Favorite Fighters

[Shae1324]

I have a S&W HRT Karambit that I love as a backup even though it doesn't compare to my standard issue Ka-Bar. The Ka-Bar, though very utilitarian lacks the finesse of a small curved neck knife,or other so called fighters on the market. The Karambit, as illustrated by Doug Marcaida is espeically useful in applying pressure and disarming an opponent.

Thought, opinions, ideas?

 

[Danoobie]

I'm a little old-school, I like the Fairbairn-Sykes style. Not very practical for daily
use, tho. I've been finding heavy cheap Bowies, lately, because they give you
more compact size, and more weight than a machete, for hacking thru brush.

 

[Gordon]

"fighters" ? I'll take a 7-9" long x 1 1/2-1 3/4" wide sharpened clip point flat ground tool steel blade with differential hardning arount 50 at spine and at least 61 Rockwell C at edge. A flat asymetrical handle so I instantly know blade orientation and fully prevents forward hand slippage.

 

[hso]

The Karambit, as illustrated by Doug Marcaida is espeically useful in applying pressure and disarming an opponent.

With training, yes. Having trained in styles from European sword combatives to Silat and Pikiti Tersia I found training in the kerambit to be very important. Also, the definition of a "fighter" in knives differs from the smaller defensive knives.

As Gordon implies, knives meant for fighting often have larger blades than the small defensive knives. You see this in SEA and Asian and European blade traditions where the largest knife that can be quickly wielded is preferred over the smaller easily concealed. Big blades of the same shape do more damage than their smaller siblings.

Even the traditional karambits are much larger than the more modern "urban" versions most of us see on the 'net and TV having started out as so many weapons do as agricultural tools in Java that spread and become specialized into their weapon use. What we Westerners think of as a kerambit is derivative of the kerambit of the Philippines.

 

[bannockburn]

The one knife that I would say is my favorite fighter would be my Randall No.1. Custom ordered many years ago with optional input by knife fighting author David E. Steele, it features a 6" stainless steel blade, nickel silver double hilt, and a black Micarta handle.

 

[JeffG]

I have several favorites. In the photo, #3 is an RJ Martin Kwaiken and a sheath I made myself. This knife goes with me daily. #1 is a Appalachian made bowie that I bought from a maker I can't recall his name. #2 Th Ishtar, was made for me by John Gonzales of Dervish knives. It carries very well in IWB sheath. #4 is a Holly brand bowie, and a sheath I had made for it. I have other knives but these are among my favorites.

 

[lemaymiami]

I always carry a good sized folder with me (and did on the street for 22 years as well) - among other uses, those blades were always meant to be a last ditch defensive tool as well (my current one is a long discontinued full sized Benchmade Ascent). "Fighting" with a blade is not something I ever want to do (as my dad, a career army engineer type, once said - "You have to get entirely too close...").

My idea of a "fighter" is a basic riot type 12ga. shotgun with only a bead sight, a four shot tube, and 2 3/4" 00buck rounds... The fellow with the knife will have some hard choices to make - and not much time....

 

[Sam1911]

I've no desire to fight using a knife, and don't really include such in my defensive plans. But I do have a favorite knife that more or less fits that niche:

3/16" thick 52100
Blade width is 1-5/8"
Blade length is 8-1/8"
Overall length is 13-1/2".
Handles are green canvas micarta with black canvas micarta pins.

 

[Valkman]

I'm kinda partial to these:

 

[Water-Man]

https://www.knife-depot.com/knife-297535.html
I like this for a combat knife.

 

[JShirley]

I don't want to fight. If I have to fight, I want a crew-served weapon on my side. If I had to fight with a knife, I designed my ideal fighting knife:

 

[hso]

I'm kinda partial to these:

I'd imagine so.

