@@nathanvermette3218 why?Use fixed blade karambits wich are thick steel for self defense they are surely built like tank and it's giving u crazy cool look keeping one in ur belt wouldn't make u look weird or even pocket with sheath
Best knives for self defense are those little ones made out of lead that are being propelled by expanding gases from burning powder out of the steel barrel of a handgun
Centrifugal force still exists in space. Thats how future space stations will create artificial gravity. However if you swing the knife to create centrifugal force to deploy it and it slips out of your hand it will keep going forever and ever until it hits the next solar system
Agree with everything you said when it comes to folding knives, but a fixed blade will always be the best option for self defense no moving parts to worry about. I never buy any knife based on its use for self defense, mine always serve a purpose for use either for work, carving, EDC, bushcraft, outdoors etc.. and I think that's true of most people. But it's good to know that when push comes to shove you have a reliable tool to get the job done no matter what the situation your in. Thanks for the great vid Jerad and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
One feature nobody has mentioned (and in the big picture not that big of a deal, as are most debating points here) the only style that allows you to have a fighting grip before and during deployment is the OTF. All the others require one or more grip changes. My favorite fighter would be my 5” push dagger. Difficult to disarm. Snap in Kydex sheath is versatile for location. The knife itself is not versatile, however. It has no other practical uses. Probably why it lives in a drawer. So…..the.22 in your pocket beats the 10mm in the glove box. 👊😎
Honestly a push dagger is good. And if you know anything about disarming any opponent. Then you’ll know a push dagger and karambits was made to be the hardest to disarm. Ill just break your arm, rather than take the blade away. I will get cut trying to take it. But that elbow or if possible but elbows better, break it. Better chance in not getting cut. But lets be real, just run simple easy if possible. Cause in a situation with blades your 70%-89% chance of getting cut. I know what im doing and hell im going to get cut. Even a master martial artist will have a high chance of getting cut in a fight with a knife. And the real reason why you’ll get cut is, 80% of all knife attacks happen close and fast. I know what to do and how to win a fight in this situation, but im just going to run if possible. Even if i dont see it coming, i wont stick around to get cut or stabbed any more.
I agree the push dagger is best suited for self defense situations, as you mentioned it’s versatile in how it can be carried if in a particular sheath. I have a cold steel safe maker II and the sheath allows for neck wear, belt, clip on, and it’s in the $30 range, not much good for anything else but self defense
@@RR31982 yeah and if you know how to fight like a boxer, you will be almost unstoppable when using it. The blade is made to fit your hands like second nature. So trying to disarm anyone who knows how to use a push dagger, it’s nearly impossible. Thats like trying to win against a cougar, and take its claws out. You will have to break the persons arm or shot them. Cause getting that blade out their hand by taking it or having them drop it is close to 0% chance. With adrenaline flowing through there body, you might as well stab yourself instead of challenging that. And the sad part is anyone can use a push dagger, you just need to punch and don’t let go. Thats pretty much it, simple and scary.
if we are really sticking to knives only for self defense tools, i think one of the best options are knives with the wave system, little hook on the blade for fast deployment. even more precisely, the fox cutlery folding karambit or the dart are as fast as you'll ever get...
I carry at least three blades on me for work, each with a different purpose. I find that aside from fixed blades, I definitely prefer manual unassisted knives are a favorite. Springs and pockets when working the way we do tend to get you holes in your pockets lol. Love the video! Your takes are always concise and refreshing.
@@chriskelly4477 They're tools, not weapons rofl. A gun is a weapon. It has one function, to shoot things. Maybe they should reevaluate their standards and trust in their employees.
@@RainmakerXBooty I can't help that an old CS handle stuck. All I know is specific jobs require specific blades. You don't use a thin razor on drywall and expect or to last.
hey Neeves, nice video, you could make time stamps on the description of your video to make easier to people check specific knives if they want like 0:00 - Gravity Knife 2:05 - Butterfly Knife etc... would make a lot easier to check on specific ones
Okay but I've had a balisong for quite a while now and I'm in love with it. It is so versatile and fast that I genuinely don't think there is another type of knife better enough to make me switch, and it's so fun to use that it makes up for it. Of course this was for practical uses, but even practically speaking a balisong does pretty well. A great balisong wielder is definitely intimidating.
I concur. A quick wrist flip, and they open in a snap. It isn't the flashiest of opening moves, but it's a crazy fast one once you're proficient. Also, it makes your hand become a fixed blade substitution. I always go latchless to make openings go faster and to not have it get in the way. If you need a latch, get a spring loaded model. Or, mod the latch to be a springer. You could always kit-bash from a cheap model's latch that has a spring. Obviously, take measurements first, or you will be disappointed.
Very interesting, as far as it goes, but the weak point in every moving blade knife is the hinge or holding joint! Many a cheap knife will break apart if you stick it into something hard at great speed; either the hinge rivet will break, or the frame rivets will break and so on, and you won’t know that until your life depends on it! Cheap OTFs and cheap switchblades are renowned for it! My other problem with OTFs is that pocket lint and coins can get in the opening and prevent it working, and I have owned one where the retraction spring broke pretty quickly. So, if you want a knife purely for defence, you should get a boot knife or neck knife made of ballistic nylon, fixed blade or spike, that doesn’t show up on metal scanners! Anything else other than a fixed blade could let you down in an emergency!
The reate exo for my purposes serves really well, and it's beautiful. It just need a small magnetic or something to make it stay closed, But nothing strong
Thanks for this, because when I go grocery shopping at Winn-Dixie, I have to get in constant knife-fights when picking out Lettuce and Celery, and once I get past that, I eventually meet the Winn-Dixie BOSS that's waiting for me around the Dairy section.
While I don't exactly disagree with any of this, I think it's a little silly overall. Knives in self defense situations are kind of a "fantasy" scenario and shouldn't really determine what you carry. There are a lot of legal ramifications to that scenario regardless of what you carry and it definitely shouldn't be your first choice. Context is important though and honestly any type will be fine for edc. I'm a big balisong fan but I'm also a long time flipper and am pretty confident with them when it comes to deployment. It's just a lot of fun and for someone like me who likes to fiddle around with my knives, a balisong is a good pick.
