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.
I do. Sign me up.
Do you talk alot about weapons? If so, yes.
Discontinued?
Very cool knife though!
I talk a lot about weapons and self defense..sign me up as well if you don’t care
The fairly heavy blade has plenty of momentum and locks open easily one handed.
This leaves the blade semi-concealed, edge forward, and ready for a very surprising slashing attack at it's full 8" extension from my hand.
Of course, it's just been practice.
Usually we just ping CW2 threads. But we’ll put you on it.
Thanks!
Anything that helps defend people from Goblins is good work my friend. Keep it up..I eat that stuff up.
Yeah, me too!
Since most of the time I just carry a Walther P-99 or a S&W model 642 snubby I usually carry a Spyderco Michael Janich Yojimbo folder.
It’s discontinued, but that thing will tear up the bad guy..
Vaquero Grande
Google it for knives still available. (New)
I carry one of these:
http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=433&brand=kershaw
or one of these:
http://www.coldsteel.com/cabekn.html
...not really happy with either one. I prefer a fixed blade. the canadian belt knife is about perfect in size and shape, but I’m not happy with the quality. The kershaw is very good steel. but I don’t like the handle or the folding aspect.
got one of these too, but I think it’s too heavy and bulky to carry:
http://www.bestglide.com/AF_Survival_Knife_Info.html
So what’s the pistol of choice for CCW in warm Florida weather these days?
Very nice. Thanks for posting.
life BUMP!
Warm weather in FL? What’s that?
Ask me next month, I’ll probably have changed my mind a few times! But for now, I really like carrying a big folder.
If Cold Steel made a “Mas Grande Vaquero” I’d buy one.
Great write-up!
well I know its not this week..we were going to come down this month since Im starting a nnew job in late february, but its almost as cold as it is here in WV.
It’s getting down to the TEENS here near Jax FL tonight, and my beloved orange tree is in extreme peril.
I wonder where Algore is hiding this winter?
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