Best Folding Knife For Self Defense

What is the Best Folding Knife For Self Defense?

Asking what’s the best folding knife for self defense is like asking what’s the best beer in the world. There are many variables to consider and I’ll try to get you headed in the right direction.

Fixed Blade Knives vs. a Folding Knife

The vast majority of individuals carry a folding blade knife because fixed blade knives can be difficult to conceal, especially if the blade length goes past 5 inches. A quick search of the internet will tell you there are many more folding blade knives than fixed blade. This does not mean folding blade knives are better, they’re more common. Because of this, I’ll focus on folding knives.

Folding Knife: Variables to Consider

Spring assisted or manual open knife: How do you expose the blade? A spring assisted opening knife uses a spring to fully expose the blade after you have partially opened the knife. The spring used to help open or assist in opening the blade are usually straight and can be seen inside the handle or are coiled and are hidden between knife blade and handle.

A spring assisted knife blade usually has a hole, notch or a thumb lug. The hole or thumb lug allows your thumb to start opening the knife until the spring takes over and fully opens the blade. The strength and diameter of the spring usually determines how fast the blade opens. What’s nice is it only takes one hand to open them but be aware some assisted opening knives do not have a blade lock or have a tendency to partially open by themselves. Its a bit tricky to remove an opened knife from your pocket.

Manual opening self defense knives tend to be slower to open and can require two hands to open them. They also tend to be larger than the common folding knife which can make them a little harder to conceal. On the other hand, they are safer because they will not open accidentally in your pocket.

Knife Blade size: Most self defense knives should have a blade 2.5 to 4” but it depends on your state laws, if you use a knife in your day-to-day work and many other variables. I have asked many police officers when they stop by my booth at the gun shows about blade length and I usually get a different answer from each of them but from I have heard the most, do not go past 3.5” for the blade length. Keep in mind, if you want to conceal a knife, a folding knife with a 5 inch blade can be a bit difficult to gain access to and open if it’s carried deep within your pocket.

Blade design: Drop point, Tanto, Spear point, serrated or non-serrated. These are just some of the available blade types out there. It sounds a bit un-nerving but when selecting a blade type, are you more interested in slashing or stabbing your attacker? Also sharpening some types of blades can a take a bit of skill. Sharpening a serrated Tanto blade can be a challenge, where a drop point is a lot easier.

Handle material: Plastic, rubber coated, bone, wood, Micarta or G-10 are just some of the available materials. When selecting your knife, consider your environment. Are you in wet area where a knife with a rubberized handle will help you hold it better? Are you rough on your knife and it gets used for other things (like banging on items, cutting drywall, etc), then tougher Micarta or G-10 handles may be the answer. If this knife will be used for self defense, avoid smooth handle surfaces such as steel or polished plastic. You want to be able to maintain a solid grip at all times.

Overall comfort: How does the knife feel in your hand? How well can you grip the handle and hang on to it in case you have to protect yourself? How heavy does it feel in your hand? Any sharp angles? Does it have a hole for a lanyard? How does the knife feel when it’s opened?

So when asked, “What is the best folding knife for self defense?” it comes down to need, feel and personal preference.