Lots of great points here. I carry a fifth pocket folder all the time...I'd consider this my self-defense knife. And, I do think if you choose carefully, a self-defense knife is a not silly, IMHO. As you correctly state, context is important. I carry a Bestech Engine or a Damned Designs Djin (among others) as a self-defense knife because I can grip the entire knife in my palm without anything but the blade showing. Try getting that out of my hand in a situation where I am defending myself...Not stabbing someone, but truly defending myself; You will never get these little knives out of my hand without incurring serious damage to yourself. Even my thumb covers the spine of the blade; truly nothing showing except the business end!! As I always say, there are as many reasons for collecting knives, and as many uses, as there are people who collect them. To each his/her own. Another great vid, Jerad. Thanks!
Knives are a multipurpose tool, it's great for many things, self defense can also be cutting the belt off that's going to end you, or tending to a wound, or stopping a dog attack on you or a child. Obviously a firearm can be better in some situations for that one thing, but not everyone can carry and sometimes it's better to just have both, regardless you still have a cutting tool for the 98% of things knives are used for. It's not a fantasy when it's happening to you
Something ignored about OTF’s is the fact that they can be daggers. I know the Paragon Warlock is a dagger, but a lot of OTF’s are daggers, and they’re safer than the warlock, especially with closing the knife.
Thing I also did notice was that most of the ways you got the automatics to open when they were stopped is the same motions that you use to open up a manual knife, so that basically makes it not really a negative at all.
Gravity knife just seems like the "coolest" choice from my perspective. The way you open and close it is unique, just like the butterfly knife. Except I have never liked the look of butterfly knives. OTFs / button locks are alright but kinda dull to me. Plus, springs are not something I care too much for. Wish gravity knives had a better reputation. Theyre clearly no faster to deploy than anything else on the table.
You do have to keep in mind how if you have to let the blade drop, the grip is loose, making it easy to knock out of your hand. But it is definitely worth the cooler look, buttons are ehhh.
In self defense manual knives also have one more way of opening than other knives. If the blade doesn't fully deploy you can rotate the knife 180 degrees and use the opponent to create the resistance to open the knife. In other words for a failed deployment a folding knife is still able to cut.
Butterfly knife deployment is quick and efficient as long as you know what you’re doing. A flashy trick is nice but you can open a butterfly knife with just a wrist flick
butterfly knife serve as 2 weapons. you can use in closed position to strike people in face , temple back of neck .. almost like slap jack of something of this nature . i have also used one clenched in fist to add force to my punch
I thought carrying an OTF as an EDC would be a good idea, but on more than one occasion when I would go to use my knife, it would fail to open because of pocket lint getting stuck in the hole
3:44 I have on off-brand version of that knife, looks the same but much cheaper and it makes a loud sound when you close it. It also malfunctions every so often
I have experience with balisongs, manual and fixed blade knives, I always use them for work and outdoor and for me nothing can beat the fixed blade, mainly because of the durability, stability etc. It is something I can depend on. I don't believe that those locking systems on other knives will protect my fingers against being cut if I made a mistake or misshandle the knife. Despite that I am looking forward to buying some small durable manual for edc.
On the subject of balisongs, I can open a balisong very fast in any orientation 100% of the time with the practice I’ve had, but I agree that in a struggle and without the space, it is very hard to draw
On the other hand, people have made different openings for different situations. I think it was thailand, i wanna say thailand, that made very quick openers, as in less than 1 second openers. The downside is indeed the practice.
Balisongs are great for playing with but not much More. In every instance they'll work in a pinch. But almost any other option is better. Damn fun to flip though!
Glad you mentioned that a graviy knife and a butterfly knife are both gravity knives! Keen observation, as they both rely on either gravity or momentum in order to operate. Also they both lock up rock solid when you grip them, then flow freely when released. The lock up is perhaps stronger than conventional lock types. Well, you beat me to it making that comparison, but I may do that vid anyway... 🤣🗡️👍
@@repinuj No they are both gravity knives. There is a technique of pinching the locking mechanism with your thumb an pointer finger and then releasing your other fingers on one half of the grip allowing gravity to swing open the other half of the handle revealing the blade, as the other side of the handle is released it rotates 180 degrees back to your hand with an open grip allowing you to catch it in an opened ready to use state. Very fast very efficient way to deploy, and can be a good grip for a self defense situation.
@@repinuj I guess my point was that it's part of the equation or the initiating movement. I'm really looking at the physics of it, but you're correct in that it takes further manipulation! ,👍🗡️
As a life long scouter I’ve carried a knife since the 2nd grade; as a LEO I’ve carried a defensive knife as a last line of defense, as well as a functional weapon if you can’t break distance. By far the best knife for defensive use is a fixed blade it’s ready to go upon clearing it from its holster and can be deployed in a blade up or down orientation regarding grip. That said I have carried a few different automatic knives over the years as they are actually quite covert and therefor don’t appear threatening to most people. I like Gerber and had a Covert auto for years until it was stolen but tended to fall back on a Benchmade OTF as, to me, it was the best defensive option. With everything my most used knife was my Leatherman Wave, which found uses at least weekly. At 6’6” I never had an issue wearing/carrying gear and worked out of an office and vehicle principally, especially 20+ years in, so weight wasn’t much of an issue either. As with a lot of knives know your local laws, in my home state of NY, we regulate everything, gravity knives, automatic knives, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and dirks and daggers; for gravity knives to be illegal they have to lock open, as do automatic knives but most all autos tend to lock open. There are exceptions to the law like most states for LEOs, including retired, military, including career retired, and oddly during hunting and fishing, if you’re in possession of a valid license thereof.
I really dig the balisong knives to figit with but can't legally carry these or the gravity and automatics of a decent size. I would pick a fixed blade for self defense but gets people nervous if I carry them in the legal fashion. I really love carrying knives so the manuals are my favorite.
