A little help with a fixed blade decision

[Jim B]

Looking for a some help here in regard to a knife. I want a fixed blade to keep on my tractor for general farm chores. It will stay in an open cab but under the seat so will be partially exposed to the elements year round. Priorities in order are corrosion resistance, edge retention, and waaaay down is toughness.

This will not be a hard use knife as 90% of the use will just be cutting heavy baling twine from large square bales. These are the 1100+ pound bales that typically pick up lots of dust/dirt when getting put up. When I go to feed and I cut the twine I’m cutting into thick dry grass with lots of grit which is very hard on the edge. I’d sure like to not have to sharpen it so often.

I’m not up to date on blade steel but I think my current knife is 1095 which seems completely wrong for my needs. I try to remember to oil it but you know how that goes. Don’t want to spend more than necessary and $200 is about max. I was considering Magnacut but maybe there’s a better option. Gerber has a Strongarm Magnacut in my price range. While this will be a tool, I do still have some knife geek in me which is why I’m here.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Alberta Ed]

Buck's 420HC is highly rust resistant, very tough, takes a fine edge and is easy to sharpen. I once retrieved a Buck 119 from the bilge of a saltwater fish boat. The leather sheath was ruined, but the knife didn't show a speck of rust and cleaned up nicely. Buck has a variety of fixed blades from which to choose, and one of the best warranties anywhere.

 

[Mk-211]

Amazon has the Cold Steel SRK in 3V for $130.

 

[conan11]

I really like Magnacut which gets a 5 edge retention, 7 in toughness and 9.5 in corrosion resistance. The scale is 1-10.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Honestly, if your primary role for this knife is cutting bailing twine then something stainless and serrated might be your best bet for continuous, long term effectiveness.

A serrated Spyderco Temperance in CruWear might fit your needs. It is still available at some dealers online for less than $200.00.

 

[Ajack60]

Go look at Spyderco’s fixed blades in the Salt series. I’d consider a serrated blade if most of my cutting was twine. From what Ive read, the serrations hold a sharp edge for a long time

 

[oldmanwilly]

Go look at Spyderco’s fixed blades in the Salt series. I’d consider a serrated blade if most of my cutting was twine. From what Ive read, the serrations hold a sharp edge for a long time

That can be true, but even if the edge dulls the serrations will still help cut a good while longer as they act like a thin, little saw.

Another option is to use the same cheap, thin paring knives that fishermen use for cutting ropes and nets. Dexter Russell is evidently an industry standard:

Dexter Russell Sani-Safe Net Knife

A fully serrated professional-grade paring knife commonly used by fishermen as a net and rope knife, and an optional kydex sheath is available.

byxco.com

You can find their serrated net knives all over the internet and sheaths are also readily available. Might be a better choice for something riding on a tractor that may fall off and get lost in the fields/pasture from time to time.

 

[guy g]

I vote for the Buck knife. A couple other ideas are a large stockman (3 blades) or a utility knife.

 

[GPyro]

What wrong with a Buck 119?
$80 stainless and 420 hc will do everything you need.

I keep a Bucklite in my Mule, rubber handle 420 hc and a polyester sheath so you don't have to worry about anything getting wet.
Under $50.

 

[Stelth]

Kabar Wrench knife. Made in USA, 425 stainless, about $40.

 

[Dagoth_Blur]

I really like Magnacut which gets a 5 edge retention, 7 in toughness and 9.5 in corrosion resistance. The scale is 1-10.

View attachment 3174028

And dont forget that edge retention can get a solid bump up being the steel is quite tough and hard enough to support a thinner apex without damage.

 

[Dagoth_Blur]

What wrong with a Buck 119?
$80 stainless and 420 hc will do everything you need.

I keep a Bucklite in my Mule, rubber handle 420 hc and a polyester sheath so you don't have to worry about anything getting wet.
Under $50.
View attachment 3174146

I had one of these for MANY years. Think it was 20 bucks back in the day (might have been the 686). Amazing blade, pretty indestructible with great geometry and heat treat.

 

[jlauffer]

Amazon has the Cold Steel SRK in 3V for $130.

View attachment 3174024

The SRK is a great suggestion, but the San Mai version may fit OP's needs better. The outer layers are 420, which has a Corrosion Resistance rating of 8 on the above scale.

Another option would be the Demko FreeReign in magnacut, which is similar to the SRK, and is right around $200.

 

[Jim B]

Some great information. Thanks, much appreciated. Serrated makes sense for my needs so I’m considering it now too. With respect to Magnacut, the Gerber is about $160-170. Is Gerber capable (or whoever makes it for them) of doing it right or should I look elswhere?

 

[oldmanwilly]

Some great information. Thanks, much appreciated. Serrated makes sense for my needs so I’m considering it now too. With respect to Magnacut, the Gerber is about $160-170. Is Gerber capable (or whoever makes it for them) of doing it right or should I look elswhere?

These goobers did a review of the Strongarm in Magnacut. They'rea bit silly but usuallyget around to sharing useful information. I haven't watched all of the video yet, but it might give you some idea of what to expect.

 

[SharpBits]

Demko fixed blade in Magancut will do it for you. Otherwise, Buck or Mora.

 

[jlauffer]

Some great information. Thanks, much appreciated. Serrated makes sense for my needs so I’m considering it now too. With respect to Magnacut, the Gerber is about $160-170. Is Gerber capable (or whoever makes it for them) of doing it right or should I look elswhere?

For just a little bit more I would 100% go with the Demko FreeReign in magnacut.

 

[fishface5]

Not sexy but very practical

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/FT12245/morakniv-mora-of-sweden-rope-stainless-steel-serrated-blade-brown-and-black-tpe-rubber-handle

 

[Arathol]

I worked for years with tractors, mowers and various heavy out door equipment. Leaving tools like a knife or shears outside under a seat will kill most blades in short order. If all you are doing is cutting open bales, what you want is a Stanley box cutter. It not big, easy to stash somewhere on the machine, and if it gets dull you just swap in a new blade. They are cheap too, so its no big deal if somebody needs it more than you do when you aren't around.

 

[Deino]

If the Gerber Strongarm has a half serrated version, it would be perfect for your use.

Aside from the great recommendation from other people, I suggest the some ESEE models in S35VN. The price fluctuate, it is within your budget if on sale.