How to Select a Self Defense Knife 

I really do appreciate the fact you mentioned the Delica. I worked in a prison for 15 years, and the deadliest knife attacks had a blade of an inch, not the bone crushing Excalibur knifes.

That’s one of reasons why I love Tennessee it’s legal to carry a knife no matter how long it is even a auto knife

cant believe this channel doesnt have 100k+ subscribers, really good content

This is the best, most well constructed video I've seen on self defense folding knives. You helped me choose the hold out by cold steel 3inch"!

Very educational. Your tip about the measurements of the karambit and possibility of it getting stuck hooked in bone thus limiting its effectiveness was a genuine eye opener. Until now I had never given it much thought this could actually happen, even with clothing so that’s a major issue when fighting for your life. Your nightingale looks beautiful and effective. 👍🏻 Very interesting and solid explanation. Thx 😁

That's great James! I will pass this on to the group. Nice job!

A great video, you went through all I needed to know in a few minutes, Thanks.

Awesome video! Very useful info. I carry several knives daily. A small fixed blade either a TOPS Tom Brown Scout crossdraw or an Izula II scout carry...larger fixed blade when in the woods. Also carry 2 folders, 1 in the medium range of Spyderco Endura, Manix, Police 4, Para 2...1 smaller like Delica. I'm a bit of a knife dork. Great vid, great channel!

Big help, thanks!

People seem to forget that you can carry more than one knife... I usually EDC 3 knives. One is a pen knife with a blade that's about an inch and a half long. It's razor-sharp, and works very well for fine cutting chores. The second is a folding knife of some kind. I'm in my late 50s and have been buying and carrying knives since I was a kid, so I have a lot of knives laying around to choose from. My current carry folder is a balisong butterfly knife with a 4 inch "Weehawk" blade. I've had it for more than 30 years now, and have just ordered an AKC x-treme ace to replace it with. The third knife is a $25 fixed blade belt knife with a 6 and a quarter inch blade, that I bought on Amazon a few years ago. It sits on my belt just behind my phone case/bag in a sheath I made for it that matches the bag. Very few people even notice it or comment on it. I've also spent some time engraving its wooden grip, both for decoration and to make the slick wood easier to hang on to. Anyway, that's my daily carry, here in rural Tennessee, where a person can carry anything they want, from pocket knife to broadsword. Oh, I should also mention that I also use a walking stick, due to my left leg being a bit gimpy. That means that as well as a knife, I also have a 3 foot length of dogwood to use for defence. 😉

I’m new to edc and blades in general. I loved how you made the video fun and easily understandable. I’m a couple of minutes into it and I already subscribed :)

Very thorough and informative video. Thanks for sharing.

Ah hell yeah!! You make some great points here. I really like how you mentioning two handed opening. I carry a broader blade with enough purchase for my second hand for that specific purpose.

Great video! I carry 2 knives on me every day. One knife for utility/self defence if necessary and the other strictly for self defence. In a folder I go for an emerson wave or some sort of pocket snag design feature and a fixed blade either in a neck knife, belt sheath or boot knife carry. Not saying this is the perfect knife carry options but works for me! Cheers from Canada eh 🍻🇨🇦🤘

What a concise and informative video! Needs more views!

Finally just got a Yojimbo 2, so far so good!

Great video!

Excellent video full of sensible information. Not surprised given that you are a MBC instructor...and Michael Janich really knows his stuff! I've just subscribed to your channel.... I'm surprised that I hadn't run across it before.

First video. 5 stars. I give it a 10. You know what your talking about for sure.

I love push daggers, especially those single edged ones, so that you can use it for utility purposes as well.

I have a Yojumbo ! It is amazing. Nice to hear it is a good idea for self defense. It also cuts boxes open really well :)

Very well done video.

Great video.

Thank you for the suggestion I've learned in this life to look at Michigan state laws it sucks that I can't carry a neck knife or fix blade in a sheath that's why I'm glad these knife companies make knives for State restrictions and reliability I just bought me a crkt seismic and it's amazing I just want to try to get this Spyderco as a backup

Your knives look interesting, the Spyderco Ronin II is also worth mentioning however as an incredible knife that’s a direct fixed blade alternative to the Spyderco Yojimbo II. A well done video, subbed.

Awesome video, great presentation of the subject. Subbed! Greetings from Germany.

