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.
What is a Goblin?
The former owner of the Gunsite Training Center, the Late Col. Jeff Cooper had a catch-all term for armed intruders. He called them “Goblins.”
Do a google search for Jeff Cooper, and you will get what I mean.
Mine is a pre-SF Glock 30. It’s old enough that it has the light rail on it.
my belt knife... German standard issue Puma-TAC 
I should note that due to the fact that I have a hell of a lot of 9mm and very sparse amounts of 45 ACP I CARRY a Glock 19 or a Walther P-99 9mm if Im not packing my 38 snubby.
Very cool knife, unfortunately for me, 3.5” is the legal limit in Colorado for a folder.
Illegal in England, I believe.
BUMP for excellence in posting.
Super, thanks. The WP article on Jeff mentioned goblins but shed no light on its meaning.
I’m glad you looked though..He was a great man.
Fully serrated and recurved blade: limited applications and a bitch to sharpen.
My EDC (every day carry) is the Chris Reeve large Sebenza. Now THAT’s a knife! Costly, but oh-so-beautifully made and a pleasure to use. (I have three, actually. With the now discontinued BG42 steel blades.) Always wanted to get one of Bob Dozier’s custom-made folders, but haven’t gotten around to that yet. The Sebenza is simply the best of all worlds.
I carried a randall 14 during my career in EOD and now pack a terzoula actf folder .
Nice looking folder Travis ! The serrations make for a nasty slice and dice on clothing and skin. I have one of the old style pentagons with a sharp and serrated edge that goes all the way to the tip. New crap versions of SOG serrations stop a half inch from the tip...... the SOG pentagon is has escrima features I like in a fighting knife. Large all way grip for control and very good design at a cheap price !
The real question is can you cut a steak with it?
That knife looks nearly identical to the Buck knife.
The Kanawa one IS a Buck hunter of some sort.
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeet ! Like Butta !
coool, whats the model number/name? i love it... got it for $99 at Rocky Mountain Knife Works ten years ago, one tough soneofabitch.
you can even see the prick mark where it was Rockwell tested
at the time it was standard German Army issue, don't know now
Thanks for another fine post Travis.
I would also like to be on your ping list, for all its content.
yup... run from a knife, close on a gun...
That’s the real deal right there!
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