Any GOOD small fixed blades with molded kraton?

[Carl64]

I have a Cold Steel mini Pendleton. I like it, but it doesn't stay sharp as long as I hoped.

I want a good small fixed blade, but I prefer a molded kraton or zytel handle (it seems silly to do so much grinding work on other materials when you can just mold the handle into the exact shape wanted).

Does anyone make a small fixed blade with good steel at a reasonable price? Buck has one I sort of like, but it's about $65 or so and isn't a fully molded handle. It doesn't seem like it should be so expensive.

 

[Bob W]

Have you seen the AG Russell Hunters Scalpel? It's my EDC at work. I believe it's available in AUS-8 or ATS-34. Don't know if they have the ATS-34 in stock any longer, but I saw one on eBay two days ago.

There is also the Bird and Trout and the Deer Hunter, same designs but larger sizes.

Happy Shopping,
-Bob

I just checked the AG Russell website, out of curiosity. At this time, the Hunter's Scalpel is only available in AUS-8, but the Bird and Trout is available in AUS-8, D2, or VG-10.

 

[Jeff Clark]

The handle isn't Kraton, but it is sculped to fit your fingers (abeit not as heavily molded as you may be used to) on Cabela's Gerber caping knife with an S30V blade. It might meet your needs for size and edge holding. Here is the blurb from Cabelas. I think that I originally found it by going to the website and searching for "S30V".

Gerber Freeman™ S30V® Caping Knife
The next generation in long-lasting cutlery performance. Revolutionary S30V® steel blades are harder, more wear resistant and far less brittle than any standard 440C series stainless steel blade. Tests also show 45% better edge retention than 440C stainless. Blade is Boron Carbide-coated for even greater wear resistance and strength. Handsome cocobolo handles are checkered with artisan's skill in an intricate 16-lines-per-inch pattern. Each knife comes with a heavy weight 7-oz. leather sheath. The Caping Knife has an ergonomic handle for superior blade control. Made in USA.
Blade length: 2-1/2".
Overall length: 6-7/8".
Weight: 2.7 oz.