What is the best self-defense fixed-blade knife for me with less than 3" blade?

[Sha]

As I've posted elsewhere, I'm moving to law-heavy Washington, DC. I can't carry a gun daily, so I would like to carry a fixed-blade knife for my daily walkabouts. My first choice is the ESEE-3, but from googling it looks like they're pretty strict on the 3" blade limitation in the aftermath of any defense incident and there is a lot of internal debate about what constitutes blade length; therefore, the ESEE-3 could be judged as a 3 3/8" or 3 7/8" blade.

I prefer fixed-blade, as I stated, and I also prefer plain edge. Under $100 would be ideal. Here are a couple I've considered:

Boker Plus Bobbi
Tops Felony Stop
Tops Tom Brown Scout

I'm open to suggestions, though I'd prefer to not revisit all the reasons why I shouldn't move to DC.

 

[BuddieReigns]

As I've posted elsewhere, I'm moving to law-heavy Washington, DC. I can't carry a gun daily, so I would like to carry a fixed-blade knife for my daily walkabouts. My first choice is the ESEE-3, but from googling it looks like they're pretty strict on the 3" blade limitation in the aftermath of any defense incident and there is a lot of internal debate about what constitutes blade length; therefore, the ESEE-3 could be judged as a 3 3/8" or 3 7/8" blade.

I prefer fixed-blade, as I stated, and I also prefer plain edge. Under $100 would be ideal. Here are a couple I've considered:

Boker Plus Bobbi
Tops Felony Stop
Tops Tom Brown Scout

I'm open to suggestions, though I'd prefer to not revisit all the reasons why I shouldn't move to DC.

Based on the pics of them only, I would like to say the felony stop, but the description of it says the blade is 3 1/2.

 

[shootersix]

ESEE Knives - Randall's Adventure and Training

with a blade lenght of 2.75 inches and a price around 80.00, thats what i'd do, and if you get stopped, or have to use it, it's kinda obvious that its less than 3 inches, so dc's finest wont hassle you, they are razor sharp, have a lifetime warranty

 

[M67]

I have a Hinderer TDI and it's a fierce little thing, stupid sharp, great ergos, and slender.

Kabar makes the Hinderance which is a close copy and a lot easy to get than a real TDI.

Blade length is 3 9/16" though, but I'm sure Kabar will either make a smaller one, or you could get it ground down a touch.

They do make a couple under 3", but no warhncliffs though (that I know of)

 

[rockhopper46038]

It's really a pure self-defense knife, so it may not fit the bill if you want an everyday use knife as well, but the Spartan CQB Tool is an almost ideal "get off me" knife.

 

[freekforge]

Dont over think it. I defended myself with a mora knife an came out alive you dont need a fancy knife (unless you just want a fancy knife because it fancy) all you need is something to slash and stab with. And remember that stab wounds usually dont kill but slashes will F your day up.

 

[EricG]

Look at Northwood Knives

 

[Gabriel]

Dont over think it. I defended myself with a mora knife an came out alive you dont need a fancy knife (unless you just want a fancy knife because it fancy) all you need is something to slash and stab with. And remember that stab wounds usually dont kill but slashes will F your day up.

This is true. Other than one person (that I can recall right now), eveyone I've seen who was stabbed was stabbed with a cheap steak knife... they work. You don't need something fancy, but fancy is nice.

 

[Sha]

Based on the pics of them only, I would like to say the felony stop, but the description of it says the blade is 3 1/2.

Good catch! I missed that.

 

[Sha]

ESEE Knives - Randall's Adventure and Training

with a blade lenght of 2.75 inches and a price around 80.00, thats what i'd do, and if you get stopped, or have to use it, it's kinda obvious that its less than 3 inches, so dc's finest womt hassle you, they are razor sharp, have a lifetime warranty

I'd forgotten about the Izula. Good one to consider. I love ESEE knives.

 

[Sha]

It's really a pure self-defense knife, so it may not fit the bill if you want an everyday use knife as well, but the Spartan CQB Tool is an almost ideal "get off me" knife.

Daggers will be illegal also, so unfortunately this is out.

 

[rockhopper46038]

Och. That's a shame.

Have you considered a non edged weapon? I suspect D.C. frowns upon an extendable baton, but even some young returning vets wouldn't look out of place with a stout cane, and I think the ADA prevents that from being outlawed anywhere.

 

[Sha]

I've thought about a tactical pen as being the main alternative to a knife, but right now the Izula II in Desert Tan is leading the pack.

 

[M67]

Spyderco Swick 3 possibly

I love those little things

 

[sj kahr k40]

Unbreakable umbrella is another option

Real Self-Defense | The Unbreakable® Umbrella

 

[RAMBOCAT]

ESEE IZULA and no other. Ask the Knife Lady..........

 

[sopwith21]

I strongly recommend a full 3" fixed blade such as the Tom Brown you've already selected.

Length is important because it dictates distance. Use everything you're allowed to use.

Full tang fixed blade is important because it reduces A) deployment time, B) fine motor skills necessary to the use of folders, and C) likelihood of lock failure under stress.

Grip is vital because your life depends on it. Your Tom Brown selection appears to have excellent grip. Other knives that I can highly recommend from personal experience include the Ka-Bar TDI fixed blade (2.4 inch length) and the SOG Trident Mini, which at 3.15" may not be optional for you but remains an excellent knife. Both have extreme grip, good blades and fall within your price range.

I strongly recommend martial training in the use of knives as well. There are many excellent arts, but after 9 years of studying blade defense I believe Silat knife techniques to be the most reality-based and practical. After mastering the Silat system, you will be competent, confident and far more capable (forgive me if you're already done so - just making suggestions).

James LaFond's THE LOGIC OF STEEL is IMO the best real-life look at the nastiness of defending yourself with a knife. It is ugly - VERY ugly - but needs to be read by anyone who plans on defending themselves with a blade.

Hope that's helpful.

 

[sopwith21]

If you need recommendations on video/distance learning sources for knife training, let me know. Some of them I can comment on and make suggestions. There are a few to steer away from as well. FWIW, the most important considerations in carrying a knife for self defense are (IMHO):

1) Deployment time (repeat slowly a thousand times)
2) Situational awareness (which directly effects deployment time and advance warning)
3) Positive grip to the utmost extreme
4) Aggressive, merciless killer mentality
5) Luck
6) Training, current with endless repetition into infinity

A flashlight of 1000 lumens or greater is also highly recommended, allowing you to blind your opponent while attacking him at the same time. The effectiveness of a high power flashlight cannot be overstated. Try staring - even for a second - into a 1000 lumen flashlight at night and you'll see what I mean.

In anti-freedom areas like DC, a high power flashlight, a superb blade and good training can be a very serious detriment to bad guys.

Good luck!

 

[Sha]

Spyderco Swick 3 possibly

I love those little things

That's a good looking little knife.

 

[Sha]

Unbreakable umbrella is another option

Real Self-Defense | The Unbreakable® Umbrella

This is cool. I've never seen these before.