Any suggestions for a good dagger?

[proud2deviate]

Hi guys!

I'm sorry if this comes up a lot. I tried a search, but that didn't reveal what I wanted. That, and I'm not sure what might be new since the last dagger thread.

Okay, here's what I want. I'm looking for a good quality, symmetrical double edge dagger with one of the better quality steels (I see a lot of 440c in the dagger area. Anything with 154cm? ATS-34/55? S30V? Good carbon steel?) No serrations. A longer blade would be preferred, like in the 6-7 inch range. But, longer or shorter blades are also worth considering.

Now for the big one; price range. I don't think I can justify more than about $130, considering I'll likely never have an opportunity to carry this knife. The MercWorks Shiva would be just about perfect, if it weren't so bloody expensive (that's getting into the range where I'd rather put the money towards a new handgun.) However, if you'd care to post a pic or three of your favorite uber-nice custom, I wouldn't object. Knife porn is always cool Just let me know it's out of my price range.

 

[markksr]

My favourite, the Applegate-Fairbairn...

 

[Rich357]

What about the Kershaw Military Boot Knife with a 4.5" blade?
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS4351

 

[Rich357]

Or, the SOG daggers? They are part serrated.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SOG25DT

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=SOG26DT

 

[cutter17]

Double that amount and take a look at the Protech Brend Dagger. Here's the website, www.protechknives.com

 

[JPD1998]

Here's my favorite style, Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife. The one pictured is an A. Wright of Sheffield version. I have another by J. Nowill Both are early 1980's vintage , made in England, carbon steel. The Wright version is much nicer than the Nowill.

I never carry them and they're completely impractical, but I like the history behind them. The design feels perfect in the hand and most modern daggers always refer to the FS, so why not get the original?

 

[Dr. Mudd]

Look at Cold Steel's Peacekeeper series (5.5 & 7 inch blades) and their Counter Tac series (3.5 & 5 inch).

 

[missin_hobo]

The Cold Steel Corsican is a rather elegant dagger as well, though it may be a bit over $130.
(And if you're looking for a fixed blade with S30V or 154CM in the >$130 range, good luck)

 

[sharp-k]

You may also consider the Tai Pan from Cold Steel but the original sheath sucks, think to replace it

 

[Gunfucius]

You could try the Zero Tolerance 0150:

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8187

Or the Gerber Guardian. It doesn't specify the exact steel, but the general consesus is that it is made from 420HC. If properly heat treated, it's a good steel. Also, its one of Gerber's models that is still worth purchasing.

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=7350

 

[Steven Andrews]

There's the Fallkniven Garm, but it's quite small.

 

[Ben Dover]

Fairbairn-Sykes. No contest, IMNSHO!

 

[Confederate]

You can get a blade that is high quality and decorative. Just do some shopping around. I like Damascus blades. The only brand I have is Bear & Son and I like their quality and workmanship. I can't recommend BW or Fox N Hound, primarily because their blades are so inexpensive.

I was just on eBay and saw this beauty. It's not going to be open long, so bid quickly if you're interested.

There's also this Kershaw Trooper (Item number: 330201302908).

An inexpensive option would be the Cold Steel War Head, made from 1055 Carbon. It retails for about $30, but can be had for much less. Don't be put off by the price. It's very strong and inexpensive enough to keep one in each car and the house.