Plastic Knives (are for Mall Ninjas) -- A review

[ScottyT]

An earlier thread about plastic knives peaked my curiousity enough to order one. I received it last night and thought I would share my impressions with you.

I ordered the Cold Steel Nightshade Boot Blade I, $13 shipped for one i found on eBay, thus avoiding Cold Steel's $25 minimum for orders from their website. The knife came yesterday and I was excited to get the box open and check out this "new" (to me) product.

I think that the words "blade" and "knife" should NOT be used to describe this product. "pointy instrument" is a much more accurate description. I wasn't expecting it to have much of an edge, but even my low expectations were not even close to being met, you get sharper edges when shooting milk jugs! It had a good point on it, at least until I stabbed the cardboard box it came in, which caused the point to fold over on itself slightly. The edge was rolled over and dulled completely just trying to saw into the corner of the box. The plastic was incredibly weak and flexible -- I was expecting something much more rigid after reading this description on the company website:

Made from Grivory™— the latest in fiberglass reinforced plastic, and stronger than even the super tough Zytel® we have used in earlier models

The website also claimed a weight of only 2 ounces! The "blade" alone may be that light, but not the "knife" as a whole. I will try to get it weighed soon, but it will be more than advertised...

Needless to say, this is purely a stabbing instrument, and a relatively crude one at that. It does have raised edges in the middle of the flat aprt of the blade, creating a star-shaped puncture wound (and a more serious injury for the recipient of said puncture wound).

I know I would never trust my life to something so... insubstantial. This product was made by Mall Ninjas, for Mall Ninjas. And I also found it funny that this "knife" that can get through metal detectors comes with a steel ring through the base of the hilt, I guess so really stupid people (or people without a hacksaw or bolt cutters) can't get them past security?

[Bill in San Jose]

BYW, illegal in California under state law. Double edged knives or thrusting weapons, even if made from wood and carried are illegal.

It serves no purpose other than to injure somebody IMHO.

[Carnivorous]

Try a ceramic knife next time. So light it feels like a toy, but the cutting edge is as sharp as you can imagine.

[yocan]

can someone say boker? they make ceramic blades

The Mexican ceramic switchblades if you can find one are really nice too.

[ScottyT]

Originally Posted by Carnivorous

Try a ceramic knife next time. So light it feels like a toy, but the cutting edge is as sharp as you can imagine.

Yeah, I have handled one before and was really surprised. These plastic ones are a joke.

[Bill in San Jose]

The Boker's are real knives with ceramic blades. And very expensive, too. Never seen or used one, but they sure sound great for skinning, butchering big game. I'd like to see one cut through a wild pig's sandpaper-like belly skin and stay sharp.

[tomfoolery]

Ichy and i saw some of these at a gun show this past weekend....it certainly wouldn't feel good being jabbed into your eye or throat. I can't say i would trust my life with one, I think it would be useful to use to allow yourself to gain some distance to throw a nice haymaker or something.

also...yes, they may pass metal detectors but when was the last time thats all an airport used? xray will pick it up with ease im sure.

[XDONBOARD]

Originally Posted by tomfoolery

also...yes, they may pass metal detectors but when was the last time thats all an airport used? xray will pick it up with ease im sure.

The last time thats all they used was last Friday, on a trip to San Diego. Walking through the metal detector doorway is the extent of my search. Although I personally wouldn't risk it.

[lobster_roboto]

Originally Posted by Bill in San Jose

BYW, illegal in California under state law. Double edged knives or thrusting weapons, even if made from wood and carried are illegal.

It serves no purpose other than to injure somebody IMHO.

Isn't that the point?

If someone is assaulting you, would you rather stop them? (injure someone enough and they stop, it's almost like magic)
or make them feel better about themselves?

Having a light weight self defense weapon that can INJURE people is a great idea. The lighter something is the more comfortable it is (typically) to keep on your person. More comfortable = more likely to carry.

Sorry I may be way off base but that comment sounds just like all the other anti-gun nanny state protect people for their own good rhetoric that comes out of California.