KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife for Tactical Carry/CCW

Published by David Crane in Tactical Blades on August 19th, 2006

by David Crane
david@defensreview.com

While we’re primarily "gun guys" here at DefenseReview, occasionally we like to report on tactical edged weapons (a.k.a. tactical knives) when we come across interesting and/or utilitarian examples. At shot show, DefenseReview got to handle the KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife, which is a compact, lightweight fast-deployment fixed-blade knife designed and developed by John Benner, owner of Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) for up-close-and-personal use as a last-ditch defensive tool. Sometime after SHOT Show, DefenseReview received a plain-edge model from KA-BAR, for review. While I fortunately have not had to utilize the TDI Law Enforcement Knife for its intended use, it would appear to be perfectly designed for that use.

In addition to being compact and light weight, the TDI Law Enforcement Knife is very sharp, and offers a secure grip in either standard or reverse grips. Being an ergonomically-designed fixed blade, the knife is very fast to deploy (considerably faster than any clip-it pocket folder). It’s also…

very easy to carry in the polymer/kydex-type belt holster/sheath that’s supplied with it. You just have to adjust/position the holster/sheath properly so the handle doesn’t dig into you anywhere (side, hip, etc.), which can happen to you when you’re in a seated position. However, since the handle is relatively small and angled off the blade at roughly a 45-degree angle, this (potential) problem is mitigated.

Because of the blade’s angulation, the knife is very easy and ergonomic to use in fast defensive strike scenarios, for both thrusting and slashing. Bottom line: I really like this knife. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry and use. So far, I’ve really only used it to open boxes (for which it does a nice job), but I have no doubt that it would be effective for close quarters battle/close quarters combat (CQB/CQC) scenarios (in trained hands). Even if you’re not trained, it’s better than just having your fists, although Defense Review always recommends obtaining quality training with any weapon you carry, and we would advise the reader against carrying any weapon with which he or she has not trained. I myself look forward to obtaining some specialized training with this knife when I can.

The TDI Law Enforcement Knife is also available with a serrated blade. That model is called the TDI Law Enforcement Knife, Serrated. Larger versions of this knife are now available, including a tanto model. Click here to view all of the available models.

If you’d like to get more information on the KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife, you can contact Tara Troutman-Warner at KA-BAR by phone at 716-372-5952 or toll-free at 800-282-0130, by fax at 716-790-7188, or by email at twarner@ka-bar.com.

You can contact John Benner at the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI) by phone at 937-544-7228, by fax at 937-544-2887, or by email at tdiohio@dragonbbs.com.

Click here to view a KA-BAR press release on the TDI Law Enforcement Knife. (PDF Format)