First Good Fixed Blade Suggestions?

I would agree with your current thoughts, ESEE makes a heck of a knife.

I would probably add to your list the newer Ka-Bar MK1. I would skip the becker BK2 I know it's popular, but pictures greatly under rate the size of that thing. ITS Frick'n HUGE.
 
I thought the BK2 could be had for around $75? Are you talking about paying a HUGE premium for one of the old Camillus models?
GingivitisKahn said:
I only do the full court press occasionally. :p



That's not my objective. Given your original specs, in my opinion the BK2 is the best knife you can get for around $250. Of your original list, I think the ESEE 5 best meets your specified criteria but I like the BK2 better. The fact that BK2 costs less is a happy coincidence.

For those two knives, the steel and heat treat is about the same. In my opinion, ESEE's sheath is better but Becker's handle and grind are both better. ESEE's warranty is better on paper but in practice, they are about equivalent.

For your budget, you could easily get a number of great combinations of knives (BK9 and BK11 or BK14 or ESEE Izula - for instance) that *may* serve you better than a BK2 or ESEE 5 but that's not what you asked about. I'm trying to stick to your original criteria.

Others have mentioned custom as well I see - certainly worth looking at. You may as well get what you like now because, you'll end up getting it eventually. :D
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Beckerhead #42
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The other great knife is a Dustar Dimona or Magen.
The Magen blade is only 4.75 inches though.
The Magen is what I'm saving for right now.
 
With your proposed budget I'd be more inclined to just watch the KnifeMaker's For Sale Area forum for something that catches your eye.
 
I have huge hands (4XL gloves) and very long fingers. The BK2 with micarta scales fits my hand much better than the ESEE 5. I added liners to the ESEE to try and make it fit better, but the contours of the BK2 scales feel better to me.

The ESEE sheath was far superior to the Becker, but I replaced them both with simple Kydex, so that wasn't a big issue for me anyway.
 
GingivitisKahn said:
20120203_ac_0013.jpg
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Firm'n Chip, now revoketh I must.

The requirements said:
This certification grants a Scout the right to carry matches and build campfires. The Scout must show his Scout leader, or someone designated by his leader, that he understands his responsibility to do the following:

1.Read and understand fire use and safety rules from the Boy Scout Handbook.
2.Secure necessary permits (regulations vary by locality).
3.Clear all flammable vegetation at least 5 feet in all directions from fire (total 10 feet).
4.Attend to fire at all times.
5.Keep fire-fighting tools (water and/or shovel) readily available.
6.Leave fire when it is cold out.
7.Subscribe to the Outdoor Code and Leave-No-Trace.

The Scout's "Firem'n Rights" can be taken from him if he fails in his responsibility.
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I almost let it go, but dang man that's just a bad pciture.
 
The esee5 is one of the best and the sheath with accessories make it outstanding for what your wanting. The scrapyard 711 would be great too, the steel scrapyard uses can take a beating just like the esee. The only draw back to that is no sheath. If you go with the scrapyard get a kydex sheath with the holes spaced to take a esee molle back and pouch. That would make it pretty hard to beat.

cricket
 
MSGBN said:
Take a look at Gravelle Knives BIC
"Big Indestructible Camper"
OAL: 10 3/8"
Blade: 1/4" 1095
Width: 1 7/8"
Edge: 5 1/8"
Handle: black micarta
http://gravelleknives.com/knives.html
Forum member-J-siah and lists here in the KnifeMaker's Market
4th Knife listed
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/923267-4-New-Knives-I-Just-Fininshed

Solid and well built!!!. At a great price!. Some photos of the one I bought below.
View attachment 257308View attachment 257309View attachment 257310View attachment 257311View attachment 257312
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that's a very nice knife. i love the look of the midnight and the archer, but it'd want at least a 5" blade

Lenny said:
Just to throw a monkey wrench into the soup,
how about a Bark River Bravo 1?
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/product_info.php?cPath=465_80&products_id=15944
Lenny
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The STS 5 looks like it's right up my alley.
 
jdm61 said:
I thought the BK2 could be had for around $75? Are you talking about paying a HUGE premium for one of the old Camillus models?
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Wha? No - the OP's budget is $250. The fact that the BK2 is waaay under that, as is the ESEE5, doesn't alter the fact that either would be a great choice.


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Beckerhead #42
 
Someone kind of implied that the BK 2 was a really great knife for $250. From what I have see online, the ESEE 5 is in the $150-160 range with the discounters, but that is only with the basic kydex belt sheath. When you add the sheath accessories, that price goes up pretty quickly into the $200 range. You are getting a bit close to what you can buy a Bark River in CPM3V for.
GingivitisKahn said:
Wha? No - the OP's budget is $250. The fact that the BK2 is waaay under that, as is the ESEE5, doesn't alter the fact that either would be a great choice.


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Beckerhead #42
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The Scrapyard 711 gets my vote.

Get 'em before they're gone. I would buy one myself, but I lack the necessary funds. Just need to throw down some cash for a quality sheath (Mashed Cat for kydex, Rainwalker/others if you want superb leatherwork) and you have yourself a package that you could pass down to your grandkid's grandkids if you so desire.
 
Jarrett

I can't recommend a specific model but if you do go non stainless go with a Scrapyard and if you do go stainless again I'll recommend the A1. I really recommend looking at the knifetests.com site, I know certain people on this site don't like it and the guy does abuse a knife more than most people will ever abuse a lifetime worth of knives but it does say something about their construction. All of the Scrapyards and ESEEs (formerly RAT) aren't on there but there are a couple models that have been reviewed that would offer a good comparison.
 
Animatronic Fireman said:
Jarrett

I can't recommend a specific model but if you do go non stainless go with a Scrapyard and if you do go stainless again I'll recommend the A1. I really recommend looking at the knifetests.com site, I know certain people on this site don't like it and the guy does abuse a knife more than most people will ever abuse a lifetime worth of knives but it does say something about their construction. All of the Scrapyards and ESEEs (formerly RAT) aren't on there but there are a couple models that have been reviewed that would offer a good comparison.
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Thanks, a buddy of mine has put his esee 6 through hell and it's held up. What I end up with will all come down to what's available at the time in which I have the funds ;)
 
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