Steel the One

ViewOnline Staff

First, I want to state that a knife is an excellent self-defense weapon, but only if you have had substantial training in that area. If you haven't please remember that this article is not intended to be instructional, the things that I'll be going over are meant to be used as a last option only.

Now on to a few things to remember if you are ever in a situation that requires violence (and lets all hope that you're not). In my opinion a small blade is best for these situations. You really don't need a blade longer than four inches; anything larger becomes bulky and hard to carry in everyday situations. Texas law does state, however, that a blade no longer than 5 and ½ inches with a purpose other than purely offensive is legal to carry concealed. That means no gravity knives, no automatic knives and no fist daggers (other states have different laws, so for those of you who are not living in Texas, please check with local law enforcement on the laws in your area). Another thing to keep in mind is to keep the cutting edge up and thrust, don't swipe, because a thrust is a shorter motion and harder to block. Aim for the soft spots, the abdominal area is good but try to avoid the chest as a poorly aimed strike can be deflected on the rib cage.

As soon as your attacker is disabled run away and find help. Remember, you can't be imprisoned for self defense, it is your right to defend yourself from harm.

As I mentioned earlier, this article is not meant to be instructional, so please get proper instruction in the use of a knife. Almost every martial art provides training with bladed weapons, so find a school in your area and sign up.

If you are going to use a knife as your weapon of choice for self defense, consider Cold Steel. A few weeks ago I received several of their knives and have been abusing them as much as possible. All I can think to say about these knives is amazing. I've been using them for everything: opening cans, boxes, even using them as pry bars and screw drivers. So far I have had absolutely no luck destroying any of them. They come straight from the factory razor sharp, and the edge is long lasting and easy to maintain.

The Cold Steel Tanto point Voyager was loaned to a friend that works in the construction industry; being notorious for wrecking things I figured he would be just the man to really put this blade through the wringer. He won't give it back and has sworn off other knives all together (he's stopped returning my calls and when I go by his house his lights suddenly turn off and his curtains are drawn).

All Cold Steel knives have a comfortable, no slip grip. Even when your hands are sweating the knife is still easy to grip and work with, the folders all have a two sided thumb roll for right or left handed use. These blades are good looking and tough. You can get your catalog and look over their knives at www.coldsteel.com or by calling 1-800-255-4716.

You won't find a better blade in my opinion, and I know I'll never carry anything else I'm sold one hundred percent. Thanks to Chuck Fretwell and the great people that make Cold Steel, and a special thanks to Officer Vialbos of the Austin Police Department for patiently answering all of my questions about knife laws.

Below are the knives we received and some of our test results.

Model	Ins and Outs	$$	We give it...
El Lobo	Cool looking blade, shaves a man's arm as smooth as a baby's butt... Need we say more? Ok, maybe a little. The curve to the blade, along with its serated edge, give this handy little pocket knife real cutting power. You really can "slice through a tin can as easily as a tomato." (PLEASE, don't sue us, Ginsu!)	$89.99	4 out of 5. We took off one point 'cuz we got a nasty cut opening the box.
Mini Tac	The neck sheath lets this handy little blade dangle nice and secure down the front of your shirt. Maybe not the most comfortable hiding place, but you can bet mugger-boy won't spot it.	$49.99	5 out of 5. Hey, how could we NOT top-score a knife that looks like a miniature Samurai sword?
Safe Keeper II	When push comes to shove, you definitely want to have this baby. Fits your hand like it was meant to be a part of it. It looks like it would really, REALLY hurt. Really. .	$89.99	4 out of 5. Yeah, it's a VERY cool blade, but it looses that one, tiny, insignificant little point 'cuz it's illegal as a fresh rolled doobie. (Check your local P.D. to see if you can slide by with it)
Safe Keeper III	Everybody loves a sequel, and this one's got bang for the buck. It's just as comfortable in your palm, and hides easily in a boot or the hem of your jeans. Just make sure you don't snag your belt on the way out.	$89.99	4 out of 5, for the same reasons as it's big brother. It's a cool knife, but you'd be hard pressed to convice the nice officer that "It's just for cleaning my fingernails, honest!"
Mini Culloden	Pronounced "Cool-o-din." Originally made as a "sneak knife." Basically, a you-don't-know-I-got-it-but-I'm-fixin'-to-stab-your-ass kind of knife. You've seen one in "Rob Roy."	$49.99	5 out of 5. Neck sheath, easy to conceal, ultra sharp. Yep, you could put that right through somebody's gut.
Medium Tanto Voyager	Basically the same size as the El Lobo, but due to its Tanto point you could punch it through a car door. Christine beware!	$56.99	5 out of 5. The construction worker we gave it to won't give it back, but he grunts happily whenever we mention it.

The best place to buy them is right here on the web. Surf over to www.coldsteel.com and check out their online catalog. You can also request a free catalog right there on the site!