I swear by a kerambit for defensive carry. You should address the Emerson Wave feature in a future video. Deploys faster than any flipper or automatic and once practiced, a better draw time than most sizable fixed blades (KA-Bars or hunting knives). Curved blade allows for more cutting distance than straight blades while meeting CO knife laws. Best retention available, ring blades being go tos for people that also work with firearms. Thrusting isn’t really an issue either because the natural ice pick grip is stronger in a hammer fist for most people and when held like a traditional knife the pistol like grip is actually better suited for a thrusting motion than a conventional blade (ie the Keris or pistol grip foil) Top 3 1. Spyderco Karahawk, super slim and light weight, wave feature, secure lockback design. 2. CRKT Provoke for deep carry. “Waves” open in reverse if needed, secure kinematic lock up, and just Damn classy. 3. Cold Steel Tiger Claw for those cold winter days. HUGE Blade that still meets size requirements. Large handle for gloved hands or multiple grips. Cold Steel’s version of Wave Feature. S35VN Premium steel

Nice video, i’m staying with the CS Recon and Voyager.

James, great video! Your voice reminds me of The Lock Picking Lawyer.

Parabéns The Knife Life

Kershaw emerson cqc series are perfect. Thumb assist, Inexpensive, practical for edc and or self defense & the wave feature makes the blade open as fast if not faster than a spring assisted knife. Perfect for my cali peeps.

Pepper Gel (not spray) is very effective and allows you to put a hurting on the bad guy without having to get too up close and personal. I see a knife as a last resort.

I have used my Swiss Army knife in self-defense twice. In both cases, I never actually open the knife, but instead use it like a roll of quarters. My balisong song would be used in the same way. Roll of orders.😊 my day today, knife that I would actually use for real self defense is a Delica.

Excellent information… thank you…. I carry the Yojumbo.

Wow I’m so glad I found this channel where have you been ?? Thank you

Really surprised that the wave and bramp features weren't on here. Those are literally made to combat the issue of slow opening. And as for the karambit portion you can absolutely thrust with a karambit, just shift the angle of attack. However if the blade shape really is an issue there are options that get around that such as the 511 talon (fixed or folder) or the Fox knives Dart. The talon while a karambit has a much straighter edge and the dart is a tanto. Both have the retention ring of a karambit and both have a wave style feature. They're both also smaller consealable knives.

I know it’s an old video but I decided to butt in in case someone was looking for a self defense knife. I agree with all of the points made in this video, but there was one thing missing. The best opening system for self defense folding knives is wave. It’s a bit protruding out of the spine of the knife. It’s designed to catch material (like the edge of your pocket) and open the knife while it’s being pulled out. It’s the fastest way from your pocket to an open knife (right after fixed blades of course). Edit: pro tip for my spyderco owners: you can make your own wave on almost any spyderco knife. Just put a zip tie on the spydie-hole.

I loved my switch blade, none of the issues you spoke about. Intend to get another. The old one lost some screws, then I lost it.

Here from the Every Day Blades group!

My absolute favorite is the Voyager Vaquero XL serrated. When it comes to this topic, the knife overshadows all others. And you have the tri,ad lock

you had me on the Kris. Subs!

I carry a spyderco civilian as my edc an it works really well, sits horizontal along my hip nicely, you can't even see it.

Nice tech idol

In the United Kingdom there is a strange almost unreal attitude towards any form of self protection. Carrying anything which can be considered a weapon is illegal. I recall a policeman admonishing me one day by stating there is no such thing as a defensive weapon. I used to work alone at night a long way from any help if needed,and even then I was warned not to tell a policeman that my "collector's item" was my defensive tool. We are not even allowed to carry a pepper spray! As for a tazer!! We can carry a whistle,and/or a torch,which is very reassuring for anyone intending to rob you. You are supposed to blind your attacker,not seriously mind(!),or deafen him,but again,not seriously! Your attacker's safety is more important than yours,apparently. Even the type of torch you carry is regulated,one with a serated edge around the light can be considered lethal. And if you should crack his skull with it,then you would be treated as much more dangerous than the bastard trying to slash you with his blade. This is all the result of having magistrates and judges who have never faced a moment's danger in their life,and so assume that nobody else does either.

