Anyone Want to Talk Traditional Fixed Blades?

[KBA]

I love my traditional folders, but I sure would love to read some current thoughts on traditional fixed blades. Maybe your top five blades, you opinion on certain runs of different makers, your safe queens, your workers, ones you've made, and or the history of different ones from the bowie to the khukuri. Or, what even makes a proper bowie or khukuri for example.

I just got into them this summer and have a lot to learn. I've read a few threads, trying to process the info, and have really enjoyed the post. There is a great current thread on posting pics, but maybe one on discussion would be enjoyable to some. If not, we can just let this thread float off.

Here is what I have so far, with two puukkos on order, and a GEC 73 H10 on the way.
As of now my favorite of the group is the Hess knifeworks Tiburon. Here is a recent thread on it. Hess Tiburon




Any links to the history of certain brands would be appreciated.

Here is a thread that has floated off on Lon Humphrey's Whitetail (mostly). Lon Humphrey Whitetail

So does anyone want to talk fixed blades, help educate this novice on traditional fixed blades, and let myself (and others) live vicariously through those who get to use theirs often?

 

[BrotherJim]

Nice collection !!! I would definitely have more fixed blades if "production" fixed blades came with left handed sheaths ... or at least a choice of left handed belt sheaths. Right handed sheaths don't work for me, I'm left handed, and the knife gets automatically ruled out. That includes SOoo many very nice ones. Too expensive to get quality custom leather for every purchase.

 

[Cory Hess]

I've been digging fixed blades myself lately. I only have four so far, but I've been eyeballing a couple others and when I find myself with the proper funds I will probably be purchasing them before any new folders. Here are the four I currently own:



That picture was taken a while ago, and patinas have developed in the interim. From top to bottom they are the LT Wright Camp MUK, Phillip Patton EDC, Battle Horse Frontier Valley, and the GEC H20 Skinner Point Hunter.

The first one I bought was the GEC H20. My wife had asked me to find her a new paring knife. My first stop was the Knifemaker's Market here, but I couldn't find a custom that she really liked. She caught sight of an H20 from somebody posting one here and she said "That's exactly what I want." So, I ordered one up. They are insanely inexpensive for what you get. This knife has been the perfect paring knife for us. There's no need to get into the qualities of GEC's 1095. It gets sharp enough to daftly perform any duties that our kitchen demands. The grind is very thin, so it slices like a dream. The design is very utilitarian, but it works perfectly. Because of the plain jane handle shape you can choke way up on the blade and hold it comfortably with your thumb or forefinger almost all the way out to the tip. I don't hunt small game, but I'd imagine that this knife would excel in that regard as well. I've never carried it at all, so I can't really speak to that other than to say that it's size would make it very easy to carry. It's 6 3/4" long with a 3" blade. I can get a full four finger grip on the handle, which is important to me.

The next one I bought was the Phillip Patton. After perusing the Knifemaker's Market for the paring knife I knew that I had to get a handmade knife from the forums here. There are just so many great knives being sold there for really reasonable prices. One of the makers that stood out to me was Phillip Patton. I liked several of his knives, and I just missed out on a hunter that he put up. It sold very quickly. I started a conversation with him about that and he made a very nice deal with me on this EDC. Phillip was fantastic to deal with. It's 8 5/16" long with a 4 3/16" blade. It's made from 1/8" thick O-1 treated to 59.5 HRC. It's easily the best slicer of the bunch. I've been really impressed with the edge retention on this one as well. It's like the blade just wants to be sharp. Like the H20, the handle shape allows me to choke way up on the blade to get a ton of control on the blade. Phillip made me a horizontal belt sheath for this one, and I've found that even though it's the longest of the bunch the thinness and horizontal carry make it the easiest to carry on a daily basis. I never tuck my shirts in, so the knife is completely hidden when I'm out and about. This one has probably seen the most carry.

Next was the LT Wright Camp MUK. I was looking for a stout all around camp knife. I didn't need something to baton wood or anything like that. Just something I could wear when I'm out camping that would take care of the basic camp chores such as cutting cord and rope, fixing dinner, whittling, etc. I find that when I'm camping I tend to get a bit dirty (surprise, surprise) and having a fixed blade on my belt makes maintenance much easier than reaching into my pocket for a folder. It also keeps the dirt and grime out of my pockets. The Camp MUK is 7 1/2" with a 3 3/8" blade made of 1/8" A2. The LT Wright has held up wonderfully. The blade shape makes it ideal for camp kitchen work. It can almost double as a spatula, and makes quick work of any spreading or scooping jobs. It's tough enough to handle some light batoning, and I have split some decent size wood with it. It's not ideal, as the blade is too short, but it would do in a pinch. The handle is insanely fat, which makes it very comfortable to hold. The whole package feels very solid in the hand. I don't know what else to say other than this is the knife that I feel will hold up to whatever I throw at it. It's confidence inspiring, and probably my favorite of the bunch.

