first fixed blade

Esee makes great knives and would be a big recommendation from me. But don't forget the Ka-Bar. At least in my opinion, every collection of knives should have one. It's the kind of blade you can show off even to non-knife enthusiasts because everybody knows it. It's also got some history to it and won't cost you much at all. I love mine. Never gets used, but I love it. Would like another with a leather wrapped handle, too.
 
It depends on what you plan to do with it, but I think I rather prefer the BK-2 to the similar ESEE knives. The drop point seems more "usable" for me. But you didn't tell us what you planned to do with it so it's hard to make recommendations otherwise.
 
I suggest this Tichbourne flensing knife.

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Nothing better.
 
The ESEE 4 looks like a great knife, nearly perfect for an outdoors fixed blade. From a few other ESEE knives I've owned, they do a mean job on their 1095. I'd love to own one, but I just can't justify buying another fixed blade.

If you're looking for a tough, versatile fixed blade on the cheap, I'll recommend the Buck Nighthawk. You can find them around $40-$50. I've had mine for over a decade and it's been used from everything from opening cans, prying, chopping, you name it. Buck does a mean job with their 420HC. It's not exotic, but holds a very decent edge(especially for 420HC), polishes up easy, and is tough. I've only had very minor dings from some stuff bordering on abuse in my uses.

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I opted for a swamp rat howling rat. Similar to the rc-4, but it sounded like the sr-101 steel would hold a better edge. It is great.

If you are talking cheaper knives, I would recommend one of the thicker moras with the more full tang, such as the mora 2000 I believe. I have a mora clipper and it is great for about $14. Great 1095 steel. I can imagine that the thicker moras that cost more in the $30-$40 range would be great hard use knives for the money.
 
KennyB said:
From what I've been able to ascertain, kydex isn't exactly "better" than the plastic they use to injection mold the sheaths on other knives, and the the plastic sheaths will actually have a tigther fit because they're molded to the blade shape.

I haven't handled either, but the 5 seems like a completely different knife. Thicker blade, saber grind instead of FFG, and was designed by SERE instructors to be a downed-pilot's survival knife and survive whatever beating you can throw at it. So it's probably not really fair to even compare the 4 and the 5.
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You misread my post. I said "RAT-5", not ESEE-5. The ESEE-5 is different than the ESEE 6, I agree, but we were comparing Ontario's 5, not the updated ESEE-5. The RAT-5 comes with a crappy nylon sheath, an average heat treat, and sub-par f&f. And yes, the plastic is better than the kydex, in most regards. But you misread my post, is all.
 
geeeduck said:
What do you guys think of the Ontario Rat 5 compared to this knife?
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ESEE-4 is a great knife - absolutely outstanding. If you want something to compare (favorably) the the Ontario Rat 5 though, you ought to look at the ESEE-5 or the BK2. Both of those are superior to the Ontario knife. I'm very much partial to the BK2 and the fact that you can pick one up for $50 or 60 doesn't hurt a bit.

Works great for big stuff like chopping through this seasoned oak log for no readily apparent reason...
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... and little stuff like carving this goofy looking fork ...
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I really like mine and would make that purchase again in a heartbeat.

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Beckerhead #42
 
a Mora Clipper 860.

$20 well spent while you choose form the dazzling array of more expensive fare.
 
ESEE knives are sooooo overated. Go with a BK2 on the cheap end. and maybe a bravo 1 a bit higher. Better yet save up and get a swamp rat ratmandeux
 
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