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EDC Defensive Fixed Blades (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 11/5/2025 10:00:07 PM EDT
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Looking for an EDC defensive fixed blade I’m considering the Headhunter Rat, Amtec NorthmanX and Crush Everything Dynamis What other custom or semi custom build knives in this class should I research..? Pics are great. |
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Originally Posted By MONGO45: Looking for an EDC defensive fixed blade I’m considering the Headhunter Rat, Amtec NorthmanX and Crush Everything Dynamis What other custom or semi custom build knives in this class should I research..? Pics are great. Those are all good choices, but a few questions. Have you considered how and where to carry it? Have you considered how to deploy and use it? I’ve found deployment and use with my support hand fits me best. I can go horizontal on the belt (actually gives both hands access the closer to 10 or 11 O’clock it is), IWB on the support side, or deep pocket carry on the support side. Deep pocket has been my primary method (AMTAC Minuteman with deep pocket sheath). My alternate choices are usually horizontal near the front on the beltline. I can access with my support hand in a defensive posture, or access with my right for more utilitarian purposes. Favorite two for deep pocket is the Minuteman or MilMak CCW. The majority of my training has been simply reverse grip/ice pick. Nothing fancy, just fast and secure. It’s not meant as “knife fighting”, it’s simply to get space and access my CCW if it wasn’t accessible. Favorite few for horizontal (close to centerline) carry are the Skallywag MDV Plus One, White River Model 1, and the Bradford Guardian (last two are more utilitarian). While the quality and fitment of the knife is important, the most critical aspect is the sheath system and how/where you carry it. (pics not working this morning  )ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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Shiv Works makes some nice fixed EDC setups that are reasonably priced. Attached File |
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I have considered almost everything mentioned thus far. I have a few options and have retired all of them for my current every day edc. I still carry others on more formal occasions. My current every day every day carry…… Attached File Attached File It is a Flat Rock Forge Kestrel. The veteran team member collaborated with some hsld types and this is what they came up with. It has everything I require, very stabby and cuts coming or going. I am not sure if all states allow double edged weapons though. |
"Omnia mei donna Deo" Please pray for our country!
Educated not indoctrinated!
Educated not indoctrinated!
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I like that Kestrel Carry will be in front on belt so I can access with either hand. I work plainclothes LE and have trained knife stuff with a couple well known guys but no expert. This will be to make space or in rare situation where entanglement with a teammate won’t allow me to safely use a firearm. I’m leaning towards the Bastenelli Sin if anyone has experience with it. Hands are 2XL |
Surprise, Speed and Violence of Action
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Originally Posted By MONGO45: I like that Kestrel Carry will be in front on belt so I can access with either hand. I work plainclothes LE and have trained knife stuff with a couple well known guys but no expert. This will be to make space or in rare situation where entanglement with a teammate won't allow me to safely use a firearm. I'm leaning towards the Bastenelli Sin if anyone has experience with it. Hands are 2XL Hoffner? Brian was a firearms instructor in the LE academy I attended decades ago. Good knives if you aren't a steel snob. Attached File |
Crap Magnet Extraordinaire
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I am actually a fan of the Toor Darter blade and grip shape as a minimal size knife whose primary purpose is fighting. Before dropping the big bucks you can order a clone that's close of Amazon (I depise fakes, but a clone that does not pretend to be the original is flattery) to see if you like the feel and handling, knowing that the Toor sheath will suck less. My walkabout is a Toor M.U.F. Diver though. All the other Toor knives are too thick IMHO and feel like sharpened prybars. To be fair, they're billed as search and rescue capable knives, and they all look like they'll cut through car doors a couple of weeks every day between sharpenings. Pic of clone, not fake, my real one is elsewhere. 
