Custom fixed blade

M

Mish_Mike

Joined
Mar 7, 2017
Messages
239
So I've caught the bug, right, and what I want is a very durable, sharp, practical knife for hunting and survival. I'm not really into fantasizing about zombie apocalyptic scenarios, although I do enjoy The Walking Dead as much as anyone else. I'd get a machete or a Crocodile Dundee knife for that. Rather, I'd like something that would give me an edge sharp enough to do some basic skinning, as well as something durable enough for feather sticks and widdling, as well as a general purpose knife when in base camp.

Anyway, I was considering a Fallkniven F1 fitted w/ custom handles (Bark River?), which would offer a maintenance free blade, as well as better ergonomics. But that would jack up the cost I'm sure. Then I thought, "why not find a custom knife maker to build me one?" It'll probably be right around the same price.

Who would you guys consider to make you a knife like this?
 
I would just look in the knifemaker's for sale forum. There is a pretty broad range of work on offer.
 
+1 on the above advice. You might also browse until you find a maker that best fits your personal style, and catches your eye. Then, email him and see if you can get a deal going on having one made to your specs. Everyone I have dealt with here on the forums have always been very courteous and helpful.
 
Mish_Mike said:
... what I want is a very durable, sharp, practical knife for hunting and survival. ...I'd like something that would give me an edge sharp enough to do some basic skinning, as well as something durable enough for feather sticks and widdling, as well as a general purpose knife when in base camp...
Click to expand...

Settle in your mind on blade length, thickness, and materials as well as price and then just browse a bit: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

Prices range from <$100 to >$500 but there are a lot in the middle $150 - 200 range and from places as near as perhaps your own state to as far away as India and Pakistan.

If you see a style you like but not quite the knife you are looking for, just drop the maker a line and work out a design and price-quote with him/her. Most of the makers have a website of some type as well, even if just a facebook page, where you can see some of their other creations. Well worth the look, imho.

Here are a few from the front page that may catch your eye:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1477618-V4E-Tactical-Backup-Knife
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http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...2-and-Cocobolo-Fighter-with-Hamon-and-Leather
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I also recommend bluntcut and timos- from whom I have received knives and been exceedingly satisfied with their performance :thumbup:
 
If you want a knife to cut stuff with and not to bang thru firewood...
take a look at Dozier knives.



They don't call Bob Dozier Dr D2 for nothing :)
The shop has a looooooooong wait time, but you can get immediate satisfaction from the purveyors like AG Russell and others.
 
Ebbtide said:
If you want a knife to cut stuff with and not to bang thru firewood...
take a look at Dozier knives.



They don't call Bob Dozier Dr D2 for nothing :)
The shop has a looooooooong wait time, but you can get immediate satisfaction from the purveyors like AG Russell and others.
Click to expand...

Bob Dozier has knives for sale just about every week (Mondays or Tuesdays) on his web site. They usually sell pretty fast. I really like the Pro Guides knife for a general woods knife. That would be the 2nd knife from the top. It's a pretty tough knife with a flexible blade shape. Might be a tad big for hunting, but you can certainly make do.
 
I'll also throw my 2cents behind Bob Dozier. His knives are on the small, light, and practical side. Razor sharp. Perfect for hunting, skinning, making fuzz sticks, and general camp use. They don't cost much for a custom, handmade knife and come with a functional kydex sheath

Having said that, these are not the giant 5 lbs tanks designed to baton through elm trees...so they won't meet the typical YouTube commando's definition of wilderness survival knife.
 
Emre said:
...Having said that, these are not the giant 5 lbs tanks designed to baton through elm trees...so they won't meet the typical YouTube commando's definition of wilderness survival knife.
Click to expand...

That be true. The Wilderness knife is the closest Dozier to a "tank". I have one.
 
Definitely look at the knifemaker's for sale under fixed blades on here. You will see some great knives!!

All of these but one is a custom. I am getting one more slimline machete made by Robert Martin, and he is such a great guy he is throwing in an extra smaller 3V fixed blade with the machete. If you can get your hands on a Carothers field knife, that is a great smaller fixed blade, that one is on the far right in this picture. For $500, you can get two amazing customs, one large and one small. That is what I would do. IMO


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Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to spend endless hours scouring the custom knife exchange. Should be another sleepless night.
 
There is a neat little utility knife from AF knives in 1084 and nice desert ironwood. Also I like some of the knives from Redsquid2, good handles. These are good quality utility knives and not super expensive that can be found on the exchange. Check out some of the makers and get others' feedback from dealing with them.
 
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