301 thoughts on “Jim West Will Be Here To Talk About Knives”

1. two related questions –

   1. What is the best combat knife?

   2. What is the best affordable (i.e., <$100) combat knife?

2. Hello, I work in an office so carrying my concealed is not an option as it is not allowed even though I am licensed to do so. What knife would you recommend for carry in an office environment, currently I am just carrying a smaller spring loaded button operate knife (it is legal for spring operated in my state). I have a larger one that I carry on occasion also but would be more easily seen in the pocket if someone really was looking and again the office may not approve.

3. What size,type,shape and easily concealed and where concealed knife do you recommend for the average guy
   in usual warm and cool street clothes?

4. I am a disabled veteran. I have been put into a wheelchair and was wondering what self defense/knife fighting tactics would be most useful to me given my newfound situation?

5. What is better…a fixed blade or folding blade for general self defense?

6. Is there any difference in how a female would react in a knife fight from a male?

7. Defending with a blade is of interest to me but with that said since it seems like everyone has a knife or gun and would you reserve 80% of your training to shooting and knife techniques and say 20% to hand to hand self defense especially if you carry a gun. Seems like these days you hear and read about more people being attacked with knives and clubs and so again the question is what is the best way to train keeping it as simple as possible? Thanks and certainly have enjoyed other things Jim has done as i think he teaches and explains better than some and he keeps it simple.

8. I am a woman , I am 4 feet 10 inches . I would like to know what type of knife would be best for me to carry for protection . I cannot carry a concealed firearm , and I go walking a lot alone sometimes at night . What type of knife can I use to protect myself and how would it be most affective ?

9. I am curious as to why I can never get my knife “razor sharp”. I use a triangular Arkansas stone with three varying grits, I take my time, I go at it for what seems hours. I work diligently at getting and keeping the proper angle yet I still am not able to get that edge that cuts paper with a feather’s touch. What am I doing wrong?

10. Hello. My question is about whether or not a throwing knife makes a good defence weapon in my apartment. I live alone, and there’s some undesirable people near me. Thank you for your help.

11. Jim,
    I want to thank you for your teaching, and your continued efforts to help good people be safe in the crazy world we live in. Keep up the good work, we are paying attention! My question? What do you think of the British commando dagger? It is my personal favorite. Pros and cons?

    Thanks,
    Wes Bowen

12. My Dad had turned 16 in October 1941. On December 8 1941 Dad a long with entire class drove from Fort Klamath Oregon to San Diego. They all tried to serve, from 14 to 18 year olds. Most of the younger ones were cut due to their age but some made it in as sailors and Marines. My Dad was a Marine at the age of 16 and was fighting in the South Pacific Theatre, long before his 17th birthday.
    For my Dad all those who have served and are serving now…..
    I Thank You for Your Service!!

13. Being trained and skilled and aware of what we face, is there any situation where you might prefer a gun over a knife?

14. I have a 1985 version, KaBar marine combat knife, had it since Army Basic. Wondered how it rates with today’s knives?

15. How can any combat Vet come home without PTSD?

16. In your opinion, how would you rate the British Sykes Fairburn knife compared to other military knives?

17. Hi Jim.. I’m not a guy.. I’m a 60 year old woman and I have arthritis in my hands and can’t make a fist.. I can’t fire a gun but I can use a knife.. What is the best knife and training would you suggest for me to protect my self.. Maybe another suggestion..
    Thank you for your time.
    Rose

18. Howdy, Jim!
    Do you recommend Kukhri knives as defensive/offensive weapons?

19. What is the best knife out there. What do you recommend

20. What is the best steel for a blade? You want sharp but you don’t want a blade that will fail at the worst possible moment.

21. How do you feel about the upcoming Presidency in terms of how these candidates affect the military in terms of support and strategy for those serving and our Veterans?

22. Realistically, how long does it take for the ‘average’ person to be come proficient enough with edged weapons to be able use them for defense with a reasonable expectation of success?

23. I have 2 different street legal knives that I carry on different days depending on the situation. 1 of them is the 325S tactical,the other I will call it “shit hit the creek knife and tool” just to protect the innocent.Both have basically the same blade length,cutting surface including the serrated are almost identical.The shit hit the creek knife is way easier to conceal,lighter,just as fast to open and blade width is half of the 325S. So my question is,how is blade width more ,or less,important than concealabillity with basically the same cutting edge?

24. What is the best concealed knife to carry in a bad situation for easy access and results

25. And I would like to know, moreover,
    what knife do you personally carry?
    NEVER FORGET Gibbs Rule 9. LOL

26. I am 60 years old. What type of martial art do you recommend I learn. I want to learn some self defense just in case I need it!

27. Vietnam 65-68, what’s the best knife they have here? In Costa Roca till 8/25 sorry to miss this

28. What is the best length of blade and build of the blade?

29. Jim,
    Firstly thank you for your service!

    I have knives but folding 4 to 5 inch ones. I purchased a machete and it was sotllen. Go figure! The worst has not even happened yet. What type of knife should I have and is a machete the answer?

    I appreciate you so much and a huge Thank you once again for your service.

30. Sorry I can’t make Glad your home safe. My Son in Law didn’t make it home (KIA 7/3/05) GOD BLESS !!

31. Why do I need a knife for protection when my 83 year old aching, arthritic and less ambulatory ass has a pistol and stun gun?

