Fixed blade decisions needed.

C

cgreenaliens

Joined
Aug 13, 2014
Messages
10
I've been I need of a fixed blade for a long time... But in my area I live downtown, and don't go hiking or camping enough to worry about needing anything other than a simple folding knife.

But I would really like to have a knife that I can use and not worry about breaking it. I've watched many videos of different companies knives being tested. Cold steel, Ontario, Esee, Sog, Etc.

But I'm interested in a knife that truly is perfect for the average user. It doesn't have to be a pry bar but I don't want a fillet knife. Any suggestions?
 
queen makes a nice mid-sized blade #41 in D2 steel, and fossilized maple burl handles,
you could hang out on the major auction site and pick up a classy old Puma Knife from the '70s or earlier in high carbon 'pumaster' steel.
Bark River are convex ground 'luxury' fixed blades, with models in every size, I wish I could say I had experience with them,
 
Since you don't appear to be looking for a "traditional knife" only I'm moving this to General Knife Discussion.
 
Buck Nighthawk, mayhaps? Excellent blade and almost 1/4" thick at the thickest. Almost a 5" blade.
 
How much do you want to spend, and what do you expect to do with it?

And, can you sharpen, and if so, how?
 
Okay, let's try to narrow it down a little.

Preferred overall length? 8" or smaller is easier for every day carry, but is on the small side for utility. Above 8" will trend the other way. But I'm interested in a knife that truly is perfect for the average user. It doesn't have to be a pry bar but I don't want a fillet knife. I would suggest between 7" and 10"
Blade shape? Drop point, Clip point, double-edged, serrated?

I would suggest Esee myself but, as many people realize, despite it being an awesome company some people just aren't into that style of knife. It's the same with so many other companies. I'm not too big on the spyderco aesthetic, but it's got a huge following here on BF.
Look around, find specific features that you like such as blade shape, handle material, handle shape, etc.
 
Izula/Izula II/ESEE 3 or one of the smaller, pocketable Bark Rivers (I lover their Essential EDC and City Knife)
 
cgreenaliens said:
I've been I need of a fixed blade for a long time... But in my area I live downtown, and don't go hiking or camping enough to worry about needing anything other than a simple folding knife.

But I would really like to have a knife that I can use and not worry about breaking it. I've watched many videos of different companies knives being tested. Cold steel, Ontario, Esee, Sog, Etc.

But I'm interested in a knife that truly is perfect for the average user. It doesn't have to be a pry bar but I don't want a fillet knife. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

If you want to avoid countless, "buy what I bought" posts, you'll have to say more about what you actually want to use a knife for.

I would be careful about consistent video watching. It can create a sense of need that is unrealistic.

Fixed blades are difficult to conceal and often illegal (or at least will get the focus of the police on you) in many urban areas. A sturdy folding knife is much easier to conceal and explain.

If you just want a big ol' fixed blade cause it's cool as heck, I would suggest looking for a flat ground knife and using it you kitchen. At least you'll get to use often. Serious suggestion and not goofing on you in any way. I have 3 or 4 knives like that in my kitchen drawer at any time. It's a great way to experiment with different blade types. Great way to learn the feel of a knife too.

But for urban EDC? It's not needed and just asking for problems.
 
Fixed blades are fine for urban EDC, just don't overdo it.

I recommend something with a short blade (3" or so) with a handle you can get a good grip on. Frankly you don't need anything bigger.

Options: custom neckers, ESEE, Bark River, Survive!, TOPS, and Busse family knives come to mind. For sheaths I go for kydex over leather because it's flat and can be fitted with IWB loops, paracord, or belt clips as needed for your personal carry choices. You can spend anything from $50 up to several hundred.

If you're concerned about legal restrictions, check your local codes and DO NOT listen to people here telling you what is legal or not.
 
Depends on your price range. Ragweed Forge has a wide selection of Scandi blades at very reasonable prices. I prize my Dozier K1 General Utility; it was pricey but it likely will outlast me.
 
Are you wanting a fixed blade for urban carry, the seldom hiking and camping trips you mentioned or one for all of those. More information including target budget would be helpful.
 
In an urban environment, there really isn't much need for a large fixed blade....and, in many areas (as has been stated), there could be legal issues with carrying one.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you plan to do with it, and how much you want to spend. Personally, I find that for general utility use, a 3-4" blade is sufficient...and, a 4" blade is often bigger than needed/desired.
I probably carry my Dozier modified personal and/or Enzo trapper more than any other fixed blade; but I use my Bark River Gunny quite a bit around the house. I keep a couple of Mora knives in convenient places - I'm not a huge fan; but they are an inexpensive work knife, and comfortable in hand.
 
fatcorgi said:
Bark River are convex ground 'luxury' fixed blades, with models in every size,

... I wish I could say I had experience with them,
Click to expand...



Bark River Knives does make many high quality small knives designed for pocket/neck/belt carry.

I do have a lot of experience with the brand, and highly recommend them. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:


Personally, I EDC a small fixed blade daily, backed up by a folder at times.



Big Mike
 
pinnah said:
If you want to avoid countless, "buy what I bought" posts, you'll have to say more about what you actually want to use a knife for.

I would be careful about consistent video watching. It can create a sense of need that is unrealistic.

Fixed blades are difficult to conceal and often illegal (or at least will get the focus of the police on you) in many urban areas. A sturdy folding knife is much easier to conceal and explain.

If you just want a big ol' fixed blade cause it's cool as heck, I would suggest looking for a flat ground knife and using it you kitchen. At least you'll get to use often. Serious suggestion and not goofing on you in any way. I have 3 or 4 knives like that in my kitchen drawer at any time. It's a great way to experiment with different blade types. Great way to learn the feel of a knife too.

But for urban EDC? It's not needed and just asking for problems.
Click to expand...
Sorry I didn't explain to much. I live in Texas, the longest blade I can own and use is 5.5 inches so around that size, it wouldn't be an edc. I want a good fixed blade for hunting camping hiking etc. Sorry for the confusion I'm new to this. 😛
 
cgreenaliens said:
Sorry I didn't explain to much. I live in Texas, the longest blade I can own and use is 5.5 inches so around that size, it wouldn't be an edc. I want a good fixed blade for hunting camping hiking etc. Sorry for the confusion I'm new to this. ��
Click to expand...

No problem. The more details we have the easier time we have with suggestions.
These kind of questions come up a lot so being concise helps.

What's your budget?
 
So many options...

To go with the "buy what I bought" meme, I bought in order:

RC-4 (now ESEE-4)
Fallkniven F1
Becker BK-15
Spyderco South Fork

I don't "need" all of them, but I'd be hard pressed to decide on which to keep if someone told me I could only keep one. Ok, probably the South Fork, but I wouldn't really want to baton with it, and in the same vein the RC-4 wouldn't be my first choice to clean a fish... There will always be compromises in every design.

What's perfect for you is going to be completely subjective depending on your aesthetic tastes, the shape and size of your hands, what you're using it for, your budget, etc...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top