Could use some help picking out a fixed blade

T

Thejoyofdriving

Joined
Feb 20, 2010
Messages
70
Hello! Im new here and joined because I need some help in choosing a new knife and to learn more. That aside, heres what I need some help with.

I've been in the market for a fixed blade for a while. Im looking for something that can do some chopping(making shelters and prepping fire wood mostly) yet still do "small knife stuff"; for example cutting fruit or sharpening sticks. I had my mind set on the TOPS Steel Eagle. However, after reading lots of opinions on it not being able to cut well with the factory edge profile, being more of a wedge than a knife, and the coating not being so great etc I decided I might want something else. The biggest issue is that im PICKY when it comes to knifes. A knife can do everything I want/need amazing but if i dont like the way it looks i will never get it. Here are the constraints/things i would like

In a nut shell:

7.5"-6.5" modern looking fixed blade plain edge w/ coating, must be able to do some chopping, linen micarda(or other) handle, steel must be able to handle some moisture, non leather sheath.



Details:



Uses: General survival/camping/backpacking/medium-heavy use needs
Size: ~7.5"-6.5"

Weight: ~15-25oz depending on length of the blade(shorter blade more weight, longer blade less weight) Blade needs to have weight so that it can chop.

Handle material: I really like Linen Micarda like on the Steel Eagle. I love the way it looks and feels. I am not as fond of the canvas micarda as sometimes it can feel a little rough for my liking. Ive never owned a Micarda handle so im willing to hear opinions on it or alternatives. Also keep in mind I have large"ish" hands so I tend to like thicker handles, but it depends. No wooden handles.

Sheath: Anything good which is non-leather. I would like it to have some sort of strap to hold the knife in securely.

Blade shape: This is tricky as there are so many variants. The blade shape is the area which I am most picky about. I like coated blades(must be a tough coating that wont just rub off), generally black. I do not like serrations.

Price: Under 200.

Steel: Dont have any real preference, it just needs to be resilient, withstand blows on the back on the spine for splitting wood. Since this knife will be used in the wilderness the steel needs to be able to handle some water with out aggressively rusting.


I prefer modern style knives that have that tactical look to them.



Thanks for helping, keep in mind im really picky when it comes to the way a knife looks so patience is appreciated :D
 
Last edited:
rifon2 said:
I suggest you take a look at the ESEE (f.k.a. RAT Cutlery) RC-6.
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Its a bit light, watched some vids of it chopping and it took a while. The knife looks ok, im not crazy about it but its definitely a possibility if i cant find anything else. Thanks for the suggestion!:D
 
I did some more research, looks like 1095 might not be the best steel for my app. I think i would like something with a little more corrosion resistance. I dont really want to carry a oiled rag to wipe my knife down after every use if its moist out. What do you guys think?
 
I use my ESEEs all the time and rust is never an issue unless you don't use it at all.
 
I would have said Bark River Knife and Tool, but most of them (if not all?) come with leather sheaths and the blades are not black. They are top notch. They are thick and ground to a fine edge -good combination for what you are looking for.

With a custom sheath they might surpass $200.
 
canadiantrailman said:
You might be looking for something that may not match your requests. A knife that is capable of chopping might need to be bigger than your desired length and to say that weight is not important may not be suitable since a good chopper usually is good due to not only its length but also its weight. My Cold Steel Trailmaster (16oz and 9.5" blade) is not exactly "tactical" in appearance but it is one awesome chopper. Plus I can whittle with the darn thing. I think it may be more important to weigh the functionality of what you need in a knife versus its tactical appearance.

Just my $0.02.;)
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I will refine my first post to include a weight range.
 
I think the RC-6 wasnt a bad suggestion, is there anything sort of similar with maybe a little longer blade, more weight and possibly a different steel with better stain resistance?
 
Check out the Fallkniven S1.

Does not meet your handle criteria.

I absolutly love mine and plan on a review soon. The other day at work I chopped ( it's not a chopper per se ) several two by fours maybe ten minutes or so and the edge where it met the pine was still quite sharp , that VG10 is hard to beat.

I like carbon steels but for a survival/hunting/hiking etc knife I would choose stainless anyday , why bother with rust in the field.

Tostig
 
Tostig said:
Check out the Fallkniven S1.

Does not meet your handle criteria.

I absolutly love mine and plan on a review soon. The other day at work I chopped ( it's not a chopper per se ) several two by fours maybe ten minutes or so and the edge where it met the pine was still quite sharp , that VG10 is hard to beat.

I like carbon steels but for a survival/hunting/hiking etc knife I would choose stainless anyday , why bother with rust in the field.

Tostig
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The S1 is way way small for what i need, but i have been looking at the A1. One problem I have with the A1 is that the coating sucks, unless they changed it recently the knifetests.com test showed it started rubbing off after just one 2x4.
 
Thejoyofdriving said:
The S1 is way way small for what i need, but i have been looking at the A1. One problem I have with the A1 is that the coating sucks, unless they changed it recently the knifetests.com test showed it started rubbing off after just one 2x4.
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most coatings will scratch off eventually.

i'd be looking at an A1 or A2 for a blade in that kind of length.

any particular reason for wanting it coated?
 
no other reason needed.

so long as you are aware that pretty much all coatings will eventually wear off.
 
Thejoyofdriving said:
his knives seem to have a little more of a classic look to them. Im more into the modern tactical look. Thank you for the recommendation however
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Be a shame for the trees to see ya commin! LOL j/k

Try a Busse Tank Buster, those are pretty awesome and very durable.
 
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