~ 3 inch fixed blade for XXL hands? <$150 (w sheath)

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raistlin65

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Jan 13, 2014
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I'm looking for a knife with a 2.75" to 3.25" blade with a handle that is a better fit for XXL hands for definitely no more than $150 with a good sheath. Less if I have to buy a sheath, and I would actually prefer to stay closer to $100-$120 all together anyway.

I currently have a Becker BK-14 with the Zytel handle. I can just get my pinky around the end of the handle (barely). It's a bit of an awkward fit for my hand; seems like it has to do with the particular handle style.

I have a Cold Steel Mini Pendleton. My pinky hangs off the end, but the grip is actually a bit more comfortable initially than the BK-14, but too thin, which affects comfort for longer use.

So what I think I need is a handle with a touch more length than the BK-14, and perhaps a touch more thickness in the handle. I'm happy with the blade profiles and steel on each of those, which is why I say I rather stay closer to $100 if I can.

Knives I have researched:

ESEE 3. I'd love it if it would work, but I've heard complaints that it's not a good fit for big hands.

Ontario Rat 3. Given how similar it is to ESEE 3, similar concerns. Plus, I'd rather spend the money on an ESEE 3 and get their kydex sheath.

Swamp Rat Rodent 3. Seems like the handle might be a bit short. With sheath from Godspeed Tactical, really pushes me to spend the limits of my budget.

Scrap Yard SYKCO 311. Looks like it probably has the length I need. Haven't researched about sheath availability.

Blind Horse Woodsman. Yes. There are still a few of these around and comes with a nice sheath. Handle seems like it should be long enough, but might be a bit thin.

Buck Ranger Skinner. Good budget friendly option, and I would be quite content with Buck's 420HC steel and their leather sheath. But the particular curved shape of the handle and flatness make me wonder what kind of fit it would be.

So what do you guys suggest?
 
The Swamp Rats and Scrap Yard knives all have good ergos for large hands as far as I know, but they may put you out of budget. Of the ESSE's I always liked the ESSE 3 Mil-spec. You might also look at the DPx HEFT and HEST II series.

If nothing else just buy the knife you like with the right handle length then wrap it in leather or paracord for perfect hand 'feel.' That's what I do. Unless you are dealing with a custom handle, a wrap can make the knife look better too.
 
The SYKCO 311 are $79. Not bad at all and it looks very big. If someone can confirm the curvature is a good fit for XXL hands, I might go for it. AZWELKE has a pancake sheath for it, so not bad on price overall.

I thought about the DPx HEST series, but it has that sharp awl like curved end. The HEST II Woodsman does look awesome with its sheath. Seems like my hand might not fit well within the grip area, and I'm wondering about the thickness of the handle. So I'd want to hear what someone else with XXL hands has to say about it. I have a local knife dealer that carries the HEST II. But they charge full MSRP for everything, and I feel guilty trying out their knives just to turn around and buy from an Internet vendor. So I go window shop at their knives, but I don't ask to hold 'em. Maybe I should.

I guess wrapping would be an option. But I'd still like to consider what's already available ready to go first. :)
 
If you're happy with the blade size of the BK14, what about using a BK11 as a starting platform & making (or buying) scales that fit your hand? The handle is longer than that of the 14; and if you don't care about retaining the bottle opener end, it should offer you a decent grip.
I chose to modify the handle slightly because I didn't like the way it sat in my hand; but it was a quick and easy job.http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...led-and-lost-or-did-I?p=13278699#post13278699

(If you aren't inclined to modify or make scales, Dexwithers does good work - drop him a line to see it he can work within your budget)

Edited to add: I've got a Swamprat Rodent 3, but not XXL hands...I find the (custom) handle comfortable, if a little small.

If you don't already, start checking out the knifemaker's classifieds.
 
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Thanks. That's a good option to keep in mind. That is, the idea of getting someone else to make custom scales to go with a BK-11. It wouldn't work out too well if I tried to make them. LOL

Definitely, the knifemaker's classifieds would be next to consider.
 
