2-3" fixed blade

J

Jesse B.

Joined
Oct 23, 2009
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Howdy. I was looking for recommendations on a small fixed blade. I'd mostly be using this for some whittling; nothing heavy. (This would also fill a gap in my collection as I have no small fixed blades.) Was thinking about the ESEE Izula but not sure if a softer, coated steel like 1095 is the best for whittling. The one I'm currently eying is the Benchmade Activator, but I'm wide open to suggestions in the 2-3" sub-$100 range.
 
If you get the ESEE you will love it. I got one and took the coating off with paint stripper and it slices like a champ. Just my two cents.
 
Jesse B. said:
Howdy. I was looking for recommendations on a small fixed blade. I'd mostly be using this for some whittling; nothing heavy. (This would also fill a gap in my collection as I have no small fixed blades.) Was thinking about the ESEE Izula but not sure if a softer, coated steel like 1095 is the best for whittling. The one I'm currently eying is the Benchmade Activator, but I'm wide open to suggestions in the 2-3" sub-$100 range.
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either the izula or the benchmade should easily handle your whittling needs. another idea for you is to get a custom, here's an example http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/859790-Mini-Taskers-cpm154-G10
 
I'd look into a custom. For that size you should be paying a similar price as you would for a production, and you can get more precisely what you are looking for (I've bought quite a few on here between $50-100). Even though I won't buy from them any more Bark River makes great small fixed blades, and some are made specifically for whittling (Tusk I believe). I have a Izula and it just isn't for me.
 
I've found that the izula has too much belly for a dedicated whittling blade, even though it is a great little knife. I'm looking at the bark river little carver to fill that niche in my collection. 2.7 inch wharncliffe in 3V. Mmmm....
 
Ragweed forge is a good place to look for traditional caring knives on a budget: (for pictures and prices, follow link & scroll down near the bottom of the page) these are all under $20.

#106. The basic Scandinavian carving knife from Frosts has a laminated blade with the core hardened to 61 - 62 on the Rockwell Scale. The narrow blade is about 3 1/8" (~80 mm) long. It's supplied with a functional plastic sheath for

#105. A carving knife from Frosts with an oversized handle. The handle is about 4 3/4" long, and is better shaped to protect the hand of those unused to Scandinavian knives. It would also give ample material for those wishing to carve their own style handle. The blade is 3 1/8" (79mm) long, and shaped for fine carving. The core of the laminated carbon blade is hardened to 61 - 62 on the Rockwell C scale for the finest of edges. No sheath is supplied,

#120. A traditional Scandinavian carving knife from Frosts. This is a detail knife with a blade of laminated carbon steel about 2 1/4" (58 mm) long and .107" thick. The core of the blade is hardened to 61 - 62 on the Rockwell C scale for the finest of edges. The handle is generously sized for a solid grip.

#122. Another traditional carving knife, this time with a straight edge, and a very sharp point for cutting fine detail. The laminated carbon steel about 2 3/8" (60 mm) long and .112" thick. The core of the blade is hardened to 61 - 62 on the Rockwell C scale for the finest of edges. The 4 1/4" handle is generously sized for a solid grip.
 
there's no doubt, Izula hands down man.
the knife is perfect for just almost everything. By watching this video, I think you'll find out if it is good for whittling.

URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrlvqrZQKY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrlvqrZQKY[/URL]

If you open the range to $100, you may want to check the Buck Kalaa out. it's S30v, good heat treated bout $65.
Or Black Jack necker, 154cm...
Or Becker necker, 1095, very thick blade if you wanna pry or use you knife real hard
 
You could take your budget and go 2 for the price of one route. For starters, I would suggest the Buck Paklite skinner for a general use, high value, inexpensive blade in this size. If you can live with a naked handle and Buck's belt sheath, for $20-25 you can't go wrong. They come hair shaving sharp from the factory. They are 3.8mm thickness so they can tolerate some prying in everyday use, they're made in the USA and are backed up by Buck's great warranty and customer service. The blade is a similar size to the Izula, but I think the Buck's handle might be a bit longer.
 
I'm an Izzy convert (see post pg 3). I'd go the few extra $ for the Izula ll. It's worth it for the slightly longer handle, and I don't have big hands.
 
If I were just looking for a small fixed blade for whittling I'd go with a small Puukko.Kellam knives carries some fine examples.
 
The Izula is a great knife but it probably does have too much belly for a whittling knife. I carry one every day, bit if I was going to be doing a bunch of whittling, I'd look at something designed for it, myself.
 
Handle thickness is a major factor of performance. I find the BK-14, Izula, etc. to be underhandled when pushing hard or for very long.
There are other knives out there, Little carver from Bark River looks like a good knife for your needs, have you seen their TUSK?. Also, the Puukko mentioned would do the job.

I own a BK-14, and like it, but even with the Izula scales, I wish it had a thicker handle.
 
For a small fixed blade, you can't go wrong with an Izula or Izula II. I carry an Izula with custom scales from the Knife Connection.
 
drillsgt71 said:
For a small fixed blade, you can't go wrong with an Izula or Izula II. I carry an Izula with custom scales from the Knife Connection.
Click to expand...

Same here. I love my Izula's, and the warranty is also something to consider...at least with the amazing one you get with any ESEE, so that is what I would recommend.
 
The Izula is a great EDC fixed blade, and so is the BK11. The coating on both of them can be removed without too much trouble (I did it on my BK11 when I convexed it, haven't decided what to do with my Izula yet). I use them both quite often and like them a lot.

However, the small flat handles are not the best for prolongued use. They are very compact knives, so it is natural to give up some comfort in exchange for ease of carry. If you don't mind a slightly larger overall length, then a Scandinavian knife might be better for whittling. Theree are several models with 2"-3" blades and full size (or almost full size) handles.

For instance the Ahti Tikka:
9610.jpg


The blade is 2 1/2" long, the handle is about 4 1/4" long. And it costs $40.
 
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