Italian Kris Automatic knives (the question is inside).

[Fishtail Picklock]

Is an 9" Italian Kris Auto worth the effort for defensive carry?

[whippersnapper]

No.....And while I think knives are a silly defense tool, all the Kris blades I have owned are worthless for anything. A plastic "spork" is more useful...lol

[john]

I own several; they do look cool and that's about it.

[Fishtail Picklock]

I guess that they're about as useful as an Icepick. They'll poke a good hole, but not much more.

[fastr19]

How often do you have to defend yourself with a knife?

[TRYKER]

i'd prefer that icepick !!! if you want for defense go with a karmabit. and i believe frank b made one in auto ???

[natcherly]

Theoretically, the Kris has a cutting edge significantly greater than the blade length due to its curvy profile. Does that really mean anything? I don't think so, at least for the knives we are talking about. May be something to it in the larger sword sizes.

The blade style originated in the Indonesia area. They are considered to have magical powers. However, none of mine have performed anything supernatural. They kind of just sit there...

As noted, they look cool to many folks are have that attraction as well as being very a different, exotic looking blade.

And yes, Frank B did make an auto karambit. I have one I got from Stu several years ago. He said it was a prototype sent to him by Frank, but Stu did not place an order. I can kind of see why. It adds complication to what should be a simple design. I will try to post a picture this weekend.

[Fishtail Picklock]

I routinely carry a carbon fiber walking stick with an aluminum head. When I carry a 9" Italian auto, it is in either my sports jacket or shirt pocket. Quick access, yet discreet. If I'm carrying an Italian-style, 11" automatic stiletto, it is in my right front sports jacket pocket.

I will never use it to intimidate, just a straightforward thrust upward through the ribcage. (A last-ditch effort to come out of the encounter alive).

[lance]

In the age of conceled carry,.knife to a gunfight comes to mind..not to mention gettin caught w switchblade or brass knucks,.you look crazy w a weapon.
A nice leverlock would be more useful.and explainable as a pocketknive to da police if it comes to it...somebody's Always gotta explain it to the cops.
A Italian style knives are only good for stabbing.saturday night special of knives.

[natcherly]

Here is my Frank B Karambit. Unlike the production models I have seen, this one does not have Frank's signature on the blade. It is instead tang stamped as Frank B Italy. It is also all satin finished stainless, no Teflon or whatever coating. So I suspect it is as Stu said, a prototype / pre-production sales sample to gauge interest. I don't think Frank has made any for a few years.

[Bill DeShivs]

My bet is that Frank never made any of them- just sold them.

[sammy the blade]

Fishtail Picklock, you need to get a pistol if your looking for self defense!

[natcherly]

My bet is that Frank never made any of them- just sold them.

Yes, I believe that to be true, but don't see anyone else selling these.

[Fishtail Picklock]

How does this pertain to the original topic?

[Bill DeShivs]

Original topic:
No. Buy a gun.