First fixed blade ever!

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WalterWhite

Joined
Dec 14, 2015
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3
Hey Folks,

Sorry if this one is the umpteenth of "what do you think about these knives" type posts but seriously want to hear your judgments before making my next purchase.

So, after using several folders in the past few years I've decided to obtain a fixed knife, the first in my life.
There's no particular task I'd like to use it for, the main aspect would be to find a well balanced tool for some bushcrafting, food prepping, wood carving and occassionally for heavier duties (batoning, opening cardboard boxes in succession).

The following knives are still on my list regardless the type of blade, the handle, the size or the price (we can say that the list is mainly based on emotions :))

- Bark River Bravo 1
- Benchmade Bushcrafter
- Blackjack Knives Tac Ops 5
- DPx H.E.F.T. 4
- Entrek Javalina
- Fantoni HB Fixed
- Fallkniven F1
- Lionsteel M5
- Zero Tolerance 0180

If I had to choose the top three that would be Lionsteel, DPx, Fallkniven respectively.
What do you think about these candidates?
Would you be so kind an make some suggestions keeping the serious advantages (ease of sharpening, edge retention, shape of blade, etc.) and disadvantages (susceptible to rust, chipping, etc.) of each of them in mind?

Thanks a lot!
 
Swamprat Ratmandu is a good one to have on your list. I would absolutely recommend it for any tough applications. I haven't used it for food, but that is mostly because it is pretty filthy from heavy use. The coating keeps corrosion down, and I have never chipped it (even lending it to young Boy Scouts who ended up chopping the parking lot.) I love the shape and ergonomics in general and have been able to sharpen it just fine. The bevel will discolor with use, but nothing that can't be cleaned off (it has been darker discoloration than I have on my A2 knives, but the A2 stains more easily in my experience.)

I also have the Bravo 1 and it is a fantastic knife (with a more comfortable handle and a sheath included). They are both good knives, but I use the RMD for my toughest tasks.
 
Thanks for both of you.

Have to admit that the Ratmandu was not a part on my list before (Rodents seemed too large so haven't searched for other Swamprats) but instantly picked up after watching some y*utube reviews. How does it compare to the Bravo in overall performance when not just focusing on the toughest jobs?

Esee 4 was one of my favorites when started to look for these knives, however, removed from my dream list due to some nasty critics.
 
That's a sweet list for a "first, ever" fixed blade...

Won't go wrong which ever you choose....
 
ESEE 4 was my first fix blade . Still use it more than fallkniven , GSO , and some of my BRK .
 
F1 is a great knife that has lots of fans. I have had mine 5+ years and think it is a great knife.
ESEE-4 is another one to think about, as well as a kabar Becker bk16.
 
WalterWhite said:
Thanks for both of you.

Have to admit that the Ratmandu was not a part on my list before (Rodents seemed too large so haven't searched for other Swamprats) but instantly picked up after watching some y*utube reviews. How does it compare to the Bravo in overall performance when not just focusing on the toughest jobs?

Esee 4 was one of my favorites when started to look for these knives, however, removed from my dream list due to some nasty critics.
Click to expand...

I usually only use my bigger fixed blades (over 3.5") for tough work. I carry a folder for food and fine cutting, so I am not too much of a help there. I can say that the Bravo 1 was a bit thick for pumpkin carving (split the top off the little ones) but has a finer edge on it. I reprofiled my RMD to 20 degrees per side and it cuts much better now, but I usually use it for cutting brush and limbing pruned tree branches for the yard-waste bin. The length of the RMD makes it a better chopper, IMO.

Neither would do well cutting apples or carrots, but if those two knives were all I had, the RMD would do better because it is thinner and has less steel behind the edge (V grind vs. a convex grind in the Bravo 1).

Both are great, though. I also had a Survive 5.1, but sold it off. I didn't like the old handles and couldn't get the 3v sharp (because of my own lack of skill, admittedly.) The new handles look nice, though, so I might have to give those a try soon.

I am not familiar with many of the others you listed, but I don't doubt they will all do great. Let us know what you decide!
 
Without knowing what tasks you really have in mind, its somewhat hard to narrow down. You do have a good list though.

Personally, if it were my money, and I was wanting to try my first fixed blade, I'd likely go with a Becker Bk16. I feel like its a great introduction to fixed blades.

Its right in the perfect size range for something thats comfortable to carry, while still being useable for just about everything. It has an ergonomic handle design, and is robust enough for "sensible abuse". Additionally, its quite cheap compared to most of the others. So if you for some reason decide that fixed blades are not your thing, your level of risk is quite low (that, and they sell well on the exchange).

And finally, its just a dang good knife in that size range.

But I think you could choose from any on that list, and you'd be happy.
 
Thank you Guys, I truly appreciate your thoughts.

BK16 looks a great contender and I've already put it on my list.
I'm stuck between the H.E.F.T., the M5 and the Becker, need a bit of time to clarify what is really important to me. :)
I'll let you know about my decision, of course.
 
Esee 6 , mora companion, nostilgic ka bar . Enjoy the ride keep a close eye on your bank balance:D. Going for Gold , over and in. Faron.
 
I'd go Fallkniven first, Dpx second. All great knives but I love Fallkniven. If you can find one Fallkniven has the new pro series and also new F1d with black blade n tan handle. Both in Lam CoS steel which is some impressive stuff. It's pretty easy to sharpen and holds an edge for a great long while. Good luck with the search.
 
For hard use the Ratmandu is by far my favorite first choice. For slightly less hard use the Fallkniven would be my choice.
 
Out of those the 0180 matches up with what you want. It's tough with a good amount of wear resistance and is coated to protect against corrosion. The ergos are pretty good too. Most reviewers find Bark River's heat treatment to be substandard. DPX had some kind of shady history. Fallkniven's warranty flat out sucks. Lionsteel is in another country.

Based on what you say you want I'd recommend the ZT 0180, the Bradley Bowie from spyderco if you can find a good deal on it, something from Busse/kin, or best yet, go to the knifemaker's for sale area and find one in your price range, especially if they are known for hest treating their knives well or if they list Peters or pacific heat treating services.

Honestly you'll find the best deals on great fixed blades with the small makers. The steels that seem to fit your uses are pretty important. Something with at least the attributes of PSF27 or CPMD2. 3V, 4V, Vanadis 4E, Cruwear, Z-wear, PD1. M390 and Elmax should be included because they're good stainless steels. The others are not but they won't rust really easily either. AEBL should be included because it matches everything you want but isn't as wear resistant as the others, but it is stainless.

Search for Waterstone Knives. I wish I'd have jumped on this one:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1320816-Maker-s-Z-Wear-Blade-SOLD
 
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Take a look at Bradford Knives. His Guardian 3 and 4 are my favorites, with the G4 being what I think you're looking for. The G4 comes in M390, S30v and N690.
 
You should check out the custom fixed blades on the exchange, there is some great stuff there and it sounds like a lot of it is in your price range.
 
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