edc small fixed blade

S

Seanski

Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Messages
548
Hello,

Was wondering if it's relatively comfortable to edc a fixed blade knife? I am looking at several blades such as Ka-Bar TDI, Becker Bk-11, Cold Steel Brave Heart, to name a few and was wondering if they are a bit of a pain or cumbersome to edc? I really am looking for some type of a belt carry not around the neck which really doesn't give me a feeling of comfort. Any suggestions on these knives and carry with their standard sheaths?
Thank you.

Sean
 
It really all depends on what you're going to be doing all day. If you work in an office environment I wouldn't suggest carrying a fixed blade. In an office you're going to be getting up and sitting down all day and a fixed blade, in my opinion, would just get in the way no matter where you carried it.

It's all an issue of comfort. Find something roughly the size of the knife and attach it to your belt in different points and sit down and stand up a few times and see where the best position is going to be.

I don't understand the point of carrying IWB, looks like sharp things are too close to important things and I can't see how it could be comfortable, but it could be a viable option for you.

If I had to choose from the three knvies you listed, I'd pick the BK-11 and try to find someone to modify the sheath or make a nice leather sheath for it (and a handle while you're at it).

But again, make sure you're going to be comfortable with a knife flapping around your hip all day. Everyone is built different and what feels comfortable to one person could feel like a boulder under the pillow for someone else.

See what happens and what feels good, and just think of it as an excuse to buy a new knife.
 
I'm trying to find a good EDC fixed blade too. I have the RAT RC-3 but prefer it as a hiking knife, same for my BRKT Canadian Special. You say you're not interested in a neck knife, but I must say they are surprisingly handy. I have four of them made by Murray Carter and I have to admit they are the most convenient-to-carry fixed blades I've had. I'm trying to now find that same convenience in a belt knife, if possible.

IWB I don't mind if it's a short knife. I'm interested in the Dozier "type-A" belt sheath that is a horizontal cross-draw type, something I've not tried before.
 
Rat Cutlery Izula with MOLLE Lock, or Becker BK11 with KA BAR TDI Clip worn inside the waistband.
 
I used to carry a RAT3 IWB with the molded clip in the sheath., worked pretty good. The Polkowski Alpha Jammer is another good IWB FB. It's OAL is 7" & the kydex sheath is made specifically for IWB. Derespina's Model 10 Karambit carries well IWB, too, as the curved handle & blade tends to be comfortable.

I don't mind neck carrying a knife, but for me, it needs to be fairly small to be comfortable. For me, the best for neck carry have been the HAK, Spyderco SPOT, & an Emerson La Griffe (What I currently neck carry when I do).

Recently, I picked up another little BM FB, this one being the 211 (Winewood scales & D2 blade). At an OAL of 5.5", it can actually be pocket carried fairly comfortably. I've used the leather sheath in my front pocket, but made a kydex sheath for it to carry in my back pocket, next to my wallet or gun (Depending on what & where I'm carrying that day). With either the leather sheath it came with or the kydex sheath I made, OAL in the sheath is 5.75", so it'll still fit well in the pocket. It has worked pretty good so far.

I've also heard some people carrying one of the Bark River Micro models. I didn't find it comfortable in my hand (Too small & narrow), but they seem to be popular.
 
Last edited:
after years of belt carrying folders, i recently switched to a small FB: 6 1/2" Utility knife (7 1/2" total length of knife in sheath) made by Eddie White(Shadow Knives). ir rides like a folder, unobtrusive, does not get in the way of my movements, not bulky, and feels safer and more comfortable in hand if having to apply some force when cutting.
i really am enjoying this switch. an FB is a bit quicker to use as you don't need to open it first, esp. handy if wearing gloves in winter.
Eddie White is one of the finest blade grinders anywhere and this little knife is super comfortable in hand, 'solid', strong and cuts like a razor. the leather sheath he makes carries the knife snugly, knife 'seats' in the sheath, no rattling and it won't fall out.
i suggest you try a small FB. 6 1/2" is a very usable size. i have a RAT-3 as well, but it is 'clunky' in comparison. if you want a great knife & sheath for about $100, check out E.W. in the knifemakers FB forsale forum. you'll never regret getting one of his knives.
roland
 
JK's Hiker's Backup, Eddie White (ShadowKnives) small knives, or any of many other makers here on our fine forum. Buy a custom; you won't regret it. Bill
 
I don't EDC a fixed blade, but If I did, it'd be the ranger little bird. Very small knife in 1095 with micarta scales. Made in the USA.
 
I've been carrying a FB knife as my EDC for years. A comfortable transition did not happen over night, and I spent some money and reinvented a few wheels until I got it figured out. I wear a suit & tie every day, and I carry a fixed blade, but no one is aware of it unless I use it. I am not aware I even have them in my pocket; literally, out of sight, out of mind.

Most production knife makers do not even think about making their FBs as pocket carries. So, we are usually trying to figure out how. Of course, that usually means more money and less than ideal results.

All of my EDCs are custome made, and almost always cost less than a similar production blade. They come with pocket sheaths made just for that purpose, too. Look at Blind Horse Knive's Frontier First Patch w/a BHK pocket sheath. Michael Morris can offer you any number of combinations, all beautiful works of art. JK's knives are worth looking at as well.

Greg

Greg
 
klhayes77 said:
I just ordered one of these. Check it out.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=618698
Click to expand...
I recieved one of these recently and have only positive things to say about Michael and his products. The knife and sheath are designed to clip to your pocket like a more common pocket clip folding knife and is really no more obvious, or uncomfortable than carrying a mid-sized Spyderco or other brand.

Definetly worth looking at if you are interested in fixed-blade, pocket carry. :thumbup:
 
ok thanks for the info fella's. appreciate your input. Just been getting back into knives after a lengthy hiatus.

sean
 
I've been carrying this Camillus Becker BK-11 on my belt lately. The cord-wrapped handle is slim and the knife if very comforable to carry. It also fits nicely in a pocket. KaBar now makes them, and the sheath is a little different, but I'd expect it would carry quite well too. Very reasonably priced - under $40.

Over the past couple of years I've EDC'd a number of small fixed blades including smaller Bark Rivers and an Ontario Rat-3, but the BK-11 has been the most comfortable to carry.

IMG_1609.jpg
 
I find that most knives in the 7" OAL range tend to carry pretty well IWB in the small of your back. I usually wear my under shirt tucked in and my over shirt untucked. The combination of having your blade in the small of your back with some fabric between you and the knife works well for me.

My current IWB FB is a Koster K6. As soon as I can get an IWB teklok ordered I am going to give the Krein PSK a go. Tom's kydex sheaths are very thin and narrow so the PSK is shaping up to be a winner.

I don't have any experience with the knives you mentioned, but, the point I am driving at is that a well made Kydex sheath makes such a difference and is so cheap that you can have one made if you find you like one of those knives but not the sheath.:)
 
Hi there, i used to carry a CS Braveheart but the location of the clip makes it tricky to comfortably carry on your belt. However i made a leather belt loop that can be easily lashed to the sheath, making it a great belt knife i tried to get a picture but my camera is dead.. i would also like to say that the pointyness of the braveheart, in my opinion is not suited to Edc unless you are using it for defence. Good luck with your choice!
 
Bud Nealy, Tops and the Benchmade Activators come to mind

IMG_0269.jpg


My favorite is the Dymondwood handled Mini Socum Ed Chavar ( R.I.P.) in the bottom middle

IMG_0304.jpg


Activator top right
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top