This is a last ditch weapon, and whether you carry one for hunting or self-defense, you probably need to try out a few.



I like the Buck knife for hunting. Undecided about the best for self-defense, but I have a U.S. made Spyderco on order (based on the above testing). I may get a cheap S&W knife for the car.

What do you have for a tactical knife? Ka-Bar?

Just be aware that current HI law defines a dangerous or deadly weapon as "sole purpose" to cause bodily injury.  So it's important to read the manufacturers description. IMO, I would shy away from karabat type of knives. Camping, multi purpose, or even no description by the manufacturer is acceptable for me.

You can carry a large divers knife. It's considered a tool instead of a knife. Just sharpen the edges and your golden.

You can carry a large divers knife. It's considered a tool instead of a knife. Just sharpen the edges and your golden.

Even a double sided sharp edge divers knife is legal and not considered a dagger.  At the bottom of the HRS, it states the exception for diving knives. Same goes with knunchucks.

Is the consensus that this diver's knife is legal for open or concealed carry in public, with the exception of certain places like a Federal courthouse, etc.?



I have lived in this state for over 16 years and have never seen anyone carry such a knife in a large mall. People, unaware of the exception in HRS 134 Part III, will still report you to the police. Knowing the zealousness of the prosecuting attorney, they may still charge you using the pretext that you are not a diver. Then you have to pay a lawyer to fight the charge, as in State vs. Giltner.

I have lived in this state for over 16 years and have never seen anyone carry such a knife in a large mall. People, unaware of the exception in HRS 134 Part III, will still report you to the police. Knowing the zealousness of the prosecuting attorney, they may still charge you using the pretext that you are not a diver. Then you have to pay a lawyer to fight the charge, as in State vs. Giltner.

That is correct about an over zealous HPD officer/prosecutor.  And even if you are right, it will cost you money, time, and possible your job.

Is the consensus that this diver's knife is legal for open or concealed carry in public, with the exception of certain places like a Federal courthouse, etc.?



I have lived in this state for over 16 years and have never seen anyone carry such a knife in a large mall. People, unaware of the exception in HRS 134 Part III, will still report you to the police. Knowing the zealousness of the prosecuting attorney, they may still charge you using the pretext that you are not a diver. Then you have to pay a lawyer to fight the charge, as in State vs. Giltner.

I think the case most people cite was where the driver had a filet knife on the passenger's seat next to him when stopped by the Cops.  It was not being concealed on him, nor even carried.  It was simply within easy reach.

Simple possession of such a knife was deemed to not be the same as having a weapon, as it was not being used as such.

You cannot carry any dangerous weapon concealed or openly in Hawaii.

HRS 134-51 Deadly weapons; prohibitions; penalty.
(a) Any person, not authorized by law, who carries concealed upon the person’s self or
within any vehicle used or occupied by the person or who is found armed with any dirk,
dagger, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous
weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be immediately arrested without warrant
by any sheriff, police officer, or other officer or person.

Any weapon, above enumerated, upon conviction of the one carrying or possessing it
under this section, shall be summarily destroyed by the chief of police or sheriff.

(b) Whoever knowingly possesses or intentionally uses or threatens to use a deadly or
dangerous weapon while engaged in the commission of a crime shall be guilty of a class
C felony.

https://capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/HRS_0134-0051.htm

Case notes related to 134-51:

Probable cause for violation of section when police officer saw gun in vehicle stopped for speeding.  430 F.2d 58.

  License to carry weapon as justification.  10 H. 585.

  Weapons discovered in automobile lawfully stopped for traffic offense; legality of search and seizure considered.  50 H. 461, 443 P.2d 149.

  Mentioned in connection with arrest without warrant after seeing pistol in automobile.  52 H. 497, 479 P.2d 800.

  "Other deadly or dangerous weapon" is limited to instruments whose sole design and purpose is to inflict bodily injury or death.  55 H. 531, 523 P.2d 299.

  A "diver's knife" is neither a "dangerous weapon" nor a "dagger".  "Deadly and dangerous weapon" is one designed primarily as a weapon or diverted from normal use and prepared for combat.  56 H. 374, 537 P.2d 14.

