What do you consider that is a “fighting Knife”? Some people think that any knife that you have is considered a fighting knife. My definition of a fighting knife is any sharp knife that is only used for self defense. You don’t cut string, rope or cardboard with it, you keep it sharp enough to shave with but only use it to save your life. The question is, do we need that type of knife in today’s society? I think the answer to that question depends on where you live and the people you associate with. Here are five fighting knives to consider.
MTech 664BK Tactical Karambit Knife
The MTech 664BK Tactical Karambit Knife
is a nice self defense knife for the money. This fixed blade knife is 7″ overall in length with a 3 1/4″ curved design karambit style blade. It is a one-piece stainless steel finish, using 440 stainless construction with an integrated finger ring. There are machined hole cutouts to give it a lightweight feel. It comes with a molded black sheath with belt/pocket clip. This knife fits medium-sized hands and the finish is smooth. It feels good in the hands and comes very sharp.
Cold Steel Tiger Karambit Knife
The Cold Steel Tiger Karambit knife
is a thoroughly modern tactical interpretation of the Indonesian Karambit. A design collaboration between Lynn C. Thompson and the late custom knife maker Steven Likarich, the Steel Tiger was designed to possess all the best features of this iconic hooked blade and to integrate them seamlessly with modern materials and styling. The Steel Tiger’s deeply curved and needle sharp AUS 8A stainless steel blade is vacuum heat-treated and sub-zero quenched, taper ground and given a stone wash finish for maximum strength, cutting power, edge retention and performance. The 5″ durable Griv-Ex core handle fully encapsulates the tang, emerging to create the bolster, thumb-shelf and distinctive finger ring. This core is then injection over-molded with premium Kray-Ex, creating a superb, non-slip grip that won’t let you down even in when your hands are cold or wet. It has an overall length of 8 3/4″, blade length of 4 3/4″, the blade thickness is 5mm. This is an awesome knife that is very sharp and ready for action.
Emerson Combat Folding Karambit Knife
The Emerson Combat Karambit
is a fast, efficient, ergonomic design that has long stood the test of time. Fashioned after a tiger’s claw for those that go into harm’s way, many use the knife as an offhand weapon retention tool, to protect their sidearm against a take-away attempt. This knife is proud to serve our warriors whose job it is to protect the rest of us. The Emerson Karambit knife, aka the Combat Karambit, is the ultimate 21st Century folding knife by Emerson Knives, Inc. Along with the patented “Wave Feature”, the Combat Karambit is one of the finest personal defense weapons ever developed. Featuring black G-10 handles for a textured grip, and a beautifully designed Karambit blade- This is one of the best every day carries you can own. The overall length is 6.8 “, the blade length is 2.6″, the blade thickness is 0.125” thick and the weight is 3.6 ounces. The handle is made of G-10, and very comfortable. This is considered the ultimate folding Karambit knife for self defense.
Fox 479/599 Folding Karambit Knives
The Fox 479 & 599 Black Folding Karambit
is one of the best self-defense tool and utility knife available on the market. This tool has been field tested in the most extreme climates by some truly hardcore people, and has proven itself time and time again to be of the highest quality. If you need a reliable self-defense tool to protect yourself, the Fox karambits are a force to be reckoned with. If you want the most reliability in any situation where a need arises for a good blade that works and works well, this is your knife. These knives utilize the Emerson Wave, which is the most effective and efficient deployment option available in the knife industry. The patented Emerson Wave allows you to fully deploy your karambit effortlessly with just one hand. It has a strong, consistent edge with high degree of sharpening receptivity. It has a safety ring for a sure and secure grip, even in extreme environments, the safety ring allows you to utilize in less-than lethal situations by keeping the closed karambit in your hand. The Fox 479 is for hand sizes measuring 3.6″ or over across the back of your knuckles. The Fox 599 is used for hands smaller than 3.6″. The tiger claw shaped blade has a thickness of .12″ and length of 3″, offering a total reach of 7.5″ when fully extended and 5″ when closed. The Fox Knives 479 utilizes a liner lock and weighs in at a mere 4.02oz. The adjustable pocket clip allows ambidextrous use. It designed for tip-up carry with the patented Emerson Wave feature for fast deployment in a reverse grip.
Final Thoughts About Fighting Knives
The above mentioned knives are all great self defense knives, each unique in their own way. The MTech and Cold Steel knives are both fixed blade knives, the MTech is extremely basic, low cost, lightweight, and conceals very well. The Cold Steel knife is bigger, heavier and has a more comfortable handle, but does not conceal as well. Then you look at the Emerson and Fox folding Karambit knives. The Emerson is the Cadillac of folding karambit’s and utilizes their Emerson Wave technology that makes it possible to open this knife with one hand and deploys in seconds. But these knives are a little on the expensive side. Then you have the Fox Combat Karambit that is everything that the Emerson is, including the Emerson wave technology at a cheaper price. Two different size handles depending on your hand width. These are all wonderful knives that work extremely well for self defense.
One suggestion I have for anyone that is thinking of getting one of these knives, buy a training knife to help you understand how to use one of these knives without getting hurt. That’s very important and can save any trips to the emergency room.
But what is the answer to my question? The truth is I can not answer the question for you, it is a personal question that you need to answer your self. My thoughts are, we all need to be prepared for whatever comes along. If you feel a good self defense knife is necessary for you then but whatever works for you. If you feel it is not necessary then put your efforts into other EDC gear. The question is yours to answer!
If you have any questions about this post or anything else related to Everyday Carry (EDC), feel free to leave a comment below and I will be happy to get back to you.
All the best,
Larry
Founder of EDC Essentials