First Real Knife

[Rev Al]

I am wanting to get a serious defensive knife. I am basically clueless about what to get. I want a folder. It can't be more than a 3" blade (VA law). I'd like for it to have a thumb stud or some other way of one-handed opening. And I don't want a liner lock. I don't know if serrated, plain, or both is better. I would also like for it to have a pocket clip and I don't want to spend that much on it, $50 - $70 range. Maybe a little more if I have to, but if there is one for less that would be great too. I know I don't want anything from China, USA made is always preferable, but definately not China made or chinese steel.

I submit to your collective wisdom. Thank you.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[wpk]

I got a good deal on a nice spyderco at Knives Town - Quality knives from Buck Knives, Kershaw Knives, Emerson Knives, KA-BAR Knives, TOPS Knives, SOG Knives, Fallkniven Knives, Masters of Defense, Blackhawk Blades, Opinel Knives, Lansky Knife Sharpeners, Gerber Knives, Cold Steel Knives,

They have a lot to look at to find all the features you want.

[David in FL]

Easy.....

Spyderco Delica.

[Rev Al]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll give those a look.

[Dal1Celt]

I'd go with a SOG, but then again I'm biased. Been carrying SOG's for awhile and don't like much else.

Striders are just too expensive, but I'd love to own one.

[GunnyBunny]

Kershaw, Ken Onion series, assisted opening, part serrated, my EDC.

[Jackle1886]

Spyderco...You won't' be disappointing!

[zackattack78]

Any Benchmade Axis lock knife. Should last you a lifetime with proper care. My EDC knife is a Benchmade Griptilian (yes, made in the USA). The blade is about 3.5" I believe. According to their website, the Mini Griptilian has a 2.91" blade and you can find them on eBay for less than $70. I prefer no serrations due to ease of sharpening but you can get the griptilian and mini griptlian with or without them.
Benchmade Mini-Griptilian

If you're looking for something a little cheaper Kershaw makes some great knives. A vast majority of their knives are made in the USA though most of their knives have liner or frame locks.

You'll be happy with either company. Before I got my griptilian my EDC was a Kershaw Leek. BTW, Benchmade and Kershaw are my two favorite knife brands.

[Rexster]

Spyderco is indeed a good intersection of quality and value. I tend to like the higher-end Spydercos, though most of my defensive Spydercos are discontinued models, or too large for the subject of this thread. (Gunting, Yojimbo, Civilian) My various Rescue models are not defensive in nature.

Don't mistake me for a Spyderco "fanboy" or such; I use other knives, too. Spyderco is an overall favorite brand, not my only only brand.

If your local dealer does not stock the model you need, I have ordered from Newgraham.com and Knifeworks.com with excellent results.

[BlackPR]

I'm a big fan of CRKT, and since you mentioned you didn't want a liner lock, you might take a look at the CRKT AutoLAWKS system. I personally hate it, but they have a good selection of assisted openers with the AutoLAWKS.

Here's one I would buy if it were a linerlock... but alas, it has autoLAWKS:


And here's what I currently carry as my EDC:

[KenpoTex]

Spyderco is one of my favorite brands, lots of good choices there. Benchmade is another good place to start.

[Chooie]

First of all, why do you believe VA law limits you to 3"? There is no state law concerning blade length unless you are on school property... but that's not what you're asking about. I think any of the knives suggested here would be a good choice. I used to EDC a Spyderco waved Endura, but now EDC a Benchmade Griptilian. Both are very solid and in your price range. I prefer plain blade knives, but if you go serrated, go fully serrated, not half and half.

[pcon]

Kershaw, Ken Onion series, assisted opening, part serrated, my EDC.

+1...mine too

[buckeye .45]

Spyderco Delica with a wave.

Benchmade Mel Pardue folder or mini-griptilian.

[Rev Al]

First of all, why do you believe VA law limits you to 3"? There is no state law concerning blade length unless you are on school property

I thought to have one concealed it had to be 3" or less and any length open carry. But even as I'm writing this, I'm second guessing myself. I will definately check that.

Thanks for all the suggestions. What are opinions about plain edge or serrated?