  Cane, butterfly and kitchen knives are not deadly or dangerous weapons.  56 H. 642, 547 P.2d 587.

  Sheathed sword-cane and wooden knuckles with shark's teeth were "deadly or dangerous weapons".  58 H. 514, 572 P.2d 1222.

  Statute does not require that weapons be "concealed" within the vehicle.  58 H. 514, 572 P.2d 1222.

  Vehicle stop being proper, seizure of weapons in plain view was authorized.  58 H. 514, 572 P.2d 1222.

  Shotgun is a deadly or dangerous weapon.  61 H. 135, 597 P.2d 210.

  A .22 caliber rifle is a "deadly or dangerous weapon".  63 H. 147, 621 P.2d 384.

  Nunchaku sticks are not per se deadly or dangerous weapons.  64 H. 485, 643 P.2d 546.

  The crime underlying a subsection (b) offense is, as a matter of law, an included offense of the subsection (b) offense, within the meaning of §701-109(4)(a), and defendant should not have been convicted of both the subsection (b) offense and the underlying second degree murder offense; thus, defendant’s conviction of the subsection (b) offense reversed.  88 H. 407, 967 P.2d 239.

  "Billy" as used in this section refers to "policeman’s club" or "truncheon"; a club-like implement designed for purpose of striking or killing fish is not a "billy"; section extends only to weapons deadly or dangerous to people.  10 H. App. 404, 876 P.2d 1348.

  Cited:  43 H. 347, 367; 10 H. App. 584, 880 P.2d 213.

It's better to get a folder to EDC rather than a sheath knife.  Less likely to be spotted or characterized as a deadly or dangerous weapon.  Carrying a diver's knife concealed in a sheath when strolling through the mall IS LEGAL, since that specific type of knife has been excluded from the category "deadly or dangerous weapon."  Can't be guilty of concealed carry of a not deadly and not dangerous non-weapon.

p.s. I've never seen anyone carry an AR-15 into a Starbucks, but I know it happens.

Which Everyday Carry Knives (EDC) do you carry for self-defense, and have you ever been frisked by a LEO for such a "tool"/weapon, except at an airport?

The inordinate delay in the licensing for sale of Tasers and the expected delay the legislature will impose on citizens after the Supreme Court rules for the plaintiff on NYSRPA vs. Bruen ( and the related  case, Young vs. Hawaii), means that EDC tool/knives, a baseball bat and pepper spray may be your only available outside-the-home self-defense devices for the foreseeable future.

Which Everyday Carry Knives (EDC) do you carry for self-defense, and have you ever been frisked by a LEO for such a "tool"/weapon, except at an airport?

The inordinate delay in the licensing for sale of Tasers and the expected delay the legislature will impose on citizens after the Supreme Court rules for the plaintiff on NYSRPA vs. Bruen ( and the related  case, Young vs. Hawaii), means that EDC tool/knives, a baseball bat and pepper spray may be your only available outside-the-home self-defense devices for the foreseeable future.

If u really want a taser and dont want to wait, and have the money to do so, u dont have to purchase one in Hawaii.

HPD cannot just frisk u at will (stop and frisk). Probable cause is needed or being accused and arrested for a crime. So no, i have never been frisked by HPD or at the airport. Because if i am at the airport, it is only to catch a plane. So no knife will be on me or in my carry on.

And if any LE asked to frisk me or search my property, my response will be no.

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I carry a folding knife that is under $75 and has a description by the maker of utility, multi tool, camping, etc...or no description at all.

Why a cheaper 1 because its a tool and will be used to cut things. So if i had a $400 knife, i would not want to use it.

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Not sure if serious, but as a former avid diver, the steels for dive knives are typically tough to maintain. Many are brittle or very hard to sharpen.

I carry a folding knife that is under $75 and has a description by the maker of utility, multi tool, camping, etc...or no description at all.
 
Why a cheaper 1 because its a tool and will be used to cut things. So if i had a $400 knife, i would not want to use it.

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So a $400 knife is not an effective tool?   

I have some pricier knives, and they all do their “jobs”. Same as my $20 knives though. There’s def differences between the ranges.

