Total Length: 6.63 Inches The last thing you want to do is get a fine for just trying to keep yourself safe. My Review: This is certainly not the best looking knife on this list, but what it lacks in looks it makes up with functionality. This is also a good secondary knife for camping or backpacking. It’s not loud or obnoxiously designed and it doesn’t scream “I bought something scary to over compensate” but it does have this feeling of rage and obliteration just waiting to burst from its steel. Blade Composition: 8Cr14MoV The top of the handle gets wider and acts as a blade guard to prevent your hand from slipping up onto the blade in a thrusting strike. Buck is one of the most original knives on the market. Pretty cool to have a knife whose inspiration came from teetering on the brink of chaos! Total Weight: 5.00 Ounces. 26 results for concealed carry knife. Part of that has been how to carry and conceal a fixed blade knife. Blade Style: Spear-Point For self defense purposes, I would go with the serrated edge, as it allows for deeper cuts. That said, this little knife has a wickedly sharp VG-10 steel blade that can inflict some serious damage. No prob with LA Ords because it is under 3". Knife and Licensed Weapons Preemption You have your Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL) and you know that Florida preempts all firearms laws throughout the state so that you don’t accidentally break some ridiculous local ordinance and end up in the hoosegow for carrying your weapon. Blade Length: 3.70 Inches Bottom line: For self defense specific purposes, for the money, this knife easily fends off its competitors. My Review: Named after Ronins, which were masterless Samurai warriors, the Spyderco Ronin 2 is an awesome fixed blade self defense knife that comes with a very nice modular sheath. Total Length: 9.21 Inches The 3” tanto consisting of 8Cr13MoV steel is purpose-built to be used in close contact when things get dangerous and you need a little extra something to get yourself out of a hairy situation. My Review: During World War 2 Marines and soldiers needed a new fighting and utility knife, and the Ka-Bar was just what they were looking for. The Japanese AUS10A steel blade of this knife is sharp enough to cut through flesh like butter and I’ve even heard of people cutting through the hood of a car with this knife. Of course, you can’t just throw it in the center console alone as it’ll destroy everything so it does come with an okay nylon sheath. That might not be the best analogy, but you get the idea, longer isn’t always better! Let me know in the comments if this review helped you or if you think it sucked. I recommend using the search tool on the AKTI website here to learn more about the knife laws in your state. It’s perfect for outdoors or backpacking to protect yourself from wild animals or dogs. Yes, it is almost unbreakable. Overall, this is a solid little knife that can be used for EDC purposes and self defense. You can easily attach this knife to a backpack or tactical vest. My Review: With a 2.75-inch blade and an overall length of 6.5 inches, this is one of the smaller knives on this list. This knife is surprisingly strong considering it has a stick tang, but it’s still not going to be as strong as a full tang design. Other states forbid the carry, concealed and open, of certain knives. Here at KENNESAWCUTLERY.com we have a collection of concealable knives to keep you safe! These are extremely lethal blades but are also the most difficult to learn and implement effectively. Furthermore, that tanto is the best blade shape for breaking out glass, digging and prying, and for use in a car accident where you might need to pierce something quickly to escape. Total Length: 13.00 Inches If someone still wants to mess with you after you whip this thing out, they have a few screws loose in the noggin as this is probably the most vicious looking pocket knife I’ve ever gotten to review! For example, some blade shapes, like the Sheepfoot and Assist blades, are actually designed specifically to be as non-lethal as possible! My Review: The Cold Steel Spartan is an awesome EDC knife for self defense that definitely lives up to its name. Blade Style: Bowie The back of the knife has a spine rasp that you can use for notching or filing, or you can even place your thumb on it for better control. There is a lot of science and art that goes into the creation of high-quality knives and as such, many people enjoy collecting them just as much as they enjoy using them. Total Weight: 6.40 Ounces. I can’t even imagine the amount of damage a slash from this knife would do. Handle Composition: G10 Blade Composition: 420HC This blade is one of the most expensive conceal carry knives on the market for a reason. Self defense knives aren’t necessarily meant