4 to 6 inch fixed blades. Which ones?

Bastid

Bastid

Goat herding fool and resident vermin breeder.
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I don't keep up with factory knives like I should:(, although I have quite a few that I use that are a few years old. Sergeant Major Brian Carlsons troups seem to prefer those lengths and a few of us want to send them some. We have about 500 raised so I am looking for high functional bang for the buck for a knife that would be versitile and tough.

We will have access to all the major brands and it would help to get some input. Which is your favorite 4 to 6 inch fixed blade and why?

For folders in this situation (going to Iraq) I am going to go with Benchmades in M2 and Spydies in premium steels so I think I have those under control I only have experience with the Benchmade AFCK in M2, but it is one of the best factory folders I have used. If you have any thoughts let me know.
 
If money allows ,I suggest a Chris Reeve Shadow IV or Sable IV. There are many others who will suggest similar top quality knives. If on a budget the Buck 110 or Nighthawk would be a good choice.
 
What sort of budget?

The Buck Pathfinder (<$40) would make the $$ go farther, so more guys could get a knife. The steel isn't the greatest, but the handles are very durable and the knives are better-than-average quality overall. That was the first thing that popped into my head.

Becker knives have a good rep and are inexpensive too. But I'm not familiar with their various models.

-Bob
 
My vote for the best all-around bargain in that category (4"-6" fixed blade) is the Becker Crewman.

--Bob Q
 
The best bang for the buck would be a Frosts of Sweden Mora Clipper. Can get them from one of the other BIG internet knife sites for less than eight bucks right now if you get their newsletter.
 
How many fixed blades do you plan to buy with the $500? That would help folks zero in on the right price range.

+1 on the Beckers.

My "favorite" 4 to 6 inch fixed blades probably wouldn't be the best choice here because all mine are hunting knives rather than survival knives. Still, I'll mention the Buck Vanguard here--might be worth a look.
 
I can't answer your question because the only knife that I have in that catagory is a Buck Nighthawk, which I think is a good knife but there may be others which are better and for less money.

All I can do is raise more questions.

Consider what type of sheath is best for this application; leather or kydex? Leather is quieter in deployment, Kydex is impervious to water.

Which type of attachment of the sheath is best for soldiers? I am assuming something which attaches to a web belt, if they still use web belts?

Consider contacting some manufacturers for a volume discount. Well, you are probably doing that already. Some may be more accomodating than others. Especially when they know you are giving them to soldiers and not opening a knife store.

If I were buying a knife for my son (I don't have a son BTW) but if I did, I would not hesitiate to spend $500 but when you are trying to get a lot of knives out there, some compromises have to be made. For example, I think the Benchmade AFCK is a nice knife but it is very pricey. Why not consider a Buck 889 for half the price? Then again, I may not know what I am talking about.

Nick
 
I hear a lot of talk about prying ammo boxes, but in my experience, you don't need to. They have simple wire seals and once that's out of the way you just open it up. I use a Leatherman...works great!

Maybe some types of ammo ned a pry-bar but I haven't seen one
 
Since you already have positive experience with Spyderco, why not try their FB Kumo? It is simple, versatile and comfortable to carry. It is made out of VG-10 which I still think is one of the best steels for outdoors, rust resistant, easy to sharpen and holds a decent edge. Not to mention that it makes for a great thrower. ;)
 
Get them Benchmade Nimravus, Becker Crewman, Kabar regular size USMC fighters, Camillus Cuda CQB's, Ontario fighters, SOG Seals, SOG Tigersharks etc.

BTW, thanks Gus.
 
Thanks folks!

Some great ideas here and I will use them.
 
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