My favorites for EDC/tactical are:
ZT0920 for a larger folder
ZT0357 slightly smaller assisted folder
ZT0393 medium folder
All have very good blade steel. I have cheaper ones to do lighter jobs but if I needed a sturdy dependable and durable folder, these 3 would be my go to blades

Cheaper ones that make my list are Kershaw Link in M390 and 20CV

So a $400 knife is not an effective tool?   

I have some pricier knives, and they all do their “jobs”. Same as my $20 knives though. There’s def differences between the ranges.

I thought I would never want to wear a $6000 watch, either.  Rather have a $60 watch get beat up.

You get used to it -- you don't even think about it after a few months.

Price is relative.  Either you EDC what you perceive to be high quality, or you settle for something less.

No different for knives as for handguns.  Choose whichever you think is best for you that's within your budget.

My EDC blade is a Spyderco Pacific Salt "diver's knife" -- H1 steel folder with just under 4" blade and well textured grip for traction when wet.  Light weight and can be opened one-handed.  Cost was about $65.  I think it's been upgraded to the Pacific Salt II now running just over $100.  Main thing I like is the weight and corrosion resistance. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018RMB8I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Folder-Lightweight-Yellow-Flooding/dp/B073C59ZYM?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

I thin think WPS's clinch pick is one of the best choices and thought processes for self defense knives. Then any other fixed blade, followed by a folder with a wave style opener. Pretty much anything else you will have a more difficult time getting in the fight should your aggressor be on or in control of you.

If your headed down to the warehouse to duel Beat It! style, I'd go with the machete.

My favorites for EDC/tactical are:
ZT0920 for a larger folder
ZT0357 slightly smaller assisted folder
ZT0393 medium folder
All have very good blade steel. I have cheaper ones to do lighter jobs but if I needed a sturdy dependable and durable folder, these 3 would be my go to blades

Cheaper ones that make my list are Kershaw Link in M390 and 20CV

My main EDC is a ZT0566, with a ZT0770 mixed in there often.  I have a couple ZT0566 in different steels.  I beat them up pretty good. Just sharpen and move on.  They are great blades. 

I also have a Kershaw Link M390 as well.  Use that often camping and when in the action bays. 

I thought I would never want to wear a $6000 watch, either.  Rather have a $60 watch get beat up.

You get used to it -- you don't even think about it after a few months.

Price is relative.  Either you EDC what you perceive to be high quality, or you settle for something less.

No different for knives as for handguns.  Choose whichever you think is best for you that's within your budget.

SNIP

Not really my point to CMO, which was utility and function correlation to price.  That said, there are certainly refinements in that typically comes with a higher price tag.  Higher price tag doesn't always mean quality. 

I have a watch that came with a "nice" price tag.  I haven't worn it in probably close to 10 years.  It's not that I don't appreciate the quality, but just have another that I find more useful. 

Not really my point to CMO, which was utility and function correlation to price.  That said, there are certainly refinements in that typically comes with a higher price tag.  Higher price tag doesn't always mean quality. 

I have a watch that came with a "nice" price tag.  I haven't worn it in probably close to 10 years.  It's not that I don't appreciate the quality, but just have another that I find more useful.

I've found there are 2 things that affect quality the most:  materials and workmanship.  If you are satisfied with both, and the price is what you feel is fair, nothing wrong with that, or any other, knife that checks those boxes.  That's purely from a quality perspective.  Function is up to your personal needs.

For some, a knife is a knife,  They are going to use, abuse, and most times lose that knife in a year or two, and they'll just replace it.  The cheaper, the better,

If you are like me, you use a knife 1-2 times a week, and the rest of the time it just hangs out in a pocket.  I prefer a "better" quality knife that won't rust or be damaged from EDC.  My Salt model works great for that.

In a pinch, a rusty screwdriver can act as a defensive weapon, too.  So, when it comes to knives, I think it comes down to "whatever knife you have on you when the time comes," is what's "best".

now this is a knife
Topps Operator 7
1075 steel, 7.25" blade, .31" blade thickness, micarta/G10 handle, 18.9 oz of zombie apocalypse limb shredding
if I needed a blade for the end of the world, this is it



top one is a chef's knife, bottom one is the Operator 7