Best HD fixed blade for contractor/construction work

I’ve had a RAT RC6 (ESEE6) around the construction sites for over 15 years.
He would probably be better served with the ESEE 4. Same thickness as the 6, but in a handier package.
If he’s going to pry and twist a lot, I would get something from walmart, like Ozark Trail.
 
I’ve not seen it yet so I’ll throw it out there. The Stanley tools fat max wrecking knife. I know guys that beat the absolute crap out of those things and they held up for years. If he is going to pry and twist and still needs to cut sheet rock it’s a good option.
 
I’m an hvac technician of 31 years and always have some sweet knives in my pocket. But to be honest they are just for my personal pleasure as when I’m working I use my cheap old Stanley retractable razor knife. My tool bag is always with me so I grab it when I need a blade. It serves me well and I don’t have to worry about it!IMG_5228.png
 
Having done a lot of home building, remodeling, repair, and demo work the first thing I have to say is if this is what he does for a living he will not want a knife for this purpose. He'll know there are much better/safer tools for the job.

The Becker BK3 or CPK Fireman's Knife are built for that type use but are heavy and bulky to actually carry on your person. And if you have to reach for a tool anyway ... there are much better/safer options.

If you're set on getting him a knife and just want a tough easy to sharpen knife that can take some abuse, but isn't actually a great demo tool or even a great knife (as in simply cutting stuff) and is relatively inexpensive ... an Esse 5 or Becker BK2.

If you really want a crazy tough knife that can handle being used to pry and beat through wood and nails ... a CPK or Busse would be the way to go.

If you want to get him a good quality fixed blade knife to have when he actually needs a cutting tool something in the 3" to 4" that carries easily and doesn't get in the way would be my suggestion. Something in Cruwear, 3V, or AEB-L would be good options. A Bradford 3.5 sheepsfoot in AEB-L or 3V would be a good option if you think he'd break a finer tipped drop point blade.

With all that said ... I carry a CPK EDC almost daily and have used it cut about every material you can imagine when needed including metal bands when I had no other tools available, I've even stripped wire with it in a pinch, but I still carry a folding or retractable utility knife on a job/worksite for simply making cuts. For other tasks I grab cutters, a prybar, screwdriver, or demo tools ... whatever the job calls for.

I get it ... I love carrying and using my knives as much as anyone, but I've seen guys lose fingers or get cut so badly they needed surgeries to repair severed tendons and nerves from trying to use a knife to do jobs they aren't made for. It's just not worth it.
 
Tritium said:
My son in law is a contractor and he's looking for a fixed blade. He mostly does repairs on houses that includes a lot of demo work. He's not a knife guy and I know he will twist and pry as much as he will cut with it, so it needs to be stout. It also needs to be easy to sharpen because he will be doing that himself. I was thinking maybe a warncliffe with 3-4 inch blade. It has to have a full handle and nice sheath. And since he's new to knives it has to be reasonably priced.

Anyone with suggestions and experience using a knife in that line of work? I would appreciate some help.
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Check the big box hardware stores and tool store web sites. There are knives which are specifically designed for that sort of thing. Not expensive, but extremely durable.

example: Milwaukee makes what it calls a "Tradesman Knife".
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kershaw 8810 - you could sharpen it pretty easily ;) does the job well

KS8810_1.jpg
 
Bigburly912 said:
I’ve not seen it yet so I’ll throw it out there. The Stanley tools fat max wrecking knife. I know guys that beat the absolute crap out of those things and they held up for years. If he is going to pry and twist and still needs to cut sheet rock it’s a good option.
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This is a good answer combined with a multitool. For what its worth I did a bunch of that type of work when I was younger and always used a Buck 110. I quickly broke the tip and reground it into more of a chisel point. That became an impromptu prybar. Prying with any knife is a bad idea, but people learn best through pain in my opinion.
 
Thank you everyone for all your suggestions and advice! I'm going to look into some of the less expensive options and get him something that will help him learn what he should and shouldn't do with a knife as well as learn what he needs. I am not expecting him to make this a hobby. I suspect it will always just be just a tool for him and treat it as such. I have CPK and Busse knives and I wont be starting him out on those. I would most likely have use the warranty if I did.
 
Becker BK2 or the Magnacut version. But those are a bit heavy even though the tanks are skeletonized. A slab of steel a quarter inch thick isnt light.

It is a beast. I've seen a video of a guy breaking one but by using a hammer to pound it through a tree.

A jakaaripuukp with Bolteron sheath is a good option. Very tough and easy to sharpen.

The Becker BK3 is a sharpened pry bar. Flat end, with a chisel grind.

Milwaukee (the tool company) makes a single edged knife, the Tradesman that is inexpensive but is a pretty good knife. only about $20 at most hardware stores that carry it. I've played around with a couple of their other knives and they seem pretty rugged.
 
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Hvactech said:
I’m an hvac technician of 31 years and always have some sweet knives in my pocket. But to be honest they are just for my personal pleasure as when I’m working I use my cheap old Stanley retractable razor knife. My tool bag is always with me so I grab it when I need a blade. It serves me well and I don’t have to worry about it!View attachment 3121543
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I’m with ya on this one. I’ve been in construction my whole life and have never needed a fixed blade knife. A razor blade is all Ive ever needed along with pry bars for prying etc. And as someone who’s worn a tool belt Ive only ever wanted to carry only what’s necessary. A fixed blade not being one of them. For efficiency purposes, using the proper tool is key. Can’t ever think of a time Ive needed a fixed blade.

Now if he just wants one cause he likes em or thinks it’ll look cool than roll with it. Nothing wrong with that either. That’s pretty much why I own every knife I have. 😂
 
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