4in fixed blade thoughts

[shinyedges]

Here we have Miller bro blades M27, dpx heft 4, spartan phrike and spartan harsey tt. The spartans are s35vn, the heft is niolox and the Miller bro is z wear. Thickness ranges from .27 thou on the M27 to about .18 thou on the other 3. None of them are wood carving blades, easily being out performed by a mora when it comes to shavings, feather sticks and general woodwork.

The TT, phrike and heft are adequate at cutting wood, the M27 is horrendous at cutting most things lol at nearly .075 thou behind the edge it is a literal wedge. This wedge however, shaves hair. I like each one for various reasons, and dislike each one for various reasons. Everything being a compromise, I often pair any one of these with a slip joint for better cutting performance should I need it.








Spine shot to show thickness difference between these 4 blades.

 

[shinyedges]

The 4in ish range of fixed blades are of interest to me because the are at the limit for convenience. Pocket carried without almost any notice but large and stout enough for hard work.

Of these 4, the phrike is the least comfortable to use but the most comfortable to carry.

The most comfortable to use is probably the M27 though it's performance in cutting is limited due to thickness. That said, it does EDC cutting fine. It is the most noticable to carry.

The TT is in between the phrike and M27 in noticeability and comfort to use.

The heft is on paper, very similar to these other blades with the exception of thickness to the M27. I don't know why but I never really warmed up to the heft or bonded to it. It feels good in hand but is lifeless and cold to me if that makes sense.

 

[marchone]

I'm having trouble wrapping my head around .270". More than a quarter inch. 6.85mm is a light cleaver.

 

[cbach8tw]

Also having trouble with that kind of thickness being very useful. Now give me a 4 inch blade and 1/8 thickness, now you are talking. Handy, lighter weight, and still strong enough for tough jobs, do not baton with mine.

 

[115Italian]

4 in. Blade length is my max limit for a multi purpose fixed blade. Nice blades op.

 

[shinyedges]

In reality, the M27 is far less useful than a swiss army knife. Mine will likely get a regrind to reign in some of the heft in exchange for more cutting performance. It's claim to fame is durability, in which case it is a success.

It won't cut paper thin tomato slices but it will perform every day cutting tasks somewhat lol

 

[jbmonkey]

bringing this one back to life as it's a great topic. smaller fixed blades. started carrying an esee 3 just due to this thread. used to carry it but now drug it out and carrying it again.

never used it much, but it is very useful the size about 3.5" blade I think. now I'm grabbing it instead of my folder.

 

[shinyedges]

bringing this one back to life as it's a great topic. smaller fixed blades. started carrying an esee 3 just due to this thread. used to carry it but now drug it out and carrying it again.View attachment 1017541

never used it much, but it is very useful the size about 3.5" blade I think. now I'm grabbing it instead of my folder.

Nice! Fixed blades all the way, this one is on me today:

 

[stonproject]

Nice! Fixed blades all the way, this one is on me today:
View attachment 1017542

Ive tried carrying fixed blades but due to case law and vague wording in my state its a hassle. The spartan you posted is damn tempting though.

 

[jbmonkey]

you're setup is far better...here's how I'm carrying mine......

 

[McFeeli]

The only 4” fixed blade I have left, save for a Mora, is a Daniel Prentice Sharpfinger.

I have quite a few fixed blades around 3”, and more at over 5”, but this guys the only 4 and a quarter. I’ve been deciding between the Swamp Rat Rodent 4 and a Ratmandu. Since I usually carry a fixed when I’m going to the woods for one reason or another, the extra length on the Ratmandu has more of my attention. For a daily carry I could 4” being preferred length.

 

[JJ_Colt45]

I usually carry a small fixed blade unless it just isn't possible for some reason ... I have never tried any that you mentioned but the two I most carry are ...

a CPK EDC2 ... the top knife is the CPK and one of the two fixed I carry most ... the bottom is also a handy little blade a Battle Horse Knives Fox Hound


the second I fixed blade I carry alot is a Winkler II Jaeger Knife ...


both are slightly under 4" but carry well.

 

[jbmonkey]

yep. the 4" length gives a lot of blade for normal cutting chore types tasks. plus easy to carry even in a pocket. vs. a belt.

 

[shinyedges]

you're setup is far better...here's how I'm carrying mine......

View attachment 1017545

Try a utiliclip if you don't mind the handle exposed. I like the handle exposed for drawing purposes as well as legally it must be exposed, so it works out.

Honestly, I haven't gone back to folders in months. I'm to damn knit picky about lock ups, centering, cleaning. Fixed blades are just more robust, easier to clean, and lower maintenance in general.

 

[jbmonkey]

Try a utiliclip if you don't mind the handle exposed. I like the handle exposed for drawing purposes as well as legally it must be exposed, so it works out.

Honestly, I haven't gone back to folders in months. I'm to damn knit picky about lock ups, centering, cleaning. Fixed blades are just more robust, easier to clean, and lower maintenance in general.

View attachment 1017548

good idear there Sir. thanks for the tip and pic showing your system/setup.

yep. on everything else. fixed blade is just better. surprised it took me this long to wake up to it again.

 

[shinyedges]

good idear there Sir. thanks for the tip and pic showing your system/setup.

yep. on everything else. fixed blade is just better. surprised it took me this long to wake up to it again.

The fixed blade game is loaded with good options too! When the knife is carried in the method I carry it's unobtrusive and down right convenient. Sitting, standing, running, it's there and not going anywhere but easily removed when needed.

 

[Richard338]

Is it just my eye and the photo? or does the thick one with the green handle material (I think you are calling M27) have scales with different thicknesses on the two sides?

 

[shinyedges]

Is it just my eye and the photo? or does the thick one with the green handle material (I think you are calling M27) have scales with different thicknesses on the two sides?

Optical illusion, I'm a machinist I just looked them over/did a quick measure and they are pretty close.

 

[Richard338]

OK, I thought if it was that it might be intentional.

 

[Boxer .45]

Nice selection. Ever tried iwb?

Ive carried an esee 3 iwb in the factory sheath. If I do it again I'll probably get one of the Ariimus sheaths. I carry an izula ii or similar sized fixed blade a lot too. I always carry a folder too though.
I find a fixed blade handy and useful.