Another "What fixed blade knife should I get?" thread

G

G.Moll

Joined
Mar 20, 2012
Messages
547
This is my first time back to bladeforums in quite some time, and I return in search of suggestions. Pull through for me BF

I am in the market for a new fixed blade to replace my current Esee 4. I like the knife and have gotten a couple years of service out of it, but am no longer in love with it. When I bought the Esee to begin with I wanted a "survival knife" and I didn't have much of an opinion on traction coating, thickness behind the edge, micarta slab handles etc. But as I frequent the woods more and more, I find I do more fishing, hunting, and camping than I do hardcore "surviving" and I want a knife that's a little more friendly to work with.

So the stage is set. I am looking for a knife slightly smaller than the Esee 4, somewhere between a 3 and 3.5 inch blade, contoured micarta handle scales(big emphasis on the ergos), full tang, with either a very nice pouch style leather sheath or a kydex sheath. Prefered kydex. Max price range is below 250 dollars but I really want to spend less than 200. I'd prefer some kind of stainless steel, because I mainly kayak fish and camp, but am open for anything really. I want to stray away from slab handle scales and am looking for something that leans more so towards a broomstick style. Also am looking for something a little "different" --something with a little bit of flavor.

Right now, I have my eyes on the Bark River Kalahari Bushman I, but I'd really like it in 3V. Their Bushman II's come in 3V but it's bigger than what I want. Anyways if you made it this far down the post, thanks and thanks for suggestions.
 
I'd think one of the Carothers performance knives might be right up your alley, might be at the top end of your funding though. Or Jamall on the custom seller forum does some really sleek ergonomic designs and has several at great prices right now.
 
Bradford Gaurdian 3 or and Esee 3 (possibly the HM version) would both be solid choices.

If you're looking more bushcrafty style I'd go with the TOPS Tanimboca Puukko.
 
Yes, to the Guardian3 (with 3D scales).
I'm a fan of the Bark River Mini Fox River... and the Fox River LT (mine is just under 4").
*Check out the Spyderco Mule series and Halpern contoured scales.*

You might also consider a puukko in the steel of your choice.
 
Spyderco enuff. Stainless blade and great customer service

Spyderco_Enuff_Leaf_FB31PBK_Fixed_Blade_Knife_VG10_Stainless_Steel_Flat_Ground_Plain_Edge_Blade_Black_FRN_Handle__96558.1406084701.500.659.png
 
AdamFuzzyballs said:
For that price range I would absolutely suggest finding the perfect knife from custom makers here on the exchange!
Click to expand...

My first thought as well! You could get the exact specs that you wanted. Big hand? Get a 4.4 inch handle. Small hand? 3.75 inch handle. Etc, etc.

LT Wright Next Gen might be a good fit too.
 
I'd vote for the Bradford Guardian 3 first, maybe in 4V that Brad is doing now, but certainly in M390 if you want a SS. But I can also recommend the BRKT mini-Aurora in 3V. It's a 3.6" Bushcraft-style blade with a very nice leather sheath designed for strong side or crossdraw carry. I really liked the one I had. It was comfortable and capable to use, and easy to wear for long periods. It was just a touch longer than I like to carry on a daily basis and I had other heavier-duty fixed blades so I didn't keep it.

Either one of these will come in under your $250 limit, but the G3 will be a little less than the BRKT.
 
Think about a puukko -- dangler sheath is handy for kayaking etc. Ragweed Forge is a good place to browse.
 
My favorite in that range is my 3.5 inch Elmax knife with a pry tool on the end of the handle from Gollik knives. Perfect little EDC that is really tough, especially for how good of a slicer it is, and how well it holds an edge. Definitely a guy worth talking with. Awesome knives at a great price. And custom so you can order exactly what you want. You can get one for about 180, shipping included.
Another one I like is the Bradford Guardian 3. The handle is a little small, but not too bad at all. Great blade geometry.
 
hhmoore said:
Yes, to the Guardian3 (with 3D scales).
[....]
*Check out the Spyderco Mule series and Halpern contoured scales.*
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: to both these suggestions which fit your specs.

Check out my NIB review with pics of a Mule team knife with the halpern scales: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...cpm20cv-with-survival-systems-sheath.1527857/.
I would highly recommend this option, given your specs and usage. This is a good thin slicer grind that should fix the issues with your ESEE. Note that on this Mule team, as with Spydies in general, some may not like the little thumb ramp, and if that bothers you on a bushcrafty/field type of knife, move on to the next suggestion.

Bradford Guardian 3.5 (the "3.5" is intentional):
  • I own the Guardian 4 3D in M390. This is the one I can recommend since I've actually used it. Fantastic field knife, no thumb ramp, so far I've done just about everything with it except field dressing an animal. But it's slightly bigger than you want.
  • You can get these knives in some great steels: M390, 3V, and now, Vanadis 4E.
  • The Guardian 3 is great too, although some folks--myself included--find that the total handle length is slightly lacking for the size of your hands. For me, I could not tolerate the 3 series because the handle is just too small for my liking on a field knife where I need some grip and leverage for my larger than average hands. But Bradford has confirmed they are coming out with a "3.5" knife in January that will be the same sized blade as the 3, but will improve on the handle ergos by giving you a slightly longer handle. Basically, 4" handle with no finger choil.
 
ATJ999 said:
My favorite in that range is my 3.5 inch Elmax knife with a pry tool on the end of the handle from Gollik knives. Perfect little EDC that is really tough, especially for how good of a slicer it is, and how well it holds an edge.
Click to expand...

Pics please. You keep tempting me with these Gollik knife designs, so let's just continue the torture and eventually I'll break down and buy one. :p
 
maximus83 said:
Pics please. You keep tempting me with these Gollik knife designs, so let's just continue the torture and eventually I'll break down and buy one. :p
Click to expand...

BOOM!!! THESE ONES I USE A LOT, AND THEY ARE BEASTS!! The pry bar at the end of the handle comes in handy. As a screw driver and pry tool.
4lBd5TG.jpg


BOOM!!! THIS ONE IS HEADED TO ME RIGHT NOW!! CAN'T WAIT!
YPDE6K2.jpg

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top