EDC Fixed Blade

[Weiss]

I don't have one, but I kind of like the Sidekick by Off-Grid knives. It's under a hundred bucks, has a 3.5-inc Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, a kydex sheath, and in interesting design.

 

[conan11]

 

[Franciscomv]

ESEE 3 or Izula.
Fallkniven TH2 (the sheath is a tad bulky).
Morakniv Eldris (at $30 or under it's a great little, very little, knife).
Viper Lille 1 or 2, Koi or Berus (I'm quite fond of the sheepsfoot Berus).

 

[RickHuf]

G.L. Drew


LT Wright

 

[Chronovore]

Probably around $100 to $150. 3-3.5" blade length

I have been getting in to the Kizer drop bear fixed blades recently. I have a couple of 7s and just ordered a 3.

They are just cool and cheep and come with a range of options. Steels, handles, blade shapes.

This is the smallest one (i think) The drop bear fixed. Which comes with a toothpick and tweezers.

The fixed 3

I think they are really cheap for what you get.

Of course, getting something from David Mary is the ideal answer. If you want some budget-minded production choices...

The Kizer Drop Bear Fixed is below the low end of your size range but neat. It comes with SAK-style tweezers and a steel toothpick under the scales. Going just over the other side of your size range (3.75"), the Begleiter Fix is fantastic. It was easily my favorite production fixed blade of the year last year (at any price). It's available in different blade shapes and steels. The first pic below is a pair that I scale-swapped.

For something a little more svelte but squarely in your length range, the JL Drop Point by Kubey is great for what it is. It is available in a few different handle materials. You can see the Ultem version in my second pic. The Vosteed Mink is also squarely in your size range. You can see it in my third pic. Coincidentally, the Mink and JL Drop Point were close to a tie for my production fixed blade of the year in 2024. The last pic also showcases a near tie for new release budget cigars of the year in 2024. =P

 

[DangerZone98]

Ohhh I love this topic. Fixed blades don’t get enough love when it comes to EDC, it seems.

I rotate among my Esee Izula, Morakniv Eldris, and a cheap Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck. Discreet pocket carry with the stock sheath, nothing fancy. Short yet capable blades, and the handles still feel great in the hand.

Questionable advice perhaps, but for small fixed EDC, I assign greater importance to the handle/ergonomics over the blade. Of course, you would still pick something with a good steel and geometry. But that won’t stay in your rotation for long if your hand doesn’t like it.

 

[Drop bear]

Of course, getting something from David Mary is the ideal answer. If you want some budget-minded production choices...

The Kizer Drop Bear Fixed is below the low end of your size range but neat. It comes with SAK-style tweezers and a steel toothpick under the scales. Going just over the other side of your size range (3.75"), the Begleiter Fix is fantastic. It was easily my favorite production fixed blade of the year last year (at any price). It's available in different blade shapes and steels. The first pic below is a pair that I scale-swapped.

For something a little more svelte but squarely in your length range, the JL Drop Point by Kubey is great for what it is. It is available in a few different handle materials. You can see the Ultem version in my second pic. The Vosteed Mink is also squarely in your size range. You can see it in my third pic. Coincidentally, the Mink and JL Drop Point were close to a tie for my production fixed blade of the year in 2024. The last pic also showcases a near tie for new release budget cigars of the year in 2024. =P

There is a bigger one. A drop bear 3. Which is all very confusing.

Which I picked up today . And its pretty cool.

 

[RLB0414]

I routinely RFP this one. Sheath by Sharp & Fiery . Works great.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Ohhh I love this topic. Fixed blades don’t get enough love when it comes to EDC, it seems.

I rotate among my Esee Izula, Morakniv Eldris, and a cheap Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck. Discreet pocket carry with the stock sheath, nothing fancy. Short yet capable blades, and the handles still feel great in the hand.

Questionable advice perhaps, but for small fixed EDC, I assign greater importance to the handle/ergonomics over the blade. Of course, you would still pick something with a good steel and geometry. But that won’t stay in your rotation for long if your hand doesn’t like it.

I think your handle advice is good for All sizes of knives

 

[cbach8tw]

Ohhh I love this topic. Fixed blades don’t get enough love when it comes to EDC, it seems.

I rotate among my Esee Izula, Morakniv Eldris, and a cheap Cold Steel Mini Leatherneck. Discreet pocket carry with the stock sheath, nothing fancy. Short yet capable blades, and the handles still feel great in the hand.

Questionable advice perhaps, but for small fixed EDC, I assign greater importance to the handle/ergonomics over the blade. Of course, you would still pick something with a good steel and geometry. But that won’t stay in your rotation for long if your hand doesn’t like it.

Actually this makes a lot of sense, two things that this forum brings out that are important for small fixies is the length and comfort of the handle & how the knife will be carried, in comfort and ease of access.

 

[navman]

I love making small EDC fixed blades! Best knife is the one you have on you, and a larger knife is more likely to be left behind.

 

[ferider]

Probably around $100 to $150. 3-3.5" blade length

3.5" is folder territory for me - the advantages of a fixed blade (toughness, etc.) disappear. Get something 4.5" or larger, then you can cut at least a loaf of bread and make a peanut butter sandwich. In my experience one can carry up to 6.5" blade length comfortably, even in pocket. Longer, and it gets a little unwieldy.

In your price range, the Buck 104 ($155 in 5160, 4.5" blade) sounds perfect.

 

[norcalAF]

AB makes some amazing options!

 

[DangerZone98]

Actually this makes a lot of sense, two things that this forum brings out that are important for small fixies is the length and comfort of the handle & how the knife will be carried, in comfort and ease of access.

Yes, I don’t like small knives that are “small just for the hell of it,” if that makes any sense. What I mean by that is the manufacturer/maker wanted to design maybe a 3” blade or 5” OAL, but compromised on the comfort factor. Or maybe the proportions are off.

Hot take perhaps, but I’d argue it’s harder to make a great small fixie versus a great medium sized belt knife. The craftsman making a small knife has to eliminate the unnecessary without taking away too much.

Not about small fixies, but Spyderco is awesome at designing small knives. They feel great to handle.

 

[Zornhau]

Everyday work knife. I prefer to keep it simple.

 

[RugerNurse]

Everyday work knife. I prefer to keep it simple.

Love the look of the Izula. I need to try one again. Wish it was a bit thinner on the blade stock

 

[Recon_Tanto]

Brother I do not know what exactly you are after but I know for a fact the Cold Steel Kobun carries with great ease! As anyone can guess I am a BIG FAN of Recon Tantos - The Kobun is the slimmer, shorter cousin!! The steel is DEAD EASY to maintain and the gorgeous Hollow Grind cuts with precision.

 

[luethge]

Sharpened pry bars make good edc beaters.

 

[AntDog]

Well there's this:

And this of course:

We shouldn't forget this:

Or this:

Perhaps this:

Then of course:

Or:

Or:

Then:

Course there's always:

And:

Well heck lots of ways.

They’re $100-$150? Sweet.

 

[Dimitros]

As for prybars..
My son's little fixy update:
Forax Mini Fat by Pocket Steel Knives.
Rare one, there are like maybe a dozen of these mini Foraxes, and only 4 were "Fat". Blade thicknes is 6.6mm. (~0.26")