Photos by: Jorge Nunez
Tanto, clip-point, spear-head — we're often asked, “What's the best blade shape?” To which we reply, “It depends on the purpose.” Like using a 12-gauge for long-range shooting, picking a knife for the wrong purpose could result in diminished performance at best and catastrophic results at worse. Invariably, the next question is always, “Then what's the best blade shape for self-defense?” Our first answer is the old saying, “The one you have in your hand.” Our follow-up answer is a bit more complex, because so many factors can affect a given confrontation (i.e. your training, your skill level, your environment, and the local knife laws, just to name just a few).
But if you ask Michael Janich, the answer is simple: a Wharncliffe. This preeminent combatives instructor, RECOIL contributor, and co-host of TV's The Best Defenseis a huge advocate of this blade profile and has been instrumental in popularizing tactical Wharncliffes over the past decade. To find out why, turn a couple of pages to his feature article “Getting It Straight.” If you don't already need convincing, take a closer look at the models on these pages. We're certain you'll find at least one, if not several, that could serve as a no-nonsense self-defense tool.
Make:
HK Knives
Model:
Plan D
OAL:
5.65 inches
Blade Length:
2.9 inches
Blade Material:
N680 stainless steel
Weight:
2.37 ounces
MSRP:
$85
URL:
www.benchmade.com
Make:
Pinkerton Knives
Model:
Wharning
OAL:
7 inches
Blade Length:
3.5 inches
Blade Material:
S30V stainless steel
Weight:
4.4 ounces
MSRP:
$225
URL:
www.dirkpinkerton.com
Make:
Boker Plus
Model:
Mosier
OAL:
7.25 inches
Blade Length:
3.25 inches
Blade Material:
440C stainless steel
Weight:
5.5 ounces
MSRP:
$108
URL:
www.boker.de/us
Make:
CRKT
Model:
Swindle
OAL:
7.5 inches
Blade Length:
3.2 inches
Blade Material:
8Cr14Mov stainless steel
Weight:
3.3 ounces
MSRP:
$60
URL:
www.crkt.com
Make:
Spyderco
Model:
Yojimbo2
OAL:
7.55 inches
Blade Length:
3.11 inches
Blade Material:
S30V stainless steel
Weight:
4 ounces
MSRP:
$198
URL:
www.spyderco.com
Make:
BLACKHAWK!
Model:
Be-Wharned
OAL:
7.85 inches
Blade Length:
3.4 inches
Blade Material:
AUS-8 stainless steel
Weight:
4.2 ounces
MSRP:
$102
URL:
www.blackhawk.com
Make:
Emerson Knives
Model:
P-Sark
OAL:
8.2 inches
Blade Length:
3.5 inches
Blade Material:
154CM stainless steel
Weight:
4.1 ounces
MSRP:
$210
URL:
www.emersonknives.com
411:
As one would come to expect from a collaboration between Benchmade and Heckler & Koch (HK), the Plan D is an outstanding piece of hardware that's well built and quite durable. Available in black or sand colors, the comfortable handle is made of Grivory (a polymer) with signature HK texture. Made in the USA with Austrian steel.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
The Wharning is Dirk Pinkerton's take on this classic blade profile, and the result is an effective and low-profile self-defense fixed blade. It's made in the USA, comes with a Kydex sheath, and is also available with a slightly shorter 6.5-inch overall length. Pinkerton can also do custom variations; prices will vary.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
Custom knife-maker David Mosier's namesake features a modified Wharncliffe profile that has a minor upward cutting edge to increase versatility as an everyday-carry (EDC) tool. Its handle is contoured and has a two-tone gray aesthetic to add more flare to your kit. It comes with a Kydex sheath and a belt attachment.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
The Swindle features a frame lock, a flipper tab, and a modified Wharncliffe blade that help keep this folder slim. Designed by famed knife-maker Ken Onion, it has a tension lever on the tail end that acts as a pocket clip. Also available is a low-visibility handle without the intricate groves for those who prefer to run slick.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
This is the latest specimen in Janich's evolution of Wharncliffe folders, based on realistic cutting tests, medical research on knife wounds, and refinement of his Martial Blade Concepts system. Made with stellar materials and a compression lock, the Yojimbo2 is among the upper echelon of self-defense knives.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
This was designed by Janich when he worked for BLACKHAWK! some years back, and it still sells well due to its forward-thinking design and fighting effectiveness. It features a liner-lock and ambidextrous thumb-studs. “Punny” name aside, the Be-Wharned is a serious self-defense tool.
PROS:
CONS:
411:
Emerson Knives built its reputation by making hardcore blades for U.S. Navy SEALs, and the P-Sark lives up to that pedigree. Based on the Sark (an emergency tool for Navy rescue teams), the P-Sark has a modified Wharncliffe with an aggressive tip. Made in the USA and available in various configurations.
PROS:
CONS:
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