Recently started my career in law enforcement.I submitted my credentials for review by Benchmade.

I have need for some advice on my first purchase of an auto opening knife for last ditch back-up.

From what I've already read here, most seem to say a side opener and I tend to agree. I think I'd like to have a tanto blade (for piercing strength) with partial serrated edge.

I'd need to carry this knife in my boot (unofficial word from my Sgt.). So, I'm also looking for advice on a scabbard. My boots each have an elastic pocket built in, but they're only 3" deep.

Any help you can offer to this newbie would be greatly appreciated.

9500 mini-auto stryker..would be my pick

5300 auto presidio or 9100 auto stryker. The 9100 is a button lock. the 5300 is a axis lock auto.

Sorry almost forgot. Welcome to the forum. thanks for serving and protecting.

up until i got to the boot part, i was voting 9052sbk......and depending on where your located autos do not have to be bought through BM, you will get a better price on here or from a local dealer.

quote:

Originally posted by RUKUS6150maniac:
up until i got to the boot part, i was voting 9052sbk......and depending on where your located autos do not have to be bought through BM, you will get a better price on here or from a local dealer.

Do you know if anyone makes a scabbard that I could attach with velcro straps or by some other means to the outside of my boot? SO I could carry a larger knife?

We wear 8" duty boots and we do not blouse our trousers except when wearing a tactical uniform.
And in that case concealment would not be an issue. We're authorized fixed blade knives as part of our tactical gear.

Thanks again

I am a big fan of the Rat RC-3 for a Smaller fixed blade that offers a lot of knife. It comes with a Velcro sheath and boot clip or they have a boot clip/ molle attachment setup.

But as far as the pocket auto goes, if your doing tactical operations i would FOR SURE pack a 9052sbk AFO 2 Tanto. I had a plain edge one and BM makes so other out the side auto that has the power that things POPS out with !!!!

as a LEO, I'd go boot knife before switchblade.

Tanto isn't better for piercing, and for self defense serrations are useless.

I'd say you're better off with a push dagger, after all it helps to have the right tool for the right job.

Benchmade is a great brand of quality knives trusted by the military and LEOs across the U.S. I would recommend a bit more research on your part for what you need.

If I had to recommend a switchblade for a boot knife I'd say 3550 or 3500.

One of the biggest considerations here is what purpose the boot knife is for. if it's for stabbing or slashing in a fight, I'd say get a fixed blade.

Perhaps it's simply there as a backup to your primary knife, I'd still recommend a smaller fixed blade.

Another consideration is size and weight, folders can be thicker and heavier than fixed blades which may become very noticeable to you after wearing it all day.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Skimo:
as a LEO, I'd go boot knife before switchblade.

Tanto isn't better for piercing, and for self defense serrations are useless.

That's why I am here. I want good info.

All the officers on my squad carry a hideaway knife. It runs about 50/50 folder (some switchblades incl. my sgt.) and fixed blade. I'm told the serrations are better for cutting through rope or flexcuffs, etc. And I was told that a small area of serration on a backup knife could be a lifesaver.

Our dept does not allow backup guns. You're right, this would be a last ditch, I'm dead or about to be, or I fight to kill the other guy with a knife. I want the best I can get knowing that I'll have to make compromises.

My Lt. tells a story (verified) that he was shot 3 times during a bank robbery. once in the head, twice in the abdomen. One of the bad guys walked over to him and was about to shoot him in the head (he had been disarmed). He had his knife (a switchblade)in his hand. He sank the blade into the guys thigh and pulled it almost down to the floor before he passed out. The bad guy died and the cop lived.

A fixed blade is fine with me, like you say, likely less bulky, and less pricey?? And likely less of an issue when you get to court, should you have to use it. How do I carry on or in my boot?

Hey thanks...Keep the stuff coming, please!

Welcome to the forum and thanks for being out there.