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.
“. This is NE FLorida!”
The whole south has been hit hard.
azamattafac, the whole world has been hit hard. Beijing 51 year lows God is having a bit of fun with Algore ;-)
Dang! It’s 25 at my place and the sun’s not even up all the way.
The Vaquero is a great knife (I’m a fan of Cold Steel products as well), the double curve delivers excellent cutting power. It is more similar to the “Yatagan” sword from Turkey (a baynoet version of which was issued during the Civil War - a family member picked one up off the Gettysburg battle field after the 3rd day). The Yatagan was mentioned in Richard Burton’s book on swords, and I’m sure Lynn Thompson has read that.
Ping to this picture!
My son put me onto Kershaw knives. I have 2 Ken Onion designs. Both have Swedish steel blades and are scary sharp.
Reasonable price. I’ve given several as gifts.
Best of all, Made in USA.
This one has assist open, both frame locks.
http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Tanto_Blur_Serrated_Knife_p/k1670tblkst.htm
http://www.thekershawstore.com/Kershaw_Storm_II_Folder_Serrated_Knife_p/k1475st.htm
Ohhhhhh I like!
WOW! Want one!
Looks like Root Beer chert more than obsidian, though.
Buck stopped making them a few years ago. I have one I bought around 1999.
“I guess you’ll just have to do with putting .45 caliber holes in the bad guys “
Well, phone booth combat was neve my style anyway.
thx...
When that Sebenza locks open, you know you’ve got something good. My wife sent it back to him year before last and got it signed by him as a Christmas present.
Side note: we always called mine the Titanium Witch, because the blade was just barely long enough so that it would give you good nip even when closed if you didn’t handle her with respect. Chris took it down just that one millimeter to make it more friendly.
I’d love to find a blade like that. BTW, it was 9F at the top of Hart Hill yesterday AM.
My pipes have been frozen for two days. I have a (very small, 2000 gal.) cistern system I share with my neighbor,
he’s been out for three days.
Out here in Trails End, due to septic/well placement LCRA laws, some of us have no choice but cisterns.
Can I come take a shower at your house? :)
Thanks I’ll check them out.
I didn't know that, and that is a problem when it freezes. That used to happen on the farm too. I'd say yes to you showering at my house, but the wife may not approve..
Yesterday on the way to work all the high-tumble water fountains I drive by were frozen. Very pretty. I should go check my waterfall at the creek, but it’s just too cold to open the damned door if I don’t have to.
I’ve long been a proponent of both Cold Steel products and their president Lynn Thompson’s training techniques.
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