Considering a fixed blade

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spyderg

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Sep 28, 2014
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I typically carry a modern locking folder along with a slipjoint. Slipjoint sees 90% of daily tasks. I've been considering getting a fixed blade, (pocketable size, in a pocket sheath, under 4" blade) but here's my problem, the ones I like and would actually want to carry and use cost a pretty penny. I can't seem to justify the cost considering not much goes into fixed blades. Unlike the complexities of a folder, there is no detent to get right, no lockbar to align, no pivot needing perfect tolerances... Also my daily tasks don't warrant a fixed blade but that of course doesn't mean I don't want one .
Just wondering if many here thought the same way, bought perhaps a Bark River for example and what your conclusions are since? Do you still carry it? Use it?
 
Check out LT Wright Knives at dealers, or look in the Knifemaker's Market under fixed blades. Good EDC fixed blades come through there in the $60-$150 range, depending on what you're after. Enzo also makes a few that are very, very inexpensive, $40-$80 or so. Bark Rivers are marketed well, as having premium materials and a solid warranty, made by hand, hence the high prices. I have only owned one of those briefly, and wasn't sure that it justified the price tag... JK Handmade knives here on the forum also has some good looking EDC knives that aren't too expensive like BRKT can get.

...You can usually find good deals on a BRKT on the used fixed blade forum, too.

Collectorknives has some good fixed blade options in stainless and carbon steels. Arno Bernard knives look a lot nicer than BRKT for comparable prices. CK also has some Landi knives left in stock that he's doing 20% off I think.
 
What kind of price range are we talking? BRKTs are, what, $150-250? John with JK Knives can definitely make you a knife at any point of that range.

As far is if you'll actually carry it, that depends on where you live, what you do, what your laws are, etc. If you live in a major metropolis, I don't know if I'd recommend carrying a 4" blade fixed blade. You'd probably get more attention from the boys in blue than you'd like, even if the blade is legal. Also, there may be conceal laws preventing you from dropping it in your pocket. Carrying it the hip may raise red flags for genpop. If you live on a 40 acre farm, carry away.

I personally don't carry my fixed blades on my person. If I'm going somewhere where they will be used, they'll be in a knife roll. That has to do with the fact that I don't like a bunch of stuff in my pockets, something on my hip is uncomfortable, and I have no interest in answering questions as to why I'm carrying a huge knife when the Case Peanut in pocket will handle everything that that big fixed blade will accomplish in my every day.
 
I have a brkt adventurer that I carry on a regular basis but I bought that before hearing about some of Mike Stewart's shady dealings.
I'd recommend something from LT Wright, I always carry his stuff (bhk) when I go into the woods, or just keep an eye on the "for sale by maker" section of the exchange, there's always good stuff going at reasonable prices.
 
I second this ^^^ you don't need to spend a lot to get a nice fixed blade. LT Wright or one of our forum makers if you want full custom. Keep an eye on the Exchange to find a bargain also.
 
I pocket carry a fixed blade nearly every day; my blade of choice is a Bark River City Knife, as it is the best fit I have found for a daily user. However there are many out there that will work other than that specific knife.

As mentioned above by traumkommode traumkommode an Enzo Necker works well in this role. Also some of the ESEE's, LT Wright's and JK's, but don't rule out customs depending on your price range.

Forum member @Shaerk made this for me and it is fantastic for my needs:

[URL=http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/ts39/media/74CF0F6E-BE2F-430E-9920-23CB17599A28_zpsp888ai26.jpg.html][/URL]

I am really excited for this custom that is inbound right now from forum member @Charlie Mike , which includes an IWB kydex sheath:

[URL=http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/ts39/media/3843D9B4-6B32-44B3-A2BE-DC4ECC9B5872_zpsvteksk3l.jpg.html][/URL]

What is your price range?
 
Anza WT-5. I suggest this knife in a lot of threads like this. Nobody has ever taken the suggestion as far as I know, but II still like it and will keep suggesting it. I gave one to my son not too long ago. I have been carrying a precursor for over thirty years.

These knives are made from old files that are first annealed and tempered. I like the natural micarta, but didn't see it in the catalog the last time I looked. They did show handles in black micarta and couple of different woods. Mine was about $25 at a bike swap meet. Currently the WT 5 is in the neighborhood of $65, with a pretty nice leather sheath. That is from the maker. You can probably find it for less elsewhere.

The blade is only 2.75", 6" overall. I can just drop it in a pocket. I have another one with a similar handle in micarta with a blade just under 4". These are very tough working knives that I have found useful over the years for a wide variety of tasks, many of them entirely inappropriate for a knife. I can't seem to hurt it.

