All About Polymer Knives

Are Polymer Knives a Good Choice for Self Defense?

Polymer knives, non-metallic or plastic knives have an interesting niche in the self defense market. The first thing that came to my mind is one of those white plastic knives you get with your take out meal. I asked myself, “Can that knife help me out when I need to defend myself or cut something?” I started looking around and discovered there are a handful of polymer knives and carbon fiber knives on the self defense knives market. Most weigh under 1 ounce, are durable, inexpensive and can cut or stab.

The Zytel CIA “Letter Opener” and “CIA Spike” started the whole polymer knife craze years ago with Blackie Collins and Cold Steel jumping into the market and leading the way.

Cold Steel currently dominates the market with their “Night Shade” series. This series of eight knives is constructed from a material Cold Steel calls “Grivory”. The material is high tech fiberglass reinforced plastic and is surprisingly very durable. You can enhance the blade’s edge using an emery board.

These polymer knives come in different lengths and designs but all include a very comfortable handle and a steel ring.

Blackie Collins makes straight edge/serrated folding polymer knives and a few boot knives. In the past, the folding spring assisted opening knife was one of my best sellers, but for some strange reason, they are now difficult to find.

If you are looking to spend $50 or more, there is an Escort series of knives made from carbon fiber and even a money clip/folding knife made from carbon and titanium. Just like the polymer knives, they are light weight and durable.

Why would you want a polymer knife?

1. They are great conversation starters.
2. If you are working around electricity or with explosives (as in the military searching for IEDs) these knives work great.
3. They can be hidden in wet environments.
4. Due to their low cost and weight, they can be used as a backup/self defense knife.
5. Can be carried almost anywhere including when riding a bike, jogging, etc.