Lastly, I got the Battle Horse in a trade. It's 6 5/8" with a 2 5/8" blade made of 1/8" O-1 tool steel. This is a little skinner, but it works great for an EDC. It's small enough to be all but unnoticeable when carried on the belt, and innocent enough to not raise eyebrows when being used. I was surprised at how solid this blade feels. The lengths are almost identical to the H20, but the steel is around twice as thick. It's too late for me to bust out the calipers right now, but I can in the morning if there's interest in that comparison. In use this knife reminds me more of the LT Wright than the GEC. This makes sense given the history of the makers. I really like the handle and blade shape of this knife. The ergonomics are excellent, and the handle widens just enough as it goes back that there's no danger at all of the knife slipping out of your grip. I sharpened this knife to a convex edge, and it holds up very well. I'd strongly suggest this knife to anybody that's looking for an EDC belt knife. It might work as a pocket carry, but it's thickness wouldn't make it ideal for that in my opinion. This is a serious knife in a small package.

Overall, I'm very happy with all of my fixed blades, which is probably why I'm so eager to pick up more. I currently feel like I have two medium duty knives and two thin slicers. I'd like to expand into something more heavy duty without going overboard into the extreme hard core field. Something like a Hess Outdoorsman or Frontiersman or a Bark River Bravo 1 or maybe even an ESEE, but then we're getting out of the traditionals. Who knows, by the time I get the funds for another fixed blade something else will likely have grabbed my attention.

 

[Cory Hess]

I would definitely have more fixed blades if "production" fixed blades came with left handed sheaths ... Too expensive to get quality custom leather for every purchase.

I am with you on that one, Jim. It automatically adds around 20% a fixed blade purchase, for knives and sheaths in my price range. I don't know if it helps you, but LT Wright and Battle Horse both swapped out the right handed sheaths that came with my knives for left handed versions. Other makers might do the same if asked.

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

Great timing, I was just about to start a thread about what makes a traditional fixed blade, well, traditional? I'm working on a fixed blade for a friend of mine that wants a gift for the best man at his wedding. It's 1095 with a tapered tang with ironwood burl and partially banded aluminum bolsters. It's 6 3/4" overall.

 

[BrotherJim]

LT Wright and Battle Horse both swapped out the right handed sheaths that came with my knives for left handed versions. Other makers might do the same if asked.

Thanks Cory !!! Maybe I've been looking at the wrong makers

 

[Old Hunter]

KBA, Looks like you are off to a great start - and that you mostly favor short drop points. Among the many brands and styles I like in a fixed blade the Buck 100 series is my hands down favorites. I like the variety of blade choices coupled with the "family look" - the Buck 118 is the best deer hunters knife I have ever used, my hands down favorite. OH

Ps Go over to the Buck Forum here at Blade sometime and check it out - nice folks there, just like here on the Traditional Forum. Always lot of discussion on the age, variations, and steel types used by Buck over the years.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/701-Buck-Knives

 

[jonerays]

Absolutely love this thread! My knife journey started with fixed blades with a old western that my grandfather Gave to me.

I also recently acquired an LT Wright Bushcrafter HC which has been amazing. I've really been into the kephart style and am actually working on making a few as gifts.

I'll post a picture of my current top 5 after o get a chance to take some pics after work today.

KBA, I've been eying those Hess fixed blades. Stacked leather handles are by far my favorite! Yours is certainly a beaut!

Cory, I almost picked up a MuK myself. It is definitely on my short list, how do you like the A2? Have you had to sharpen it yet? If so,How was that?

 

[Kitten Party]

I am with you on that one, Jim. It automatically adds around 20% a fixed blade purchase, for knives and sheaths in my price range. I don't know if it helps you, but LT Wright and Battle Horse both swapped out the right handed sheaths that came with my knives for left handed versions. Other makers might do the same if asked.

I've been looking at some of the smaller lt wright knives like yours for edc. I like that camp knife but it may just be a tad big for suburban carry lol. The other ones I've been liking at are just way too small though. They seem to have very competitive prices which is what got me interested. And that green micarta screams to be used [emoji33]

 

[bozack]

I love straight blades. I have a fair share. Most don't see the light of day, they are collector grade. Others are hunting and camping knives. I, too, am left handed. Battle Horse Knives can be ordered with a left handed sheath, or, the sheath can be purchased separately.
I have some custom knives, here they are;


My current hunting knives include Hess and Battle Horse Knives. Notice the left hand sheaths.


