Recommendations for combat knives

[invidia]

I'm just looking for a combat knife, primarily for stabbing and cutting. NO, I'm not going to kill someone. I just need one for personal protection and as a tool when I go out.

Can anyone recommend some <$50 combat knives? My old crappy $5 folding knife can barely cut through paper and stab through a sheet of cloth.

 

[BabaBooey]

Here is a good start..

 

[Modeps]

I really dont know how I got to be 30... I've never owned more than a pocketknife or a paintball gun. It seems really dangerous out there. I guess I've just been lucky.

 

[Throckmorton]

A combat knife is only useful if you have it when you need to stab somebody, so an actual "combat knife" is bad idea. Go to REI and buy a 3.5" folding Gerber.

 

[invidia]

Yeah, a folding knife will seem to be better and less threatening. Probably one that isn't too dull.

 

[pontifex]

a) i wouldn't trust my life with a less than $50 knife
b) i hope you have or get training to use it

 

[invidia]

I was taught some knife and hand-to-hand combat when I was in the military. But we only spent less than a week on that stuff. Which brands should I be looking for? I heard Gerber was good but how about Smith and Wesson?

 

[Darwin333]

K-bar

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: Darwin333
K-bar

Kabar makes an OUTSTANDING fighting knife. Are there better ones out there? Yes, but no matter what you get, if you really don't know how to use one, you're better off without one. Pull one on the wrong person and they're just gonna take it away from you and use it on you.

Why are you so afraid that you think you need a big-bad "combat" knife anyway?

 

[Gooberlx2]

Don't bring knives to gun fights?

 

[ni0v]

$50 won't get you anything decent. Get a Fallkniven A1 or a Blackjack Model 7.

 

[keird]

What's the most stabby?

 

[Darwin333]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: Darwin333
K-bar

Kabar makes an OUTSTANDING fighting knife. Are there better ones out there? Yes, but no matter what you get, if you really don't know how to use one, you're better off without one. Pull one on the wrong person and they're just gonna take it away from you and use it on you.

Why are you so afraid that you think you need a big-bad "combat" knife anyway?

I actually carry a .40 caliber and I know how to use it very well.

However, if I was to get a relatively cheap fighting knife there would be no substitute for the infamous K-bar.

 

[compman25]

SOG

 

[Injury]

Just be advised that many states have laws that limit how long the blade of a concealed knife can be.

 

[manowar821]

This is mine, I'm in love with it.

http://www.knifeoutlet.com/sho...d.asp?ProductCode=SW6C

 

[BladeVenom]

www.eknifeworks.com is another store. I've always liked the Kershaw folders.

Here's an interesting one. German Paratrooper Knife

 

[mugs]

Dude, you're probably not going to be able to legally carry a knife with a blade longer than 3"

 

[manowar821]

Originally posted by: mugs
Dude, you're probably not going to be able to legally carry a knife with a blade longer than 3"

You'd think that carrying a gun would be more dangerous than carrying a 3+ inch bladed knife...

 

[adairusmc]

Gerber LMF II ASEK

Some photos of mine -

Compared to KaBar

Made in Portland

Very very durable, and very nice. Well worth the money.

I got mine very cheap from http://www.lapolicegear.com/

 

[Alistar7]

Originally posted by: mugs
Dude, you're probably not going to be able to legally carry a knife with a blade longer than 3"

Exactly, besides, since you're not carrying anything else over 3" why create an imbalance......

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: manowar821

Originally posted by: mugs
Dude, you're probably not going to be able to legally carry a knife with a blade longer than 3"

You'd think that carrying a gun would be more dangerous than carrying a 3+ inch bladed knife...

And you need a license to carry a gun...

 

[irishScott]

Uh, I think concealed carry license + training + good handgun would go further than a knife. IMO If you have time to draw a knife you'll have time to draw a gun. And it'll be more effective.

 

[BladeVenom]

Originally posted by: mugs
Dude, you're probably not going to be able to legally carry a knife with a blade longer than 3"

That depends on the state. Not everyone lives in a pussy state. IANAL, but I don't think there are any restrictions on size of blade where I live unless it's concealed. You can openly wear any knife you want.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: pontifex
a) i wouldn't trust my life with a less than $50 knife
b) i hope you have or get training to use it

Agreed. I spent just enough time on security (in the Navy) and read just enough books to know I cant possibly know enough. Knives are actually very dangerous to the wielder if he hasnt had lots and lots of quality training. A gun is better for most situations.

Along those lines, if the OP had recieved such training, he would know that there's a reason Marines only go with Kabars. Its not just pride or brand loyalty. When your life depends on it only a Kabar will suffice. Some other high quality brand (read: expensive and well known) might be acceptable if you feel comfortable with them.
But again, that would require lots of training and experience and if that were the case, he wouldnt be asking.


A couple tips from my books and training videos:

Folders and kitchen cutlery are poor choices for combat. They were both designed for specific uses and fighting isnt one of them.

In a traditional knife fight and a traditional knife attack (two very different things by the way) a shorter blade has the advantage.
Only in sword fighting is a longer or larger blade more useful and nobody really does that anymore.