Cold Steel Nightshade

[TCBA_JOE]

Does anyone know anything about these (http://www.coldsteel.com/nise.html) knives? I know they're not made for constant use or utility use, but what are you opionions on buying one for personal defense? I am interested in buying a karambit, and would like some opinions. Thanks for the help.

[SFC JeffJ]

You can get a decent point on them, but the edge sucks. After many hours of work, I got a barely acceptable one on it. Make good trainers though. I like the look of the Nightshade Karambit, I'm hoping a real one like that is in the works. Use them as a trainer, after blunting it. Nice and cheap. A little light in the hand would my only hesitation for using one like that. Mine just collects dust.

Jeff

[Wild Bill]

They look too agressive for personal carry. If you had to use one prosecuters would eat you alive regardless of your justification. Look for a knife that is designed for more utility. You should be abe to say in court and to police that you had a knife for everyday use and that you were forced to use it to defend yourself. Never admit to carrying a knife specifically for self defense.

[rutherford]

They look too agressive for personal carry. If you had to use one prosecuters would eat you alive regardless of your justification. Look for a knife that is designed for more utility. You should be abe to say in court and to police that you had a knife for everyday use and that you were forced to use it to defend yourself. Never admit to carrying a knife specifically for self defense.

Good points.

I carry a Karambit because it's a MA weapon and is essential for certain attribute training. Plus, it's fun.

However, it's an absolutely terrible knife for personal defense for all the reasons Wild Bill states.

[Cruentus]

You want to seriously think about the first two posts; very good information and advice in my opinion!

Paul

[tshadowchaser]

My wife has the tanto and has been known in the past to carry it Most of the time it is on the night stand beside her bed. I agree it is a nasty weapon to have to justify to a law inforcement oficer

[masherdong]

I really like this one that Emerson makes. I ordered mine yesterday and will be receiving it in about a week or so.

http://67.99.204.248/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/EMRKARCQC7BT_1.jpg
http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/s.gif
I also have the nightshade karambit from cold steel. For me, the blade is too long, 4" to be exact. I like this emerson because it has a karambit handle but the blade doesnt look scary.

[KenpoTex]

I really like this one that Emerson makes. I ordered mine yesterday and will be receiving it in about a week or so.

http://67.99.204.248/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/EMRKARCQC7BT_1.jpg
http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/s.gif
I also have the nightshade karambit from cold steel. For me, the blade is too long, 4" to be exact. I like this emerson because it has a karambit handle but the blade doesnt look scary.I like those because the blade is not quite as "task specific" as the hawkbill blade on a traditional karambit. I don't have one though because I won't carry any knife with a liner-lock.

[masherdong]

I like those because the blade is not quite as "task specific" as the hawkbill blade on a traditional karambit. I don't have one though because I won't carry any knife with a liner-lock.

I agree. Do you carry a lockback blade?

[KenpoTex]

I agree. Do you carry a lockback blade?Yes, the folders I currently carry are Spyderco Endura's. I also like the Benchmade Axis lock (and variations thereof) and frame locks.

However, the strongest lock is a fixed-blade ;)

[Shinkengata]

I recently broke the tip off of my EDC, which is a Microtech Mini Socom Elite. I'm going to have to get me a new one sometime in the future.

[KenpoTex]

I recently broke the tip off of my EDC, which is a Microtech Mini Socom Elite. I'm going to have to get me a new one sometime in the future.Ouch, that's an expensive mishap. I carry a cheapie folder specifically so I don't mess up my good ones doing stuff that they're not supposed to do.