The Folding Knife Legacy

Jeff Gonzales — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 17:11:14 +0000

I can remember the first time I cut myself with a pocket knife. I was whittling believe it or not a wooden knife and the blade spilled past the wood and into my hand…ouch.

Correct, but maybe not right

Since then I have had an intimate relationship with knives. They are one of the easiest self-defense tools to acquire and with a modicum of training; incredibly lethal. Today’s modern pocket knife has evolved, not so much in it’s lethality, but accessibility. For a knife to be used in a self defense setting speed of deployment will be a major factor. I hear so many folks talk about the advantages of a fixed blade and they are all correct, but they may not be right. A pocket knife; carried in a pocket is ideal for just about everyone.

What’s the Appeal

What makes the pocket knife or folding knife as some reference so appealing. The biggest point I make is the legality of the item. Many states have restrictions on fixed blades regardless of blade length. If we were to steal a phrase from the gun industry, first rule of a knife fight is to have a knife. It is a very rare occasion I don’t have a pocket knife on me or within reach. The next point is the convenience of a pocket knife. If you have a pocket there really isn’t a reason you cannot have a pocket knife stashed in it some how. The last point is utility of a pocket knife. From everything such as cutting a seat belt in an emergency, to opening packages to defending your life. There is a lot of utility in a good pocket knife.

The Nuts & Bolts

With the popularity of the pocket knife what are some features you should look for when purchasing. The four main features are blade type, opening mechanism, locking mechanism and carry features. When it comes to blade type, you can go down the rabbit hole real fast. What kind of blade, the length and point type. These are the most common questions. My rule of thumb is 2.5 inches is a good blade length. While 3 inches is usually the legal limit, I like to come in under to be on the safe side. I prefer a standard blade type versus serrated or combination types. As for point type, I prefer to drop point style for it’s versatility. Since I don’t have a specific purpose other than self-defense this blade type gives me a fair amount of options.

Consider the Details

Opening and locking mechanisms to me are the small print features of a good folding knife. Since speed of deployment is critical I need a three dimensional feature to produce a reliable opening sequence under stressful conditions. Whether it is a thumb stud, thumb hole or T-post it has to have something to grip for reliable deployment. Once deployed, I need the blade to stay open despite the violence being perpetrated. Liner locks and lock backs provide good security, meaning the blade cannot fold back on you. Something I have grown fond of is the ability to secure the pocket knife once I have deployed my handgun. The way I think about it is I am always working towards and improved weapon and/or improved position. These features a few others allow me to safely secure my pocket knife with one hand; a major bonus.

Clip It

The utility clip has made the modern pocket knife so popular. Having it clipped to the top of your pocket ensures a quick deployment. It does come at a cost, the fact you are advertising the knife’s presence. For everyday carry purposes, good concealment practices can help mitigate this issue, but you must be aware of the message it conveys. The deploying sequence starts by moving to the pocket knife’s location, clearing the pocket. Then using what I call a hip check to ensure my grip is optimally positioned to ensure a positive deployment. Many times folks will run short of their thumb’s range of motion and resort to flicking or using momentum to open the blade. Something you should avoid and unnecessary when you use good technique.

There are little down sides to carrying a good pocket knife. Learning how to choose, carry and deploy the blade in a self defense situation should be a priority if you are a serious student of the art.

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Knives, Because We Can

Jeff Gonzales — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 16:11:21 +0000

While the concealed carry world is evolving every day, is there a case to be made for carrying a knife? Knives are an important tool, a tool you may reference as your last, best option.

Utility knives

Recently, I have been working with a student who will be heading into the animal kingdom on the dark continent. The conversation traversed several subjects, but when it came to critical gear there was surprise when I suggested a solid field knife. For the concealed carry practitioner they probably don’t need a field knife, but a good folder is still a valuable tool. As a general purpose tool it is hard to list the number of times a utility knife will save the day. One of my most valuable items I had with me on every operation and exercise was a good old fashion Swiss Army knife. My fascination with them started in my youth and still to this day I’m a fan of a multiple purpose utility device.

Rapid deployment

Despite my affection for the old champ, I don’t carry it on me everyday. It is reserved for my vehicles and emergency deployment gear. However, I did work with a multi-tool device overseas as my primary folding knife. It fit perfectly into my pocket with its convenient clip, the only problem was it was slow to deploy to serve my needs. That is where the distinction between a utility knife and defensive knife begins. I want my defensive knife to be rapidly deployed into the fight. When people think of carrying a knife little attention is paid to how one will deploy the knife. If it takes you forever and a day to get the damn thing out then it’s like not to matter.

Thrusting for the win

The defensive knife industry is a huge industry and there are several models available to fit your needs and financial requirements. I give students only three recommendations when selecting a defensive knife and the first one is recognizing the intention for said knife. It will be used to stop an attack, an attack where you or a loved one could suffer severe injury or death. Like a projectile fired from a firearm it will need to strike the vital organs in order to achieve an immediate cessation to hostilities. Most of the same organs are accessible to a blade when used in a thrusting manner. Slashing may and often causes disturbing damage, but will it stop the attack? So, the first recommendation is to find a knife with a blade designed for thrusting.

Up or down, find what works for you

Second recommendation is finding a blade with multiple options for carrying on your body. The most common method is a folder with a clip to secure to your pocket, though fixed blades are popular. Since laws very, consult your local area for the legalities of carrying a fixed blade. This feature allows you to carry the knife in a variety of configurations and my suggestion is find a knife that supports your style of fighting or if you have none gives you a blade tip up orientation. This has been the best configuration for my style of fighting. As a safety point, make sure the blade is held shut by the corner of your pocket when secured.

Practice like you mean it

The third recommendation is to select a model that has a training copy. An inert knife trainer usually comes in a different color and non-sharpened blade. The training knife allows you to practice deploying, striking as well as working with a partner in a safe manner. Another safety point, even though these inert trainers have a non-sharpened blade they still hurt when thrust with force so caution is in order. Like dry-firing with safe firearm think of practicing with an inert knife in the same manner. It allows you to explore the true potential as well as preparation. Most comment that using a knife is not hard, true. What is hard is getting the knife into the fight in timely manner and that takes practice.

Knives are an important tool for just about everyone. If you carry concealed consider supplementing your loadout with a good knife designed to fit your needs.

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