 

[Girodin]

I don’t really have what I’d call a “fighter.” I do have some small defensive knives which is what the OP seemed to be refering to.
The top knife is a shivworks clinch pick.
The second knife is a spyderco reverse.
The last one is spyderco ARK. It is hands down the best neck knife (for what I want in s neck knife at least) that I’ve found.
View attachment 767444

 

[JShirley]

I don’t really have what I’d call a “fighter.” I do have some small defensive knives which is what the OP seemed to be refering to.
The top knife is a shivworks clinch pick.
The second knife is a spyderco reverse.
The last one is spyderco ARK. It is hands down the best neck knife (for what I want in s neck knife at least) that I’ve found.
View attachment 767444

Thank you.

I was talking to someone yesterday, and told him that the ARK was one of the two best neck knives I had encountered, regardless of my role in its creation. (The other being the Folts Minimalist.)

There is definitely a huge difference between large fighting knives and small defensive ones, both in form and function.

-John

 

[Girodin]

The ark is a great design. The folts is another favorite. I prefer the ark because it sits flatter and being H1 is impervious to rust.

The ark is something I can carry all day everyday. I can wear it in the office, while I’m working out, and even in the shower. In the role I use mine, the H1 works well. If I were going to use it for more general utility I would love them to make it in LC200 N.

I view the ARK the same ways as my LCP and my stream light micro. So easy to carry that there is no real reason not to have it with me even when I carry something else.

I don’t have much use for a large fighter and it’s not something I’d be inclined to carry on the regularly. small defensive knives like the ARK and the clinch pick on the other hand are something I can carry daily and I view them as having a practical and important role.

 

[hso]

The ark is something I can carry all day everyday.

And we're very proud that John and Sam are responsible for it!

 

[KevininPa]

I have several favorites. In the photo, #3 is an RJ Martin Kwaiken and a sheath I made myself. This knife goes with me daily. #1 is a Appalachian made bowie that I bought from a maker I can't recall his name. #2 Th Ishtar, was made for me by John Gonzales of Dervish knives. It carries very well in IWB sheath. #4 is a Holly brand bowie, and a sheath I had made for it. I have other knives but these are among my favorites.
View attachment 767340

Jeff, what make switchblade is that? I have an AKC exactly like that. Mine is of the 13 inch variety with buffalo horn scales.

 

[JeffG]

Jeff, what make switchblade is that? I have an AKC exactly like that. Mine is of the 13 inch variety with buffalo horn scales.

That's an Armondo Beltrame. They are available from online shops. Some shops don't make the difference...
http://www.directknifesales.com/skm...itation-coral-flat-grind-automatic-knife.html

 

[entropy]

I train for historical re-enactment, so I prefer the weapons used- Axe or tomahwk, longknife/short sword. When I was in the Army, I had a Gerber MkII, never had to use it. I carry a Gerber FAST 06.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Every 0311 gets a warm and fuzzy feeling with the good ol KaBar. It is pretty well balanced as a fighting knife. The OKC-3S USMC bayonet actually could make a pretty good fighting knife. If I had to go to a knife fight, I would pick something along those lines. For defensive use, I actually really like a good dagger:



And for all around survival and utility, I generally think big, like this 9.5 inch bladed OKC SP-50 Spearpoint Bowie:

 

[Gordon]

My idea of a "fighter" a 20" bladed Mad Dog Knives Saxon , infact this is THE proto Saxon and somewhat legendary

 

[Shae1324]

I don't want to fight. If I have to fight, I want a crew-served weapon on my side. If I had to fight with a knife, I designed my ideal fighting knife: View attachment 767414

Very nice indeed. I don't want to fight with a knife either, but if it does happen, I want to be prepared for it.

 

[JShirley]

Well, in the age of dependable repeating firearms, the only reason to use a knife is if you're attacked while working with one. The same things that make a useful camp knife also make for a capable piece for SD.

John

 

[hso]

in the age of dependable repeating firearms, the only reason to use a knife is if you're attacked while working with one.

As long as you're where you're allowed to carry one. You and I aren't allowed to carry firearms at work so a knife and other defensive tools are useful whether working with them at the time or not.

 

[JShirley]

I can't carry a knife at work, either. If I employ anything as a weapon, I'll be fortunate if I only lose my job.

I'm lucky- my last position didn't allow phones, either!