Does a gimmick breed devotion?

[JdePietro]

I'm sure I'll get slapped around for this question but a little damage to my image is worth the asking.

Balisongs and Karambits are looked at in a very polar light. Either they are the greatest defensive knife on the market or they are total garbage, mall ninja crap. My observations lead me to believe that there is a slim margin of people who will seek out dedicated training with knives. Pocket knives are enjoying an up swing in sales as people are finding that there is a reason the knife is voted #1 most useful tool by Popular Mechanics. This has caused a flurry of activity among knife makers and has lead to some pretty cool inovations. Many of the knives my friends carry incorporate some sort of spring assist or opening device that aids in opening the pocket knife, that is to say I don't know many people who carry a pocket knife that requires two hands to open. I'm not going to argue the merits of one knife over the other but of all the people I know none of them have ever received training on how the knives can be used. I would venture to argue that the majority of these fast action knives are looked at as self explanatory and just placed into a pocket or such and carried.

I don't find this as true with the very small fraction of people I have met who carried a balisong or a karambit knife. In fact I had a lengthy conversation with a very articulate woman who explained that the balisong she carried was fun an interesting, she practiced with it regularly and finds that when she is bored she will practice drawing and techniques using videos she finds on the internet. Karambit has a strong following with people who subscribe to the philipino style of martial arts and of the people I have talked to they also found the knife style intriguing and that is deserved more attention than a regular pocket knife.

So I guess my question for my interenet pals is: In your honest opinion is there merit to be found in a tool that requires the user to obtain some training for use or do you feel that simple knives are the best knives? 

[Ichiban]

You know it's coming so let's just get this out of the way up front.

[Hazcat]

Only thing I can tell ya is that I carry a 'switch blade' because most times I need to cut something one hand is already holding what needs cut.  The 'push the button' just makes it easy to open one handed.

[mkm]

I'll answer your last question first.  I feel like if you're carrying for self defense you should train with it either way (admittedly, I haven't had any official training); however, I think simpler is better.

I had to look up what a karambit is and can't speak for them.  I have a very old butterfly knife that is of medium quality, but is very worn. What I mean by medium quality; it is no where near Benchmade balisong but better than standard 5 dollar carnival junk.  It's fun to play with, and I can work it quite well.  It would make a nice hole in someone if it came down to it; however, I don't feel it is in the same category as my Spyderco Endura.  It has a long skinny blade that would be good for stabbing, but it is not nearly as substantial of a blade as my endura.  On top of that, I can open my endura and have it in a usable position much more quickly.  I think your asking in a mostly defensive context, but I want to add that I would much rather have my endura (or most any quality "pocket" knife) in an emergency "I really need a knife" situation.  To me, a good simple knife is much more dependable and sturdy than a butterfly knife.

As a side note, you're a lot less likely to have legal issues with a standard pocket knife than a butterfly knife.

[tombogan03884]

Simple is better.
I've been carrying a knife since 1965, and have never yet needed to use it as a weapon.
In my experience most of this modern stuff is a bunch of mall ninja crap.
I will give Balisong credit for one hand friendly, like Haz says, most of the time I need a knife one hand is full of what I need it for.  

And don't get me started on serrated blades.   

[Sponsor]

[r_w]

Simple is better, but simple still needs training.

[Dakotaranger]

Simple is better, but simple still needs training.

+1000000.

I can see the usefulness of a karambit in close quarters, at least if you're training revolves around pugilism (at least the one or two times I've held one), but training like always would be a must.  Honestly though I wouldn't want to trust a 3 inch blade in a fight, unless that was all I had

[Rob10ring]

And don't get me started on serrated blades.   

+1

I have a number of serrated blade knives and they pretty much stay in a box now. A good plain edged knife is useful, no snag and easy to sharpen. I use a knife nearly every day and not to fight. If I have to, I'll fight with whatever I've got, but the knife is truly the most useful tool, besides the brain.

[tombogan03884]

+1

I have a number of serrated blade knives and they pretty much stay in a box now. A good plain edged knife is useful, no snag and easy to sharpen. I use a knife nearly every day and not to fight. If I have to, I'll fight with whatever I've got, but the knife is truly the most useful tool, besides the brain.

AMEN !   

[JdePietro]

I agree with all points made on some level. Obviously I understand the concept of KISS and agree with it on all fronts. I just feel that there is a gap in training when it comes to pocket knives. I have a lot of respect for someone who puts in the time to learn a system that is not so easy and I feel that while modern knives are great but the use-ability breeds a lax attitude. I guess I am alone in this thought.