This is a stock photo of the WT 5.

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This is my old knife:

HCKP3L.jpg
 
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Hess White Tail may fit your bill. Great knifes made in Gladstone, Michigan for less than $100. The blades are 1095 steel @ 58 HRC made by GEC
3 3/8 inch clip blade overall length 7 1/4 inches, blade thickness .120 inches, weight: 3 ounces.
Gunstock Jack is a BF registered dealer and has them in stock has them in stock here. http://gunstockjacksknives.com/Hess-GEC-Fixed-Blade-Knives_c50.htm

Here's mine next to a Washington Jack for size comparison.

upload_2017-7-22_20-49-58.jpeg
 
Save your money and buy a JK Handmade Knives Worker B&T or a Bluegill. John's knives are a real bargain. The Worker in particular is a great design, IMO.
 
If you are looking for a small fixed blade for every day use you might want to consider the Buck 113.
Just my 2 cents.
 
It's not a budget issue per say, more of trouble justifying the cost of what I happen to like. I'm partial to the Northwoods, (Bark River) Mackinaw. I'm not looking for recommendations really, although I'll be taking a look at a few of your guys suggestions anyway. I'm more interested in opinions on carrying a fixed blade of this type from anyone who was thinking along the same lines as myself when they went ahead with it. Thanks for the responses!
 
spyderg said:
It's not a budget issue per say, more of trouble justifying the cost of what I happen to like. I'm partial to the Northwoods, (Bark River) Mackinaw. I'm not looking for recommendations really, although I'll be taking a look at a few of your guys suggestions anyway. I'm more interested in opinions on carrying a fixed blade of this type from anyone who was thinking along the same lines as myself when they went ahead with it. Thanks for the responses!
Click to expand...

Pocket carry isn't the most comfortable method in my experience, unless the knife is small and the sheath is clipped.

I'd recommend a horizontal carry sheath, pretty discrete without making it difficult to access the knife. And frees up a pocket for other things.
 
I was looking at KSF's pocket sheaths, the ones that fill the pocket. Not sure how it will feel but my left front pocket is dedicated to my modern folder as it is, sometimes keys with SAK Vagabond as a dangler but nothing else so I thought I'd try it there in place of the folder if I go ahead with it.
 
For (front) pocket carry, I recommend the LT Wright Patriot and BRKT Mini Fox River. There are a few other good options that aren't really appropriate to this subforum.
 
I bought the Hess White Tail specifically to pocket carry and I have it in my right front pocket often. I have a paracord lanyard I made that attaches to my belt and the sheath so I don't lose the knife. I have found when it's in my pocket it is very comfortable and I don't notice it I use it more than my folder because of the convenience. It is easy to access and because of both the small size and the blade shape is all I really need for 99.9% of all my cutting task. I'm defiantly an advocate of fixed blade pocket carry and with you a modern folder guy just want to add that no locking system is as strong as a full tang sheath knife.
 
I have several suggestions for easily pocketable small fixed blades (<3" blade), but none of them fit the definition of traditional in my mind, until you add scales made from a traditional material and a leather sheath -- at which point you limit pocketability........
OTOH, all are under $100.
 
I know of a few makers that swore of making fixed blades and turned exclusively to folders simply because they didn't want to make sheaths anymore. Maybe there's more to a good sheath knife than you think.
That said, I have picked up a BRK Bumblebee awhile back and it is IMO pretty near EDC perfection. The handle though small is very comfortable, the F&F superb, the sheath is versatile enough for pocket or belt, and then there's the blade.. very thin Elmax steel that only takes a few swipes on the strop to hone it back to laser sharpness.
I think paying a bit more for this little gem was well worth it.
 
Thanks for the responses guys. If I go ahead with a fixed blade it will definitely be a traditional style. I've already got 2 Spyderco Swicks to put scales on but haven't got to yet and a little Boker Gnome but it's too small to replace my modern folder. I usually carry a 3.5" blade so I'm looking at 3.5-4" fixed blades. If I got a smaller one I'd likely just use my slipjoint for the tasks it could handle. I like the slim handle on the Northwoods I mentioned, that's one reason it's a front runner. I feel it would carry better being slim like that. Thoughts? Suggestions on other slim handled traditional style fixed? I took a peek at GEC hunters but they're a touch shorter and perhaps a bit too thin stock, as much as I like a slicer, I think I want a fixed to be a bit more robust...
 
at that size, you should look at the TM Hunt Magua or the Hess Knifeworks large Caper
 
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