I need help!! What knife to get?

[Bravo]

I like Emerson and Benchmade more.

That doesn't answer my question.

[Trance]

Nothing dissqualifies it to me. Just trying to narow my options. The thumb circle to open it doesnt seem as easy for me to open as the disc on the emerson.

[DJNinja]

Back in September, I got the 5.11 Prefense Courser 2.5 that Bravo recommended. It is solid, well-built, and quick to open with 2 hands. But personally, it felt more like a boxcutter in my hand than a knife, so in March, I upgraded to the larger 3.5 knife.

Very happy with it! It's my EDC self-defense blade now, along with a swiss army knife for smaller cutting tasks

courserknives_RESIZE.JPG

But like Bravo & Ice said, your training is more important than the actual blade. Having a knife is good to have, but when you start training with it, you start realising what you can really do with it. Just started learning Sayoc Kali from Bravo, and it's made me realised how much more I need to learn about using a knife for protection

[DJNinja]

Also, like Ice said, check your local laws on what is permissible to carry. The only reason I haven't gotten the RAT is because in my jurisdiction, it is illegal to conceal carry it

knifeup.com is a good place to check on what you can own & carry in your state

[Bravo]

Ultimately. All folders kinda suck for SD

Some just suck less.

The Headhunter RAT is best. But fixed.

Blades I carry now for SD when limited by law

Spyderco delica
511 courser
Karambit 5.11 model is one Id now buy


Or my Strider SnG

Discs are drilled into knives making weak point. Don't like

Studs are OK

Holes are best IMO

Like folders where I can also buy a trainer (like delica)

And only liner lock I'd trust, is one with a finger groove safety build in. Like SnG and Courser models.

[Trance]

Very valuable advice. I am considering spyderco now... I will update you guys to what I end up getting.

Thank you DJ and Bravo for sharing your expertise.

[Trance]

Bravo,
I have been reading about florida knife laws, and they are very unclear. I know a fixed blade is a lot better, and so I am considering the RAT, but I cannot wrap my head on whether its legal or not.

I know that you can carry any concealed blade under 4 inch. But the RAT would be unconcealed. Does that make it illegal? And if it is legal, does that mean I can take it to less places since it is not concealed?? (Compared to a tactical folding)

There are quite some advantages to getting a fixed knife. Are there any disadvantages in your experiences? Did you have any problems going places with your knife sheath showing? (Assuming it is legal)

I checked with my school, and they wont allow neither concealed nor open carry. So the knife i am getting would be for outside of school.

Appreciate the help.

[Trance]

I went to a police station to ask about the laws for an open carry.

In florida you can open carry almost anything, whether its a fixed blade knife or a sword. You can only be stopped with the open carry if malicious or violent intent is shown (that part of it is open to interpretation.)

So I can get the RAT, or any fixed blade, and carry it openly in a sheath.

If I decide to conceal a knife though, the laws become more strict.

Also, wherever I am not allowed to take my concealed knife, I should not take my open carry knife to (the officer told me that the laws about that are not clear, but I should do this to be on the safe side.)

[Trance]

Called another police station just to make sure. The seargant gave me the same facts. And he made it very clear that police officers do NOT like to see that (open carry of a fixed blade). It is legal though.

[Trance]

Trying to find some Sayoc Kali to fit into my schedule to cross train (as you advised.)

There is literally no Sayoc Kali in all of Florida..

https://sayoc.com/official-instructor-list/

Found your name there though, Bravo