Does anyone know of a retail store in NJ that has a good selection of "upscale" knives?

 

I'm looking for a higher-end tactical knife (likely the Emerson A-100 I've been eying) and I would rather buy in-person than online. Not looking for your average Kershaw or Benchmade folder.

 

I took the MDTS Tactical Folding Knife Skills class last night (review here) and realized that my folder (a Boker) is completely inadequate for the reasons I carry it. In fact, upon testing this morning, the locking mechanism failed with medium-heavy pressure...which would likely result in my severed fingers if I was using it for defense.

Just out of curiousity, what did they recommend you use?

 

Emerson makes great knives and so does Strider. The Strider is a frame lock.

just bought one of these. bought it from www.midwayusa.com

 

Just out of curiousity, what did they recommend you use?

 

The sales rep for Emerson was at the class with demos; Chris (instructor) didn't recommend any knife in particular, but strongly suggested buying something high-quality (ie, not some Chinese or Taiwanese POS).

 

I'm looking for a retail store in NJ that carries Emerson and/or other quality knives.

If you do go Emerson, do yourself a fav and get the wave model

Road trip may be in order.....Cabelas has a fine selection. Flea markets carry the usual

" assortment" of cheap blades. Atlanta cutlery and all those other places have good selections. Good hunting.

Not looking for your average Kershaw or Benchmade folder.

 

I wouldn't say that Benchmade makes average folders, especially there black class knives.

I wouldn't say that Benchmade makes average folders, especially there black class knives.

 

I agree, wasn't trying to put down anyone's favorite knife companies.

 

All of the names I mentioned make a line of higher-end knives, but they also generally have production lines of much crappier knives. These are usually the ones that are available at Dick's, Wal-Mart, etc.

Benchmade auto's are great knives. Just don't get caught with one.

I carry every day a Columbia River Knife and Tool folder..

 

The knife is fairly sharp.. has fast action.. has wave.. and some of them allow for various clip attachment points so it is oriented how you want it.. and most importantly has a lock out on the folding mechanism.... this is the knife that I have trained with and am most comfortable with..

 

the lock system makes it just about impossible to close the knife without intentionally doing it...

in fact you got me thinking.. so i just locked it open and banged the back of the blade down on the desk just to see.. the blade did not budge..

 

while I am far from a knife expert I have been actively studying knife stick and empty hand fighting under Cardo Urso... He is an instructor for the air marshals and previously helped develop the Marine martial arts program.. this is the knife he carries and recommends..

 

these are not expensive overly high end knives ($30-$100 price tag likely)...

but mine has proved to be incredibly reliable.. I don't think you would ever second guess the purchase..

 

this is pretty similar to the exact knife I carry..

 

http://www.amazon.com/CRKT-Desert-Cruis ... B000W5SO06

 

 

 

LAWKS

http://www.topsknives.com/index.php?cPa ... 6fbg7sfgq5

I can't recall ever walking into a retail store in NJ (or anywhere for that matter) that carried Emerson knives. I've bought all of mine online.