Simple review's below. Here's an introductory note on defensive edged weapons in general.
There's always a good amount to be discussed before selecting, purchasing and carrying a defensive edged weapon, especially with respect to its legality and whether or not it is truly the best option for defense. When you consider that ASPs and the like, (I mean other quality, collapsible batons, not kubotans or gimmicky "impact devices"), will usually do just as good of a job of keeping an attacker off you without such a high likelihood of later being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a knife can seem imprudent, to say the least. Other factors such as your proficiency with an edged weapon come into play, but assuming that you can effectively employ one, they do fill an essential niche in the world of defensive carry equipment. If you are unwilling to illegally CC your regular firearm, as I've found most people are, a good knife can be your best friend when dealing with multiple threats in the close confines of crowded parties/bars, vehicles, alleyways and anywhere else you might find yourself unable to access and swing about a baton.
To briefly clarify, tasers also have virtue when employed properly, however the only proper situation I can imagine one employing a taser in is one where they are faced with a single attacker who does not warrant the use of lethal force. I know all too well that we can never choose the terms of the fights we try so hard to avoid, and I would think that anyone who justifies carrying any defensive weapon on a regular basis would understand this point. Knives never run out of ammunition, and it's also kind of hard for a good fixed blade to malfunction.
Anyways, that's my spiel. If you're familiar with the world of defensive carry gear, it's probably nothing new to you. If you're not, I would hesitate before buying any edged weapon for defense. If you're not properly trained on them, your weapons can be used against you. Unfortunately, circumstances such as this are often unavoidable. Let's say you're getting a knife for a girl you know who has to work in a bad part of town, something like that. There isn't much to be done here unless she is truly aggressive, large and capable of taking on a guy in a respectable weight class- and the knife doesn't just end up buried in her purse.
In my search for a fixed, defensive edged weapon, I came across KA-BAR's new TDI line of knives marketed specifically at LEOs as a "last resort" for close-in lethal force. As with most KA-BARs, I was initially attracted by the price, as although there are countless knives which would serve this purpose quite well, this one gets the job done comfortably for around $40 USD, depending on the particular model you select.
There are smaller models in the TDI line, and plenty of drop points and partially serrated versions, but I opted for a large tanto plain blade. Haters gonna hate.
The basics:
- Hollow Ground AUS 8A Stainless Steel
- 20 Degree Edge Angle (this varies slightly between models)
- Zytel Handle
- 9.6 oz (0.6 lbs.)
- Glass-Filled Nylon Sheath
- Manufactured in Taiwan
Although a sheath is included with every knife, the KA-BAR-branded belt clip is not included on every model. Make sure you know what you're buying. This particular model came with the webbing belt loops pictured below, although, as you can see, it is compatible with KA-BAR's aftermarket pocket clip, which can be found for around $10 USD and installed with the included torx wrench if you're not manly enough to have a decent set of tools with your own.
The aftermarket pocket clip is well designed and perfectly secure on my 1.75" belt. Although it is not adjustable for different height belts, it is reversible in relation to the sheath itself. Its hook, pictured below, has not malfunctioned once. It has always retained the sheath brilliantly and still been fairly simple to remove when necessary.
The sheath also retains the knife brilliantly. It easily passes a rigorous jump test, even when worn as a neck knife, and still allows the user to remove the knife very easily, reliably and efficiently. There is only friction retention. There is a drainage hole at the base of the sheath. I would have liked to have seen Raven Concealment Systems-style beveling of the sheath's lower corners, as this would have made it far more comfortable for IWB carry, however this is only a minor complaint and, if the end user really wished to have this feature, I'm sure that they could cut the corners and perhaps melt the two sides of the sheath back together. It should be noted that the smaller models in the TDI line feature very different sheaths.
The knife and sheath feature serrations and an added-grip portion, respectively, where the thumb meets the blade during a traditional draw:
This grippy portion of the sheath is nice and all, but it has proven itself to be pretty unnecessary to me, as the belt clip secures the sheath damned well to me and I have no doubt that the sheath will stay where it should during a draw.
The model number and "TAIWAN" are stated on the right side of the blade. The indentations for the index finger pads are nice. No problems there. The screws holding the Zytel handles to the blade are the same size torx screws used on the sheath.
I prefer IWB carry just past 12 o'clock. Its certainly a bit uncomfortable compared to not carrying the thing, but that's besides the point for several reasons. As far as a review of this method of carry is concerned, I've run into few problems, if any, with the sheath disturbing my danger zone. It can be a bit annoying when pissing, but that's about it. Above the waist, it certainly is uncomfortable to sit with. I dont mind; it's not that bad. Image is flipped and I'm too lazy to reverse it:
It really doesn't print much, if at all. I've been wearing it daily for about a week at the time of writing this, and I've easily been able to conceal it without modifying my posture or wardrobe. If you're really concerned about being asked about it, just go for one of the smaller models. However, if OCing has taught me anything, it is that people really do not pay enough attention to their surroundings, as very few people even noticed that I had a weapon on me. Generally, so long as you're not a Jersey shore douchebag who walks around in muscle-mapping, tight-ass v-necks, it will likely go unnoticed. So you can go about your daily business:
...and still have it ready at a moment's notice:
As always with any concealed weapon, train your ass off. You ought to be able to consistently present the weapon without any fuck ups. The blade itself ships relatively sharp. Nothing to blabber about, but certainly not dull. With a little tension on the hairs, it will take hair off the forearm. The other side of the blade features "KA-BAR" and Tactical Defense Industry's logo:
The edge will also make short work of paracord out of the box, usually requiring a single thrust to cut a length of cord, despite its relatively short cutting edge.
As stated, it can be worn as a neck knife. There are several manners in which this can be accomplished with paracord. Neither the knife nor the aftermarket pocket clip ship with any paracord, so that will have to be bought separately. The holes on the sheath will fit paracord with some coercion, though I prefer to simply slip it around the pocket clip. This method of carry is not recommended if other options are available. Not only is it a much less secure platform than IWB carry, but it prints much more.
All in all, a decent defensive blade, especially for the money. I'll update this if any new issues pop up, but as of now it seems to be an effective weapon for those who do not wish to carry handguns, batons or tasers.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this or other equipment, feel free to ask away. I'll respond to the best of my ability. Cheers.
UPDATE (1/22/11): The angled nature of the blade makes it difficult to use to pull an AR BCG back in the event of a charging handle impingement, Pat Rogers style. The pocket clip can get bent outwards if used with thicker belts made of SCUBA webbing. I have not experienced a single failure on the sheath's part since changing my everyday belt to a 1.5" model.
UPDATE (4/14/11): Minor finish wear from very little use. Poor quality finish, but you get what you pay for.
Loctite your screws. I lost one.