I live in San Antonio Texas and the last time I check in 2017 you can carry any knife with a blazling of 5.5 in or smaller for concealed carry or open carry any type of knife, sword, axe or etc

I reccomend researching knives made with the Emerson Wave feature if you're looking for a good folding knife for self defence, a good solid lock up for folding knives is framelock.

Keep it up😊

Im in SM, TX Never heard that about San Antonio I carry my CS Black Talon , Boker RBB No problem

I carry the Civivi Praxis. I have drawer full of knives, this is my favorite. My 2nd choice is a Buck 112 slim. It's super light and sturdy

pocket deploy from pocket drag wave tab, very consistent knife but it needs a great handle to do it imo

MIght have touched on the wave feature with some knives, like the Spyderco Endura Wave, the blade is a little long for some areas, but has a back lock and opens fast.

Out of all the knives I've owned I find myself carrying a Spyderco delica serrated.. for me the perfect knife it's lightweight send and clips to the inside of my pocket.. easy to deploy via the thumb hole.. the lock back is very secure.. the same goes with the Spyderco endura... Occasionally carry a neck knife in addition to my delica.. the one I like the most is the Condor kickback.. carbon steel with traction coating.. perfect size/length .perfect thinness.. nice kydex sheath... Which retains the knife nicely just a tug in the knife comes right out

Spyderco Matriarch 2 with Emerson wave is super badass and lightening quick. Spyderco Yojumbo finger flick action is awesome,and large.

I still like a catch deploy with a thumb open option, and with a karambit it turns a jab into a thrust due to the curve.

Not anymore for SA Tx, Changed by Gov. Abbot in 2015 if I'm not mistaken. You can carry s blades in SA now, the state law overrules the city law. But good video, thanks

Came here all serious 🧐 ready for some info… proceeds to snort laugh at “Hey! … I got a knife!” Wonderful and informative video man, happy to have found your channel and subscribed!

I live in AZ we can conceal carry firearms without a permit carry assault rifles without a permit. You can carry around suppressors on your handguns or long guns legally also if you have your tax stamp. you can carry a Samurai sword around if you want legally without restrictions. Any kind of knife butterfly switchblades automatics no restrictions On blade length pretty much anything we want. Nunchucks brass nuckles cross bows cleavers axes machetes whatever you want. Pretty much any weapon your heart desires. Now if your under under 21 then you only can carry pocket knives and assault rifles and shotguns and bolt guns but no handguns unless a family member gifts one to them then they can open carry it but cannot conceal carry until 21. Got to love the wild Wild West.

This was such an awesome video! I swear by knives as tools first and foremost but people have asked me what knives i recommend as self defense and I agree and have said wharncliffes undoubtedly as well. I've also been considering a delica lately and Im curious if you reccomend wharncliffes so much why not recommend the delica wharncliffe? Im curious to their differences and would love to hear your opinion. Thanks!

I agree with the point about autos. I used to carry an OTF as my main blade for work and off. There were more than a few times when it failed just when deploying for work duties and in front of people too and that lost my confidence in that knife as my primary blade. I still carry it as a backup

Not talking shit, but I'm curious why there was no mention of Emerson knives, or their wave opening feature which has been licensed by many other manufacturers including Spyderco for the Delica and Endura. I swear by Emerson Knives. They are almost as fast to deploy as a fixed blade, come in multiple blade types, and are super easy to sharpen.

Very nice. Although I carry others at times, there are two knives that I would say are perfect go to defensive knives at any cost. The Spyderco Endura and the Cold Steel Recon 1. I have far more expensive knives, but none I trust more than those two.

I use an Ozark Trail Multitool I got from Walmart for $13. It includes a seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, & magnesium fire stick. Can't get much better than that for the money IMO.

I just bought a Spyderco Spydiechef last week, but I'm still carrying my pm2. I got a Para 3 too but it's still in the box. So is the Spydiechef, but I just don't want to mess it up lol but I have my conceal carry license, so that's my main defense, but it's nice to have a knife too. I think I'm gonna get a Kapara next. Those look badass.

Very informative. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

New sub...Knife Life!!

I’ve got a custom fixed blade with a karambit handle and a wharncliffe blade. It’s awesome!!! Imagine a Spyderco Ronin with a finger ring.