Apparently, going by feel was a bad idea...I just checked the specs, and the 11 is slightly shorter than the 14. Sorry about that.
 
Take a look at the Esee 3 with TKC scales. I believe they add some real estate.
 
hhmoore said:
Apparently, going by feel was a bad idea...I just checked the specs, and the 11 is slightly shorter than the 14. Sorry about that.
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Oh, well. No biggy. I'll just scratch that off my list :)

craytab said:
Take a look at the Esee 3 with TKC scales. I believe they add some real estate.
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With the cost of the TKC scales (plus shipping), sort of pushes the ESEE 3 out of my budget. They do make nice looking scales, though.
 
Have you tried tying up a paracord fob for the 14? Mine was too short also (I can only get 3 fingers around mine) so I made a thick noose fob/lanyard and its great now.
 
WuGod said:
Have you tried tying up a paracord fob for the 14? Mine was too short also (I can only get 3 fingers around mine) so I made a thick noose fob/lanyard and its great now.
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I've used a lanyard, and it helps a little bit. But I'm 6'7", so my fingers and hands are unusually long (I can't even put on an XL glove).

I kind of cheated by listing the SYKCO 311. That's a 3.5" blade. Maybe that I just need to be looking for that length because then there tend to be options for longer, thicker handles. A 3.5" looks like a 3" blade in my hand anyway. LOL
 
What about an Izula 2 with the ESEE scales? I've got decent size hands and usually wear XL or XXL gloves. The 14 didn't work for me either due to the short handle, but the handle on the Izula 2 is perfect for a smaller knife. Give it a shot, if it's not to your liking you can always sell it on the exchange for basically what you paid for it.
 
I just picked up a SYKCO 311, nice short blade with a beefy grip for its size. Wish the blade wasn't 3/16" thick, but I reprofiled the edge a bit to make it a little better cutter. It had the profile of a chopper.
 
Check out JKHandmandknives.com I haven't had the privilege of owning one yet but I've got one ordered and he seems to have a very loyal following. Also he is offering mainly 0-1 tool steel but is also offering mos of his knives with the option of 154CM / CPMS30V as well as the O-1
 
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Thanks. The Falkniven WM1 looks like an interesting possibility.

JK Handmade knives definitely look nice, but looks like probably out of my budget once I add in a sheath.
 
LT wright, or batle horse continued the woodsman pro in both their new ventures. LT has a few more models for that range. There's no such thing as too thin for a knife, unless the knife dissappears.
 
If I have time - I'll try to throw together a set of scales for my 11 on Thursday (my only day off this week, so it might not happen)....something a little longer that fills the hand. Not sure if I've got any hardware floating around to hold it together; but I'll be able to let you know if it feels right. Of course, that project hinges on me figuring out where I tucked the pieces of Ipe and walnut that I had waiting for handle projects :confused:
 
hhmoore said:
If I have time - I'll try to throw together a set of scales for my 11 on Thursday (my only day off this week, so it might not happen)....something a little longer that fills the hand. Not sure if I've got any hardware floating around to hold it together; but I'll be able to let you know if it feels right. Of course, that project hinges on me figuring out where I tucked the pieces of Ipe and walnut that I had waiting for handle projects :confused:
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I appreciate the thought, but don't do it for me. I really need people with XXL hands to give me advice based on whether or not something works for them. Heck, half the tall clothes in the stores don't even fit me (lol).

B34NS said:
LT wright, or batle horse continued the woodsman pro in both their new ventures. LT has a few more models for that range. There's no such thing as too thin for a knife, unless the knife dissappears.
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I've been looking at them when I was looking at the Blind Horse Woodsman.

What do you mean by "too thin" for a knife?
 
Anyone have experience with the Lionsteel M2 and how that handle compares to smaller knives? That fits my budget.
 
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