Or just defending yourself...

Or cutting things. Any serious cutting work is hard to do with a knife that folds but doesnt lock. Ive had to cut tough things like thick rope with a swiss army knife and sometimes it folds back in on itself, hitting my fingers.

I always carry my SAK on me, for various reasons, but whenever I use the knife part I wish I had a proper one.

I guess in a violent third world country like the UK it doesnt work. But its fine in most other European countries.


Edit: Ive just had a look at the Warrior, and that seems excessive. I was thinking something like this one.
(tyrellsOwl, Tue 19 Jul 2011, 9:04, 1 reply)

Not to get all spammy, but.... wavy lines
Way back in the waning days of the previous century, I happened to be in a sporting goods store looking at knives and found one that was sufficiently unusual-looking that I picked it up to see how it felt in my hand. Felt like nothing. Like not holding a knife at all. So I put it back.

Continuing to wander about the store, it dawned on me: hey, that's pretty cool; holding a knife that feels like it's not even there. So I went back and bought it -- a Spyderco Delica. Got it home and it turned out the fun was just beginning. For starters, Spydercos are SHARP, right out of the box. The funny-looking hole in the blade is where the user pushes against to manually open it, turns out to be quite ergonomic. Quality is unexcelled.

That was then, and the current design Delica 4 spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=209 has been gradually massaged over the years so as to make the original look quaint. But still for every day carry, it's the one for me. Cuts, slices, fits in the pocket, etc., etc.

Sure do hope it's legal for you in the UK. Maybe if the News Corp. scandal brings down the old style of government, the new guys will cut you some slack. With us in the US, it's been a constant struggle for citizens vs. the government for years now, with the National Rifle Association in the lead for the people. But the anti-everything faction tries harder all the time and any time now we may find ourselves having to toe the line drawn by the United Nations, whereby all law-abiding people will be disarmed. Thus the old truism: when arms are outlawed only outlaws will have arms. Witness the poor bastards in Egypt when the government collapsed into overnight anarchy a few months ago. People who were unable to leave the country and forced to stay complained on TV, "I wish we had some guns or something."

No kidding. I bet. It's an interesting exercise to consider just how tenuous the rule of law really is where one lives.

OTOH the Warrior does seem a trifle excessive. Until one holds it in the hand. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm. Especially when one holds it in the recommended "reverse grip" (martial arts-related, of which I certainly don't know any, and anyone who does would easily pluck it from my fingertips). The curvy shape matches upward or downward swinging arcs of the human forearm in natural movement, for what that's worth. But, boy does it feel good. Hate to admit it, but it feels so good I bought another one just to have when the first gets lost. Also, the sheath that comes with it www.specopsbrand.com/tactical-gear/sheaths/combat-master-knife-sheath-short.html is the best sheath on earth, but it sucks due to the fact that it doesn't closely fit the knife, which rattles about inside it. $100 dollars later (each) www.rivercitysheaths.com/photo.htm and hey, presto! you have one that fits. The knife is in itself a thing of beauty, though, and fun to play with [cut wire insulation with].
( Squilliam but . . . . *I'm* the one with all the talent!, Tue 19 Jul 2011, 23:27, closed)

If it locks, it's illegal to carry (without Valid Reason™).

UK law says unless it is 1)Under 4", 2)Folding 3)Not locking it is illegal to carry without good reason.

I have a beautiful Smith&Wesson knife I used to carry (when I lived in the US), handle just big enough to get a solid grip, blade just long enough to be effective (still under 4" as I recall) but it locks. Therefore, illegal.

The Valid Reason™ is also pretty strict. It must be either "required to perform work duties" or "part of national/religious costume", and a few other rather specific situations.
(tyrellsOwl, Wed 20 Jul 2011, 12:32, closed)