First time considering EDCing a fixed blade

res1cue

res1cue

Joined
Feb 2, 2010
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Ive always wanted to edc a fixed blade, but never could due to state laws. I recently moved and now am able to. Im looking to pick up a fixed blade for general utility and everyday tasks. Price isnt a big deal, but Id like to stay below $150. My biggest parameter is size, I really want a blade length between 4 to 4.5". So no izula, eskabar, becker necker recommendations please. Currently considering esee4, CS finn bear.

Ive always been more of a folder guy and the fixed blades I own have all been bigger bowies and choppers, so I am not real familiar with the smaller fixed blade market
 
An ESEE 4 isn't a small conceal carry knife IMHO. It'll do the job and the price leave plenty of room to spare. Here's a 3 & 4, they both have the exact same handle length - (not to my liking) but different blade and handle widths. :thumbup:

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Once you get into it you'll find there are more options for a fixed blade than for a folder. The sheath makes a big difference. Currently I'm EDCing a Mora classic in a leather sheath. Blade length is just under 4" but they make a ton of knives in the 4-5" range. One consideration with the larger (of the small) fixed blades - the longer the blade the more movement it takes to pull and sheath it, the more your clothing will interfere with the process. If you use it a lot, it becomes a hassle to be drawing and putting away a larger knife, but need dictates choices. Fixed blades feel a lot more substantial than their folding brethren - a 3.25 fixed blade feels like more of a knife than a 4" folder.

Go for something with Kydex or a pouch type sheath - makes for easier one-handed drawing and sheathing. Be advised, some Kydex sheaths will scratch up and possibly dull the blade - a heavy leather (hot waxed) takes much better care of your knife.

Have fun - I'll never go back to a folder unless circumstances absolutely demand it.
 
My carry fixed is a Fallkniven F1 in a (usually) JRE Cricket sheath.

I can carry concealed or open, but I mostly carry concealed. With a sweatshirt or jacket the F1/Cricket disappears.

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I'm not sure why you would need it to be 4+ inches but the RC-3 is a stellar choice . I can't stand the width on the RC-4 for edc task's but it would be fine for defense or woods work . I personally carry a Cold Steel mini Pendlelton hunter in VG-1 steel and it takes care of all my daily cutting needs . There is some offers from some custom makers on the exchange that might have what your looking for .
 
chavez556 said:
I'm not sure why you would need it to be 4+ inches but the RC-3 is a stellar choice . I can't stand the width on the RC-4 for edc task's but it would be fine for defense or woods work . I personally carry a Cold Steel mini Pendlelton hunter in VG-1 steel and it takes care of all my daily cutting needs . There is some offers from some custom makers on the exchange that might have what your looking for .
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Just personal preference. I have a few smaller fixed blades, looking for something different

Dayhiker, is that uncomfortable? Sure looks uncomfortable..
 
A custom fits the bill. I recommend kfu. Hell of a value lots of knife for your money.
 
+1 for the falkniven F1, i've carried one for 3plus years now and it's a female companion... you just can't beat it!
 
I've EDC'd my ESEE-4, ESEE-3, HEST, and Izula. They all carry very well, but the Izula carries best of them all. I carried the 4, 3, & HEST horizontal at about 2-3 o'clock, but I carry my Izula horizontal at about 1 o'clock. You can't really go wrong with any of them.
 
Here are my fixed edc rotation. As HeavyH. suggested above I'm still looking for a leather sheaths for these. I currently discussing with a sheath maker to tailor me one sheath that will fit these three blades. Not sure if it will work out.

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Seven1Niner.. those are beautiful! are they customs?

Clich, how do I get in touch with this KFU, is he on the forums?
 
Now that we've moved into jacket weather I've started carrying my woodsman pro from Blind Horse knives. I don't have any pictures to throw up right now but it has a 4 inch blade made out of O1, it comes with a dangler sheath that also has a belt loop on the sheath itself. I like using the dangler when I'm in the woods but it's nice having the option to use the belt loop in town so I can conceal it. I think there's a wait on it right now but there December special should be popping up soon.
 
res1cue- ..The readily available knife is the Brous Triple Threat which is the blue knife. The other two are custom knives. Jason Brous is a rising knife maker in my book. You can check his website www.brousblades.com
 
I could do something for you nicely at that price.
 
res1cue said:
Seven1Niner.. those are beautiful! are they customs?

Clich, how do I get in touch with this KFU, is he on the forums?
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Yes he is. He has his own subforum along with bill akers "backwoods". I know he isn't taking orders until after the holidays though. But I promise its worth the wait. His handles are crazy comfortable.
 
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Heres my FB edc. 52100 zero ground full distal taper, crowned spine, textured black micarta. Cuts like a lazer and holds an edge forever. It sharpens on my ceramic rods in seconds. Feels amazing in the hand. The balance is perfect, Kydex is excellent i carry it horizontal at 12 o'clock. This i the first knife that has knocked my para 2 out of my pocket. I paid $140 to Jim Bensinger for it. another excellent inexpensive FB maker is Jk knives. You should get a custom from either of these makers for around the price of a esee 3.
 
I know you said no Izulas. But I got the izula 2 a month ago and it is better than i thought it would be.. It carries nice and is razor sharp as well as thick enough tho instill confidence when preforming pretty much any task that one might encounter day to day. I like that the handle is a bit long allowing for a good grip but didn't like that the knife rode high on the belt. I fixed the problem by cutting an old mag light sheath off the length of the clip then i just wear the cut-off sheath on my belt and clip the knife on to it. I have an esee 4 that i originally was going to edc, but thought knew the 4 was too much for my needs. I also find in non knife people situations the izula is a little less alarming. Unless you have a serious need for a larger blade (I wish i did) you should reconsider the no izula thing.
 
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