TexasCHLforum.com

Cipher wrote:I have the Stainless Leek, had it for about a year now and wear it on me 24/7. It's the best knife I've ever owned.

flintknapper wrote: Absolutely!

In fact, the difference in speed in which they may be opened... as compared to an "automatic/illegal" knife, can be measured in fractions of a second. IMO, there is no advantage of one over the other....(in terms of deploying the blade quickly/easily).

The biggest difference, to me, is not speed - it's concealment. Not only of the knife, but also the deployment of the blade. With the Kershaw there's no wrist f.l.i.c.k.i.n.g. to give away the fact that you just opened a knife. The knife's greatest attribute is the element of surprise, I would think we would want to exploit that ability as much as possible.

I also think that combat knife training is a must.
Hmm, seems f.l.i.c.k.i.n.g is a bad word on here...

No argument from me. The ability to open a knife with a certain amount of "stealth" could be a definite advantage in some situations. It is one of the reasons I carry my knife in my rear pocket rather than a front pocket or on the waistband.

IMO, it is important to be familiar with the different ways your edged weapon can be deployed. Techniques vary... according to knife size, style, tip-up/tip-down carry, etc....

Too, it wouldn't hurt for everyone to receive some rudimentary training.

In the least, learn the different grip styles commonly used...and when it might be appropriate to employ each. Also...the basic ranges/distances you might experience in a fight and the advantages/disadvantages associated with them. Target areas...(lethal and non).

Accessing and using your edged weapon from a disadvantaged position should be looked at too.

You don't need to be a "Guro" in Sikal/Kali or a Filipino Arnis master in order to effectively wield a blade. Devastating injuries can be administered by someone with a small amount of training in bio-mechanical cuts.

Edged weapons are something to be feared (in the hands of the inexperienced), and something to be terrified of... if that person is well trained.

GrandmasterB wrote: Some non-assisted designs can be opened VERY fast with just a flick. The Benchmade axis lock design falls into this category.

Absolutely!

In fact, the difference in speed in which they may be opened... as compared to an "automatic/illegal" knife, can be measured in fractions of a second. IMO, there is no advantage of one over the other....(in terms of deploying the blade quickly/easily).

LedJedi wrote: Switchblade vs spring assisted:

I do have a question about the legality of these though. With this design you press a button and the blade swings out on it's own. You never have to touch/nudge the blade. Is that not considered a switchblade? I find it odd that they would be selling them in the store (several variant models actually) if it were illegal to own or carry locally.

Definition of SB knife:

(11) "Switchblade knife" means any knife that has a
blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath, and
that:

(A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a
button or other device located on the handle; or


(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or
sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal
force.

If the knife you are considering opens by means of any device LOCATED ON THE HANDLE, then it is illegal per the definition above.

If the knife is "assisted opening" and has any type of stud, hole, wave, flipper, etc...as part of the blade, and the aforementioned feature is intended to initiate blade movement, then it should be O.K.


Again, Device on handle= Illegal. Device on blade= Currently O.K.

barres wrote:Man! Losts of love for the Kershaw here! I, too, personally carry the Kershaw Blur designed by Ken Onion (non-serrated version). It is a great knife

Yup,

Here is the serrated version (Thanks El-Gato).



It is a good knife for everyday chores, but also a well thought out defensive tool.

The blade is thick enough to survive serious use, the shape of the blade has a "belly" (good for cutting with a draw stroke), the spring assist feature is positive and fast, the clip can be moved to permit carry with the blade tip up or down....whichever you prefer, the handle has a non-slip surface and is shaped to facilitate a reverse grip. I like it!