I just lost my CKRT model 16. There's only one more place I can check before I know it's gone for good. So I'm back to my pig sticker, for now.
I always carry a knife of some sort and a lighter of some sort. I don't smoke either.
I started carrying a knife a few years ago, and now I feel naked when I leave the house without it in my pocket. I will add, get a lockblade knife -- one with a blade that locks open. Personally, I prefer a liner-lock mechanism. If you carry a jackknife you are asking for it to fold up and cut your hand when you try to use it.
I also recommend that you get a knife without a belt clip, or that you remove the belt clip. They stick out and dig into your hand, and they just get in the way when you carry the knife in your pocket.
My knife has a 3 1/2 inch blade. That's about the maximum size that you can carry comfortably in your pocket. Don't try to get too big a blade, or it will be uncomfortable and you won't carry it. The knife has to be there when you need it.
Keep the blade sharp at all times, and periodically tighten the pivot screw so that the blade doesn't wiggle from side to side (too loose) or refuse to lock into place when you flick it open (too tight). These screws never stay in adjustment for long, so you will need a small screwdriver bit that fits the screw (usually a tiny hex or star head). You should always have this screwdriver when you buy a folding knife, just as you should always have a wetstone to sharpen the blade on.
The best kind of knife is one with an assisted- opening mechanism. These knives have a little tab that you press with your finger, and the blade flicks open and locks into place like a switchblade. You can learn to flick open a knife without the assist, but I like the ease of assisted-opening. But, again, it only works properly when you have the pivot screw at the right tension, and when the blade is clean. Regular maintenance is very important if you want a smooth action.
All great tips
I used to carry a swiss army on my keychain, but even clipped to my belt loop was pretty bulky when swinging around so I stopped carrying it.
But then recently I saw a decent little full tang fixed blade with a belt sheath at a local shop and decided to get it, now I carry it with me pretty much every day. I find myself needing it all the time and wonder how I got by beforehand.
Knives really are useful. Swiss knives are over rated and clunky
Swiss Army knives are of very high quality, which is rare these days with all the junk from China. However, most Swiss Army knives are jackknives -- they don't lock open. This makes them dangerous to rely on.
A marline spike is super useful as well
I agree, and I will add to that a flashlight. That's all Samwise Gamgee needed to take out Shelob.
Very good point. Also to add the best way to disarm an opponent is to blind them with a flashlight.
LEDs are very cheap and 20$ will buy you a tactical flashlight that fits nicely in your pocket. I have one though I don’t Cary it as often as I should
Also to add the best way to disarm an opponent is to blind them with a flashlight.
I can imagine myself on the receiving end... good tip. That should be a good half-second window (at least) of irate confusion, especially if you're able to get both eyes.
I always have a Leatherman and a pocket knife.
I mean while you're at it might as well grab an ankle strap first aid kit. And some pepper spray. Check the active self protection channel for brands dudes got some great content.
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