to kill, but rather to incapacitate or neutralize the threat. Knives also have a nice community built around the collection and use of knives where becoming an enthusiast is easy and exciting. These Tanto blades are made for one thing and one thing only, to cause extreme amounts of damage to an assailant and that’s what this knife was designed to do. Total Length: 9.00 Inches Total Length: 9.80 Inches Total Length: 7.75 Inches Simply put, if the shape isn’t going to cause damage to your assailant, it isn’t going to be useful for self-defense. Blade Length: 4.50 Inches They carried a new style of combat knife that inspired designer Spencer Frazer to found the SOG company to pay tribute to that military unit. In addition to the concealed carry rules, it’s a crime to brandish a bladed weapon with a visible blade that is 12 inches long, with the purpose of intimidating someone. While choosing a concealed carry knife keep in mind what your needs are and what activities it will be most used for. As an example, my prized Ontario SP10 is retained by 2 straps neither of which provides a quick retrieval. I have seen some pretty great hardware toted around by tac not worth the time or effort to stamp out. Holding the Tai Pan could easily reinvent how you see a self-defense kind of weapon. Blade Style: Reverse-S I like the compression lock and liners on this knife you aren’t going to have to worry about the blade collapsing or breaking off from the knife when you need it most. Blade Style: Drop-Point § 18.2-308. To be honest there really is no one best self defense knife. The M21 comes in a lot of flavors and although I reviewed the 14SF model, there are many others that may suit the need of an EDC personal protection knife. Really good reviews, brief yet informative. Carrying a concealed knife can be great for self-defense if you suddenly find yourself in a less than ideal situation. CONCEALED KNIVES. Blade Length: 3.42 Inches That said, if you’re looking for a self defense knife that doubles as an EDC knife, there are better options for you on this list. It holds is sharpness well and is also easy to sharpen. Some of the most popular and effective self-defense are weapons that aren’t seen by an assailant until it’s too late! While some modern folding knives are fancier, couple of have the rugged endurance of Buck. This tool is functional and the design is focused on simplicity. If you live in the state of California, you can conceal carry most large and small knives, with a few exceptions. The knife itself is equipped with a spring-loaded SpeedSafe assisted opening feature that is lightning fast to utilize with the thumb peg. Blade is durable made of 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, aluminum handle. The shape of your blade is arguably one of the most important attributes of a self-defense knife. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. Plus, everyone needs a badass Karambit knife in their collection. Another badass feature this knife has that the Civilian knife doesn’t have is the patented Emerson Wave technology that causes the blade to automatically deploy when the wave catches on the edge of a pocket while drawing the knife. The Steel Tiger is a very affordable karambit that I feel is worth well more than its price tag. The Mark II is essentially a spear point bayonet-type dagger and features an ominous double-sided 6.5″ blade with half serration on both sides. Does my Conceal Carry Transfer When Moving? Blade Style: Modified Tanto I highly recommend the Ka-Bar Short Tanto as a personal defense weapon for inside your vehicle. I hope you don’t get tired of hearing that. The CTS BD1 blade holds an edge and resists corrosion well. The blade is constructed from American high-grade alloy 154CM stainless steel which is designed to be a happy middle ground between hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance. The Flash II has an armed forces history, however unlike the Civilian, it has features above what you normally see. They are traditionally fixed blade, but there are modern variations with folding blades, and I really like that this one has the Emerson Wave technology that automatically deploys the blade when caught on the edge of a pant pocket. My Review: While I don’t usually recommend Karambit style knives for self defense, they can be effective if the knife operator is trained properly. Chris Reeve Large Sebenza 21. The one disadvantage for many is that it utilizes a compression lock. Handle Composition: Kray-Ex A. Over $30.00 - apply Price filter. In contrast, my Daughter bought me a custom 4” belt knife, whose maker made effective use of a baseball glove digit for a sheath. As always, it’s better to be prepared with the proper gear but having the experience and training on how to properly utilize