Did for years cause of work but now that I work in the pilot house of the boat instead of on deck a little folder is usually it.
I would just stick to the palm of your hand as a measure of a "legal blade" and over all length is a mute point blade length is what counts. Until spears and such become an issue, then that will change to.
5 1/2" blade is the limit in Texas. I will find the link to back it up later but I am sure of that stat..... at least I was about a year ago
I have a cold steele roach belly. I got it off ebay for about 17 dollars. Very high VALUE knife IMO. Sharp as a razor blade out of the box. The blade is Krup? steele I think. If I dont feel like a fixed blade I will carry my kershaw blur. Favorite folder ever!
I never carried everday until I got my Kershaw Blur tanto. never carried a fixed blade to be on topic
The KaBar TDI is a good choice for a defensive knife. I have a few from here: https://mdtstraining.com/store.php?crn=222&rn=472&action=show_detail The difference is the usable sheaths. The factory sheaths are lacking. It's good to carry @ 11 or 1 o'clock owb. There's also the excellent Shivworks clinch pick. http://www.mdtactical.com/shivworks.htm It works well carried @ 11 or 1 as well. Most people carry it with the grip angled down and toward your centerline. CRKT's Polkowski/Kasper Companion and Cold Steel's Braveheart are also good choices. The people I know that carry these usually carry them horizontally.