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Guro Dave Gould · 07-15-2003, 07:59 PM

Hi guys,

Actually the blade that I carry isn`t quite my first preference, but is rather my third as to stay with-in the boundaries of local laws in my area. For combative performance I prefer to carry a small machete or a slightly smaller fixed blade and do so when travelling abroad in foreign countries. I`m a big fan of Al Polkowski` custom fixed blades although they can be very difficult to obtain mostly because of high demand (Companion, Scorpion, Pug, and the C.Q. are all good choices).

When here in So. Cal. I always carry a couple of folders in various locations on my person or with-in my immediate vacinity. I carry mostly in accordance with the locking device and only then do the weight, balance, and personal feel factor into the decision. I limit myself to carrying blades available with an "axis" lock mechanism which has more than earned my respect and confidence. I want to know that when I slam my knife through hard targets that the locking mechanism is up to the task. I`ve almost taken off a few of my fingers in the past thanks to an over promoted, ill- designed knife with an aluminum liner-lock and do not look forward to repeating my mistakes of the past, but rather learning from them if at all possible.

In addition I prefer something with a good combative handle that sits secure in my hand, with a good serrated thumb ramp, deep sub-hilt and pinkey catch held together with a titanium frame. Again something up to the task of dealing well with hard targets. I prefer a spear point tip with a somewhat deep belly for good thrusting and slashing capability. As well I carry for both right and left hand draws so the clip on the handle needs to be reversible to accomodate either or as well as blade up or blade down carry options.

The knives on the market which I am known to carry are Benchmades: 710, AFCK, and 720 (when at work). Emmerson Commander although I wish I could get it with an axis lock and my confined area and ground carry is the CRKT Bearclaw. In addition I have a couple of Martinez Spanish Navajas that I am very impressed with but choose not to carry because basically they are too nice to leave inside of some junkies head should I be forced to use in defense of my life. For the most part I carry something that meets my combative criteria but nothing so expensive that it may send me into shock should I have to utilize and ditch in the event that I find myself involved in a crisis situation. Unlike alot of people I purchase knives with the intent to use them be it in training or in defense of my life. I hope that this answers your question Brownbear, ciao.

Guro Dave Gould.

07-15-2003, 07:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
Guro Dave Gould Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA. U.S.A. Posts: 91 Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts	Carry Blades... Hi guys, Actually the blade that I carry isn`t quite my first preference, but is rather my third as to stay with-in the boundaries of local laws in my area. For combative performance I prefer to carry a small machete or a slightly smaller fixed blade and do so when travelling abroad in foreign countries. I`m a big fan of Al Polkowski` custom fixed blades although they can be very difficult to obtain mostly because of high demand (Companion, Scorpion, Pug, and the C.Q. are all good choices). When here in So. Cal. I always carry a couple of folders in various locations on my person or with-in my immediate vacinity. I carry mostly in accordance with the locking device and only then do the weight, balance, and personal feel factor into the decision. I limit myself to carrying blades available with an "axis" lock mechanism which has more than earned my respect and confidence. I want to know that when I slam my knife through hard targets that the locking mechanism is up to the task. I`ve almost taken off a few of my fingers in the past thanks to an over promoted, ill- designed knife with an aluminum liner-lock and do not look forward to repeating my mistakes of the past, but rather learning from them if at all possible. In addition I prefer something with a good combative handle that sits secure in my hand, with a good serrated thumb ramp, deep sub-hilt and pinkey catch held together with a titanium frame. Again something up to the task of dealing well with hard targets. I prefer a spear point tip with a somewhat deep belly for good thrusting and slashing capability. As well I carry for both right and left hand draws so the clip on the handle needs to be reversible to accomodate either or as well as blade up or blade down carry options. The knives on the market which I am known to carry are Benchmades: 710, AFCK, and 720 (when at work). Emmerson Commander although I wish I could get it with an axis lock and my confined area and ground carry is the CRKT Bearclaw. In addition I have a couple of Martinez Spanish Navajas that I am very impressed with but choose not to carry because basically they are too nice to leave inside of some junkies head should I be forced to use in defense of my life. For the most part I carry something that meets my combative criteria but nothing so expensive that it may send me into shock should I have to utilize and ditch in the event that I find myself involved in a crisis situation. Unlike alot of people I purchase knives with the intent to use them be it in training or in defense of my life. I hope that this answers your question Brownbear, ciao. Guro Dave Gould.