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In case you're wondering about the avatar pic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
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When I was doing plainclothes work I carried a Clinch Pick at about 11’o clock. I also carried my 365 appendix on the right side, but liked the clinch pick because I could access it with either hand while seated in a car. And with just a slight shift of the hips I could get the blade out of the sheath and in use if needed. Never had to use it, but was glad to have it when driving around or sitting in vehicles with dirtbags 
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"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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I made this model a few years ago Neat little knife Attached File |
Set the controls for the heart of the sun
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Originally Posted By doubleplusgood: I made this model a few years ago Neat little knife https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_5218_jpeg-3654694.JPG I like that a lot. |
In case you're wondering about the avatar pic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
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A few daggers I made Attached File |
Set the controls for the heart of the sun
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Originally Posted By homeyclaus: I am actually a fan of the Toor Darter blade and grip shape as a minimal size knife whose primary purpose is fighting. Before dropping the big bucks you can order a clone that's close of Amazon (I depise fakes, but a clone that does not pretend to be the original is flattery) to see if you like the feel and handling, knowing that the Toor sheath will suck less. My walkabout is a Toor M.U.F. Diver though. All the other Toor knives are too thick IMHO and feel like sharpened prybars. To be fair, they're billed as search and rescue capable knives, and they all look like they'll cut through car doors a couple of weeks every day between sharpenings. Pic of clone, not fake, my real one is elsewhere. https://i.imgur.com/dnmxHij.jpeg I have been a fan of Toor for awhile but cannot find this clone you speak of. Is there a specific word I should be searching for? |
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Originally Posted By NoImpactNoIdea: I have been a fan of Toor for awhile but cannot find this clone you speak of. Is there a specific word I should be searching for? Amazon has a bunch of copies that skirt the line within being fakes. Generally the copies claim to be made of D2 or 14C28N, heat treatment unknown, so I consider them only suitable for things that don't matter, like cutting up cardboard boxes. Doesn't claim to be one other than "Toor" as the model name, no serrations on back:  
There used to be a closer copy of the claiming to be sandvik steel, but I can't find it right now. --- D2 copy that doesn't have Toor fake branding or claim to be one. Sheath and clip aren't total crap but not great either, it's the one in the picture: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808725212571.html Ships from China, no frills, just in a very nice zip loc bag inside a box. Again, I am specifically avoiding fakes. Clones ok, but claim to be a real Toor or have faked real markings, no thanks. Except Bitchmade. |
In case you're wondering about the avatar pic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
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Originally Posted By homeyclaus: Amazon has a bunch of copies that skirt the line within being fakes. Generally the copies claim to be made of D2 or 14C28N, heat treatment unknown, so I consider them only suitable for things that don't matter, like cutting up cardboard boxes. Doesn't claim to be one other than "Toor" as the model name, no serrations on back: www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8VHBTR3 There used to be a closer copy of the claiming to be sandvik steel, but I can't find it right now. --- D2 copy that doesn't have Toor fake branding or claim to be one. Sheath and clip aren't total crap but not great either, it's the one in the picture: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808725212571.html Ships from China, no frills, just in a very nice zip loc bag inside a box. Again, I am specifically avoiding fakes. Clones ok, but claim to be a real Toor or have faked real markings, no thanks. Except Bitchmade. Thank you, I literally searched every keyword I could think of and probably looked at 80% of the other Chinese knives they have and didnt see it. Im sure I will eventually buy the real one but it would be nice to see if my theoretical carry works before I drop the money on theirs. Guy on my team has an Apnea and its a thing of beauty. |
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Originally Posted By NoImpactNoIdea: Thank you, I literally searched every keyword I could think of and probably looked at 80% of the other Chinese knives they have and didnt see it. Im sure I will eventually buy the real one but it would be nice to see if my theoretical carry works before I drop the money on theirs. Guy on my team has an Apnea and its a thing of beauty. Like I said, I would not trust the copies for much other than test for fit, cardboard, and maybe, just maybe a MRE. Actually for utility type knives knives, I use them in the kitchen to break down deer, chicken, etc to see if they do that without issues. The Darter clone works okay there too. I would love to side-by-side compare an Apnea w the MUF since it's "more refined" or something, but my MUF Diver in S35V does everything from cut up chicken, lamb, and steaks to digging 81mm mortar training grenades out of the ground, and a bunch of stuff between those two things. I sharpened those three "things" so they're more like serrations and it's fantastic on cordage, sinew, and stuff like that now. Since I was re-arranging my belt, here is a pic:  ETA, found the 14C28N copy: 
Not sure what that steel type gets you in that application, since it's not really a blade shape you'd pound on, but whatever. |
In case you're wondering about the avatar pic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ARGjbA14g
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God fearing Christian American boomer!
