Would love input and/or alternatives to these two folders:
So in Los Angeles CA you have two sets of laws governing what knives you can carry concealed. State and local.
So I am limited to a 2" automatic folding knife or a 3" assisted folder. As long as the assisted uses a knob that is part of the blade. Like a typical flipper that uses a thumb stud or knob on the back that is part of the blade.
(I do have a cheap S&W that uses a knob on the back that is separate from the blade. I do not know what kind of assisted knife that is. But the laws in CA and LA are murky at best. So trying to stick with the letter of the law.)
I've decided to buy one of each. One 2" automatic. And one 3" assisted.
I thought I might be more likely to carry the smaller one everyday. As the larger one might get carried less often in the lighter pants and shorts that I wear here in the very mild climate.
CIVIVI Elementum Pocket Knife C907T (Dark Green). 3" blade.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C9PB2ZR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_B34AHRVNWXZ1JWJMRPGH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The knock off of the above. 3" blade.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KTQQ5VN/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_4WNB9HBYHK2HNRKFQKWW?psc=1
This one is a clear knock off of the much more expensive Civivi at top. If I don't like this I will return it. If I do I will either keep it or return it. But purchase the real Civivi version. Knifecenter sells a version with micarta scales. I would go with that version.
Boker 2" automatic.
https://bladeops.com/boker-od-green-sub-kalashnikov-auto-knife-1-95-black-blade/
The above comes in various colors. I'm not sure yet which I prefer. And it comes in either D2 or AUS8.
It really is very small. And doesnt even give you a full palm of grip. But short of carrying nothing at all. At least I'll have something that I can throw in my pocket with my keys. That I probably won't even notice. And won't pull my sweat shorts or pants down that I so often wear.
As always I've been researching this to death. But invite any and all input and/or alternative suggestions. I've tried to keep the dollar amount to $50 or below.
It's not an assisted opener or an automatic, but Kershaw makes a knife called the "Shuffle II" that's pretty neat. It's about the size of the Boker Kalashnikov you linked to, but it's also about 10 bucks cheaper. It's got ambidextrous thumbstuds on the blade along with a bottle opener (not sure why Kershaw thought that was a good idea, but whatever.).
I picked one up a few years back at Big 5 and I think it was on sale then for about 20 bucks or maybe less than that.
Let me see if I can find mine and I'll post a picture of it.
Found my Kershaw Shuffle II.
It's not a very big knife at about 4" closed and 6 1/4" open. It's also fairly light. I don't have an exact weight, but that's mostly because I don't have a scale capable of weighing it.
The blade is also pretty short at just 2 1/2".
20220509_180344.jpg
I just wanted to add:
I'm no knife fighter. Nor do I have any fantasized ninja knife scenarios running around in my mind. I've lived in Los Angeles for 25 years. And worked doing vehicular surveillance in some of the worst and best neighborhoods.
LA has changed since the pandemic. Alot of people lost work. That were hanging on the edge to begin with. Roving teams of gang members have started following people and either beating them for there valuables. Or running them down with their cars to get their valuables. In some of the best neighborhoods as well as bad ones. The sheriff has actually started a taskforce just to deal with that issue alone.
I shop at a number of stores. A couple discount stores into the not so good part of town. I'm a big sort of scary looking dude. 6'3" 250 ex Marine, medium length large goatee. So no one usually bothers me. And I don't often feel unsafe. I also remain aware though. As I've worked every part of town over the last couple of decades.
But recently I have felt unsafe.
As crime has gotten so bad. The county actually reversed its decades long moritorium on ccw's. And started issueing them again. With due cause. I hold a state PI license and a Federal Firearm Dealer license. So I have due cause. And have begun that process.
I was recently followed to a post office. Had my car blocked in. And was confronted by a man who obviously had a weapon in the rear of his waistband. I won't bore you with all the details. But I was able to talk my way out of it.
My first best defense has always been avoidance. Which I practiced that day. But was ultimately confronted with a situation that may have even justified a shooting - legally. Meaning it was that serious. But after that I became seriously concerned for my safety for one of the first times licing and working in LA.
I no longer let my wife shop in certain areas of town. Nor my son. I've taken extra defensive measures in my home and vehicles. And even though I have no delusions fo grandeur concerning my knife skills. I see it as a last ditch defensive tool. When all else has failed.
I can't wait to move.
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on May 09, 2022, 06:09:10 PMFound my Kershaw Shuffle II.
It's not a very big knife at about 4" closed and 6 1/4" open. It's also fairly light. I don't have an exact weight, but that's mostly because I don't have a scale capable of weighing it.
The blade is also pretty short at just 2 1/2".
20220509_180344.jpg
Not a big fan of those style blades. As I can never effectively sharpen them. I have two crkt kiss knives with those blades. But kershaw did make my list.
https://www.smkw.com/schrade-divergent
To be honest, I'd skip the california legal auto knife. What's the point? As far as the assisted, where does spyderco land on the legal carry page? I'd go with a whatever is legal spyderco and just wait til you leave that forsaken state.
