|
|
|
|
|
This
is probably one of the most common questions I get,
so here it goes. The idea of the Mercharness
is to be able to carry a proper knife even when you
do not have a belt on to support a sheath. What does
a proper knife mean for personal protection?
To me first and foremost it means the knife needs to
be carriable in the majority of circumstances no matter
the wardrobe or environment. Of the years those guidelines
have produced the following common traits for knives
to be carried on the mercharness-
| -
The knives are relatively flat and light |
 |
| - They have
blades from 3.5 to 5 inches |
|
| - They come
with or are equipped with aftermarket with
a quality kydex deployment sheath |
Here we have some of my favorites. (from top to bottom)
| -
Polkowski
Polecat |
|
| - Krein
TK8 |
|
| - Spyderco
Lum Tanto |
|
| - CRKT Polkowski
Kasper Companion |
|
| -
Bud Nealy Pesh Kabz |
Al
Polkowski and Bud Nealy knives probably account for
more knives carried concealed by professionals than any
other five custom makers combined. The fact that there
median price for knives is around $300 makes them some
of the best buys in the custom knife market.
Not to mention both of them are fine men as well and a
pleasure to deal with. Both makers also provide excellent
deployment sheaths, which is too often overlooked by other
makers who just ensure they provide a sheath that will
carry a the knife without a concern for deployment.
Tom
Krein makes several awesome models but the TK8 seems
to be the center piece for which Tom is best known. The
fact that TK8 is a textbook example of form follows function.
Tom also does his own kydex and does it right.
The CRKT Polkowski Kasper Companion is no longer made,
if you can find them get as many as you can now. The original
sheath was a rattle trap thus immediate enlistment of
Phil
Smith, River
City Sheaths or On
Scene Tactical for some new skin is a no brainer.
The Spyderco Lum fixed blade is another great find since
they are also no longer made. The original sheath was
a pouch type made of leather with seemed an after thought
that had little to do with the role of the knife. Again
custom kydex is in order.
These along with the Polkowski
Bodyguard (not pictured) are all fine examples of
what kind of knives I have carried comfortably and should
allow you to get the most versatility out of your mercharness. |
