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At the posting of this, it was earlier today, actually, that I went. 'Twas a lot of fun, and personally, I have no issue with weapons, since there's a lot of fun that can be had, even though the purpose behind them is to kill. Anyways, I recently got myself a beautiful bowie knife while I was there, and got to thinking about custom knives, guns, etc. For those who want an idea of what my knife looks like, there is a picture at the bottom of the post here. It's made by Lynn of Lynn and Cook Knives. Personally, I'm curious as to what people here consider to be a good knife, ranging from size to steel grade to curvature of the blade. If anyone wants to get into the conversation of gun control and such in here as well, it's fair game as far as I'm concerned. Anyways, here's a picture of the blade of my knife, at any rate. Also, yes, that top section near the end of the blade is also sharpened.

Well, if it wasn't for the fact that my master knows the maker of the knife, I paid far less than it would have been ordinarily. The price was $1,250, but I got it for $700. Also, the value on that knife is only going to go up, even if I use it, because the maker isn't putting out as many knives anymore.

Just like to take a moment to point out that its rather unlikely that that's a Damascus blade. Just pattern welded to resemble one.

I could go rather in depth on explaining why, but basically, Damascus blades were originally made form wootz steel, and once the mines ran dry of it the techniques that were used to make those blades stopped being taught. Blacksmiths only knew that it once worked, and for some reason it didn't anymore. No use in teaching a technique that's only going to make a sword of average quality anymore, especially with other techniques for the average swords being much easier.

It's wikipedia, so it isn't perfect, but its the best I can offer at the moment for you to read up on. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus_steel

I'm not aware of anyone selling a "true" damascus blade in this day and age, though I have heard of a smith in the western US who has worked on perfecting a technique to bring it back. Honestly, I'd love to study under him and begin making and selling them on my own.



Now, on to the main topic... A good knife is generally one that gets the job done. One that's not too big or too small. You're not going to want to skin a deer with one of the smallest pocket knives around, nor are you going to use a butcher's knife to whittle a small 3 inch figure.

In regards to a self defense weapon, something concealable is generally preferred, but you don't want it too small either. Range does make a difference. Doesn't matter if that 6 inch dagger you have is razer sharp if your opponent's weapon is over two feet long and he can keep you at range. Likewise, you don't want one too long either, it has to be useful in close quarters. Swords are generally out for any type of self defense while in a small hallway of some sort. I'd say anywhere from a 4 to 10 inch blade is good depending on one's style. Some may prefer a longer blade, but to each their own. As for the curvature of the blade, a slight one at best for a smaller blade, a little more for a longer one. One about like what you have is pretty good.

The size and shape of the blade should also be determined by the size of the person wielding it. I also like the idea of smaller knives in order to be concealed. I'm very fond of Japanese blades, but in honesty, it's somewhat precarious to be carrying a tanto on you. Then again, I like shoulder bags, too.

I've recently grown more fond of folding blades. I didn't use to like them, but I like the idea of being able to use it as a striking implement without having to actually pull out a more lethal weapon.

When it comes down to it, I'm never buying a knife with the intent to have to use it. I don't want to carry one, either, but I'm speaking of what I would choose to carry if I realized it would be a good idea.

True, but it depends on the person. Some people are more likely to use it if they have it, even if they do not need it. It's hard to know until you truly feel as if you're about to die. It's also a dilemma if you're carrying a knife in fear that others may be armed.
Though I have nothing against others carrying knives (provided for the right purposes -- many are much more malevolent), I choose not to. Though I can see perhaps wanting one for certain situations.

Oh, those are nice. I think I've seen them before, actually.

True enough. I find it somewhat odd how the reason for carrying a knife is based on the knowledge that someone might be carrying a knife. It's a valid reason, and it applies to so many things, but I find it interesting.

Did you mean far from okay as in you know how to handle it well, or not at all? Sorry; ambiguity.
I think that knowing how to defend against a knife should always be the first step in learning how to properly use one.
The best strategy is always to not be there, I think. So, again, that's another good skill. Really, even after training as I have, running seems like one of the more appealing skills.

We live in hope. We can train for wanting to deal with situations as they come, but above all, we should train to never have to, to never let anyone else have to. We can win 100 fights, but we may only be able to lose one.

I don't think anyone can make that guarantee, regardless of their amount of training. I know what you mean, though. Not a critique, just voicing a separate opinion.
It's very good to know your limits.

Once you become? I can't help but think you're looking in the wrong place, but I think you should elaborate.

Absolutely. If someone is intent on killing me, I mean more than them. Killing, as I'm sure you'll echo, is never to be aimed for, someone with that intent has proven themselves, in that action, lesser.
That isn't something I say lightly, nor often.

That's not really what I meant. The way you said it gave me the impression that you thought something different. Those with the heart need to learn to be warriors, but the heart is always the most important. You echo my sentiment toward the matter.

I think you misread that. I would not ever aim to kill someone, never, but if someone is truly trying to end my life, then my own survival is placed above their life, making them lesser.
Trust me, I don't think of my life as any more important than anybody else's. If I have to choose between my own life and another's, I'll die.
I don't think I can really put into text how I feel about that.
As for helping, it's a duty. The only reason anybody is being attacked to begin with is because those surrounding the victim are letting it happen. People who fail to act are criminals. Never should anyone fear an individual, never should anyone fear death.