travisd1058]

I would love to know what you think about crkt Clever Girl and crkt Du Hoc? They are 2 of my favorites in my collection. Next to my Ka-bar lol

[@tommysaulter9171]

My EDC knife is a Gen. 2 Buck/Topp’s Nighthawk…!!! At 1/4” blade thickness, it is virtually indestructible. The USN SEALs almost chose this (Gen. 1) as the their official issue knife in the late 80s…

[@rain8767]

Over the years I have carried knives, the most important factor for me when choosing a self defense knife is the sheath. I bough a cool knife once, the knife was great but the sheath was garbage, the only way your gonna carry it is if it sticks out like a sore thumb. I finally settled with a 2 inch blade with a finger ring (not a karambit), it disappears on my clothing and deploys out the sheath cleanly, and for two years I have never looked for another knife.

[@chewyiceman]

I’ve been considering the cold steel sr1 lite for edc, but am also wondering how well it would do in self defense? Any thoughts are welcome.

[@411Outdoors]

It’s a VERY strong folder tested and approved 👍

[@liquiddw2]

Crkt has a design by James Williams who is very well respected. That design is called the hz6 I think. I don't like it because its a tanto with no guard. The grip is very aggressive but in my experience when you have a blade with a very aggressive handle like that you leave yourself open to training scars. I challenge someone to stab into something with some type of resistance. That super sharp edged g10 is going to bite you and you'll develop an aversion to it. Design should not dictate use. Use should dictate design. What good is a fighting knife that I can only use gloved and in reverse grip? It's good to see someone else who actually trains share the same opinion.

[@411Outdoors]

Thanks my friend and very well said!

[@adrianfytr35]

Jeez you sound like a pussy. Get some fuckin man hands for gods sake.

[@bronsontolliver9027]

HRT is the best for your buck. Ended up buying a Kydex sheath because the leather it came with kinda sucks.

[@RiceVillatoro]

Honestly, self defence knives don't have to cost an arm and a leg. I recently purchased a Schrade sch44ls Needle knife which is a Gerber mkII closne but with a rubber handle, that thing is wicked pointy and I sharpened it to an evil scary edge. I bought that thing to mess around with and it's actually kinda fun to hold and practice a few tricks on it but let's face it, it only has one purpose. The Cold Steel Drop Forged Wasp is definitely way better and one solid piece but in reality, I need a knife for multiple use aside from just self-defence. I think that the Cold Steel Recon Tanto or the SRK are by far the best, affordable choices out there. I personally carry my Kabar, just pulling it out looks intimidating and can act as a deterrent and the edge retention on it is great that I can use it and still maintain a sharp edge in case things go sideways on my way home at night. That said, nobody walks away from a knife fight without getting cut, it just isn't going to happen. I would do it prison style, keep some old, magazines and some duct tape in the car in case fools want to act up. you roll them things on your arm, and duct tape 'em quick, get out the car and say 'let's dance mothereffers! It doesn't provide complete protection but at least enough to keep your knife wedding arms safe.

[@Sarge2112]

I'm such a believer in fingerguards that I fabricated fingerguards for all my old hickory knives what a difference they also look cool with them on

[@brandon_crow1291]

Aaaand this topic is one of the reasons I don't like OTFs as a self defense or "tactical" (cringy over used term) blade. Not a single one of them has ANY type of a guard what so ever. Also lets be honest, they aren't really any faster to deploy than an assisted or a knife oj berrings with a solid action. I will always say that if you're gonna carry a folder (either for concealment or legality) for self defense 1 make sure it has a guard and 2 get something with a wave type of opening system. You get good with and used to that system and it's just as fast (if not faster) as/than a fixed blade with the added benefit of you having a knife not being known until it's too late for them to really do anything about it. I'd even say get something with a karambit ring. Maybe not a hawkbill cause that kinda needs more training to use effectively and is a pain to sharpen but more of a straight bladed design like the Dart or talon designed by Doug.