3" - 4" 'survival-style' fixed blade recommendations?

J

jaseman

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Jul 28, 2016
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Currently looking for a 3" to 4" survival/military style fixed blade. Something I can EDC on occasion (is that really EDC...LOL), take hiking, camping, and use for general outdoorsy type stuff. It'll be a user and a workhorse, so overall utility/versatility is a must, and for me, I find this size to be the sweet spot for me - not to small to really work with, and not so big it becomes cumbersome for everyday tasks.

I've got an old CRKT Stiff KISS, and like the general size and weight, but it could be a tad bigger, and the tanto blade doesn't do it for me in a utility knife. Plus, it's only ground/sharpened on one side, which is a real pain, being left-handed.

Wish list:
- Drop point preferred (clip is OK, but no tanto)
- 3" - 4" no bigger, no smaller
- Thinner scales, 550 wrapped, or no scales (can wrap myself if needed)
- No preference on straight vs. combo edge (serration don't bother me)
- Sheath with the ability to carry horizontally is a plus
- Price around $100 (good quality at a lower price is great, but I don't mind spending a little more for the right knife)


What I'm currently looking at, in no particular order:
- Ontario RAT 3
- DPx HEST
- ESEE 3
- Tops MIL-SPIE 3
- Tops Overlander
- White River Backpacker (a bit different than the others, but it is S30v)

Any opinions? I know you guys have them... LOL
Any others I should be looking into?
Most are 1095. Is that really a big deal? Does 1095 require THAT much maintenance? Is corrosion that hard to keep away, or is it going to require constant up-keep? I simply know nothing about 1095 in the real world.

Feel free to add in anything I missed.
 
I like the White River backpacker, great price for the quality.

I would also look at Enzo knives. They have a variety of sizes and steels, so you can get the one that fits your needs. They also sell them as blanks(finished knife with no handle) or in Kits where you can customize the shape of the handle. The Trapper model is just under 4 inches and sounds like what you want. After handling the trapper, your Stiff Kiss will feel like a toy.
 
The ESEE3 or ESEE3 HM would be my first choices out of that list, or a JG3, also from them.

1095 does take a bit of work, and you won't really ever have a shiny, pristine blade. But its easy enough to take care of, and as you get into the habits, it gets pretty easy.
 
Fallkniven F1. Stainless. Proven. The right size. Grip is solid, but on the thin side, which you may prefer. Can find a left handed sheath version, too, I think.

It's a great knife.
 
All those you mention would certainly work as do a couple others recommended, i.e. a F1. 1095 steel has been a true and time tested performer and still preferred by many custom makers. Yes some basic maint is required but nothing more than wiping off after use and a light coat of oil, I like to use mineral oil for the ability to always use the blade for food prep work. After time it will eventually form a natural patina which only adds some character to the blade. It sharpens up relatively easy and holds a pretty good edge and its toughness is more than adequate, especially in a knife that size which I wouldn't expect too heavy of work being placed on it.
 
Esee 3 is my recommendation. Fits most if not all of your criteria.

NJBillK said:
How about a Custom?
Hardedge Knivess makes things right up your alley.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1463278-Paracord-EDCs

Get in touch with him to have a knife made for you to your spec.
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This is a good idea also.

Steely_Gunz said:
The Gerber Strongarm is pretty robust for the price.
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If you want something a bit bigger and less expensive this is a good choice too.
 
The ESEE JG3 is an overlooked great all around knife.

An ESEE 3 would work too and I like its sheath much better than the JG3
 
I'm a cheapskate. I take a mora companion HD. Yes, the sheath limits the way you can carry it, but I like it. For a beater I have the bk9. Next step up for me for a small knife is a ka-bar 1211. Again, I don't beat on this knife. The bk9 beaten on, or whatever big bowie I've got at the time. I don't go very far or very long so if I break the big knife it's no biggie.
 