With the butterfly knife it can be opened extremely fast if you're good with it ,the move I would use is you hold it one handle between your fingers kinda twist that handle and flick it a bit ,hard to explain but it's extremely fast no spinning it around it just kind of flicks open
yeah i completely understand that, and in a perfect scenario it could work great, i think of situations ive been in and i just dont think its the best, you dont get to choose when something happens and in many cases your completely caught off gaurd and already in a fight and i think you have a better chance of dropping it, if you cant effectively doit while a human is punching pushing and throwing you around then i lean against it
For defense I'd say an automatic or standard folder, as far as my EDC I'd choose a balisong, even a trainer, I've been flipping for a few months now and know tons of tricks and combos, also you can learn the quick draw to help with quick deployment, still not the best option for self defense
in a self defense setting why would you open a balisong with a basic open and not a quick draw? which you won't usually ever fuck up the open. quick draw I'd faster open and easy. Not really any unneeded flashyness either, just straight to the point.
I do all the time at work, it's about convenience, I don't want to set it down, think about carrying a tool belt on the job and your razor blade doesn't close, isn't it great that you can retract it easily and put it back in the pouch
I love knives that are fun to open for my EDC. You get the best reactions when you open a butterfly or a Mircrotech in the office and then just open an envelope, lol. Would never consider one for self-defense. I actually love my Microtech for when I am in a suit, makes a perfect combination with a nice watch, lol.
I'm a big fan of the Outdoor Edge 3.5" RazorLite EDC, but I REALLY want one of those Reate gravity knives. I carry my RazorLite daily, have a butterfly and a straight razor usually in the car, but the Exo is gorgeous. I concur that the auto knife is probably the best rounded, but the manual knives are best all around, if that makes sense.
COBRA TEC makes one of the best inexpensive OTF with knives with a properly treated D2 tool steal. They're great I carry one everyday while my Micro Tec stays in the safe until I want to tote that particular knife.
The thing you do not mention about Manuel knives is not all of them deploy that that quickly. Most manual lives I have seen like old-timer knives don't deploy that quickly. They don't have the features you are talking about. Only ones that have the assist type knob on the end are the ones that do that.
5:25 cheap ones, yes. OTFs over the $75+ mark will *tear* through flesh with ease and many other items (like plastics, PVC, cardboard, and I think thinner metal). Cheap OTFs will struggle with plastic a lot.
I've used and tested many otf knives of all prices, of course the very cheap ones are mostly crap, but I've also seen some that will take a hell of a beating, the cutting tasks is mostly do to blade and edge geometry more than the cost
What's the definition of a gravity knife? In what ways does it relate to a butterfly knife? Is a butterfly knife really just a type of gravity knife? I'm trying to start a collection of butterfly knives but my country prohibits the import of gravity and switch knives. Please advise
You can put just about any style blade you want in a butterfly knife. They're just as useful as any single bladed folding knife, and they have probably the strongest locking mechanism of any folder.
Of course there is, not under a camera though, regardless my point still stands because you don't get to choose when crap happens and it's usually by surprise, of course it's better than nothing
If your stuck on your back you can simply do a icepick grip letting the blade fall out that way and defend yourself whit said icepick grip in a slashing motion which will give u enugh time to readjust. Fixblades are still better tho
Great content mate! I was looking for a butterfly knife, since I cannot find a decent gravity knife in my country but you've showed me how great a manual knife is, getting a really cool one rn
The gravity knife could be a decent scuba diving knife. Usually when you use your knife there you have enough time but your movement is impaired (through a net or whatever). So being able to literally just hold the knife for it to open sounds pretty sweet. And the big ass knifes we usually have on us are just not very comfortable if you ask me.
Always wondered if a person couldn't source a higher grade more resilient spring/springs for an OTF knife. Yeah it'd be illegal probably but you could actually use it really close quarters for self defense. Little ventilation action
In most OTFs the energy which used to deploy the blade is that of you provided by pushing the button with your thumb. Tougher springs would result in much stiffer button. Some OTFs are already pretty hard to deploy, especially with wet fingers. It will also inflict a lot of stress on mechanisms and knife will degrade much faster. There are OTF types like Microtech Halo, where you pre-charge the springs with both hands. Those fling the blade with much higher force. Like non-OTF automatic knives, the spring will try to open the knife all the way even if something stops it mid-ways.
my exo is my EDC best knife, it deploys just right, it is just fine in pocket I carry it everyday it DOES not just open.......... I hate it when folks give bunk information when they dont actually carry it
hey, im left handed and i love to go camping etc, the only problem is that im not capable of oppening canif knife, do you know any other option i could use?
This is why everyone who carries a knife for self defense uses a fixed blade for it. In fact, a few people I know actually carry two, one for edc and one for defense
@@davod2107 in any situation when you edc a butterfly knife just keep calm and flip on. If you're too nervous to do a quick draw you'd be too nervous to effectively defend yourself.
for the butterfly knife (i play with them all the time *trainer*) and there are soooooooo many ways to open it so like if your doing it for self defence then you can do a super simple open and you like litteraly cant fail it
I understand that, I just think they make much better knives now with incredible quality, and they are still cool of course but other knives are just better options now
Everyone I see with those ejecting switchblades always break the spring inside. If you want a knife for defense, get a fixed blade dagger style, nothing that folds, that's the weakness..
I understand that and I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I think many people don't realize that, so I was more showing it, but for that and Manu other reasons I just prefer a manual blade the most
I mean it's still a negative you would have to be pretty drunk. And if I buy one of thoes it would be for that reason shame like how the grav dosnt even a lock system
You need space to deploy gravity operated mechanisms but you also need space to deploy any other style folder or to even get a fix blade unsheathed so that’s not really a good negative. In my opinion gravity methods are the most reliable self containing knifes as they are closer to a fixed blade than a manual folder and theirs no spring loosing its tension
Indeed, well stated. A little thought, consideration, and investigation are necessary before dismissing something outright. Then personal preference can be more effectively used to make an informed decision. Additionally maintaining assisted, and autos can be ;messy. Heavy grease and sometimes needing a third hand for reassembly. Even my axis lock model brings me to primal screaming when putting it back together.