I will post more later.

 

[kamagong]

I like fixed blades. Folders are eminently practical, but a good fixed blade brings a smile to my face.

I have a special fondness for forged blades. There is something about a smith working a piece of steel with fire, hammer, and anvil that captures my imagination.

This puukko is my favorite belt knife.



Forged blades, when made by skilled makers, often surprise you with their liveliness. The bowie and khukuri are both big knives and lighter than you'd think they'd be when you pick them up. It's a matter of balance. A smith who knows what he's doing distally tapers the blade, so you have a nimble piece of steel instead of a sharpened club.



I have some stock removal knives too. This one was inspired by the knives of the Argentine gauchos. It's my camp knife. Here it is on a recent trip to the Sierras.



I found this one when I was looking for a Kephart knife. I liked his ideas on the "common-sense sheath-knife." I didn't like the lines of the one he specifically chose though, so I looked for something that fit his guidelines. This one checks all the boxes except perhaps for the "broad pointed" part. Now I just need to find someone to regrind it for me as it is much thicker behind the edge than I like.

"On the subject of hunting knives I am tempted to be diffuse. In my green and callow days (perhaps not yet over) I tried nearly everything in the knife line from a shoemaker's skiver to a machete, and I had knives made to order. The conventional hunting knife is, or was until quite recently, of the familiar dime-novel pattern invented by Colonel Bowie. Such a knife is too thick and clumsy to whittle with, much too thick for a good skinning knife, and too sharply pointed to cook and eat with. It is always tempered too hard. When put to the rough service for which it is supposed to be intended, as in cutting through the ossified false ribs of an old buck, it is an even bet that out will come a nick as big as a saw-tooth — and Sheridan forty miles from a grindstone! Such a knife is shaped expressly for stabbing, which is about the very last thing that a woodsman ever has occasion to do, our lamented grandmothers to the contrary notwithstanding."

A camper has use for a common-sense sheath-knife, sometimes for dressing big game, but oftener for such homely work as cutting sticks, slicing bacon, and frying "spuds." For such purposes a rather thin, broadpointed blade is required, and it need not be over four or five inches long. Nothing is gained by a longer blade, and it would be in one's way every time he sat down. Such a knife, bearing the marks of hard usage, lies before me. Its blade and handle are each 4 1/2 inches long, the blade being 1 inch wide, 1/8th inch thick on the back, broad pointed, and continued through the handle as a hasp and riveted to it. It is tempered hard enough to cut green hardwood sticks, but soft enough so that when it strikes a knot or bone it will, if anything, turn rather than nick; then a whetstone soon puts it in order. The Abyssinians have a saying, "If a sword bends, we can straighten it; but if it breaks, who can mend it? " So with a knife or hatchet.

The handle of this knife is of oval cross-section, long enough to give a good grip for the whole hand, and with no sharp edges to blister one's hand. It has a 1/4 inch knob behind the cutting edge as a guard, but there is no guard on the back, for it would be useless and in the way. The handle is of light but hard wood, 3/4 inch thick at the butt and tapering to 1/2 inch forward, so as to enter the sheath easily and grip it tightly. If it were heavy it would make the knife drop out when I stooped over. The sheath has a slit frog binding tightly on the belt, and keeping the knife well up on my side. This knife weighs only 4 ounces. It was made by a country blacksmith, and is one of the homeliest things I ever saw; but it has outlived in my affections the score of other knives that I have used in competition with it, and has done more work than all of them put together."

Horace Kephart, Woodcraft and Camping

 

[Cory Hess]

Cory, I almost picked up a MuK myself. It is definitely on my short list, how do you like the A2? Have you had to sharpen it yet? If so,How was that?

This is my first knife with A2, and I like it a lot. It's a very tough steel, and hasn't even blinked at anything I've thrown at it. The blade came with a mirror finished convex edge. I took it to some sandpaper over a mousepad just to knock the shine off of it. For the jobs I'm using it for a mirror finish just isn't what I'm looking for. Other than that I've just stropped it, so I can't really comment on that aspect. I think that the fact that it's been on four camping trips and various testing around my property like chopping down smaller trees (about as big around as my thumb) and batoning some wood and hasn't had to be sharpened yet is a testament to the steel and the build of the knife. If you're on the fence regarding the MUK, get it. It's better than you think it'll be.

