Lynn Thompson's Recommendations for Self-Defense/Fighting Knives
Key Takeaways
Recon 1 Folder
Vaquero 5.5 inch S curve blade
Hold Out 6 inch
Counter Tack 1 (classic boot knife)
14 BBC (copy of the famous Big Bear Fighting knife)
Taipan double edge dagger
Tanto (invented in 1980)
Chaos trench knife
Bowie knife
Transcript
Fighting & Self-Defense Knives
By Lynn Thompson, Founder of Cold Steel Knives
Now we come to a subject that's near and dear to my heart: self-defense knives or "fighting knives." The first knife I want to talk about is the Recon 1 folder. This knife has been part of the Cold Steel lineup since around 2012, possibly earlier. It has endured because we haven’t been able to improve on it. The Recon 1 features a G10 handle, a black DLC-coated blade (a diamond-like coating that is incredibly hard), an S35VN powdered steel blade, and a Tri-Ad lock. The handle has double finger cutouts in the front, making it very secure in your hand, and the lock is nearly impossible to overcome. At about 5.5 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t weigh down your pocket, but it offers a lot of knife for the money.
The Recon 1 has been widely carried during recent military campaigns, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The Tanto point on this knife is especially hard to beat for self-defense. It’s acute, highly resistant to breaking, and makes large wounds due to its secondary edge. For example, you can use the secondary point with a snap cut by flicking your wrist as you strike, which creates a D-shaped wound. This Tanto point is also highly effective for penetrating tough materials. I designed this blade shape in 1980 and pioneered the American Tanto. Since then, the style has been adopted worldwide, and now almost every knife maker produces a Tanto. If you’re carrying a self-defense knife, I highly recommend at least a 4-inch blade, as anything shorter may not be decisive when you need it most.
Next up is the Vaquero with a 5.5-inch S-curve blade. This blade features a fully serrated edge, which cuts three times deeper than a plain edge. For self-defense, a serrated edge is highly effective because it can cut through heavy outer clothing, such as winter jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts, with ease. The point aligns with the handle, making it accurate for thrusting, while the S-curve edge grabs and pulls through targets like an attacking arm. It cuts as well as it stabs, which is a hard balance to achieve. Like the Recon 1, the Vaquero also has the Tri-Ad lock, which can withstand over 500 pounds of pressure. The heavily checkered handle ensures a secure grip, and the design allows for choking down to maximize reach. Reach is crucial in a knife fight, and I personally carry three Vaqueros at all times. My wife jokes that I “clank” even when I go to bed because of the knives I carry.
For a step up in size, the Hold Out features a 6-inch blade with a classic switchblade-style design. Despite its slim profile, it’s surprisingly sturdy at the tip and capable of significant penetration. It also excels at cutting, coming razor-sharp right out of the box. The leaf spring lock on this knife is exceptionally reliable and doesn’t fail under pressure. The handle, which pinches slightly before flaring at the butt, provides excellent control and a secure grip. The Hold Out is an intimidating self-defense tool, and the sight of it alone can deter most aggressors.
The next knife is a classic boot knife: the Counter Tac 1. This knife features a heavily checkered grip, a generous guard, and a hollow-ground double-edged blade. Its point is acute yet sturdy, making it ideal for thrusting. While not as effective for slicing, it’s a stiff, reliable boot knife you can bet your life on in critical situations.
For a larger option, the 14BBC is a replica of Bob Loveless’s famous Big Bear fighting knife. It features an 8.5-inch double-edged blade with a classic clip point and a sub-hilt guard. The sub-hilt design provides excellent grip security, preventing centrifugal force from pulling the knife out of your hand. This knife excels at penetration, with a thin, sharp tip that requires minimal pressure to pierce. However, its sharpness demands caution, as even a dropped blade can cause serious injury. It’s a dedicated fighting knife and hard to beat for its purpose.
Next, we have the Taipan, a classic double-edged dagger with wide, hollow-ground bevels. Unlike most daggers, the Taipan offers excellent cutting and slicing capabilities alongside its thrusting functionality. The sturdy tip ensures durability even against hard impacts, making it reliable for combat situations. The CR grip is checkered for control, and the pommel includes a skull crusher. The Taipan is a beautifully designed and highly effective self-defense tool.
The Tanto is another essential fighting knife. This point shape, which I invented in 1980, features a reinforced tip that remains highly acute. The thick spine provides rigidity, while the secondary chisel edge splits hard objects on impact. This design makes the Tanto exceptional for piercing and slashing. It can penetrate rib cages with minimal resistance and offers a level of durability unmatched by other designs.
The Chaos is my take on the trench knife. This knife includes a pillar-supported guard that protects the user’s hand during close-quarters combat. The handle design ensures a secure grip, preventing the knife from being dropped or wrestled away. With its weight concentrated in the handle, the Chaos excels at thrusting, slicing, and even deflecting blows. In close-quarter battle, the trench knife provides unparalleled hand protection and functionality.
Finally, my favorite: the Bowie knife. This American icon, originally designed by Jim Bowie, has been a staple of American culture since the Civil War. The Laredo Bowie, for example, features a long clip point and a thick spine, allowing it to stab like a dagger, cut like a knife, and cleave like a cleaver. Its flat-ground edge is sharp and versatile, and the ambidextrous handle offers excellent control in any grip. The Bowie’s heavy spine allows you to bully an opponent’s blade, giving it an edge over other weapons in combat.
These are the knives I recommend for self-defense. Each one offers unique advantages, from reach and cutting power to durability and grip security. No matter which one you choose, make sure it suits your needs and provides the confidence you need in a critical moment.
