Do it all fixed blade

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NG VI said:
Not a hatchet, a smatchet!

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David Mary is going to be building me the "Godzilla of Smatchets"!

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Great deal here for a well known custom maker:

No Frills SOLD

No frills just good every day knives I use 1095 in a lot of my knives because it is readily available, priced to where I can keep my costs down, takes a fine edge that lasts if properly heat treated, is easily forged and machined, it is tough and easily sharpened. The downside is that there is...
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Sbs1974 said:
I don’t know much about fixed blade knives, I’ll admit. But being that I’m in need of one or more, it’s best I find out some more. As my gal and I have recently decided to move to our property in the country I’m going to be in need more of a fixed blade. A knife that can “do it all” so to speak. It might mean cutting boxes, cutting twine or rope, cutting up other things around the property. No heavy use like logs but I’m sure it will be doing a bit of just about everything.

So, with that being said, what’s a good everyday practical knife? The only fixed blade I own right now is an Esee 4. I like it but don’t think it is going to be the knife I use. Nothing wrong with it, just not in love with it’s so it’s mainly stored in the shed.

Any ideas are welcome. Thanks
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ESEE 3 in CPM S35VN.
 
My advise:

- get a 4-5" blade
- stretch your budget a little to $250 or so
- browse the knife maker section on the Exchange, see if a custom knife catches your eye. In many cases, these are better than run-of-the-mill production knives
- make sure you get a good sheath, and that you like the way it's supposed to be carried. _Very_ important for long-term use, IMHO.
- pick a tough steel with a little chrome at least. M4, A2, 3V, AEB-L, Nitro-V, Elmax, CPM 154, etc. Will be much easier to maintain in the long run.

Have fun shopping !

Roland.
 
NG VI said:
And I'm pretty sure Brad Larkin announced the launch of the company and concept for the Guardian 3 right here on Bladeforums! I've got two in the 3 size, one FFG M390 and one Vanadis-4E Sheepsfoot. They're really excellent, especially the sheepsfoot.

And I also strongly suggest buying a couple of different Mora knives to use for riskier chores and to loan out if needed. And one that may or may not appeal to you, but is also really great and not too pricey, would be Kizer's Butcher. I bought one as a bit of an impulse purchase and to be like a lime cutter, turns out it loves the G-Clip carries nicely. And cuts beautifully.
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Is that right?? Im still fairly uneducated on Bradford but they've been on my short list for a very long time
 
ferider said:
My advise:

- get a 4-5" blade
- stretch your budget a little to $250 or so
- browse the knife maker section on the Exchange, see if a custom knife catches your eye. In many cases, these are better than run-of-the-mill production knives
- make sure you get a good sheath, and that you like the way it's supposed to be carried. _Very_ important for long-term use, IMHO.
- pick a tough steel with a little chrome at least. M4, A2, 3V, AEB-L, Nitro-V, Elmax, CPM 154, etc. Will be much easier to maintain in the long run.

Have fun shopping !

Roland.
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Another thing I was going to mention is the custom fixed blade route. SO many excellent makers out there and just here on the forums that are making lifetime quality pieces for not very much money at all.
 
Since you have the Esse 4, my suggestion is to start using it around the house/yard to see what you like/dislike about it.

This might sound obvious, but the weight and shape of a knife can drastically change how it performs certain jobs, so those are the key aspects I’d focus on while you’re working.

As you cut, think: Would I like this knife to be heavier, longer, have a thinner blade or handle?

Once you’ve figured out the general size/shape of what you want you can start looking at steels, aesthetics, price, etc.

Good luck and please let us know what you get!
 
A few things I would want in a fixed-blade that I was going to use to cut a lot of cardboard would be-

Really good steel/great edge retention

A somewhat thin blade with a finely ground edge

No blade coating (less friction when cutting)

I'd hate to limit myself to just one or two fixed-blades. They can be such useful tools, both for expected use and unexpected use. Although I doubt I'll ever need one again I like to keep a variety, some with thick blades and thick edges (can be used for prying should the need arise), some with thin blades and very fine edges (the ones I call my "slicers").

Variety isn't just "the spice of life", it also expands our work capabilities and problem-solving potential.
 
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