I've been looking at some of the smaller lt wright knives like yours for edc. I like that camp knife but it may just be a tad big for suburban carry lol. The other ones I've been liking at are just way too small though. They seem to have very competitive prices which is what got me interested. And that green micarta screams to be used [emoji33]

The MUK is definitely not one that I'd EDC myself. Not only is it pretty large for use around town, it's considerably thicker both in the blade and handle than any of my other knives. You definitely know when you're carrying it. For EDC I'd try the Coyote or Great Plainsman if you want to stick with LT Wright. I'd also take a look at the Battle Horse Frontier Valley like I pictured above. It's really a great EDC knife. It's small enough to be easy to carry and stout enough to handle any task you're likely to run into. It's also just a little more than half the cost of the Camp MUK.

 

[VCM3]

This forged integral stag knife (top),is a new style ( to me) I have been admiring .It just has a great feel & traditional look. Compact version

 

[KBA]

Than you all for the post! I was hoping others may be interested.


Cory - Wonderful write up my friend! I have been interested in each of the ones you have and like yourself, I see myself buying fixed blades over folders for a while. Im also looking at the Hess Outdoorsman. It such a great looking blade. If you grab one please let me know what you think.

lessismore - That is a beauty and an amazing gift! That Ironwood looks great!

OH - I always enjoy seeing your Buck collection. Last time I read you had miss placed one. Did you ever find it? I certainly have Buck on my lesson plan. Thank you for the link. Quick question, are current Buck models worth looking into? Or, should I stay look at a certain year or prior?

jonerays - Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate that. I started off with pocketable edc but Hess certainly is a great knife to expand into. I forgot to include the Western I just picked up. I think it's fro the 50s but not sure. I have family in today so I'll post it a bit later.

Christian - I was hoping you would drop in. This thread was started after I ran across a post of yours in another thread I forgot to save. Your taste in fixed blades has certainly caught my attention, and as you know through my pm to you, the khukiri is next on my list. As you stated, I am finding a smile forms when a see a good fixed blade. Also great to see another 1911 fan out there : )

Vincent - That is a beauty! Wonderful stag! If you look at my pic, you will notice that enjoy the raw look of forged blades. What is the OAL of the knife you posted?


Thanks again everyone. Im going to let this thread go where ever it may. I do hope to learn a bit of history. For other newbies, I found the write up on the Bowie interesting. I have always pictured the original bowie as a clip with a guard.

https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/lnb01

 

[cutchu]

Hey Brett. I only have a few different brands of fixed blades. I do not have any hard use review of any of them though, just moderate use (no hunting or anything). A couple that I have been getting interested in lately are Bark River and Fiddleback Forge. They are both great. Another poster mentioned forged knives. I have only recently found out about these, but have picked up a few since then. I really like them. They are generally thinner that the Barkies, but very well made. They have a moderated forum here on BF and regular sales that are an interesting way to market ones knives. I have never owned forged knives before and regret not having learned about the style sooner. I will try to post a couple pics here in the next day or two. Even if you are only mildly curious, you should check them out. Bring your check book. You will need it.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

I love slip joints, they have been and will continue to be the staple of my edc knives. That said, I find fixed blades to be not only necessary but ideal in some cases.
This is my idea of a nice forged hunter.

a good fillet knife is a great tool for a fisherman.

For edc multipurpose this fits my idea just right.

I don't own any of these anymore and one I only got to handle some, but each one had their own merit.

Chris

 

[Old Hunter]

Brett, I have forgotten which one I forgot! I think they are all accounted for (except for the ones I don't remember I own). As to age of the models; the current knives are good knives, well made, and affordable - a lot of knife for the money - I buy them. There are Buck collectors who want only the one line tang stamp, or two line, or three line (inverted or straight up), pre-date code, etc. You will see I have a variety of tang stamps variations - I just look for a nice example (or two) of each model. OH

 

[afishhunter]

Not sure if they qualify for this discussion, if not, mods, please delete this post. As far as I know, they are a traditional fixed blade.

Back when I was young, I had an Army/Navy Surplus Ontario 499 "Jet Pilot Survival Knife". Not sure what happened to it. Maybe I'll get another, and the 498 "Marine fighting knife".

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

How old is a tapered tang? I have a Dexter with a 12" blade and a tapered tang. Did this start for balance in kitchen/ butcher knives and move to hunters later? Was it Loveless that made that transition?

 

[EricV]

This Blackjack 125 is the only knife I've had which people (including my girlfriend) have described as "Pretty".



Its also a great cutter! Typically my girlfriend avoids using knives outside of the kitchen, but when we were last in Acadia she chose the 125 to use to cut up some kindling after I showed her how to split up the larger logs with it thanks to the guard.

Checking out the GEC fixed blades now, never knew they made them!