5" to 5.5" Blade knives

Zombie Zeke

Zombie Zeke

Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Messages
2,642
What is your favorite and why?

:confused:I don't own any in this size and I have no idea why, I like them; the ESEE RC5 springs forth as a great one same with the RatManDu, but I have yet to pull the trigger on one.:o

Thoughts are very appreciated, thanks.
 
i like the Fallkniven S1 in that size category.

laminated VG-10, convex ground, great ergos, takes and keeps a wicked edge and built like a tank.
 
I have a Ratmandu and Scrapper 5, and plan on getting an ESSE 5, I prefer the additional inch of blade compared to the more traditional 4in knife (Fallkniven F1, ESSE RC4, etc). I like the Ratmandu a little better because of the handle, however I think I'd prefer a Scrapper 5 LE because of the uncoated blade.
 
Ratmandu and RC5 sre both really great knives. However my favorite at this time is my new Scagel hunter from KSF (made by BRKT).

I find 5" ers to be just baout the sweet spot for blade length fo general use. Just large enough to do serious work with and yet still small enough for finer tasks. Plus a very apckable size.

Fallknivens S1 is also a fine knife, but I haven't picked one up yet.
 
I'm getting the most carry/use out of my CS Spartan tanto and Demko custom Navajah. They are both approx the same size and have a sharpened length of approx 4.5" which is my sweet spot for folders. I've carried a Large Espada and a DDR 5.5 Maxx and 5.5" is just too big for me. I'd draw the line at 5" for comfort of EDCing.
 
Had an RC5 and have an S1. I no longer have the RC5, it was built well, tough as a tank, and would last a life time. But it was very heavy and too thick to be practical for many tasks. It is a SERE blade...designed for downed pilots. I had issues with the handle because it slid out of my hand during heavy chopping, the grip does not support the butt of the hand well during chopping, but outside of that it is pretty nice but I found my S1 lighter, better grippy handle, better grind and still no slouch in the build quality. The sheath is light and compact, it carries far better and easier. I wouldnt dig with it but prying...maybe. Then again I wouldnt dig with any blade I have. I also like the VG-10 steel alot for I tend to get my blades wet!

If you want a tank of a blade that is 5" and built similar to the RC5 but better for bushcraft get a BK2 and put some Micarta scales on it. It will run you under 100 bucks and the handle is far better for chopping. I like the BK2 but would still do the S1 over it. Funny thing was I could chop better with the S1 then the RC5 because the handle was far better to grip for that task. Just my hands on opinion.
 
The only 5" - 5 1/2" knife I have is a Wilson Tactical #115CBBC model 1911. I have used this on a few hunting & camping trips, & around our property working on the week-ends. It is a workhorse & only needs an occasional touch up with a stone to stay sharp. My "usual" knives I have are in the 6"-9" range & these are the ones who see the most use. Ahhh, since I have only one knife in this blade range, this might be a reason to get an ESEE-5 to keep this one company . . . hmmnn.:D
Be safe.
 
Brennanscott said:
BK2 brother.
Click to expand...

Brennan,

I have been circling that knife for the better part of a decade through all of its various makers, I think with the micarta handles and a strip job it'd be a real winner, lover the ergos on all the BK's.

Is the KaBar iteration in that 1095 CV? How does it perform in the field?

CM-

I edc a Rajah 2 but the Sparty has been out of the rotation in favor of a Tanto Recon 1 with the ol skool ultra lock.

Just1-

Tell me more about that Wilson, do you have a pic? Are those manufactured by CRK or was that something I just dreamed up in paint huffing episode?

Thank you for your responses :thumbup:
 
Zombie Zeke said:
Just1-
Tell me more about that Wilson, do you have a pic? Are those manufactured by CRK or was that something I just dreamed up in paint huffing episode?

ZZ, as far as I know this knife was made by Wilson in their custom shop. This was a Christmas gift from my wife about 14 years ago. The Tacti-Cote (I think) is of course coming off from use, but no big deal. I had written Ryan Wilson a letter back then asking what to use on it when this started happening. I did not even know CRK was involved with any of Wilson's knives. I think this model is still listed on their website. But it is priceless because it was my first "custom" knife & the first Christmas present from my "newlywed" other . . . :)
Be safe.
p.s.: No pics to send, just had our computer rebuilt by one of our company's I/T guys & he forgot to install the video manager . . . so much for free help.
Click to expand...
 
Chestnut Ridge has a BK2 with micarta scales and a custom kydex sheath, it's a bit pricy.

I have several in that range, I guess the one I've used the most would be the Ontario Afghan. It's 1/4" thick, but has a full flat grind, and a finger choil, so it's not as heavy as the RC5. The handle scales are quite thick, and like blocks. With a file and sand paper I've made them much more comfortable. It's 5160, and just takes a beating.

I have a TOPS Mountain Lion. It's in the size realm of the RC5, 1095 black coating. It's got a recurved blade, false edge from the tip back 3" or so, and G-10 handle scales. I admit I haven't used it, but it feels good in hand, and I've seen it for $114.

BRKT Mountain Man is a 5.5" blade, but only .110" thick. It's a meat slicer. I'd only take it hunting, with a chopper, axe, and or another blade.
 
I have a few, since I find them to be pretty good for hunting, although somewhat too big for smaller game/waterfowl. Notables include:

Al Mar SERE Operator - VG-10
SOG Team Leader - Duratech 20CV
Buck Short Nighthawk - 420HC
Buck 105 Pathfinder - 420HC
J. Martiini Big Game Hunter - Some kind of SS
Case Lightweight Hunter - Case SS
Gerber LMF II - Gerber steel, impractical for any regular day duties

By far, the Al Mar SERE is my favorite, but the SOG Team Leader is a great, low maintenance knife, too.
 
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I prefer the Ratmandu too. I am not sure if you can find a better knife for the money. Excellent blade.
 
BK-2 all the way. Love the knife and the price, etc. Some guys change handles and so forth but I think the thing's perfect out of the box.

IMG00587-20100710-2222.jpg
 
I love 5-inchers, even in folders. My favorite is the Cold Steel Voyager and the Gunsite (top two):

ColdSteelBuck110_1.jpg


Here again is the Voyager plain edge pictured next to a Voyager serrated tanto. Both are great for emergencies and self defense:

Knives_2.jpg


I also love Cold Steel's Kojo I. You can see yourself it's polished so nicely.

Konjo1_2.jpg


Konjo1_9.jpg


Practical use is questionable, but who cares? It's still one of my favorites. Kudos to Cold Steel for polishing their blades!


...
 
I have a BK2 in transit now.. Weekend before last I was able to handle one and just love the feel of the BK handles.. you can grab the back "ball" end of it and it becomes a decent chopper.. I chose this over the ESEE 5 mostly because of the ergonomics and the price helped also;)..

I only have the 7 to compare it to 'handle' wise and I love my 7 and in a pinch is a chopper because of the 'ball' handle design..

happy hunting..

rob
 
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