your gear is equally important. Some users do not like this feature as they feel it can cause the knife to accidentally be set in the safe position and just leaves one more thing to think about in a self defense scenario. They partnered with the company Emmerson to make a cheaper version of high-end Emmerson models. Yes, it is pretty expensive, but it’s also a very unique design with a lot of character and consists of ultra-high quality materials with top tier craftsmanship. Total Length: 7.40 Inches They maintained the very same CPM-S30V flat-ground blade. Blade Length: 6.50 Inches The Paramilitary 2 is the most effective of the very best in this field. It has a nylon sheath that is durable and has a front utility pocket that you can put whatever you desire in it like a sharpening stone or multi-tool. The Short Tanto is based on the same principles as the traditional Ka-Bar fighting knives which have been used in military conflicts around the world for several generations now. Blade Style: Spear-Point In the second video you can see exactly how deadly sharp the blade on this knife really is. Blade Composition: NC690Co I also like how the knife has a safety switch, almost like a firearm, that when set on safe the knife cannot deploy the blade. It rides high on the hip, provides great retention, all while allowing for the knife’s easy deployment. Almost equally as important is the sheath. Blade Length: 5.25 Inches So, if you’re right-handed it will go on the left. 9. Blade Composition: VG1 San Mai My Review: If you don’t already know about the Studies and Observations Group (SOG), their company name originates from highly classified special forces from Vietnam called Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). If you have to use your knife for self defense the element of surprise is going to be your biggest advantage. Well at our number one we have this quality … Handle Composition: Die-cast Aluminum Handle Composition: Griv-Ex Handle Composition: Zytel If your attacker is wearing body armor or very thick clothing, a Tanto blade would work best to penetrate that and cause more damage than most other blade types. Handle Composition: G10 This is a good self defense knife to throw in your truck or to attach to your gear when you go camping to possibly use in a self defense situation. Total Weight: 6.10 Ounces. Imagine a mugger producing a knife to attempt to rob a licensed concealed carry permit owner. Now, the SF part is more of an appearance aspect than anything else but I do prefer the Triple Point serrations over the Veff serrations. Handle Composition: FRN Any knife you do choose to carry in your pocket in Ohio will be subject to the strictest scrutiny, and you must accept the risk knowing that multiple phases of the law are written such as to make it easy to charge you with a crime. There is a notch on the back of the knife blade that seems to fit the thumb perfectly. Total Weight: 3.10 Ounces. I like that it has a modular strap and sheath system that can be mounted vertically on a molle, horizontally on a belt or drop-leg on a belt. Handle Composition: G10 In my opinion, this is probably an excellent option for something to be left in your car and deployed only when you really need it most. Before you start looking at the list of knives below remember, the moment you decide to buy a knife for personal defense it’s no longer a tool, it’s a weapon. California has modern, up-to-date concealed knife laws that are largely weapon friendly. A knife carried in a sheath and worn openly on the wearer’s waist is not considered to be concealed. After looking through this list of knives, you might also want to check out my review on the 31 best non-lethal self defense weapons here. Handle Composition: GRN Yes, it is available in big and little with … The handle is made of a glass-reinforced nylon polymer with checkering that gives the knife a good grip even if it’s wet or I guess bloody if we’re talking self defense. Tanto: The Tanto is a well-known combat-based solution for penetration. Blade Composition: AUS8 Also, if you’re someone who likes to wrap skeletonized knives in paracord, you can’t do that with this knife. It has a handy 4 Way Clip for tip-up or tip-down carry. For self defense purposes, it is typically recommended to choose a knife at least a 4-inch blade, however, that is not to say knives with shorter blades cannot be effective for self defense. Reverse Tanto: This blade type has very similar piercing attributes as the Tanto with some added benefit of the drop-points belly design. At the end of the day, the reverse tanto is a bit of a tradeoff between the tanto and drop-point where it attempts to bridge the gap between having a slim profile with a strong point while still having an optimum cutting surface on the belly of the