On another note , what is legal fixed blade? I regularly EDC these two
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SK0SP8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087BGIEQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Faster than a automatic. Stronger than a folder
Kershaw does still make the original Shuffle with a more traditional blade style, but I'm not a fan of that one.
Mostly because I had one and the blade developed a significant amount of play after minimal amount of use. I may have just gotten a lemon, though.
Are you focused strictly on a knife? I have on of these on my belt most of the time and no one has questioned it. The thin side goes between the belt and pants and the thick side folds over the outside of the belt and snaps securely to the thinner part, locking it onto the belt until you need to make change.
https://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/edc/making-change-less-lethal-coin-purse-mean-gene-leather/
CoinPurse.png
Quote from: flybynight on May 09, 2022, 06:59:07 PMTo be honest, I'd skip the california legal auto knife. What's the point? As far as the assisted, where does spyderco land on the legal carry page? I'd go with a whatever is legal spyderco and just wait til you leave that forsaken state.
On another note , what is legal fixed blade? I regularly EDC these two
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SK0SP8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087BGIEQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Faster than a automatic. Stronger than a folder
I have a few 3.5 to 4 inch folders now. Spyderco, Benchmade, S&W, and CRKT. But I just learned they are illegal to carry in LA. Rest of CA is ok tho.
The point of the little 2 inch auto is just that I think I might always carry that one. Because of its size and weight. Whereas the larger ones I might not. Its so nice here all the time. That I rarely wear pants. Its usually lightweight sweat shorts. Or super lightweight pants when I do. I already carry a wallet, large phone, keys and chapstick. And a normal size folder tends to make my pants hang down. Or just feel to bulky. I know it sounds ridiculous. But I'm just trying to think practically. Like be honest about what I will actually carry the most often.
To throw that little auto into my pocket, along with all that other crap, seems much more likely. But I will probably carry the 3 inch most of the time. But on those days that I might not. I want an option that I know I will throw in my pockets no matter what.
Plus - to answer your question - in CA and LA the laws are weird. (Go f-ing figure right?!) They are more concerned about open carry than concealed.
In CA and LA you can't carry a fixed blade, open carry unless it is 3 inches or less. And in CA and LA you can't conceal amy fixed blade. So basically you can only have a 3 inch or smaller fixed blade if it is open carried. There are also other limitations I wont go into.
In CA you can carry any pocket knife, except for a switchblade, as long as its concealed.
In LA you can only carry a folder if its under 3 inches. But it HAS to be concealed. You can't have the knife showing. And some have shown case law that a pocket clip is still showing. And not concealed.
I have little doubt that I will ever even get asked about a pocket clip or even carrying a folder. By LE. But my only purpose for carrying it in the first place is self defense. And as bad as things are getting its not entirely impossible that it could get used for that. So I just want to be legal. I also have to much to lose carrying something illegal. And I don't need the stress in the back of my mind.
As far as Spyderco goes. It really doesn't matter. The easy open hole in the blade does not make it a switchblade. Even spring assist are not considered switchblades. I could get a shorter Spyderco. But I feel more confident with a spring assist. So why not get the fastest? And the one your most comfortable using?
So niether of those fixed stocks you linked to are legal in CA. Because you can't conceal amy fixed blade. You can only open carry one that is smaller than 3 inches. But yes, they are a great option. Especially if you could do horizontal belt carry under a shirt.
Quote from: Blast on May 09, 2022, 09:46:45 PMAre you focused strictly on a knife? I have on of these on my belt most of the time and no one has questioned it. The thin side goes between the belt and pants and the thick side folds over the outside of the belt and snaps securely to the thinner part, locking it onto the belt until you need to make change.
https://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/edc/making-change-less-lethal-coin-purse-mean-gene-leather/
CoinPurse.png
I would think that would be considered a sap. Which I'm pretty sure are illegal other places. And it seems like if anythings illegal anywhere. Then its also illegal in California. Lol. But I'll look into it. I used to have a real sap many years ago. I forget who sells them. But they used to be a pretty common item. Thats cool that it doubles as a coin purse.
I have a really nice collapsible baton. That I brought with me when I moved here 30 years ago. And its a really effective club. And very small package when collapsed. But they've made those illegal too.
Remember those police batons with the right angle handle coming out of them? Wasn't it called a ku baton or something? I remember alot of police training revolving around those. But not so much anymore. I wonder what happened to those? To police batons in general?
The first time I was in Downtown LA was back in the early 80s when I was first in the USMC. I was stuck really late waiting for a bus. And the LAPD would come along. And any vagrants sleeping in the streets. They would wake up and make them move along. By striking their shins with a baton. Like really hard fucking hard. Without warning. It was like whack whack whack. "Get up and move along!". It was brutal. That was the first time I'd ever seen anyone struck with a club. And it was like just short of breaking bones. I was shocked. lA was a rough place back then. Maybe worse now.