@@LonestarTaoboy the axis locks really can be a pain, the balisong has the strongest locking mechanism out of any folder simply because as long as you’re gripping the knife it’s impossible for it to fold but obviously fixed blades are always gonna be the end all to win all. I personally am one of those butterfly knife dorks you see on the internet but I carry a fixed blade
I personally feel butterfly knifes are usually banned cause of fear, in any high tension fight type situation it takes longer to get out that just a fixed blade
I'd say the best knife for self-defense is the one you have on you at the precise time you need it when all other non-violent options have failed or are unavailable; provided your training and practicing are sound and you commit to the incision. Just keep in mind that a clean and justified kill is still not without its legal headaches and inconveniences regardless of the method or tool used.
Um the balisong can be deployed quickly if you know the Quickdraw move, how ever other knives are way better at self defense purposes (Tbh I'm a little biased)
SOG Pentagon Elite has another opening type. The Elite II changed to spring, but the original had a unique opening. The one I had caught on a drilling chain I was working. A savvy operator saw my reaction and stopped the unit before he saw what made me grimace. My SOG Pentagon Elite was caught open 45° in the chain, which is held in hand, and wrapped around spinning drilling pipe. The chain and open knife was coming back on me, groin level, during counter turn. The operator said he never saw such a thing in almost 30yrs of his experience. Thankfully Christ was merciful and worked thru that operator to protect me.
@@NeevesKnives Yeah, cuts both ways. Revelation 1:16-18 (KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Showed up late to the party. Always a fan, though. No, the "fan" was not a balisong trick reference, btw. I was thinking about an OTF to use in the winter, since gloves are kind of a must where I am during this season. I'm starting to rethink that notion now. I'm currently looking for an alternative that can fit in my pocket.
I have been flipping butterfly knife or balisongs since the past year, there no way to have to redeploy the blade, if you use enough force (not a lot be the way) you can open it in any way possible, up? You can, down? You can, sideways you also can. Even you can do a y2k and open it around your thumb. I dont believe its the best knife, not even by a long shot, but being realistic you can deploy it any way you want
Regular automatics are legal to own, you just can't carry them around. Otf, butterfly and gravity are really illegal to own though, which is really dumb
The best knives for self defense are fixed blades by a long shot.
I fully agree, but it would make you look very weird in public places, personally, I always carry a spring assist, but fixed blades are unbeatable.
@@nathanvermette3218 I should have clarified, a concealable fixed blade.
@@nathanvermette3218 why?Use fixed blade karambits wich are thick steel for self defense they are surely built like tank and it's giving u crazy cool look keeping one in ur belt wouldn't make u look weird or even pocket with sheath
Best knives for self defense are those little ones made out of lead that are being propelled by expanding gases from burning powder out of the steel barrel of a handgun
@@xTR123x hey dumb ass we are talking about knives for self defense, not guns.
Another downside to a gravity knife is that if your an astronaut or space marine you won't be able to deploy it in space with no gravity lol.
Lmao
Centrifugal force still exists in space. Thats how future space stations will create artificial gravity. However if you swing the knife to create centrifugal force to deploy it and it slips out of your hand it will keep going forever and ever until it hits the next solar system
@@alex-cf4dy that makes the correct term for the knife a centrifugal force knife then. It’s not at all a “gravity knife”
Next knife?: the anti-gravity knife
😂
Agreed, have automatics, OTF’s and carry various manually deployable knives over them. Thanks for sharing Jerad!
Agree with everything you said when it comes to folding knives, but a fixed blade will always be the best option for self defense no moving parts to worry about. I never buy any knife based on its use for self defense, mine always serve a purpose for use either for work, carving, EDC, bushcraft, outdoors etc.. and I think that's true of most people. But it's good to know that when push comes to shove you have a reliable tool to get the job done no matter what the situation your in. Thanks for the great vid Jerad and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
Fr I own a gravity knife for carving and a butterfly knife/karambit for tricks so I def see what you mean
Agreed
One feature nobody has mentioned (and in the big picture not that big of a deal, as are most debating points here) the only style that allows you to have a fighting grip before and during deployment is the OTF. All the others require one or more grip changes.
My favorite fighter would be my 5” push dagger. Difficult to disarm. Snap in Kydex sheath is versatile for location. The knife itself is not versatile, however. It has no other practical uses. Probably why it lives in a drawer. So…..the.22 in your pocket beats the 10mm in the glove box. 👊😎
Honestly a push dagger is good. And if you know anything about disarming any opponent. Then you’ll know a push dagger and karambits was made to be the hardest to disarm. Ill just break your arm, rather than take the blade away. I will get cut trying to take it. But that elbow or if possible but elbows better, break it. Better chance in not getting cut. But lets be real, just run simple easy if possible. Cause in a situation with blades your 70%-89% chance of getting cut. I know what im doing and hell im going to get cut. Even a master martial artist will have a high chance of getting cut in a fight with a knife. And the real reason why you’ll get cut is, 80% of all knife attacks happen close and fast. I know what to do and how to win a fight in this situation, but im just going to run if possible. Even if i dont see it coming, i wont stick around to get cut or stabbed any more.
I agree the push dagger is best suited for self defense situations, as you mentioned it’s versatile in how it can be carried if in a particular sheath. I have a cold steel safe maker II and the sheath allows for neck wear, belt, clip on, and it’s in the $30 range, not much good for anything else but self defense
@@RR31982 yeah and if you know how to fight like a boxer, you will be almost unstoppable when using it. The blade is made to fit your hands like second nature. So trying to disarm anyone who knows how to use a push dagger, it’s nearly impossible. Thats like trying to win against a cougar, and take its claws out. You will have to break the persons arm or shot them. Cause getting that blade out their hand by taking it or having them drop it is close to 0% chance. With adrenaline flowing through there body, you might as well stab yourself instead of challenging that. And the sad part is anyone can use a push dagger, you just need to punch and don’t let go. Thats pretty much it, simple and scary.
if we are really sticking to knives only for self defense tools, i think one of the best options are knives with the wave system, little hook on the blade for fast deployment. even more precisely, the fox cutlery folding karambit or the dart are as fast as you'll ever get...
America must be a wild place
I carry at least three blades on me for work, each with a different purpose. I find that aside from fixed blades, I definitely prefer manual unassisted knives are a favorite. Springs and pockets when working the way we do tend to get you holes in your pockets lol. Love the video! Your takes are always concise and refreshing.