I'm surprised you didn't talk about the Emerson wave capabilities certain folders have. I'd like to have heard more about the different lock choices ( Axis , Tri-Ad , ect. ) & their role in a self defense EDC. You also only talked about a drop point & Warrencliff blade being ideal for self defense without mentioning dagger or clip point/bowie style blades. My primary purpose for carrying an EDC knife is for general cutting tasks yes but also self defense. I'm left handed also making it a little more challenging to find a knife with all the features I desire. I'm currently carrying the S.O.G. Seal XR Flipper. I'll take this knife over a Yojimbo in a knife fight 10 out of 10 time's.

All knife laws are infringements.

Agree with this video 99.9%

I carry an Emerson wave from Kershaw cqc4kxl, it's got a nice 3.9 inch blade in d2 steel. Plus with the wave opening feature it's faster than than a switchblade to deploy.

The yojimbo is an epic blade. Well designed for self defense My current favs are fixed blades by TKell. He makes high quality edc with self defense in mind. Great fit and finish and some very innovative ideas and high quality sheaths as well :) Open to checking out your nightingale too. Looks nice and I’ve definitely moved away from folders to fixed for defense. I do keep a folder in my pocket for boxes and other edc type stuff

very yes ..i open my khife with two hands..i believe is the best way to open it

Great Video, but I have to disagree on the size aspect. A big knife will do what ever a small will do but not vice versa. Granted, I have finally found a folder that is too large to carry in the Cold Steel Espada XL. However, I have zero problems carrying Cold Steel Rajah II, Camillus Max, REKAT SIFU, Spyderco Tantanka and a few others. I feel that for a defensive folder blade length starts at 4". Thank you for brining up handle material, a topic far too often overlooked. Love the look of metal scales but wet especially with blood it can be very slippery. Lastly, thank you for not bringing up steel material. While good steel is always appreciated many people get fixated on what is the latest greatest strato super steel. While I am sure that a blade made out of Captain America's shield will hold an edge forever which is VERY important in a hunting or bushcraft knife, it is much less so on a defensive knife....it only needs to hold and edge for its intended purpose. Which brings up a secondary peeve of mine. Carry a small secondary knife for opening letters, boxes trimming thread...whatever. A defense knife should only be used as such. First, if you carry larger knives people in the office will freak out. Second, opening cardboard can and does dull a blade after time and that is bad thing when you actually NEED your defensive folder. I personally believe that on a folder the biggest concern is lock strength. If it fails not only are you endanger from what ever you were defending yourself from you just injured your self and if your knife is kept sharp perhaps very seriously. Spyderco compression locks are great, Benchmade Axis locks and the KING is the Cold Steel Tri-add lock which locks like a vault. However, all those are strong enough for task at hand. I personally don't trust liner locks, even liner locks from reputable and expensive brands. I have had my share of failures or watched it flex far too much to trust them as martial blades.

I’ve always got a gun on me, but when it comes to knives, I really dig those hooked blades, like the Spyderco Harpy, or the Cold Steel Black Talon models. I also like the Recon 1 and Voyager series from Cold Steel. But generally, I carry the Harpy or the Voyager clip point.

I carry a blacked out light weight Spyderco para 3 with serrated edge. When I say carry, I mean 24/7, even at night in my pajama pants. During the day I carry it my right shirt pocket. With the deep carry wire clip it looks like a pen, and I think that nobody would expect that a knife will be drawn from a shirt pocket.

If state law allows, you should really have a fixed blade knife carried specifically for defense. A folding knife or multi-tool offers excellent utility for most day-to-day cutting tasks, but few of them are practical for self defense. You need to consider the conditions under which a knife is going to be used for defense. A knife fight is not clean like it is often portrayed in Hollywood or on martial arts videos where the instructor has the student do a choreographed attack in slow motion and then disarms or counters that attack. Real knife fights are frantic and messy. You're probably going to get fucked up. So most of us are going to take any opportunity to avoid a knife fight if possible. That means if you find yourself using a knife for defense, it is going to be up close and very personal. You're basically going to be responding to some sort of ambush, the attacker is going to have the initiative, and you're going to be reacting while already engaged. Have a friend put you in the clinch and grapple with you while you try to deploy your folder. I guarantee you'll find it much more difficult, even if you're familiar with the knife. Trying to deploy a folding knife while the draw is contested and you are already engaged can be nearly impossible. Getting a fixed bladed knife into the fight is a much more straightforward task. My state has almost no laws concerning knives, or guns for that matter, so I carry a 5.5 in bladed double edged dagger appendix, IWB to back up my CCW. I can draw the knife with either hand in one motion, it requires only gross motor skills, and it comes from the sheath already cocked back and ready to rock. There is no studs or buttons or flippers to find, no changing grips to open and then grasp the knife prior to using it, I don't have to worry about it not locking or about pocket lint or debris clogging a mechanisms or with springs getting weak. And I am not using the knife for day to day tasks, so I know it is always scary sharp and ready to do damage when I need it. That takes a lot of stuff off my mind that could potentially allow me to focus on saving my ass in a fight, like not getting stabbed as I try to deploy my knife. Stuff to consider...

