KnifeCenter FAQ #86: Hunting Knives for Self Defense?

Where do we draw that line between hunting and tactical? Or are there knives that serve both purposes? Plus, we’ll cover what makes a knife fast and the best USA-made EDC knife we can think of for under $100.

Featured Knives

0:00 Intro
0:48 A Smaller Boning Knife for Camping
4:30 Filet Knives Are Probably Not For Self Defense
8:32 EDC Fixed Blades for Polite Company
13:13 What Makes a Knife Fast?
18:07 Delusions of Self Defense?
18:39 Bugout - M390, S90V, or just S30V?
20:13 Best USA-Made Knife for $100
20:59 Hopper?

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[joejones]

You have such a smooth, confident delivery that I can imagine you as a big-time talk show host someday, seriously.

[MrBeefy-ognw]

A point to consider; if you draw a flipper with tip up carry you can have your index finger on the the flip tab upon exit from your pocket. You flip the second it's clear and follow the motion with your index finger down onto the grip. My thumb remains on the handle and my other 3 fingers are on the opposite side using the clip for grip. These 3 shift as the index completes it's motion an the thumb can remain or shift to the spine.

I do think tip down carry is likely better for non flippers. Also the exposed flipper tab works as a small guard to prevent your finger from slidind up to the edge, however the tabless does present a sleek profile.

In the end it's like you said. There are many deployment option that are super fast and work well. Find what works best for your tastes, hands, etc.Great video as always!

[Pharto_Stinkus]

Question #1: A boning profile for outdoor tasks... my first thought was the Buck 102 or 105. A little better quality wise than the case versions (in my experience anyway), and the default Buck steel - 420HC - is a little better than Cases Tru-Sharp (again, in my experience). The Bucks are also available in s30v if desired, and in fact, both knives are currently available on Buck's website as an exclusive, in cocobolo and D2 steel!

[truthseeker]

I have the RMJ Sparrow... carry it everyday. I absolutely love it.

[keithchristie]

The Kershaw Link is a great looking knife. Love your content and I am a big fan of the channel.

[zandermint]

In response to the “thwack” feature in question, I think the question is highlighting the feeling more than speed. So my response would suggest knives that open with a very short moment arm; or small flipper. I.e. Kizer cormorant due to its ‘flipper’ being so close to the pivot

[mpmassacre]

bark river bravo edc has been my favorite little fixed blade to carry. it's great as a food prep and camp use. I paid I think 130 but that was about 6 years ago

[urbanarcher]

I think the Esee Xancudo in S35 should’ve been in this category / video. Fantastic hunt/fish option!

[charlesdudek]

I'm glad I have a Bareknuckle. I can't believe they discontinued it.

[jaredappleseed]

Finally someone picks the kershaw link, that would be my pick too

[Cadwallader]

the dark green boker brook is gorgeous and I have wanted one for so long.

[reverendstephenlina]

I think there’s one knife that perfectly answers the first two questions. Spyderco Bow River.

[arrowheadguys]

The m390 bugout with the aluminum handles is the perfect combo for that knife. Have had a few different bugouts and thats the only one that really feels right. Might be I just like a little more heft in hand.

[crazeeaz]

I'm glad to see the Hunt'n Fisch getting some traction. Mine lives at my desk year round for daily tasks while I'm working. It cuts a lot of paper and fruit. I also add it to my hunting kit in the fall and winter as my go to squirrel knife.

[TheScoundrel]

For years, I used the Timberline mini-pitbull for a neck knife and really loved it in that role. My wife noticed that I used it more than my belt knife for everything from gardening to winter camping, and decided to annex it for herself. I haven't found a replacement that I felt equaled the mini, but that RMJ Sparrow has really grabbed my attention since first seeing it.

[alexandergutfeldt]

The Böker Barlow BFF would work as a polite company fixed EDC!

[joshuaritzheimer]

I love great questions like the one about speed in this episode. It allows DCA to get into the weeds which means my knowledge grows.

[msharmall]

Like the camera man experienced, a knife for self defense is often more about defensive display than actual use. I've also used a knife for defense in that way. This is one reason I recommend flashy polished knives for defense and not an all blacked out knife. You want them to see it and think twice about what they're doing. You'd be surprised how far a knife and strong attitude/body language will go for stopping threats.

[lanedexter]

Yep, most of us carry guns for defense, knives as tools. But up close and personal, knives have been VERY deadly for as long as we’ve had knives. We just don’t emphasize those skills as much today. My ex-cop wife actually has been stabbed, has used gun and knife, and she carries both, with multiple blades. So do I, but mostly because I’m a gear junkie.

[janreineke]

Ka-Bar Wrench knife might be a good option for a low profile EDC fixed blade (cause in your pocket it looks like a wrench), even though it's under budget.