@glitchstate I work in hardware and construction. I have a designated knife for carpet, one for drywall, one for slicing pallets open etc.
Using weapons at work? My ""Job"" has a policy against such things unfortunately 😞🏝️😠
@@chriskelly4477 They're tools, not weapons rofl. A gun is a weapon. It has one function, to shoot things. Maybe they should reevaluate their standards and trust in their employees.
@@Malice197 your name is malice, should we trust you? :P
@@RainmakerXBooty I can't help that an old CS handle stuck. All I know is specific jobs require specific blades. You don't use a thin razor on drywall and expect or to last.
hey Neeves, nice video, you could make time stamps on the description of your video to make easier to people check specific knives if they want like
0:00 - Gravity Knife
2:05 - Butterfly Knife
etc... would make a lot easier to check on specific ones
It's practically impossible to find a reate exo gravity knife.
@@kylebrentzel3307 I got a link to a good one if you want it
As a knife person who lives in a country where manual is the only option I'm happy you say they are the best option but I wish I could try the others.
Okay but I've had a balisong for quite a while now and I'm in love with it. It is so versatile and fast that I genuinely don't think there is another type of knife better enough to make me switch, and it's so fun to use that it makes up for it.
Of course this was for practical uses, but even practically speaking a balisong does pretty well. A great balisong wielder is definitely intimidating.
I 100 percent agree with you
I concur. A quick wrist flip, and they open in a snap. It isn't the flashiest of opening moves, but it's a crazy fast one once you're proficient. Also, it makes your hand become a fixed blade substitution.
I always go latchless to make openings go faster and to not have it get in the way. If you need a latch, get a spring loaded model. Or, mod the latch to be a springer. You could always kit-bash from a cheap model's latch that has a spring. Obviously, take measurements first, or you will be disappointed.
Very interesting, as far as it goes, but the weak point in every moving blade knife is the hinge or holding joint! Many a cheap knife will break apart if you stick it into something hard at great speed; either the hinge rivet will break, or the frame rivets will break and so on, and you won’t know that until your life depends on it! Cheap OTFs and cheap switchblades are renowned for it!
My other problem with OTFs is that pocket lint and coins can get in the opening and prevent it working, and I have owned one where the retraction spring broke pretty quickly.
So, if you want a knife purely for defence, you should get a boot knife or neck knife made of ballistic nylon, fixed blade or spike, that doesn’t show up on metal scanners! Anything else other than a fixed blade could let you down in an emergency!
The reate exo for my purposes serves really well, and it's beautiful. It just need a small magnetic or something to make it stay closed, But nothing strong
Thanks for this, because when I go grocery shopping at Winn-Dixie, I have to get in constant knife-fights when picking out Lettuce and Celery, and once I get past that, I eventually meet the Winn-Dixie BOSS that's waiting for me around the Dairy section.
I always carry a small fixed blade for my EDC. Prefer fixed blades for a lot of the reasons you explained about those types.
Well that wasn't part of the rules
@@NeevesKnives lol
@@NeevesKnives lmao
I bet women are crazy about you. Let me open this for you, i have a knife - baamm gets out his EDC fixed blade... You live with your mom 100% LOL
@@siduspulverem2001 huh? How did you deduce that?
While I don't exactly disagree with any of this, I think it's a little silly overall. Knives in self defense situations are kind of a "fantasy" scenario and shouldn't really determine what you carry. There are a lot of legal ramifications to that scenario regardless of what you carry and it definitely shouldn't be your first choice.
Context is important though and honestly any type will be fine for edc. I'm a big balisong fan but I'm also a long time flipper and am pretty confident with them when it comes to deployment. It's just a lot of fun and for someone like me who likes to fiddle around with my knives, a balisong is a good pick.
Lots of great points here. I carry a fifth pocket folder all the time...I'd consider this my self-defense knife. And, I do think if you choose carefully, a self-defense knife is a not silly, IMHO. As you correctly state, context is important. I carry a Bestech Engine or a Damned Designs Djin (among others) as a self-defense knife because I can grip the entire knife in my palm without anything but the blade showing. Try getting that out of my hand in a situation where I am defending myself...Not stabbing someone, but truly defending myself; You will never get these little knives out of my hand without incurring serious damage to yourself. Even my thumb covers the spine of the blade; truly nothing showing except the business end!! As I always say, there are as many reasons for collecting knives, and as many uses, as there are people who collect them. To each his/her own.
Another great vid, Jerad. Thanks!
Exactly. This dude obviously knows nothing about Balisongs. How can you have a whole ass channel about knives but know nothing of Balisongs?
speaking of fantasy...a shop owner just used a knife to stop some robbers on the news
Knives are a multipurpose tool, it's great for many things, self defense can also be cutting the belt off that's going to end you, or tending to a wound, or stopping a dog attack on you or a child. Obviously a firearm can be better in some situations for that one thing, but not everyone can carry and sometimes it's better to just have both, regardless you still have a cutting tool for the 98% of things knives are used for. It's not a fantasy when it's happening to you
As a blacksmith l would suggest routine maintenance was essential lest bills accumulate.
Something ignored about OTF’s is the fact that they can be daggers. I know the Paragon Warlock is a dagger, but a lot of OTF’s are daggers, and they’re safer than the warlock, especially with closing the knife.
I’d never rely on these fancy knives for anything life or death. Nothing beats the tried and true simple knives where the only variable is you
Thing I also did notice was that most of the ways you got the automatics to open when they were stopped is the same motions that you use to open up a manual knife, so that basically makes it not really a negative at all.
A manual knife takes zero momentum to open, you just need one with a decent detent, you only have to use the deployment option No momentum
Dude, you literally had to flick your wrist to get that open. I don't call that zero momentum.
Gravity knife just seems like the "coolest" choice from my perspective.
The way you open and close it is unique, just like the butterfly knife.
Except I have never liked the look of butterfly knives. OTFs / button locks are alright but kinda dull to me. Plus, springs are not something I care too much for.