blade. OTF blades are fast and fun to deploy but it’s pretty difficult to design something more reliable and durable than a traditional fixed blade. They’re small, easy to conceal, and are very difficult for opponents to dislodge from the wielder’s hand. The Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie isn’t something you’ll mosy around with on a daily basis but it is probably one of the best non-firearm weapons you could place by your bedside or keep in the trunk of your car, just in case, ya know? D2 is well respected for its incredible durability and resistance to the elements because it hosts a profile including lots of chromium, a popular element used in premium steels that increases their corrosion resistance. The thumb plate catches on the edge of a pocket while drawing and automatically deploys the blade. Now, it does have a drop point and it does have utility value, but if you’re looking for something to work with, Benchmade has better options. Total Weight: 5.40 Ounces. In addition, we offer other disguised knives like combs, money clips and ink pens. Handle Composition: FRN 941.231 Carrying a concealed knife. Blade Composition: 440C Blade Composition: S30V It is illegal in Clark County, Nevada, to carry a concealed knife with a blade three (3) inches or longer unless the person has a valid and current knife-specific CCW (carrying concealed weapons) permit issued by a Nevada sheriff. Blade Length: 4.75 Inches With this being American made, I don’t worry as much about cheap material/assembly. The company that made the knife wasn’t even Ka-bar, but after the war, they changed the company name because it became so well known and liked. Having a blade you can conceal as long as possible will give you a significant advantage. SOG Flash II. The grip of the knife makes the knife very secure in hand and very difficult for someone to dislodge the knife from your hand. Since its start, the SOG company has developed a number of high-quality knives that widely used by many special forces units, and currently manufacture the very popular Navy SEAL Pup Knife. Well, that’s enough rambling on my part. A few things I love about this conceal carry knife is that it is super functional, American made, durable, and is slim. Handle Composition: 410 polished Steel or GRN When it comes to durability, it has an aluminum handle that is anodized. Typically, a defense knife will utilize a slashing motion to maximize damage to muscle and tendons, rather than to penetrate deeply to damage organs. I’m still looking for a good custom shoulder harness for that one. The brand-new Bushing Pivot System likewise uses a clean opening every single time. What makes the SF14 version unique is that it’s the “Special Forces” edition with Triple Point serrations. Blade Composition: VG10 It also has a slim profile, so it is easy to conceal. In most self defense scenarios, having a knife on you will give you a significant advantage. Weighing in at just 2.3 oz. This might just be the best self defense knife for the money on this entire list. Anything outside of this has not been expressly banned or allowed. Blade Shapes Will Determine How You Defend Yourself. It’s important to always keep yourself safe as you never know when you’re going to need protection. Blade Composition: CPM 3V Handle Composition: GRN Benchmade perhaps generates some of the very best folding concealed carry knives on the marketplace, and that craftsmanship generously rollovers right into their stock of repaired blade knives as well. However, courts have interpreted how to measure knife blades differently. You can read the short description of each of the knives below, I’ll let you know what it’s best for. You can use the knife with a standard grip but is probably better used in the overhand or ice pick grip. The M21 features a hilt on both sides that you also use to quickly deploy the knife. The blade is good for cutting, slashing, and stabbing. My Review: The TDI/Hinderer collection is a popular series of knives that were designed by tactical defense institute president John Benner and one of the best-known custom knife makers, Rick Hinderer. Back in college I went shooting and have been hooked ever since. By the way, the name Bedlam was inspired by the Bethlem Royal Hospital that just so happens to be a famous psychiatric hospital in London that’s been around since the 13th century. Handle Composition: Grid-Ex with Kray-Ex Overmold I’ll link a video down below that shows some guys seemingly having a lot of fun testing the Tai Pan and putting it through various tests. Most of these are purpose-built for use in combat or self-defense and as such, these blade types lack in utility but are highly effective in self-defense. The benefit of carrying a knife in this manner is that the knife is hidden from