Are you searching the internet for “best self-defense knife” or “best knife for self-defense“? If you are looking for the best self-defense knife for yourself or a loved one, this article will lead you to the best possible self-defense knife you can buy. Your life (or your loved one’s life) is important and, with the right knife, your well being and security can be preserved. Follow along with me as I reveal what is required in a self-defense knife, the history of the best self-defense knife, reviews of said knife, and a buyer’s recommendation.

What to Look for in the Best Self Defense Knife

Ask any martial arts expert and he’ll give you a different view on what you should look for in the best self-defense knife. There is no consensus here because, like most things, you have to find what works for you, your body type, and your environment. Because of that, the following features are most important:

• The knife must have a sharp, thin blade able to cut through materials such as thick leather.
• The knife must fit securely in your hand.
• The knife must be easily carried.
• The knife must be legal. (Learn about the knife laws in your state).
• The knife must be easily deployable.

Other features such as fixed or folding, serrated or flat edge, or stainless vs. carbon are individual preferences.

Why Not a Pocket Knife for Defense?

A self-defense situation is much different than many other scenarios where you may carry a knife of some sort.  Without getting overly technical and over-thinking the issue, here’s the idea:

If you are minding your own business and not looking for trouble, and you are approached by someone who appears to be interested in causing you difficulty by physically grabbing/touching/hugging/attacking or otherwise dangerously offending you, then you need a tool that will most easily discourage your attacker.  What is that tool?  Well, it’s not just an all-purpose knife.

It could be if you are a Navy Seal and have lots of experience with a blade.  For the rest of us, it would be a tool that requires no skill and not a lot of thinking or strategizing.  If you have a regular “knife†like a hunting knife (which is way too big to practically carry anywhere) or a pocket knife, you’ll have the potential for minimum damage with maximum effort on your part (that’s not a good deal for you).

In other words, those knives are not meant to ward off an attacker as some other, special-purpose knives are.  The Spyderco Civilian is based on the design of a KARAMBIT knife which has a curved blade that is meant for nothing else but to be swung through the air (much like you’d swing your arms in defense anyway if being attacked) but the curved sharp edge would rip and tear significantly into anything it touches.  Even if only a small part of the blade tip catches anything, it will cause a big hurt!  That is especially true if the blade is serrated because it will tear more than slice cleanly.

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Karambits are so effective, that authorities are concerned the “bad guys” will use them.  Because of this, karambits are most often illegal to carry.  The Spyderco is not “technically” a karambit but its blade is very similar, offering a similar action/outcome.  Other good options for defense knives include the Cold Steel Black Talon II.  It is similar to the Civilian in many ways, but the price is a bit more manageable.  You can see it HERE.

Mini-Review of the Cold Steel Black Talon II

This knife hails from an iconic and very well-respected name in the knife industry.  Cold Steel is offering this knife which is a modified curved Talon blade made from Japanese San mai steel, a sleek titanium frame with G10 scales and a very strong locking mechanism. The original Black Talon was discontinued, but due to some public pressure for such a tool, Cold Steel has announced a newly re-designed knife called the black Talon II.  It’s a design collaboration between Cold Steel president Lynn Thompson and custom knife-maker Andrew Demko.  We think the Black Talon II is one of a few very good tools for personal defense, but only if you have the strength and presence of mind (not to mention composure) to weild it effectively.  If not, it becomes a liability that an attacker could use against you.

By the way, if you question your ability to stand your ground while swinging and wielding the Black Talon or the Civilian, you may be better off with some Pepper Spray!

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Reviews of the Spyderco Civilian

Online self-defense experts stated that this knife is one of the best self-defense knives because of its intuitive design. Individuals without prior knife training can easily use this knife. No years of practice are needed. In addition to that, the ATS 55 steel will stay sharp for ages and, given that the blade’s shape limits the knife’s use to only self-defense, the knife will never become dull from day to day use.

Out of the 165+ reviews on Amazon, reviewers gave this knife 4.8 out of 5 stars. This makes the Spyderco Civilian one of the best self-defense knives on the market, hands down.

Other knives for self-defense on the market lack the design, durability, and power of the Civilian. What’s more, the knife’s folding blade mechanism allows for deep carry within your pocket, making the knife invisible from the outside.

Yet Another Option?

The Spyderco Civilian is a pricey investment that is beyond what many would like to (or be able to) spend.  For about half the price, you can get a smaller version by Spyderco called the Matriarch 2.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best knife for self-defense, check out the Spyderco Civilian. Spyderco is a US knife maker based out of Golden, Colorado and is known for making great, high-quality knives. Developed for undercover law enforcement officers, the Civilian is a great knife designed for only one thing: keeping you safe.

Make sure to check our other reviews and buying guides: 

• Best OTF Knife
• Pink Pocket Knife
• Serbian Chef Knife
• Best Utility Knife
• Balisong Knives

and more!