32. Dear Mr. West,
    First and foremost”Thank you for your service to our great Country”
    My question may be one you don’t hear often,As the result of a stroke,am in a wheel chair with what the doctors say is considerable left side weakness,but am concerned about being able to keep off more than one “bad” guy.At home I have multiple lines of defense but it’s difficult to carry away.I really have no desire to kill but believe I would if provoked.At home I start with a wasp spray that will go out 30 feet,Then multiple knives within reach(might give some hints on some training techniques aiding in accuracy) and lastly multiple hidden but asses able firearms.People around here take advantage of folks like me. I train with all my different fire arms but am lacking in my knives.Any suggestion involving my situation would probably be great for Seniors as well.
    Thanking you in advance and may God bless

33. Hello my name is Rusty and I have acquired almost every pocket knife they offer but I’m wondering why you put so much time and in development and quality Into the Night when it comes to the belt clip that supposed to keep it at your side Heathrow quality outside door in a recent trip I took I lost 2 of my guys because the clips of parently got hung up on something that I was crossing which really makes me sad story when it come to find out you need it when they’re gone I believe make the clips a little more or less destructible than they are what is your opinion

34. Question for Mr. West:
    Could you provide a couple of ways to conceal carry a full tang knife and still be able to quickly deploy it ?
    Thanks for your response (even when I did not registered as instructed)
    Vr
    Jorge

35. Jim God bless!! Guys like you inspire America, and keep her safe!! Thank you!!
    What do you look for/ like in a a combat or survival blade, either folder or fixed?

36. I am a 73 year old woman on oxygen I need to know how to use a knife from a bed thank you

37. With all this stuff going on and us true Americans are going to be in a position to were we are going to half to use a firearm especially if things get worse, so how do you deal with that, you have been in that position. and
    THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

38. To become an expert or at least proficient with a knife, what percentages would you assign to the following: Throwing, Disarming, Close-in combat as it pertains to most important or most commonly needed in combat?
    Throwing;
    Is throwing a common technique or rare in the process of neutralizing the threat?
    Disarming the knife wielding threat;
    Is it common to have to first disarm the threat prior to neutralizing them with your own knife or theirs?
    Hand to hand or knife to knife;
    Is close in hand to hand combat the most common situation one will be in and therefore master it first or before throwing and disarming?
    Thank you for your service
    John
    US Veteran

39. I carry a tactical folding knife with me at all times, because things are getting dangerous all over of late. My question is, if confronted by a knife-wielding thug, does it make sense to attempt to cut your adversary’s hand so he drops his weapon? This would allow me to escape the confrontation. I’m 69, but I take my self-defense very seriously. Thanks, John

40. Jim,

    Thanks for taking questions.

    Q1: Do you have any thoughts / recommendations for individuals or small groups ..

    a) who aren’t planning to sign their life away to the military

    b) who are interested in getting defensive firearms field training that is realistic for both a civilian aptitude level (starting off) and a grid-down level scenario. i.e. not looking for more target practice. The only thing I know about is joining or starting a Community Preparedness Team via Oathkeepers

    Q2: For everyday carry, do you prefer knife vs. concealed carry handgun?

    Q3: What is your take on machete in terms of self-defense?

41. I like all kinds of knives, I am always looking for a good knife I can afford. Of course you get what you pay for in anything, but what would you recommend in a daily carry knife?

42. Smokey; I’ll make it basic what type Knife and what is the length & with of the blade?
    Steve

43. Hi

    I believe that, regardless knowledge of the subject matter (knives, guns, prepping etc) the most valuable element is having the correct psychology. Eg either not being afraid in the situation, or being able to turn your fear into something useful. I believe many people would find it easier to get on a site and buy a ‘how to’ dvd or buy a knife or gun, than would take the time to get their head right on the subject overall.

    What process would you use to lock in the correct / most useful psychology? Obviously there are things like seek out a quality mentor, practice, perhaps read “art of war”… many options…and varied personalities out there. Suggestions?

44. I would like to know how much value you see in mastering the art of knife throwing?

45. Jim,

    In combat and on the street what is your ‘go to’ move for defending against a single knife attack?

46. I am a combat wounded Vietnam Veteran my self but all the best to your endevours Dennis

47. Hi Jim, first thank you for service! Obviously the objective in any attack is to protect and end any attack as fast as possible. That being said, when defending yourself with a knife, in your opinion is it better to stab for a fatal blow or slice at major arteries for heavy blood loss?

48. Among some of the top combat knives such as the MOD CQD Mark I, Kershaw Tilt, Gerber Silver Trident, Mercworx Equatorian, etc., what do you think would be the best combat knife to carry?

49. Hi Mr. West,

    First thank you for your service, my question to you is what empty-hand to knife defense techniques would work best in a street fight? I’ve been studying Aikido for 23 years and it’s a great art but some say that the empty-hand to knife would not work in a real street fight. Thank you.

50. Dear Jim, thank you for your service and dedication, as a NYC boy I grew up in the 60’s carrying a box cutter type knife. My objective was the throw a punch with the razor exposed just slicing the nose causing suprizef my bleeding. It worked ! Now as an old guy in Florida I carry a button touch switch blade, neither of mine are tactical, whT would you suggest that gives stealth and razor sharp.