Fixed blade, carbon steel

Mission MPK in A2
Bark River (many)
Randall (many)
 
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I think you will not go wrong with BarkRiver, many many models and different handle materials available. On D2 steel, I heard it is a great edge holding steel and will keep a great edge for a long time. What I have heard is that when it comes time to sharoen it, it is a bear to sharpen because it is so hard. That can be solved by keeping the edge sharp and not letting it get that dull. Just a thought.
 
So far, none of suggested "hit it", some were close, however (namely: the one from Canal Street Cutlery and BRKT Gameskeeper, plus the Blackjack and Browning from my post #1).

The price ruled out also some other suggestions, like Koster's Bushcraft (I know "basic" is $145 but a) I don't want micarta and b) there is no sheath) or (surprisingly) Randalls :D (I know the price is subjective, and to some of you my price range may seem pretty much as a pocket change, but for me it is quite a lot).

I would like if the knife really fulfilled my requirements, so I'd like to repeat them:

  • [*]fixed blade, to remind you :)
  • carbon steel
  • preferably not coated blade
  • edge length about 3.5" - 5.5"
  • quality leather sheath, preferably not pouch style (see post #12)
  • metal bolster or guard (not double guard (i.e. not on a spine side))
  • handle material should not be rubber (kraton etc.) or plastic (G-10, CF, FRN etc.), preffered is stag or bone or hardwood.
  • price under $200 (maximum), preferably under $150
  • full flat grind is a plus (full convex is OK too)
  • no grooves, fullers or hollows in the blade
 
The Fox River doesn't have a guard, per se, but the just got a new batch out, so there are LOTS of different handles available at the moment.

Fox_Riv_Purple_Heart_Br_S.jpg
 
One last suggestion, go for a Blackjack Trailguide, the classic lines are still being made by Mike Stewart of Bark River, who used to make them when he owned the Blackjack name years ago in the 1990's. You can also get them on ebay. They are made of either A2 or 1095. Also, if you want to just get a beater, get a short Kabar with either a leather or rubber handle. Do not give up on Micarta, canvas micarta that is, it has a tough grippy exterior. Therefore, check out RAT Cutlery.
 
I think it might have been this very thread that got me to take a look at the bark river line.

I just got my mini canadian today and cannot believe how functional, attractive, and sharp this knife is!!! They make many styles of fixies, shouldn't be too hard to find the exact blade geometry and size you like. I myself cannot decide on which full sized one I should get next. Just when I think I have settled on "perfect" I click on a differant model and like it as well.


It may have been better if I had never heard of bark river. Research them at your own risk.
 
the aurora in spalted beech
/http://www.knivesshipfree.com/images/Aura_Spalted_Beech.jpg


the bravo, a popular "tactical" model
Bravo_Antique_Stg_Bone.jpg


the canadian special, I really like blades shaped like this
Can_Spl_Blu_Tan_El_M.jpg


the huntsman, a popular model, I like the green canvas micarta
Huntsman_Grn_Canvas_S.jpg


The one that started it all for me, the mini canadian. Mine is red linen micarta, this one is nice too though.
Mini_Can_Blk_Grn_Linen_S.jpg





Thank me later.
 
Check out the Landi Knive's MPM - modelled and similar to the rat cutlery knives without the coated blade. The knife with 1095 or A2 steel can be had with osage orange handle or mircata and leather sheath.

http://landiknives.com/?page_id=43

If you could live with the coated blade, consider the real deal Rat Cutlery RC-4 with custom sharpshooter sheath offered by KSF: (Pictured with serrated edge but could be had in plain - also knife can be ordered with green mircata handles). I can attest to this being a great knife!

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/RAT-Cutlery-RC-4/c27_597/p2272/RAT-Cutlery:-RC-4pL,-Linen-Micarta-Handle,-Black-Blade,-Plain-Edge-w/Leather-Sheath/product_info.html
 
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