Wish gravity knives had a better reputation. Theyre clearly no faster to deploy than anything else on the table.
I like balisongs and bayonets
@Nguyễn Thiên Tuấn Khải yep, 100% exactly what I thought. Just point it down and let *gravity* do its job
You do have to keep in mind how if you have to let the blade drop, the grip is loose, making it easy to knock out of your hand. But it is definitely worth the cooler look, buttons are ehhh.
In self defense manual knives also have one more way of opening than other knives. If the blade doesn't fully deploy you can rotate the knife 180 degrees and use the opponent to create the resistance to open the knife. In other words for a failed deployment a folding knife is still able to cut.
Butterfly knife deployment is quick and efficient as long as you know what you’re doing. A flashy trick is nice but you can open a butterfly knife with just a wrist flick
butterfly knife serve as 2 weapons. you can use in closed position to strike people in face , temple back of neck .. almost like slap jack of something of this nature . i have also used one clenched in fist to add force to my punch
I thought carrying an OTF as an EDC would be a good idea, but on more than one occasion when I would go to use my knife, it would fail to open because of pocket lint getting stuck in the hole
What was the specific otf knife shown in this video?
the open you use is the most common for tricks but theres a lot of much faster opens with a butterfly knife
One of the best descriptions pros vs cons
Very interesting to see a comparison between different types of knifes.
3:44 I have on off-brand version of that knife, looks the same but much cheaper and it makes a loud sound when you close it. It also malfunctions every so often
I have experience with balisongs, manual and fixed blade knives, I always use them for work and outdoor and for me nothing can beat the fixed blade, mainly because of the durability, stability etc. It is something I can depend on.
I don't believe that those locking systems on other knives will protect my fingers against being cut if I made a mistake or misshandle the knife.
Despite that I am looking forward to buying some small durable manual for edc.
I thought my OTf knife was broken because of that. Thank you so much I was about to take it apart to see what the problem was. Thank you so much
Noproblem 👊
Love that gravy knife! I would totally use it for opening boxes and letters! Sadly it’s illegal where I am at😢
You only live once
On the subject of balisongs, I can open a balisong very fast in any orientation 100% of the time with the practice I’ve had, but I agree that in a struggle and without the space, it is very hard to draw
On the other hand, people have made different openings for different situations. I think it was thailand, i wanna say thailand, that made very quick openers, as in less than 1 second openers. The downside is indeed the practice.
@@insertnamehere9180 Learning to flip and cutting yourself is essential balisong experience.
As a Batangueño, I can tell you that the balisong is traditionally used as a manual open and close.
You can get some otfs that have the switch on the side rather than the top which could be easier depending on the person holding the knife
Balisongs are great for playing with but not much More. In every instance they'll work in a pinch. But almost any other option is better. Damn fun to flip though!
the problem with automatic and manual knives in a survival situation is that if you grab it from the wrong side, then you're probably done for
Glad you mentioned that a graviy knife and a butterfly knife are both gravity knives! Keen observation, as they both rely on either gravity or momentum in order to operate. Also they both lock up rock solid when you grip them, then flow freely when released. The lock up is perhaps stronger than conventional lock types.
Well, you beat me to it making that comparison, but I may do that vid anyway... 🤣🗡️👍
But they are not both gravity knives. You cannot open the butterfly without putting a whole lot more work in than just letting gravity take it away.
@@repinuj No they are both gravity knives. There is a technique of pinching the locking mechanism with your thumb an pointer finger and then releasing your other fingers on one half of the grip allowing gravity to swing open the other half of the handle revealing the blade, as the other side of the handle is released it rotates 180 degrees back to your hand with an open grip allowing you to catch it in an opened ready to use state. Very fast very efficient way to deploy, and can be a good grip for a self defense situation.
balis arnt stricktly speaking gravity knives there are similarities but balis are in there own weard category
@@repinuj I guess my point was that it's part of the equation or the initiating movement. I'm really looking at the physics of it, but you're correct in that it takes further manipulation! ,👍🗡️
@@timbaerg9354 That means nothing. That alone doesn't make a Balisong a gravity knife. A Balisong is not a gravity knife.
Meanwhile in England, you get arrested for carrying a buttering knife
As a life long scouter I’ve carried a knife since the 2nd grade; as a LEO I’ve carried a defensive knife as a last line of defense, as well as a functional weapon if you can’t break distance. By far the best knife for defensive use is a fixed blade it’s ready to go upon clearing it from its holster and can be deployed in a blade up or down orientation regarding grip. That said I have carried a few different automatic knives over the years as they are actually quite covert and therefor don’t appear threatening to most people. I like Gerber and had a Covert auto for years until it was stolen but tended to fall back on a Benchmade OTF as, to me, it was the best defensive option.
With everything my most used knife was my Leatherman Wave, which found uses at least weekly. At 6’6” I never had an issue wearing/carrying gear and worked out of an office and vehicle principally, especially 20+ years in, so weight wasn’t much of an issue either.
As with a lot of knives know your local laws, in my home state of NY, we regulate everything, gravity knives, automatic knives, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and dirks and daggers; for gravity knives to be illegal they have to lock open, as do automatic knives but most all autos tend to lock open. There are exceptions to the law like most states for LEOs, including retired, military, including career retired, and oddly during hunting and fishing, if you’re in possession of a valid license thereof.
I really dig the balisong knives to figit with but can't legally carry these or the gravity and automatics of a decent size. I would pick a fixed blade for self defense but gets people nervous if I carry them in the legal fashion. I really love carrying knives so the manuals are my favorite.
You cannot beat a high quality OTF your hand is in proper position closed, or open. Most importantly it can be rendered totally safe nearly instantly.
With the butterfly knife it can be opened extremely fast if you're good with it ,the move I would use is you hold it one handle between your fingers kinda twist that handle and flick it a bit ,hard to explain but it's extremely fast no spinning it around it just kind of flicks open
yeah i completely understand that, and in a perfect scenario it could work great, i think of situations ive been in and i just dont think its the best, you dont get to choose when something happens and in many cases your completely caught off gaurd and already in a fight and i think you have a better chance of dropping it, if you cant effectively doit while a human is punching pushing and throwing you around then i lean against it
For defense I'd say an automatic or standard folder, as far as my EDC I'd choose a balisong, even a trainer, I've been flipping for a few months now and know tons of tricks and combos, also you can learn the quick draw to help with quick deployment, still not the best option for self defense
@Neeves Knives Just wondering would an OTF pierce through skin when opened or would it still stop?
