Best Small Fighter for Under $250

[kwai chang 7]

Can anybody recommend a small fighter for under $250? I'm looking for a 4.25" to 4.75" blade at .25" thick in BG-42 or better. I prefer spear or clip point style and spine serrations (but partial blade serration is acceptable). I have no preference for finish but corrostion resistent coating is preferred. Your wisdom is requested.

'Live with honor'
J.Y.

 

[glockman99]

While it's not 1/4 inch thick, the Gerber Yari might be a good one to take a look at. The blade is about 4.75 inches long, and the steel is 156CM, which is a pretty good stainless steel.

 

[psy-ops]

why would you want a 1/4" fighter the weight of a knife that thick will impede your speed.

I would go with a Nealy or Polkowski or an Emerson police utlity.

 

[Sundsvall]

Wally Hayes made some small fighters out of O1. They are perfect for what you want and in the right price range as well.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=252677

I would also consider the Strider MFS, it's ATS-34, but it's pretty good ATS-34. It's got fighter moxie as well as utility.

 

[Benjamin Liu]

The Trace Rinaldi LEO, the Fehrman Peacemaker, or the Busse Badger might work for what you want. Most of Newt Livesay's knives are in 1095 but some are available in D2 since you are looking for a high end stainless.

 

[shmoopiebear]

If you can wait four years, there is always the Randall Military Classic.

If not, there is the Buck Strider Solution in BG42.

No spine serrations on either, I'm afraid.

Good luck.

Originally posted by kwai chang 7
Can anybody recommend a small fighter for under $250? I'm looking for a 4.25" to 4.75" blade at .25" thick in BG-42 or better. I prefer spear or clip point style and spine serrations (but partial blade serration is acceptable). I have no preference for finish but corrostion resistent coating is preferred. Your wisdom is requested.

'Live with honor'
J.Y.

 

[sharkman415]

Try looking at the swamprats,the bandicoot in particular...outstanding value for the cash...a division of Busse Combat...no serrations though...

 

[kwai chang 7]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm narrowing the search to 3/16" thicknesses and dumping the serrations. I'm checking out the Busse Badger, Swamprat Bandicoot and Buck Strider Solutions. Also checked out Mad Dogs (cool) and Missions but they're steep. What about TOPS knives?

 

[Benjamin Liu]

TOPS knives are good, but you indicated that you wanted "BG-42 or better." Most of their knives are 1095 which is a good steel but not stainless if that is what you want. If you can go with carbon TOPS knives will be a good choice as would Livesay knives. If you want the Badger, though, you'd better hurry because they will be dicontinued. They might make a new version though. Check the Busse forum for details.