view. The handle is made of aluminum, so the knife is lightweight. Knife carried openly in sheath on belt is not concealed. Like the Schrade SCHF14, this knife comes from Taylor Brands and offers remarkable value. I don’t know if it’s truly the best as some brands like Benchmade would surely give it a run for its money but I can say that at this price, the overall build quality is very impressive and provides for a great value. Total Weight: 5.60 Ounces. My Review: Just like the BK9, this won’t be an EDC option but it is a fantastic option for a stow away piece of protection. Total Weight: 6.50 Ounces. Total Weight: 10.40 Ounces. Here are some things you want to keep in mind when choosing a knife. Cold steel manufactures two variations of this knife, one with a fully serrated blade and one without. This is the knife I would buy if I could only own one. This knife is a tactical version of a self-defense knife with the attempt of some utility value. If you’re planning on keeping the knife in your home or truck some of the larger fixed blades are good options. Blade Style: Karambit The way the blade is designed sets the point up to be extremely strong and well support yet having a very slim and thin profile. Blade Composition: D2 The permit owner produces his or her firearm to discourage the attack, and the mugger drops the knife and flees. Sheath Material: Boltaron. The knife has a Demko thumb plate, which is basically a knock of the Emerson wave. A Karambit is a small curved knife that resembles a claw (inspired by the claws of a tiger). The tip is too fragile and honestly, there are just much better self defense knives that will double as EDC knives on this list. If you take a look at knives and other weapons, you’ll find most of the best weapons and blade designs can be found in nature, and a Karambit is no exception. Total Weight: 7.20 Ounces. The blade is coated is powder-coated to give it a cool look and prevent corrosion. Total Weight: 3.50 Ounces. There are some knives with unique opening mechanisms. Do you want it for everyday carry (EDC) as well? My Review: Cold Steel really dug deep to design the Tai Pan and that extraneous design effort really shows in the balance between simple elegance and designated destruction. Under $20.00 - apply Price filter. The blade is made of 8Cr14MoV stainless steel, which isn’t the best, but still a good budget steel that holds sharpness pretty well without chipping easily. The design of these blades allows them to remain small yet lethal and thus contain a lot of self-defense potential in a rather small “package”. Total Weight: 8.0 Ounces. Total Weight: 3.90 Ounces. Manufacturers will usually list the material and hardness. My Review: Thin, light, and easy to carry is the name of the game with the Cold Steel Back Talon 2. The Clever Girl is a full tang knife with a trailing tip style upswept blade that is wicked sharp and powder coated. My Review: The SOG SEAL Pup is just about the perfect size fix knife that was designed for special operators in combat. My Review: Kershaw is a company known for making some of the best folding tactical knives out there. Concealed Carry: There are no general statewide prohibitions as to the open carry of knives. Ohio is a perilous state for concealed carry of knives, if not ownership. Grand Way Spring Assisted Knife (Cheap), 29. You want at least a 3.5 to 4-inch blade to maximize reach and effectiveness. Blade Composition: VG10 CPM 3V is one of the most interesting super steels on the market today as it has incredible strength and durability while still being a relatively hard steel. It has a G10 handle that is strong, comfortable, and ergonomic. It is a badass looking knife with a reverse S blade that is designed to do only one thing, cut through flesh and bone. We ensure you’ll surprise any attackers that may come … Having a drop-point blade with you ensures you’re most prepared for a variety of tasks and also self-defense. The Mark II has very little utility value and is purpose-built to cause massive damage, but it’s not even a hundred bucks so if you’re daughter is off to college, hide this thing away in her center console and have the peace of mind that no one will be carjacking her anytime soon. Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty. Blade Length: 3.57 Inches The 4.1-inch, dual-edge HRT12B blade is built from 7Cr17 high-carbon stainless steel. As mentioned, for a folding knife this thing is a monster. The 1095 Cro-Van in the tanto shape is an excellent pairing for ensuring penetration of whatever a car jacker or assailant would be wearing. If you don’t like the blade or something gores wrong with it, have no worries as it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It has a full tang design, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking when you need it most. It has an ergonomic handle with finger grooves and notches for enhanced grip. While you’re watching TV open and close it 30, 50, or even 100 times to get that muscle memory and making opening the blade instinctive. Total Length: 7.69 Inches Handle Composition: Leather I recommend searching on YouTube or do a google search for the best ways if you do plan on buying this knife. Total Weight: 4.40 Ounces. Corporal Wabo is a former Infantry Squad Leader with 3rd Bn 4th Marines that specialized in Mortars. At the end of the day, carrying a knife simply comes down to raising the amount of situations you are prepared for and the likelihood of success you have at having a positive outcome for each of those situations. Our selection of hidden knives include concealable neck and pen knives and tactical hidden … If you’ve got money burning a hole in your wallet and that same wallet also needs top tier protection from hoodlums, this is a solid buy. The saying “don’t bring a knife to a gunfight” has a lot of truth to it, but thankfully most fights don’t involve a gun. As our old pal Benjamin Franklin would put it: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The only con I see with this knife is due to the shape of the blade it’s a little harder to sharpen. That said because this is a unique feature it does take some getting used to. Where the spine of the knife and handle meet is flared to prevent the user’s hand from slipping onto the blade. Blade Composition: CTS BD1 Firstly, the handle is that it is a little small when wearing gloves. Whether you need a knife to open packages or self defense. Keep in mind that these are simply the most effective in self-defense but are not the only blade shapes that you could use in a clutch situation. But thats not always the case for American made products. If it can kill a bear it can certainly be used for self defense. Total Weight: 4.50 Ounces. Blade Length: 3.99 Inches The sheath on this model has a thumb release retention mechanism built-in that just makes the retention that much safer and harder for someone to take your knife from you. Blade Composition: CTS XHP The tip of the knife is delicate because it’s thin and razor-sharp, so be careful with it. Ideally, you want a knife that is easy to conceal and that you can deploy quickly to surprise the unsuspecting attacker. Knock off or not, the technology works great and in self defense scenarios where fractions of a second are so important, it’s nice to have a blade that will automatically deploy. Product reviews combined with reading descriptions and frequently asked-questions can be a great indicator as to whether you found the right knife for you. It is not necessary that the defendant intended to use the dirk or dagger as a weapon in order to be criminally liable for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger under California Penal Code Section 21310 PC. Blade Composition: 1095 Cro-Van Handle Composition: Stainless Steel In his free time, he enjoys hunting, hiking, running, shooting guns, and reviewing gear. One of the most notable features of Emmerson knives is the deployment. The grip and blade on this model are a little larger than the original TDI model, and Ka-Bar decided to make significant changes to the sheath. It has an inner lock mechanism and the knife is designed to prevent dirt and grime from getting inside to prevent the knife from jamming or closing unintentionally. With a deep finger guard, strong sharp tip, and curved blade shape make this blade perfect for stabbing, slashing, and cutting. My Review: I just don’t expect Gerber to make things like this so when I see it, I have to check it out and let you guys know! From necktie and lock blades knives to Bowie’s and Tomahawks, I agree with you, choosing wisely when determining which tool would best fit the task has its rewards, especially when the job is complete. My Review: The Gerber StrongArm is one of the best fixed blade self defense knives out there. In addition, the knife remains in a secure position because the sheath can be … My Review: I listed the Fox479 Karambit earlier in the list and wanted to add another Karambit to this list that sits at a lower price point. You can get the knife with the leather sheath that is stitched or the solid Kydex sheath (better for long term exposure to the elements). It is a personal defense and combat knife that was designed specifically for police, military, and other law enforcement agents. Like many of the knives on this list, it’s not designed for EDC but for personal defense, it’s one of the best knives out there. Blade Style: Trailing-Point. Total Length: 7.50 Inches The only small cons with this knife are ergonomics. My Review: Here is another knife that I would not want to be on the other end of.