Depends...call me dumb but i used to try them on myself and most of them will penetrate your skin
@@mikhaelgarious5432 thank you for your help
Can you do video on each of the different lock types for flippers
I carry any knife I can find, currently I have an OTF with a wonderful dragon etching on the side and it has a belt clip. I LOVE this knife.
Aren’t knives beautiful?
in a self defense setting why would you open a balisong with a basic open and not a quick draw? which you won't usually ever fuck up the open. quick draw I'd faster open and easy. Not really any unneeded flashyness either, just straight to the point.
6:52 in what situation do you need to close a knife so urgently?
I do all the time at work, it's about convenience, I don't want to set it down, think about carrying a tool belt on the job and your razor blade doesn't close, isn't it great that you can retract it easily and put it back in the pouch
Sometimes you need or prefer to open and close your knife with one hand. Automatics make this more difficult.
When the cops show up
I love knives that are fun to open for my EDC. You get the best reactions when you open a butterfly or a Mircrotech in the office and then just open an envelope, lol. Would never consider one for self-defense. I actually love my Microtech for when I am in a suit, makes a perfect combination with a nice watch, lol.
I'm a big fan of the Outdoor Edge 3.5" RazorLite EDC, but I REALLY want one of those Reate gravity knives. I carry my RazorLite daily, have a butterfly and a straight razor usually in the car, but the Exo is gorgeous. I concur that the auto knife is probably the best rounded, but the manual knives are best all around, if that makes sense.
COBRA TEC makes one of the best inexpensive OTF with knives with a properly treated D2 tool steal. They're great I carry one everyday while my Micro Tec stays in the safe until I want to tote that particular knife.
IL havevto try them
They’re not bad I’ve even started seeing a couple of their models with s35 but I haven’t tried them yet. They look pretty decent as well
I am surprised he never talked about assisted opening knives.
The thing you do not mention about Manuel knives is not all of them deploy that that quickly. Most manual lives I have seen like old-timer knives don't deploy that quickly. They don't have the features you are talking about. Only ones that have the assist type knob on the end are the ones that do that.
5:25 cheap ones, yes. OTFs over the $75+ mark will *tear* through flesh with ease and many other items (like plastics, PVC, cardboard, and I think thinner metal). Cheap OTFs will struggle with plastic a lot.
I've used and tested many otf knives of all prices, of course the very cheap ones are mostly crap, but I've also seen some that will take a hell of a beating, the cutting tasks is mostly do to blade and edge geometry more than the cost
@@NeevesKnives for sure! Any OTF that is dagger shaped will cut through more than an OTF that is shaped like a sharp angled blade
@@MTG9745 I was more talking about cutting geometry, than shape but that goes for shape to as well
What's the definition of a gravity knife? In what ways does it relate to a butterfly knife? Is a butterfly knife really just a type of gravity knife? I'm trying to start a collection of butterfly knives but my country prohibits the import of gravity and switch knives. Please advise
A knife that uses only momentum or gravity to open
High end single action OTF, what are your thoughts??
My EDC is a Benchmade Model 910 Elishewitz Stryker
Does the butterfly’s blade really have a good purpose or is it just more of a show knife
You can put just about any style blade you want in a butterfly knife. They're just as useful as any single bladed folding knife, and they have probably the strongest locking mechanism of any folder.
About the balisong there is a lot of tricks to open it the fastest way is the quick draw move
Of course there is, not under a camera though, regardless my point still stands because you don't get to choose when crap happens and it's usually by surprise, of course it's better than nothing
If your stuck on your back you can simply do a icepick grip letting the blade fall out that way and defend yourself whit said icepick grip in a slashing motion which will give u enugh time to readjust. Fixblades are still better tho
I carry a manual karambit for for defense. Can u do a video on karambits
Great content mate! I was looking for a butterfly knife, since I cannot find a decent gravity knife in my country but you've showed me how great a manual knife is, getting a really cool one rn
The gravity knife could be a decent scuba diving knife. Usually when you use your knife there you have enough time but your movement is impaired (through a net or whatever). So being able to literally just hold the knife for it to open sounds pretty sweet. And the big ass knifes we usually have on us are just not very comfortable if you ask me.
Always wondered if a person couldn't source a higher grade more resilient spring/springs for an OTF knife. Yeah it'd be illegal probably but you could actually use it really close quarters for self defense. Little ventilation action
In most OTFs the energy which used to deploy the blade is that of you provided by pushing the button with your thumb. Tougher springs would result in much stiffer button. Some OTFs are already pretty hard to deploy, especially with wet fingers. It will also inflict a lot of stress on mechanisms and knife will degrade much faster.
There are OTF types like Microtech Halo, where you pre-charge the springs with both hands. Those fling the blade with much higher force. Like non-OTF automatic knives, the spring will try to open the knife all the way even if something stops it mid-ways.
_Bro I need a laser sight, flashlight, or sniper scope for that OTF knife_
What about a military style fixed blade?
Wave knives are my favorite. Blade is open before you’ve even gripped it. Takes a lot of practice to get good at and isn’t perfectly reliable tho
my exo is my EDC best knife, it deploys just right, it is just fine in pocket I carry it everyday it DOES not just open.......... I hate it when folks give bunk information when they dont actually carry it
4:39 Do most OTFs have high resistance like this? I have a spring assisted OTF and it extends very easily.
Most do yes, some are easier than others, but most quality ones are strong, then the extremely expensive ones are easier. But for the most part
hey, im left handed and i love to go camping etc, the only problem is that im not capable of oppening canif knife, do you know any other option i could use?
I've always seen knives as tools, flashy and functional is great. Android also using a butterfly knife for a box cutter is great for memes
This video is gonna kick ass!!!!!!!!!!! I was correct. A video on the locks would be great. Got one of those?
