First fixed blade edc for college student

1

13orphans

Joined
Oct 15, 2014
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After doing my research I narrowed it down to 3: izula, candiru, blackjack 155.
I want to stay around the $50-$60 range and these three seemed to be the most highly recommended.
Not really interested in the kabars.

I'm leaning towards the blackjack 155 as I love the look as well as the convenience of SS. Also comes with a kydex sheath.
The izula, however, seems to be the best value in this price range with its unbeatable warranty.

The only reason I mention the candiru is because of its form factor...but if i'm going that small I can't see
the advantages it has over a good folder. Not to mention I probably have to buy scales and a decent sheath for it.

Do any of you guys know if blackjack carries the same lifetime warranty offered on BRK knives? If they do i'm thinking of pulling
the trigger.

Thanks!
 
They're all great knives, but the Izula (or Izula 2) would be my choice. As far as sizes vs a folder, they're all really just "folder-sized" fixed blades. Unless you plan on batonning them there's not much they can handle that a decent folder couldn't do just as well.

Is there a particular reason you need to daily carry a fixed blade over a folder in college? I totally understand the desire to do so, but it seems like a fixed blade would attract a lot of unwanted attention even if you carry concealed.
 
amg137 said:
They're all great knives, but the Izula (or Izula 2) would be my choice. As far as sizes vs a folder, they're all really just "folder-sized" fixed blades. Unless you plan on batonning them there's not much they can handle that a decent folder couldn't do just as well.

Is there a particular reason you need to daily carry a fixed blade over a folder in college? I totally understand the desire to do so, but it seems like a fixed blade would attract a lot of unwanted attention even if you carry concealed.
Click to expand...

1+

I carry a streamlight 2xaaa 70 Lumen, great deterrent against thieves because, it can temp blind them
I know this because I pointed it at my face once haha

But if you do want to carry a fixed blade, I'd choose the Izula
 
Ontario sp1
on8300-ontario_knife_-_sp1_marine_combat-sheath.jpg
 
Between those 3 I would say the Izula.
But I'm biased; I've never gotten to mess with a blackjack.

Although I did notice the blackjack is stainless; and the ESEE are carbon steal.
Not sure if that makes a difference to you or not, just thought it should be pointed out.
 
I've suggested it in several threads now, so I'm not going to go into specifics, but look into a Ka-Bar 1117. 1095 CroVan, fits in your pocket.

I've been carrying mine since the day I got it. Awesome knife for a ridiculously low price (~$30 shipped). USA made.
 
amg137 said:
They're all great knives, but the Izula (or Izula 2) would be my choice. As far as sizes vs a folder, they're all really just "folder-sized" fixed blades. Unless you plan on batonning them there's not much they can handle that a decent folder couldn't do just as well.

Is there a particular reason you need to daily carry a fixed blade over a folder in college? I totally understand the desire to do so, but it seems like a fixed blade would attract a lot of unwanted attention even if you carry concealed.
Click to expand...

No, you're completely right. I have a small multitool and enough knives that are honestly more than enough for daily tasks.
I guess "entry level fixed blade" would have been a better title.

Basically I want something versatile that I can take with me when I go camping but small enough to conceal easily and comfortably for edc in urban settings if I wanted.
Plus there's just something about a sleek, smaller fixed knife that just...appeals to me aesthetically if i'm being 100% honest haha.

Thanks for the advice. Anybody have any info on the warranty for the blackjack though?
 
The_Knife_Man said:
Between those 3 I would say the Izula.
But I'm biased; I've never gotten to mess with a blackjack.

Although I did notice the blackjack is stainless; and the ESEE are carbon steal.
Not sure if that makes a difference to you or not, just thought it should be pointed out.
Click to expand...

Yea, i think for practical use SS would fit my needs better which is why i'm leaning towards the blackjack.
The izula though is just unbeatable for quality, price and warranty. I'm willing to try the blackjack if it offers the same warranty.
Is it possible to find a custom for around 60-70? SS, total length 6"-7", skeletonized are my only hard requirements.



thanks for all the advice!
 
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AFAIK Blackjack has a very good warranty, though a cursory google search didn't turn up an obvious place to submit a claim. There's no warranty or contact us section on their website, so you may have to do some calling around should you ever need to use their warranty service.

As far as customs, I don't think you'll be able to find any quite that low unless you know a maker personally who would be willing to make the knife at cost. You can, however, find small custom neckers from lesser known makers in the $100-150 range if you poke around on the exchange.

You can also check out the BK14 and BK11. They've got a little more blade length than the Izula if that's a concern for you. For the money though, it's REALLY hard to beat an Izula. And really, carbon steel isn't as hard to care for as people think. If you oil it after use and learn to live with staining (the black patina, as opposed to red rust), you won't have any problems. If you do get some rust, a little flitz will take it off in a jiffy. And if you neglect your knife to such an extent that its structural integrity is compromised - like leaving it in salt water for a week or something - you can ship it to ESEE and get a brand new one no questions asked.
 
A couple of knives I own and would recommend with some pros/cons.

First off the bk 11 30$ or 60$ish with scales (which I needed) does becker count as a "Kabar"?
Pros the knife is sturdy for its size and does most cutting tasks well also the knife has a bottle opener. Cons the handle does not work well with my 2x sized hands (I have tried the wrap/scales with little success.)

next the CRKT stubby Razel (Might be hard to find probably 40-60 $ range though)
Pros unique blade shape also a tank of a knife. Good for any tasks that don't require a very fine tip. cons unique blade shape. the razel is slightly heavy for its size also handle lacks traction

Cold steel Beaver tail Mini tac (around 30$)
Pros thin and Light knife that is excellent for most light cutting tasks. the handle is my favorite of any I own. Cons knife is thin and likely to break with lateral force. while it is stainless the knife if prone to minor rust issues do to finish.

and while I do not own any I hear good things about the CRKT minimalist line.
 
Highly recommend the Bk14, Get some scales (orange/black), get a nice sheath, you can really make the becker into what you want it to be. if not though +1 for Izula
 
I have 4 Izula's in multiple colors ( had to have the red and green one ) they are good solid knives in my opinion . Probably be my pick of the group but I have some issues with them . I dont like cord wrapped handles at all , I just prefer G10 for my own reasons . The other is I find the sheath to be lacking in function quite a bit .

So by the time I do custom scales an a new kydex sheath that's more carry friendly I got as much into the knife as it cost to begin with . I rarely carry them because I find them a little small for my defense needs .

If it was me personally hit up the knife makers market on here . You should be able to find one close to your price range maybe a little extra but it will totally be worth it . We have some extremely talented people on here selling hand made knives for awesome deals .
 
I agree and I was going to email Jobasha tomorrow. The thing is, I'm looking for one with some options that are probably out of my price range if I went custom. I want a skeletonized handle and powder coating in 154cm or similar (not opposed to high carbon though). 5.5-6 inches oal.

Pulled the trigger on the blackjack after I called bark river and found out its covered under lifetime warranty. If I like the fixed blade for edc I will definitely be looking into customs in the future.

Thanks for all the replies!
 
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