Quote from: Moab on May 09, 2022, 06:46:05 PMQuote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on May 09, 2022, 06:09:10 PMFound my Kershaw Shuffle II.
It's not a very big knife at about 4" closed and 6 1/4" open. It's also fairly light. I don't have an exact weight, but that's mostly because I don't have a scale capable of weighing it.
The blade is also pretty short at just 2 1/2".
20220509_180344.jpg
Not a big fan of those style blades. As I can never effectively sharpen them. I have two crkt kiss knives with those blades. But kershaw did make my list.
https://www.smkw.com/schrade-divergent
Gosh, I quite like that little thing. I have the larger one and like the weight & feel but am hesitant to keep it on my person because of its size and to me obviousness of possible suggestable purpose. I would like and would carry that little one though.
I also had that very same wonder about its ability to be sharpened, although really for me, the amount of use I'd give it at this point in my life would be negligible. So what the hey, eh.
Quote from: Moab on May 09, 2022, 05:24:52 PMWould love input and/or alternatives to these two folders:
So in Los Angeles CA you have two sets of laws governing what knives you can carry concealed. State and local.
So I am limited to a 2" automatic folding knife or a 3" assisted folder. As long as the assisted uses a knob that is part of the blade. Like a typical flipper that uses a thumb stud or knob on the back that is part of the blade.
I have a 2" auto knife and after I carried it for a minute I decided it was a no go due to the drawbacks.
First it was too small
Second it had to have a 'safety' lock to prevent it from auto deploying in your pocket, which it did anyhow.
Third it was too small.
Fourth it didn't have a pocket clip.
(https://i.imgur.com/qL1HC5H.jpg?1) as seen in the 'Watch and Blade (https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=204.0)' thread.
If I am wearing pants with pockets I'm carrying my Kershaw Cryo II or my Tanto Blur and they are pretty big [~3.25" blades] and I don't even notice them. Even when mowing the lawn or dressed up for dinner, EDC. You get used to it and feel naked without it.
The Kershaw's were both over $50 but their warranty service makes it worth it, something you might not get with a cheaper folder. Cry once.
Quote from: MacWa77ace on May 10, 2022, 08:58:43 AMQuote from: Moab on May 09, 2022, 05:24:52 PMWould love input and/or alternatives to these two folders:
So in Los Angeles CA you have two sets of laws governing what knives you can carry concealed. State and local.
So I am limited to a 2" automatic folding knife or a 3" assisted folder. As long as the assisted uses a knob that is part of the blade. Like a typical flipper that uses a thumb stud or knob on the back that is part of the blade.
I have a 2" auto knife and after I carried it for a minute I decided it was a no go due to the drawbacks.
First it was too small
Second it had to have a 'safety' lock to prevent it from auto deploying in your pocket, which it did anyhow.
Third it was too small.
Fourth it didn't have a pocket clip.
(https://i.imgur.com/qL1HC5H.jpg?1) as seen in the 'Watch and Blade (https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=204.0)' thread.
If I am wearing pants with pockets I'm carrying my Kershaw Cryo II or my Tanto Blur and they are pretty big [~3.25" blades] and I don't even notice them. Even when mowing the lawn or dressed up for dinner, EDC. You get used to it and feel naked without it.
The Kershaw's were both over $50 but their warranty service makes it worth it, something you might not get with a cheaper folder. Cry once.
Like I said, its so nice here year around. I rarely wear pants. If I did, I'd totally agree with you. But with lightweight sweatpants and shorts 90% of the year. There are days where carrying my full size folders, a wallet, large phone and keys gets cumbersome. And you arent legally supposed to use the pocket clip here.
But even then i would usually be carrying the full size. The little folder would only be on those days when I didn't feel like liading my pockets up. The one posted above does have a pocket clip tho.
Its also why I went for a wider blade. The one you posted does seem very small. But I think with the wider blade and handle they become a little more practical. But I have not held one yet either. So it may just go straight back.
I also found this last night.
https://www.smkw.com/kershaw-flock
Its an alternative for the 3 inch. Its cheap. But I actually kind of like it. Its not as nice a knife as the $30 one above tho. And its only a $5 difference. So i dont know.
But I do hear what your saying, mac.
I wear shorts when I'm not at work too, living in South Florida. But most of my shorts have pockets and beltloops and I usually wear a belt cause also CC in shorts. I buy them a waist size larger because I IWB. I found some that have a little elastic in the side of the waist and so they are really comfortable but I need to wear a belt or they work their way down.
I don't wear flip flops or sandals because IMO they are dangerous for self defense/EDC/walking. Its either shoes or barefoot. I do have those elastic waistband only shorts, but they make me feel the same as if I was wearing sandals in a self defense situation. So I really don't wear those much [working out, and I can't carry my folder]