flintknapper wrote:I won't suggest an EDC knife for the OP, too many things to be considered and most of us will try 3-4 knives before finding something that best fills the bill. Instead, I will only offer encouragement that HE and others seek out something that you can legally carry on a daily basis.
Agreed. Cary comfort and ease of access and production (being able to bring the blade into play) are also considerations. And, just like a firearm,
where you decide to carry is an important factor in the eventual selection of an EDC.
Other than as a utility implement (e.g., opening a box, cutting a length of rope, emergency removal of a seatbelt), as a defensive tool I consider the knife as a last resort at extreme close quarters. Clint Smith says your handgun is a tool to fight your way back to the rifle you should never have laid down. That's how I view the relationship of a knife to a handgun. I'm very much right-hand dominant, but that's why I've trained to deploy the knife with my left hand. If I carry the fixed blade, it's IWB in a left-handed appendix position; the folder is typically point-down at the outside of the left, rear pants pocket.
flintknapper wrote:I have found that a good number of folding knives can be discretely opened into a reverse grip instead of transitioning. If you carry your knife 'tip down' and employ a ring finger opening technique... it is easy to do. Assisted knives (which is what I carry) aid greatly. The knife ends up 'hidden' (palmed) in a reverse grip.
The Kershaw Ken Onion Spec Bump that's my EDC folder has been discontinued for several years now--so this isn't a recommendation--but its assisted-opening configuration was one of the reasons I selected it. Link to an image if you want a look:
http://images.knifecenter.com/thumb/150 ... S1596a.jpg. When closed, it has a ribbed "bump" (part of the reason for the name, as is the wave-shaped bottom of the handle which fits nicely in the palm) on which a little squeezing pressure will deploy the blade. I do that with the outside base of my palm while maintaining a full grip on the handle with all fingers. That's the way I unconsciously open it now, and it gets strange looks from people that haven't seen me open it before. Saw a neighbor down the street a few weeks ago struggling to bundle and tie some trimmed tree limbs by himself, so I volunteered to help. Got a bundle tied and needed to cut the twine; produced the knife as I always do and cut the twine backhanded with the reverse grip. He stared at me a moment, and I just said, "Habit; it's easier for me to open it that way."
Looks like I'm gonna have to keep saving my pennies, nickels & dimes for that one. TODAY, I'm leaning towards that one. 
