Best affordable fixed blade?

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
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I don't really have much of a use for one, but my collection misses them...I'm planning on buying a Vagabond in a couple weeks, but I know so little about fixed blades, so I was wondering if yall had any suggestions.

I don't want it to be huge. 4 inch blade or shorter, give or take...Has to have at least acceptable steel..No AUS4/420 stuff....has to come with a sheath, better yet, a system similar to the vagabond (that and its low price is what attracts me so much...man, I so wish I had ordered one with my spyderfly..)...I'd prefer it to be one of these brands -- spyderco, crkt, benchmade or kershaw. Not just because I trust them, but also because I can try them in a store. Open to others though. Would like it to be fewer than 50 dollars.
 
If you are open to something a little more unique, you might want to look at a Desperado by Cold Steel. I love mine. It's set up as a boot knife, but the clip isn't really strong enough. Also, given the strange shape it doesn't carry nicely. But if you take off the clip and attach a paracord, it is a perfect SD neck knife.
There is also the Juju from Benchmade. The blade on this guy is 4.75, but it is nice. Very unique. Steel is 440C. Great sheath. About in your price range online, too.
 
I'm not familiar with the Vagabond, but here are my suggestions for inexpensive fixed blades:

* Anza knives. Made from files, prices for standard models starting at $18. They can customize any of their models, or design a knife just for you.

* Ragweed Forge has a large selection of Scandanavian-style fixed blades, many of which are under $50. Mora is one particular brand to check out.

* Buck has some nice fixed-blades, such as the Pathfinder, Vangard, and Nighthawk.

* Allen Blade at www.bladecutlery.net has handmade knives starting at $52. E-mail him for a list of available materials, prices, and time estimate. I'm midway through a 12-14 week wait for one of his PackPal knives.

* I don't have any experience with SOG knives, but they have one fixed blade model that sells for $41. It's the "SOG Topo Contour" with zytel (plastic) handles and AUS-8 steel.

* Columbia River has a large selection of fixed blades in AUS-6, nearly all of which are under $50. The only CRKT fixed blade I have is the Stiff KISS; it's a decent knife for the money, and interesting.

* AG Russell has a line of lightweight hunting knives with quick release sheaths. They're available in a variety of steels, several sizes to choose from, and most are under $50. Steels: VG-10, AUS-8, and D2. The least expensive is the Hunter's Scalpel, AUS-8, for $20.

I hope that's enough to get you started.
Happy shopping,
Bob
 
Allen Blade makes good stuff but check GBU forum for warnings on his actually delivery times (varying from slightly delayed to never)
 
Benchmade Nimravus would be my pick of small fixed blades.

Also check out Spyderco Temperence and Camillus CUDA CQB.
 
Here's a couple of suggestions....

The Becker Necker is a good little neck knife made with 0170-6C high carbon steel @ 59 RC, 3 3/4" blade. (29.99 @ knifeworks.com)

bk-11.jpg


The Buck Mini Alpha Hunter is a great knife with premium
ATS-34 steel, stabilized rosewood handles, and a blade length of 2 1/2" (59.99 @ knifeworks.com)

bu196.jpg
 
if ya can find them john grecos fixed blades are pretty darned good and priced very modestly also.
 
Browning, Buck, Kershaw, Spyderco, Cold Steel, all made good fixed blades for the money. I would suggest a trip to Wal-Marts sporting good's section. Fortunately for us they are not wimps about selling knives and guns and they have a decent selection.
 
benchmade activator, benchmade nimravus, camillus terzuola cqb, spyderco perrin
 
Allen Blade makes good stuff but check GBU forum for warnings on his actually delivery times (varying from slightly delayed to never)
Click to expand...
I've read all of that too. Since he never asked for a deposit and I never gave one, I feel entirely safe placing my name on his list.

-Bob
 
No, those kabars are great. I grew up looking at kabars, the classic military fixed blade in my mind. In fact, I didn't even know they made folders until a couple years ago.
 
I second the Rant. Also, check out Cabelas, I believe it's their Alaskan Guide series, with S30V stainless if that's your choice of steel. I have 2 Katz knives and still can't understand why I don't read more about them. The Lion Cub is a perfect sized compromised field or if necessary survival knife.
 
Falkniven A1

Got 1 of the pre-production Benchmade Juju's. Not something I can see me grabbing over some of my other fixed blades but it is sure cool as hell to look at.
 
have you tried the CRKT fixed kasper companion?
great affordable fixed blade, IMO. excellent design and feels great in the hand.
comes with two sheaths, which arent so great but not quite so bad as people make them out to be. you could also just buy some Kydex and make your own.
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I'll also go with the Benchmade Rant DPT. I got one off of E-bay for less than 40 bucks. Sheath is an adequate cordura that will do the job for a few seasons in the field. The Rant also has a very nice feel to the hand.
 
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