Joined:
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Posts:
3257
EE: 100% (234)
FL, USA
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Originally Posted By MONGO45: I like that Kestrel Carry will be in front on belt so I can access with either hand. I work plainclothes LE and have trained knife stuff with a couple well known guys but no expert. This will be to make space or in rare situation where entanglement with a teammate won’t allow me to safely use a firearm. I’m leaning towards the Bastenelli Sin if anyone has experience with it. Hands are 2XL @Mongo45 Mine is a terrible example because I don’t have a trainer, and she has been in and out of saltwater. There is an archived thread on it in the blades forum. I ran across it yesterday googling Flat Rock Forge Kestrel. There is a much better picture that shows the thought that went into the knife. The belly has a consistent edge to it, even though it has two different profiles along it’s length, with the front part near the tip being substantially thicker for piercing. The edge doesn’t show well in the pictures I posted. The butt has some serious jimping that makes a really nice impact area. Every part of that knife that is not covered by your fingers is freaking unfriendly to things covered with skin. Edited to add additional picture. Attached File It is a bit more than just a pikal, not fully double edged but enough so to allow a wicked backslash. The rest of her teeth show better in the added picture. |
"Omnia mei donna Deo" Please pray for our country!
Educated not indoctrinated!
Educated not indoctrinated!
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My daily carry. Worn support side usually between 30-40 degrees. The mini 360 mount is great. You can adjust to whatever you want. I use the same mount/receiver for spare mags. Attached File |
Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison....
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These are the ones I use. The Nimravus and the dagger go on plate carriers. The CUDA and Nimravus Cub behind my off side hip next to spare mags. The Clinch Pick, Pinkerton and Cold Steel push dagger go at 1 o’clock. Attached File |
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Don't discount the less-expensive MDV Plus One, one of my favorite "belt-line" knives: https://cdn.arizonacustomknives.com/images/products/big/1656521585-3702.jpeg ROCK6 @ROCK6 Can you post a pic of how you’re carrying that MDV? I thought about support side pocket carry, but that’s already full of magazine and flashlight. Belt line might be the answer. Thanks. |
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Originally Posted By MONGO45: I like that Kestrel Carry will be in front on belt so I can access with either hand. I work plainclothes LE and have trained knife stuff with a couple well known guys but no expert. This will be to make space or in rare situation where entanglement with a teammate won’t allow me to safely use a firearm. I’m leaning towards the Bastenelli Sin if anyone has experience with it. Hands are 2XL Sounds like a job for a shivworks clinch pick, disciple, or barracuda. I've heard them describe that their knives are meant to be used in the "monkey with a screwdriver" method. |
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Originally Posted By doubleplusgood: A few daggers I made https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_0314_jpeg-3654766.JPG Very nice. @doubleplusgood |
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Originally Posted By Vaquero: Can you post a pic of how you’re carrying that MDV? I thought about support side pocket carry, but that’s already full of magazine and flashlight. Belt line might be the answer. Thanks. @Vaquero, Sorry for the late reply. This is better than a photo (which I will take at some point!). First method in the video, but depending on the location of my support-side belt loops, the handle isn't quite as far as his:  3 Ways to EDC the MDv Plus One // Everyday Carry with Mike Donvito & @EliteYouChannel It's very, very simple and quite secure. I've had zero shift and despite the location, it goes completely unnoticed and is suprisingly "comfortable". Access is with either hand (right hand, saber grip for utility; support/left hand for reverse grip defensive use. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By doubleplusgood: I made this model a few years ago Neat little knife https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_5218_jpeg-3654694.JPG This is a great example of that deep "punyo". With a deep pocket sheath and that more pronounced handle peeking out of your pocket, you can quickly access indexing off your index finger, drawing and gripping in a reverse ice pick grip. The same can be done if carried IWB on your weakside (as @doubleplusgood' sheath shows). I've done some training I'm no experienced "knife fighter". The key is to have a blade you can quickly access in tight space and either incapacitate the threat of create space to access a more lethal (CCW) means to defend yourself. Focusing on my support side for that technique just gives me more options. Gun is always first, knife is in a support or backup role. The nice thing about handle designs like the MDv Plus 1 is that you can use the blade (reverse/ice pick grip for me), and, without dropping the blade, you can transition to your handgun with a two grip hold if needed. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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Originally Posted By ROCK6: @Vaquero, Sorry for the late reply. This is better than a photo (which I will take at some point!). First method in the video, but depending on the location of my support-side belt loops, the handle isn't quite as far as his:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXNYkVbmfZYIt's very, very simple and quite secure. I've had zero shift and despite the location, it goes completely unnoticed and is suprisingly "comfortable". Access is with either hand (right hand, saber grip for utility; support/left hand for reverse grip defensive use. ROCK6 Thank you! I think I’ll try that with the trainer for a while and see how it works. It almost looks too simple to work, but I imagine that simplicity is what makes it great. |
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Originally Posted By ColdBeerHere: Do you have any experience with Bastinelli's fighting scalpel? @ColdBeerHere Great name BTW  I don't have the fighting scalpel, but I do have the Bastinelli Spade Fixed Blade Karambit Knife:   Similar concept, but a little more beefier. I liked the stick deep carry sheath it comes with. While they have a short blade, they can still be very effective weapons. Very slim and great for pocket carry. ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
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I’ve got one of his Karambits… Pika I think. Spyderco PM2 and a Benchmade titanium pen. Attached File |
Surprise, Speed and Violence of Action
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Originally Posted By doubleplusgood: A few daggers I made https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_0314_jpeg-3654766.JPG Bruh 
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Buy M7 bayonet. Buy Chinese copy of M1918 trench knife. Cut tang and catch off bottom of M7 blade assembly, tack weld 1/4-20 bolt onto tang. Insert blade assembly into Chinese knuckle duster hilt, attach pommel screw. Voila. 
