Cold Steel 39FN Double Agent I Clip Point 3" Plain Blade

No knife collection is complete without at least a couple of neckers, or neck knives. They are unique, functional and lamentably, necessary as well. For those who follow Leroy Jethro Gibbs' rule #9 (never go anywhere without a knife) this may not be what he had in mind but I think it would get his seal of approval.

I knew this was a winner when my brother saw it, and was reluctant to give it back right away, said something about field testing it. Amazon to the rescue, three days later he got his own. The instant appeal is in the upswept Persian style blade, with dual finger holes. I suppose one could skin a deer and accomplish other chores around the lodge but it is designed solely as a fighter, a last ditch hide-out blade for when the unexpected is in your face. The 3 inch, non-serrated clip point blade is all business with a sleek and professionally sinister look. Designed for maximum grip and retention the double agent is a formidable weapon for self defense.

Made to be worn point up under a shirt, you will want to ditch the chain that it comes with and replace it with paracord. Another reviewer posted the perfect tips for lacing up the sheath to a custom fit, complete with pics; and the only thing I can add to that is he suggested that two feet of paracord would do the job, but if you're a big tall fellow you might wanna give yourself two and a half to three feet of paracord just to keep from doing it twice. A final note is that the balance point on this knife is just behind the front finger hole; which from my experience indicates it might be a decent throwing knife as well...double agent, slasher/thrower. Works for me - 5 stars!

There are many lovely, expensive knives on the market that you could wax poetic about. This isn't one of them. The grip is plastic, the case is plastic, and I found a little rust on the blade after taking it with me into a campground shower. However, when it comes to self-defense weapons, there is always the issue of weighing a weapon's usefulness to you against the danger of it being taken and turned against you. I don't foresee that happening here. When this thing is in your hand, it stays in your hand. The grip is absolutely deadly.

PROS:
1. The grip.
2. The price. It is very affordable. I don't worry about taking it everywhere with me, I don't worry about water, because it didn't cost me an arm and a leg. Its value is in being able to have it with you, not having it safe at home where it can't help you if you should need it.
3. The secrecy. The blade is large enough to do serious damage, yet can be easily concealed. Strung on paracord, it is light and comfortable around your neck. After a minute of wearing it, I forget that it's there.

CONS:
1. Cheap, like I said. If only everything cheap were this well-made. Nothing about its cheapness compromises its safety or functionality. Wipe a little WD-40 every so often onto the metal, for rust.
2. You might forget it's there. Practice drawing it often, so that it becomes instinctual and panic doesn't cause you to forget to use it. Also, don't accidentally wear it to the airport or anywhere security will take it away from you. It would be easy to do.

BOTTOM LINE:
This knife is awesome. It's there when you need it, and it can be deployed quickly and effectively. Every person who worries about their ability to defend themselves should own something like this.