This is a very good video but I would have to say over the Spyderco delica Cold steel recon 1 3" I would just say that because of the triad locking system. I've been a fan of Spyderco and cold steel knives for years but I've had the lock fail on me on my Spyderco police many times I don't even use it anymore 🤦🏼

Ive had locking folders fail while working, thus I now carry fixed. After 2 pair of gloves and 5 stitches it would be stupid not to switch. Hmmm interesting little knife you make there, in a non restrictive state, I would prefer a longer one...

Came for the knife info, stayed for the jazz

I carry a Benchmade barrage for EDC and self-defense, once I was at a gas station with my friends, and was approached by what looked to be an aggressor, so I deployed my barrage, and the sheer speed the blade came out at was enough to deter the attacker, and make him say and audible "OH SHIT!" Oh and also, wave knives can work for self-defense too, as represented by my friend who carries an Endura 4 wave knife, and has been in shitty situations too.

The Kabar TDI series is great as well. Imo

I got my Spyderco because of the crucible steel and easy opening. Never thought of it as a weapon lol.

@knife life interesting perspectives. I didn't see you discuss the importance on the grip aspect of some sort of swell or indent to keep your hand from running up the blade if you hit bone on a thrust. That's one area that flippers shine, it comes built in (the flipper tab) kind of a ricasso. I'm also curious to see what you think of of off grid knives. Amazing for the price.

Should do a review of TOPS knives and Skallywag knives. Such crazy designs for self defence knives with all this info in mind

Awesome James..I've found your channel and I'm so happy I did Can I ask your thoughts on the civivi praxis for blade strength as a self defence knife?

-Mentions a Spyderco Delica -Me carrying around a Spyderco Police 4 w/ FRN handle scales. Close enough.

My personal choice is a Tanto fixed blade.

My everyday carry is a katana and wakizashi so I can use the miyamoto musashi double sword technique.

9:24 reminds me of a Paul Harrell video, just missing the look away from the camera as we see the example. 🤣

On the issue of fastest deploying folding knife I can’t be convinced there is anything faster than a cold steel pocket snag plate it’s certainly comparable to a fixed blade and often faster and requires little to no practice to master. I have no experience with the Emerson/spyderco “wave” but I would imagine it’s nearly just as good

I ❤ my CRKT Crawford Kasper

I love my Cold Steel Kobun knife

Doudle edge dagger... nuff said

Also if you have tips on how to fight with the knife, that would be awesome

Emerson wave folders bro. Look em up!

To me it's about how fast you can draw it. Emerson knives are top notch and some cold steel knives have the wave feature. Unless you carry owb it's faster then a fixed blade. Kershaw has some wave knives. The wave is a notch that catches your pocket and flicks the knife open. I got a cold steel immortal for my hood adventures.

Seeing that there has been a spike in violent attacks throughout the country; I think that all the local knife laws should be updated to an unlimited blade size; and the users should be able to have the choice of open; or concealed carry; and no limits to what style of knives that would be deployed!

Cool channel. Thoughts on the Spyderco Ark? Looking for somthing light for MTB/trail running.

here's my take on the subject, just use the knife that best fits your needs being that bushcraft, edc or filipino martial arts, cause any knife will badly injure and easily kill

I grabbed a spyderco salt 2 recently for its steel and delica based shape. I wanted a steel that was easy to sharpen that could get razor sharp, be ignored for long periods of time and remain just as useful ( a rust resistant knife made to be reliable even when exposed to the elements) with the basic utility of the delica 4. One issue is that near the very tip it has a slight taper into a modified sheepsfoot style. How much do you feel a slight taper would effect an impaling action, given that the action is done at a curve?