I'm going to throw out another vote for the ESEE 3HM or JG3. Awesome versatile all around knives.

If you want to shoot for a little savings, the recently discontinued Becker BK24 gives you D2 at a lower price point. Semi-stainless and a beast at edge retention.
 
Custom is a great idea. Lots of fine makers on this site over in the knifemakers section.

Gerber Strongarm is a fine choice. As is the White River Backpacker.

Maybe check out the Gerber Ghostrike. It's kind of an aromatic blend of the Strongarm and the Backpacker. If those two knives had a kid, I bet it'd look like the Ghostrike.

Right in the middle between 3 and 4 inches. Skeletonized handle with rubber overmold. Been meaning to get one of these myself. Thanks for reminding me.

GB-30001005.jpg
 
onojoe said:
I like the White River backpacker, great price for the quality.

......After handling the trapper, your Stiff Kiss will feel like a toy.
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The Backpacker definitely seems like a great buy. My only concern is, is it 'enough' knife? Blade size is fine, but the butt end seems a bit minimal - seems more neck-knife than full on user. Tough to tell without being able to handle one in person.

As for my Stiff KISS, it's a shame. I really want to love the little knife, but just can't. At least not as a user.

Dangerously said:
Fallkniven F1. Stainless. Proven. The right size. Grip is solid, but on the thin side, which you may prefer. Can find a left handed sheath version, too, I think.

It's a great knife.
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I can push my $100 budget a little, but not quite that far (I'm seeing about $150 at the moment)

Amoo said:
Lionsteel M4 review http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1476401-Lionsteel-M4-w-Cocobolo-Handle-M390-Steel
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sfrigon1 said:
Lionsteel m4 is the perfect knife for you my friend 👍
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If I'm gonna push my budget towards $150, this would be the winner!

NJBillK said:
How about a Custom?
Hardedge Knivess makes things right up your alley.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1463278-Paracord-EDCs

Get in touch with him to have a knife made for you to your spec.
Click to expand...

Now, this is a really, really interesting idea that I hadn't considered!

Out of curiously, are their other makers any of you would also recommend as well? Ones that also do a lot of this style? Just nice to have options to look at.

Steely_Gunz said:
The Gerber Strongarm is pretty robust for the price.
Click to expand...

Already have a BG Ultimate (laugh away) that's the exact same size. Works well for around camp, but a bit more than I want for hiking and EDC stuff.



Velitrius said:
Maybe check out the Gerber Ghostrike. It's kind of an aromatic blend of the Strongarm and the Backpacker. If those two knives had a kid, I bet it'd look like the Ghostrike.

Right in the middle between 3 and 4 inches. Skeletonized handle with rubber overmold. Been meaning to get one of these myself. Thanks for reminding me.

GB-30001005.jpg
Click to expand...

Hmmmm.... not sure how I feel about this one.... like the backpacker, I feel like a just want a bit..... more. BUT I like options.


Sorry if I missed anyone, but keep the comments and ideas coming. I'm definitely taking it all in.
 
jaseman said:
If I'm gonna push my budget towards $150, this would be the winner!
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Yeah that M4 would check about all of your boxes. If it looks like something you'd like, it's a great value right now.

What about a BK16? Unless the extra 3/8" of blade is a deal breaker.
 
Hard Knocks said:
Yeah that M4 would check about all of your boxes. If it looks like something you'd like, it's a great value right now.

What about a BK16? Unless the extra 3/8" of blade is a deal breaker.
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Won't be buying for a few pays yet, so we'll have to see what the price on the M4 is when I'm ready.

The BK16? Yeah, might be a tad big. 3.5" would be the ideal sweet spot. It's tough when you have no where to go and try things in hand. Very few places around me with any kind of knife selection.

Have to say, I'm really liking the custom route from one of the makers here, if the price is right. I like supporting local craftsmen, when I can, but non-local (to me) is good too. Plus, chances are, I won't run into someone else who has one.
 
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