Recommendation? Entry Level Fixed Blade?

ikiosho said:
Thanks all! Definitely plan to browse the classifieds here and will look up the models recommended here.

Ultimately I envision this knife as being longer (8-10") with a hefty spine and a spear or drop point. Something that can take a beating, and doesn't need to do delicate work.

Definitely like the look of more slender knives without a big belly.

Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today? Excluding enthusiast models.


You're right and they don't even advertise it as such! That's on me for describing it as SS - doing too much at once :)
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For that size range then you may want to look at the Cold Steel Trail Master in 52100 steel (carbon steel, but has a durable coating). Becker Knife & Tool and Condor Tool & Knife also make good quality large fixed blades that are relatively affordable, though over your budget (in the $100 to $200 range).

Don't get too bogged down in which knife and/or steel is the BEST. Look over the suggestions here and pick one or two that you like the best then use them hard and think about how they work for you. You can always sell/trade off the ones you learn to dislike in the future and replace them with different knives. Just be sure to let us know what you choose and post pics of it in use.
 
Research will continue... lots of good information here. I'm honestly blown away by the volume of information and active members here (compared to the sword forum that I lurk)!

Right now looking at a KA-BAR Bull Dozier, Cold Steel Razor Tek (4" or 5"), that Cold Steel Survivalist, and the Becker BK9!
 
I got an older Ontario rat 3 in 1095 and had ex tended handles put in it to make the grip longer. stick with known makers, a Buck in stainless is a good option, I would stick to the 105 or 119…I also like the smaller 117. My first real knife was a Kabar US marine corps knife, just about college age and it did everything for me.
 
ikiosho said:
Thanks all! Definitely plan to browse the classifieds here and will look up the models recommended here.

Ultimately I envision this knife as being longer (8-10") with a hefty spine and a spear or drop point. Something that can take a beating, and doesn't need to do delicate work.

Definitely like the look of more slender knives without a big belly.

Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today? Excluding enthusiast models.


You're right and they don't even advertise it as such! That's on me for describing it as SS - doing too much at once :)
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Not sure if it's been mentioned, but look for a SP-53 it is definitely one of the most Bang for the buck.... Should still be able to find them

It out chops most knives that cost Twice as much
 
Welcome!

Only a few hours after joining you have vital information and recommendations from top enthusiasts and multiple world class makers. What a place this is. :)

My two cents.

Listen to the folks directing you to the exchange here if you want to really make that budget work for you. Also the likelihood of getting hoodwinked is much lower here. Lots of NIB (new in box) knives go for great priced on the secondary. A scratch or two and you'll really get a deal.

Read the sticky with the rules. Get a good look at the sellers feedback. Stick with PP G&S for payment. Come in under budget or really make old Benjamin work hard for you.

Wait until you see just how fragile budgets are after the blade bug bites you. lol
 
ikiosho said:
Research will continue... lots of good information here. I'm honestly blown away by the volume of information and active members here (compared to the sword forum that I lurk)!

Right now looking at a KA-BAR Bull Dozier, Cold Steel Razor Tek (4" or 5"), that Cold Steel Survivalist, and the Becker BK9!
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Shrade do a bunch of entry level stuff as well.
 
Search around the net for this :

"Cold Steel Exclusive SRK Compact CPM 3-V"​


Great knife ,in one of the toughest steels, at an unbeatable price = $99.99 !

This is way better than any "entry level " knife , IMO .
 
^
OP--- 3v is pretty good stuff, stainless where it matters. I dont know what an "entry level knife" is, but if I can make a guess it'd be a knife thats easy to sharpen and doesn't rust when you look at it funny and is a tough all-around performer. I had a roselli knife in UHC rust before my eyes at the beach. I watched it contract "rust chicken pox" in real time because of the carbon content, fascinating really--- so I suppose that wouldn't classify as an "entry level life"
A fixed blade in AEB-L would be a good "entry level knife", there's a maker here who makes great fixed blades in the steel, David Mary, otherwise hang out and read posts
 
I didn't check today but there was a listing here for a cold steel SRK in 3V that was in your price range and would be hard to beat for what you want and is a respectable knife even for seasoned collectors. The YouTube reviews by Gideon tactical are good to give you a better idea about what the characteristics of any specific model will be without being terribly long or filled with destruction testing and other mostly pointless content. I don't really like the guy but his reviews are informative and he shows actual use and some comparisons. He spoke highly of the Cold steel Razor tek knives and suggested they would be a great value if they lowered the prices, and now they are significantly lower in price from Amazon and I'm not aware of fakes for those models yet.
 
Blasted Hill Knives

Thread 'Woodsman’s Knife in Wolfram Steel! Lowered Price! SOLD'

Hi everyone!

I have one of my Woodsman’s knives available for your consideration.

This knife is from 1/8” stock Wolfram (impressive steel!!!). This knife is 8 7/8” OAL, 1 1/2” wide and has a 3 7/8” blade. This one is a real nice slicer, but also tough enough for some outdoor Bushcraft tasks. Razor sharp.

Scales are contoured Amber Ale G-10 with OD Green G-10 liners and OD Green G-10 pins and a brass lanyard tube. Comes with custom kydex sheath as shown.

Price on this one is $OLD shipped USA! I accept PayPal F&F, money order or personal check. Thanks for considering my work. Questions...
  • Like
  • Love
 
Bigburly912 said:
Blasted Hill Knives

Thread 'Woodsman’s Knife in Wolfram Steel! Lowered Price! SOLD'

Hi everyone!

I have one of my Woodsman’s knives available for your consideration.

This knife is from 1/8” stock Wolfram (impressive steel!!!). This knife is 8 7/8” OAL, 1 1/2” wide and has a 3 7/8” blade. This one is a real nice slicer, but also tough enough for some outdoor Bushcraft tasks. Razor sharp.

Scales are contoured Amber Ale G-10 with OD Green G-10 liners and OD Green G-10 pins and a brass lanyard tube. Comes with custom kydex sheath as shown.

Price on this one is $OLD shipped USA! I accept PayPal F&F, money order or personal check. Thanks for considering my work. Questions...
  • Like
  • Love
Click to expand...
Blasted Hill Knives Blasted Hill Knives makes great stuff! I have a few of em!
 
Hard to go wrong with any Esee knife.
Just decide what you want to use it for and that will determine the model you need.
I’d start with an everyday pocket carry like an Izula, kydex sheath with no clip and a paracord handle.
That type knife is what I use most by far.
 
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