Considering a Fixed Blade

Fish Boy

Fish Boy

Joined
Aug 2, 2014
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I've been considering getting a fixed-blade knife for a while now. I love my folder but the lock is becoming more and more of a nuisance – it always seems to be sticky, even after having the manufacturer "repair" it twice. I've been looking at getting a smaller fixed blade along the lines of an Izula or BK14. However, I'm not the biggest fan of carbon steel. I do a lot of work in moist environments – and while I don't need super corrosion resistance – I'd like something more resistant to corrosion, preferably a high-end stainless steel.

Is there a fixed-blade similar to the BK14 or Izula that is in a higher-end stainless steel like 154CM or S30V? I'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks!
 
Chris Reeve Nyala in S35V is one that comes to mind, and is available in both wharncliff and clip-point styles. He also makes a Professional Soldier model that is more tactical in appearance.

ESEE also makes a 4" ESEE 4 in 154 stainless that is less money, however a little less stain-resistant than S35V would be.

If you have the money, a Nyala would be a great choice.
 
I carry a Bradford Guardian 3 in M390. More $ than the Izula or BK14, but less than some of the small BRKT's. Bradford Knives has their own web site and Blade HQ is also a dealer for them. You can find quite a few reviews and pix in the Knife Reviews subforum.

If you want to spend less, Boker Plus does some nice small FBs in 440C.
 
The Becker bk24 is a D2 version of the bk14. D2 isn't stainless, but its much more corrosion resistant than 1095. It is generally considered a semi-stainless steel.

Good luck with whatever you do :).
 
jmclfrsh said:
Chris Reeve Nyala in S35V is one that comes to mind, and is available in both wharncliff and clip-point styles. He also makes a Professional Soldier model that is more tactical in appearance.

ESEE also makes a 4" ESEE 4 in 154 stainless that is less money, however a little less stain-resistant than S35V would be.

If you have the money, a Nyala would be a great choice.
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The Nyala looks great, thanks for the input. I'll get one soon after I've done a little more research. Do you know of any way I can get custom scales for it in high-visibility orange?
 
I ordered a custom Dart EDC from Evans Knife and Tool, it's got 20CV steel and looks like quite the little knife. I haven't received it yet, but I'd recommend looking into it. :)
 
dalefuller said:
I carry a Bradford Guardian 3 in M390. More $ than the Izula or BK14, but less than some of the small BRKT's. Bradford Knives has their own web site and Blade HQ is also a dealer for them. You can find quite a few reviews and pix in the Knife Reviews subforum.

If you want to spend less, Boker Plus does some nice small FBs in 440C.
Click to expand...

I'll second the Boker Plus line. They make some great lower priced, but great quality imports. They don't use super steels, but do a lot of 440C and Aus8, which make for good every day users and easy maintenance.

For my own use, I've also considered the Izula in 440C or Damascus versions. Or the Becker BK24 in D2
 
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Got the Dart coming my way. Ordered with custom color handles and inlay. Even comes with a custom color to match Kydex sheath.
 
chris reeve professional soldier if youre looking for something more in the Izula BK14 style
 
The only fixed blade that makes it into the rotation for me anymore is the Dainel Fairly Ti Backpacker. Its incredibly light, 1/16 stock for great slicing, and a very utilitarian modified wharncliffe blade shape. It handles every edc task I can throw at it and still weighs less than an ounce.
 
PM sent to you. Would also suggest ESEE 3 LE as a nice knife, about $100.
 
Plus 1 on the BK24. I love mine and find D2 effectively as good as stainless for everyday use.
 
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The Blackjack 155 should fit your requirements nicely.
 
Fiddleback Forge just released a "production" bushfinger in s35v that is worth looking at. Bark River has some elmax blade offerings.
 
Another vote for Logan's suggestion of the BK-24.

D-2 is good, strong steel. I've never experienced a rust problem with it and consider its 'rust rep' way overblown. A BK-24 is next on my list as soon as I can manufacture an excuse to buy one....i.e. as soon as one of my way too many similar knives is lost or broken----BANG, I have a BK-24. :)

I think the OP probably takes good enough care of his stuff to be pleased with the 24 and that it'll never develop a problem for him. Certainly if he can go with a Nayala budget-wise that's a whole new ballgame and one of the best picks out there period.
 
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