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"Make mistakes of ambition, not mistakes of sloth." - Macchiavelli
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Originally Posted By tightlines49: I have considered almost everything mentioned thus far. I have a few options and have retired all of them for my current every day edc. I still carry others on more formal occasions. My current every day every day carry…… https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/345499/IMG_7324_jpeg-3654216.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/345499/IMG_7323_jpeg-3654217.JPG It is a Flat Rock Forge Kestrel. The veteran team member collaborated with some hsld types and this is what they came up with. It has everything I require, very stabby and cuts coming or going. I am not sure if all states allow double edged weapons though. @tightlines49 so cool when I see this out there. This was originally at my request to D+G and reminds me I need to order another one or two. |
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A Kestrel in AEBL stainless Attached File Attached File |
Set the controls for the heart of the sun
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Tkell as mentioned above has great options. Between them and Half Face Blades I have a few I like to carry lately. These are the 3 and 4 inch HUMINT by HFB Attached File |
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Originally Posted By doubleplusgood: A Kestrel in AEBL stainless https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_4725_jpeg-3765447.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435746/IMG_4728_jpeg-3765450.JPG I bet that was a labor intensive profile. |
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Originally Posted By tc2129: When I was doing plainclothes work I carried a Clinch Pick at about 11’o clock. I also carried my 365 appendix on the right side, but liked the clinch pick because I could access it with either hand while seated in a car. And with just a slight shift of the hips I could get the blade out of the sheath and in use if needed. Never had to use it, but was glad to have it when driving around or sitting in vehicles with dirtbags Having been to a couple Shivworks courses a clinch pick or something similar placed in the same location as a clinch pick would be is optimum for in car or seated. |
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Originally Posted By machinegunseabee: Having been to a couple Shivworks courses a clinch pick or something similar placed in the same location as a clinch pick would be is optimum for in car or seated. Originally Posted By machinegunseabee: Originally Posted By tc2129: When I was doing plainclothes work I carried a Clinch Pick at about 11’o clock. I also carried my 365 appendix on the right side, but liked the clinch pick because I could access it with either hand while seated in a car. And with just a slight shift of the hips I could get the blade out of the sheath and in use if needed. Never had to use it, but was glad to have it when driving around or sitting in vehicles with dirtbags Having been to a couple Shivworks courses a clinch pick or something similar placed in the same location as a clinch pick would be is optimum for in car or seated. They've made another version of the Clinch pick. The Chore Pick |
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Probably you know the knife laws in your area, but just in case: U.S. State Knife Laws Some states allow constitutional concealed carry of any knife. My state allows open carry, but no legal concealed carry over 3 inches. Also, anything a jury could see as a fighting knife is basically illegal. Some would say, Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. If I lived in a free state I would like to carry a Clinch Pick. Maybe I should buy one even if I can't carry it––could be handy if the world changes. |
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Strider Tricon. I’ve replaced the belt loop with an Ulticlip. These clips give some good carry options. Attached File Attached File I need to get another Ulticlip for this little Victorinox fixed blade. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By C_Swimm: I need to get another Ulticlip for this little Victorinox fixed blade. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/62351/IMG_6317_jpeg-3779188.JPG That's cute I actually like the look of that Vic fixed blade.I grabbed this CIVIVI SOKN, which has some unique features, it just needs a deep pocket sheath, but has it's version of pocket carry with a clip on the handle:  ROCK6 |
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" - Thomas Jefferson
EDC Defensive Fixed Blades (Page 1 of 2)
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