EDC = N+1

I think Blade HQ just got some fixed Skylines in S30V, great sub $100 option.
 
Bang*Bang** said:
The guardian 3 is beautiful and gets great reviews. One guy called it "the perfect edc." If only it was $50! LOL.

Yup, still leaning towards the Boker Rambler as the taste tester. I'll see about posting something up once I get sorted out.

At this point zknives makes pretty pictures.

It does make me wonder if there is a heat treatment equivalent resource? Anyone know?
Click to expand...
Heat Treaters Guide Companion.

The only thing I don't like is that they don't state soak times at Austenitize temp.
 
Bang*Bang** said:
Funny thing with the CS MH, no one seems to take notice of it when I carry it traditional style on the hip... until I pull it out. Then I get the comments... which is why I haven't taken it to work.

I plan on looking into all the knives mentioned, over time.

Condors - not stocked at my local store.
Moras - I appreciate their quality, but not their aesthetic.
Enzos - nice, but also more $ than the Boker option.
Boker Rhinos - a close call, but it's an online only purchase at my local store and I kinda like having a pointy end for packaging.
SAK's - Had one close on me once. I don't see these as primary knives. Good light option vs Leatherman, but I like pliers... and locking blades.
Folders - Meh. Maybe someday. Not my jam at this point.

The Boker Rambler is $50 Canadian (CDN), so it seems to be a front runner for look/steel/price (440C, hollow grind, 5 3/8ths total size, 2 3/4" blade, black leather sheath, different enough from the CS MH in 3V).

I really don't know if a small fixed blade is going to work for me, so this particular package seems to be a good fit for what I'm after. especially since it's about as small as fixed blades seem to get with a (close to) 3" blade, and cheap... ehem, inexpensive.
Click to expand...

I dont get it, does the purchase HAVE to be at your local store? Just trying to figure out if that is yet another consideration, or if online purchase is ok here.

Above, you hit something very important right on the head, and probably didn't realize it. People, dont tend to get as freaked out with traditional looking stuff. When they see something thats "old timey" it doesn't get their cackles up. But when you whip out a black blade, it trips the alarm sensor.

I can't imagine carrying a fixed blade around the office, but if that's what you want to do, I'd say go with something that looks very traditional. Something like a Buck 113 is a great example.

41qI2YBVqbL.jpg


Wood and brass... it's reminiscent of the olden times and doesn't look like anything that people associate with a weapon. It can also be had for under $50 (USD) and is made in USA of Buck's excellent 420HC. I would definitely avoid anything with a blacked out blade, G10, Micarta, etc.. and stick with wood, bone, stag, brass, copper, etc...

You've already established that it's not the carrying of the knife on the belt that freaks people out, it's the appearance of the blade, so that is the most important factor to assess when you want to mitigate that bad reaction.

Another good option I just thought of. You said you love the function of Mora but no the aesthetic. Fair criticism. Let's switch it up with Helle and get you that utility, in a nice traditional birch handled knife that once again, doesn't look like a weapon.
timthumb.php
 
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http://vault.sfu.ca/index.php/s/OEpRu4VgwTtrOAH

I went for the Boker Rambler in 440C.

Here you can see it compared directly with the Cold Steel Master Hunter (CS MH) in 3V and diamond like coating (DLC). It's only slightly bigger than the MH's blade, so significantly smaller ( almost 1/2 the size).

http://vault.sfu.ca/index.php/s/1c2spV4TGYv5eFB

Here are a couple of shots of how I'm trialling it in appendix carry with a temporary hook and loop sheath adapter so it can be horizontal on a belt.

http://vault.sfu.ca/index.php/s/ixxoPO7ImQXCtwb

Second picture to demonstrate that it can move along the belt a little bit. Kinda handy.

http://vault.sfu.ca/index.php/s/z9kENlBZ4sv1CAQ

After a couple handful of uses, I can say this:
Pro:
-Super small and stealthy
-Fits in a pocket, even with the sheath
-Feels really sturdy/strong in the hand
-Super comfy to wear
-Sweet looks (IMO)
-It's awesome for veining shrimp!

Cons:
- My hand gets a two-finger grip when applying pressure (Medium glove size)

Neutral:
-Sheath
-It needs a lanyard, especially for a four-finger grip to pull it out if the sheath
-The hollow grind is so subtle it seems almost like a V-grind
-440C ain't no CPM-3V... obviously.

Is it good bang for buck? Well, it was basically the cheapest thing I could find that had a passable steel, a handle and a sheath included. I'm going with a tentative yes at this point.

It was $50 (CDN) all in. A lot of the recommendations were around $100, and I can see why. That was just too much for a proof of concept for me at this point. I really love my CS MH that I got for $150 (CDN), so now I just have to decide what suits me more... and possibly spend more money trying other stuff.

Do people trade knives on here ever?
 
Keep an eye on the Knifemakers' for sale forum; Landi has some really nice, small EDC fixed-blades that regularly come up for $60, with sheath. I have the 2 1/2' blade version(he also does a 3 1/2") and it's about perfect for various chores. The colors are less threatening to non-knife types too...
 
Has the Izula been suggested? It's one of the best production options available for the price. Another good option is the Sugar Creek Knifeworks PSK.
 
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P7HVN said:
Keep an eye on the Knifemakers' for sale forum; Landi has some really nice, small EDC fixed-blades that regularly come up for $60, with sheath. I have the 2 1/2' blade version(he also does a 3 1/2") and it's about perfect for various chores. The colors are less threatening to non-knife types too...
Click to expand...

fishiker said:
Has the Izula been suggested? It's one of the best production options available for the price. Another good option is the Sugar Creek Knifeworks PSK:
Click to expand...

He already got the knife....
 
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Palonej - Thanks! My goodness, there are many pages there to explore.

Landi's knives are amazing! Thanks for the heads up, P7HVN!

Izula's, etc - they're almost the size/price of the CS MH. I had a look at my local shop, and wasn't particularly inspired. maybe I'll consider a compromise some day, but the more I think about it, the more I miss my MH.
 
Hold the phone. I just reprofiled the edge with a steeper secondary bevel and all of the sudden the Boker Rambler turned into a lightsaber.

There may be a new hope!
 
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