While we're on the topic of weapons in the UK, I was shocked to hear the UK's policy on self defense. One can only use "equal or lesser" force to protect oneself or others. Thus, if someone breaks into my house, attacks me with a baseball bat, and I stab the guy with a sword, I'll go to jail. Alternatively, if a group of dudes jump me, but are only using fists to hit me, and I pull out a pipe/bat/knife to fight back, I'll go to jail.

It's completely absurd. My only other reference point is the US, which some will argue is too much on the other end of the spectrum, but irrespective of this, I do feel the UK provides too much protection to criminals. I couldn't even get the police to write a ticket for the guy who kept parking in my house's private parking stall. They said I had to work it out with the person on my own. In the US, this is called trespassing, and in Texas one can shoot someone dead for this offense. In the UK, it's just an irritant.

I'm certainly not trying to bash the UK, as each country has its own way of operating. I personally just don't agree with the "equal or lesser" piece of the law.

I use them mostly to do anything but protect myself.

I swear by Chris Reeve Knifes. I carry a Micarta Small Sebenza 21 for the office, an Umnumzaan for outdoor stuff, and a Spyderco Civilian or Matriarch for extraction when need be.

I love this line. I originally bought the Spyderco as my sister-in-law had just been mauled by a Doberman (nasty, won nicely in the law courts) and thus if that ever happened I'd be prepared. Given that the neighborhood dogs haven't so much as sneezed at my family in over 3 years, I've shelved it understandably.

I do also have a Becker BK7 that I use for camping. It is a brute of a knife!


Chris Reeves is definitely on my short list.