This is why everyone who carries a knife for self defense uses a fixed blade for it. In fact, a few people I know actually carry two, one for edc and one for defense
Where did you buy the OTF?
For self deffense other that my gun i only trust regular not folding knife, single sheet is always ready gives you fraccion of valuable seconds
3:02 this man had not heard of the quick draw or latch drop
I really like quickdraw and practiced it enough to do it quckly and consistently but I think I would goof it up in a serious self defense situation
@@davod2107 in any situation when you edc a butterfly knife just keep calm and flip on. If you're too nervous to do a quick draw you'd be too nervous to effectively defend yourself.
What about a wave/emersons?
What’s your favorite lock and type of deployment?
for the butterfly knife (i play with them all the time *trainer*) and there are soooooooo many ways to open it so like if your doing it for self defence then you can do a super simple open and you like litteraly cant fail it
Simple spy is very nice
I have a benchmade mini presidio auto the old aluminum one
I'm sure we all already know this, but butterfly knives were created for single hand open when all pocket knives were heavy 2 hand openers
I understand that, I just think they make much better knives now with incredible quality, and they are still cool of course but other knives are just better options now
Can you buy butterfly knives available in the US anymore?
Absolutely you can buy most knives and own them, some places restrict you from carrying them, but most you can
With my microtech ultratech the lightest wrist flip will reset it on track and in play, you can nearly blow it back on track
I've a couple of knifes, but my favourite knife is a Swiss army knife :D. Yes I know, it needs 2 hands to open it. Though I can close it with one.
What ever works best for you
Balisong can be opened in one motion, doesn't need three or more, is almost similar to gravity knife flickout motion
Everyone I see with those ejecting switchblades always break the spring inside. If you want a knife for defense, get a fixed blade dagger style, nothing that folds, that's the weakness..
The OTF stopping while deploying is NOT a negative! It's done on purpose as a security measure so as not to pierce yourself by accident! 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
I understand that and I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I think many people don't realize that, so I was more showing it, but for that and Manu other reasons I just prefer a manual blade the most
I mean it's still a negative you would have to be pretty drunk. And if I buy one of thoes it would be for that reason shame like how the grav dosnt even a lock system
You need space to deploy gravity operated mechanisms but you also need space to deploy any other style folder or to even get a fix blade unsheathed so that’s not really a good negative. In my opinion gravity methods are the most reliable self containing knifes as they are closer to a fixed blade than a manual folder and theirs no spring loosing its tension
Indeed, well stated. A little thought, consideration, and investigation are necessary before dismissing something outright. Then personal preference can be more effectively used to make an informed decision. Additionally maintaining assisted, and autos can be ;messy. Heavy grease and sometimes needing a third hand for reassembly. Even my axis lock model brings me to primal screaming when putting it back together.
@@LonestarTaoboy the axis locks really can be a pain, the balisong has the strongest locking mechanism out of any folder simply because as long as you’re gripping the knife it’s impossible for it to fold but obviously fixed blades are always gonna be the end all to win all. I personally am one of those butterfly knife dorks you see on the internet but I carry a fixed blade
I personally feel butterfly knifes are usually banned cause of fear, in any high tension fight type situation it takes longer to get out that just a fixed blade
Not with this trick
th-cam.com/video/5d1RMpm3vDc/w-d-xo.html
I think it is also partially they don't what people cutting their fingers off trying to do tricks
I'd say the best knife for self-defense is the one you have on you at the precise time you need it when all other non-violent options have failed or are unavailable; provided your training and practicing are sound and you commit to the incision. Just keep in mind that a clean and justified kill is still not without its legal headaches and inconveniences regardless of the method or tool used.
Just master the one u prefer to use and it will benefit you to the max.
On the plus side with the OTF, the blade not deploying when it hits something is probably a good thing from a safety standpoint.
Autos are great for people who have Authritus! Sometimes times it is hard to work a flipper! Thanks 🙂🙏
Um the balisong can be deployed quickly if you know the Quickdraw move, how ever other knives are way better at self defense purposes
(Tbh I'm a little biased)
How many times have you used your knifes in a self defense situation?
Id also consider legality in your area. In PA for instance it's illegal to carry an automatic knife in public
SOG Pentagon Elite has another opening type. The Elite II changed to spring, but the original had a unique opening. The one I had caught on a drilling chain I was working. A savvy operator saw my reaction and stopped the unit before he saw what made me grimace. My SOG Pentagon Elite was caught open 45° in the chain, which is held in hand, and wrapped around spinning drilling pipe. The chain and open knife was coming back on me, groin level, during counter turn. The operator said he never saw such a thing in almost 30yrs of his experience. Thankfully Christ was merciful and worked thru that operator to protect me.
👊 yeah I've got a few stories myself, especially doing construction, one of which I was saved by having a knife
God bless you brother! Praise the King of Mercy! Alleluia!
@@mikethemonsta15 Blessings in Christ to you, Amen.
@@NeevesKnives Yeah, cuts both ways.
Revelation 1:16-18 (KJV) And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Reates exp gravity knife has been out of stock since forever. I can’t get my hands on one.😫
Showed up late to the party. Always a fan, though. No, the "fan" was not a balisong trick reference, btw.
I was thinking about an OTF to use in the winter, since gloves are kind of a must where I am during this season. I'm starting to rethink that notion now. I'm currently looking for an alternative that can fit in my pocket.
I have been flipping butterfly knife or balisongs since the past year, there no way to have to redeploy the blade, if you use enough force (not a lot be the way) you can open it in any way possible, up? You can, down? You can, sideways you also can. Even you can do a y2k and open it around your thumb. I dont believe its the best knife, not even by a long shot, but being realistic you can deploy it any way you want
meanwhile me living in germany where every one of these knifes are illegal
Most places in the US they're legal to own but not to carry so you're not that far behind lol
@@levismith8809 not really. Most of these knives are legal in most places.
They are illegal in my country as well but who cares about knife laws lol
Regular automatics are legal to own, you just can't carry them around. Otf, butterfly and gravity are really illegal to own though, which is really dumb
@@petrl9838 What, in the US? I own all three of those, yes I can't carry them, but I can own them here.