First Fixed Blade

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NEknifedude406

Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
27
Hey everybody. So after lurking for a while and buying a couple of knives I've decided it's time to up my collection and get serious, I've officially been bitten by the new knife bug.

I'm interested in a 3"-4.5" fixed blade for EDC that could also offer a little peace of mind (I'm no knife fighter and don't intend to get into a discussion about why you shouldn't rely on a knife for SD, I've read those threads already...)

Some of the models that have caught my attention;

ESEE-3 and 4
Kershaw Diskin Hunter 1085
Kershaw Field Knife 1082

The ESEE 3 is probably ideal for me but I have a hard time justifying the ~$100 price tag when I can get a Kershaw Field Knife for ~35 with an adeqauate sheath but I wish it had a little more blade. I'd say I have medium-small hands and I intend on open carrying whichever blade I end up with in a leather/kydex sheath off my belt. I appreciate your input guys.
 
Have you considered a Mora? Or two? Two Moras and a custom sheath will still run way under your max price. My personal favorite right now is the companion, its worth a look. Outstanding bang for your buck, and won't turn as many heads as some of the more tactical looking FBs
 
I have considered Mora knives and they're not bad knives, very practical and functional but they just look too goofy for my tastes. I kinda like the classiness of a leather sheath over the plastic (yet perfectly functional) sheath.
 
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I have a solution for you. Take a look at a Scrapyard 311 which should run you around $70. IMO just about the perfect fixed EDC for the money. Or the 411 for about $80 if you want something a little bigger.
 
I do like the looks of the scrapyard 311. I definitely dig the powder coated blades with micarta handles but after a few searches the only 311 I've found is a $110 one on eBay, can't seem to find it elsewhere. The picture of that black Mora knife don't look so bad but I honestly wouldn't fork over the money for a custom sheath just yet...I'd rather put the money towards another quality folder. The Izula 2 isn't awful and in my price range but I already use a CRKT Drifter for my EDC and I don't see where I'd get much more knife out of the Izula. I think I'm leaning towards the Kershaw Field Knife right now but I'm still not dead set on her yet.
 
Gents, the knives you are discussing are not Traditional. Time to move this to General.
 
I've had a fairly poor experience with Kershaw's fixed blades. Trust me, you can't go wrong with Esee.
 
NEknifedude406 said:
I do like the looks of the scrapyard 311. I definitely dig the powder coated blades with micarta handles but after a few searches the only 311 I've found is a $110 one on eBay, can't seem to find it elsewhere. The picture of that black Mora knife don't look so bad but I honestly wouldn't fork over the money for a custom sheath just yet...I'd rather put the money towards another quality folder. The Izula 2 isn't awful and in my price range but I already use a CRKT Drifter for my EDC and I don't see where I'd get much more knife out of the Izula. I think I'm leaning towards the Kershaw Field Knife right now but I'm still not dead set on her yet.
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Left you a VM where you can find them at the prices I stated.
 
I appreciate all the help guys. I thought I had a pretty good idea what was out there but I've found a whole bunch of knives I never thought to consider. M1DNY73, what's wrong with the kershaw fixed blades you've had? I've been ogling the DPx HEST and while it's a little short for my taste still, I've come to accept a short-ish knife, plus it seems to be an overall great package so I might pony up and grab that. I also stumbled across clich's thread where he tortured a Becker BK11 and boy was that impressive. That would run me about $70-80 with a pair of Micarta scales. Ignoring any feelings you may have towards RYP, what knife would you buy for your money between the BK11 and DPx HEST?
 
Another knife has caught my eye, the Boker Plus Mosier. That thing is a BEAUTY of a knife for $50. Is it normal to go back and forth so many times when trying to decide on a knife? Because I'm totally going in circles and have no idea which one I want anymore...:confused:
 
Skyline fixed blade was my first fixed
2nd was a Mule Team 16
 
NEknifedude406 said:
Another knife has caught my eye, the Boker Plus Mosier. That thing is a BEAUTY of a knife for $50. Is it normal to go back and forth so many times when trying to decide on a knife? Because I'm totally going in circles and have no idea which one I want anymore...:confused:
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I have the Mosier too. I love it but it's really more of a defensive knife and doesn't lend itself to different holds for utility tasks. I still carry it most days around my neck.

The CRKT Ringed Razel is one of my favorites and gets carried on my days off.
 
Another for Condor knives. Also, the Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter is a great knife well within your range with a great grip and excellent steel.
 
I think you are on the right track with the ESEE 3. It slices very well and is still extremely tough it also comes with one of the best factory sheaths of any knife out there.
 
Might not be what your after but for fixed blades I must recommend Matt Bailey he uses practically any wood you want and also hand makes the sheaths for a very reasonable price. He also uses w2 plus some others but IMO w2 is the way to go for fixed blades
 
I've got a Mosier, it's great, my first time with Micarta, that's been lovely, and attaching a tek-lok to it as if you were carrying it on the left side, wear it on the inside of the belt and it stays tucked right against your side, never catches on anything unless I'm seated and manage to jab the end of the handle into something.
 
I would go with ESEE or Bark River. I have never met one of either brand I didn't like. They are a little more expensive, but here is my thought. You get what you pay for. Better coating, better steel, better heat treat, better grind, better handle materials and blade thickness, probably better guarantee. Ya its more up front but It will probably last you longer and will be better tool. Right now the voice of my Dad is echoing in my head saying "only fools buy cheap tools. If you cant afford it go without it untill you can because no tool is better than a cheap tool". This is kinda the case here we are not in survivor mood right know..You are going to edc this one right? To me and probably you, having a good tool everyday that you can depend on is worth at least 50 cents to a buck per day right...in one year thats at least $150-300+..and thats just if it lasts a year!

Im just sayin..
 
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