Fixed blade EDC?

Klesk

Klesk

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Joined
Jan 5, 2003
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This is a little different from the thread started by JB - I'm thinking about buying a small (around 6" or less), affordable (under $200) fixed blade for EDC on my belt. I'd like something with the "tactical" look, with provision for a Tek-Lok so I can carry it vertically on the strong side, or horizontally on the weak side. Right now I'm considering a Matrix by Trace Rinaldi. Any other suggestions? (BTW, I know many will suggest a Dozier but, for personal reasons, I will not be buying any more Doziers).
 
The Ranger Puukko has a neat locking mechanism in the sheath. I've never handled one, but James Mattis liked it. Don't know if it's set up to attach to a belt horizontally.
Otherwise any of the Fallknivens in Kydex should be good.
 
I'd take a Fallkniven! I just bought a S1 and I'm really surprised. It's really the best fixed blade I ever had! The convex grind is great and the VG-10 steel is pretty good. So this is a good working horse.
 
You will not be disappointed in one of Trace's blades. The Matrix is really starting to grow on me in a major way. I was playing with one today and like it alot. The Gambit is also a good choice as is the Enigma.
 
I carry one of R.W. Clarks knives. I love it. It offers a lot of bang for the buck.
 
i don't think you'd carry the S1 as an EDC...it's too big...i would go for the F1...

Anyway...got the S1...superb knife but i think i spoilt it a bit by sharpening wrongly...
 
Your criteria sounds just about like what I was looking for. I went and ordered just what I needed from Nick Wheeler. I chose a 4" forged blade of differentially heat treated W-1 with temperline, 1/8" stock, full flat grind and distal taper, stainless guard and green Micarta handle of my own design. Complete with a BladeTech sheath w/Tek-Lok. All for less than your budget.

In the meantime I am carrying a 3 1/2" R.W. Clark M.A.U. in Kydex. GREAT knife for the money.

Also check out Gene Ingram at www.gene-ingram.com His knives are awesome and for their price you can add a custom Kydex rig and still be well under your budget.
 
I just picked up another Spyderco Perrin, been carrying/playing with them for a few weeks now. I lke them.
You can't go wrong with a Trace Rinaldi. If you like it and have handled it, get it. :)


Blades
 
Originally posted by blackeye4you
Bud Nealy has an outstanding knack for smaller defense knives and sheath system.He has a couple of sheath systems that give the user a few different carry's and those can be fine tuned.
Click to expand...

Ditto on the Nealy, I have one of his earlier custom Aikuchis, and in my mind is an excellent EDC for hideout or lastditch, I carry mine stuffed in my back pocket with a static cord,(made from the paracord sleeve and ball chain)attached to my belt loop. I just grab the handle and pull the sheath(wrapped in a couple of wide rubberbands) stays put in my pocket, and if that fails the keeper holds the sheath as I draw.

Try one of the Boker/Nealys if you just want to try the system out, you can usually get them on ebay for $40 to $50.
 
Is this 6 inches overall or 6 inches of cutting edge?

THR blades that come to mind but are more in the Fallkniven S1 size range are the TUK and TTKK. The Fallknivens use a Convex edge so, inappropriate sharpening can alter its performance some.
 
Think about that OAL, because 6" doesn't make for much blade or handle. That extra 1/2-3/4" makes a huge difference, IMO, and this is my favorite size knife.
If a wharncliffe satisfies your needs in an EDC knife, by all means go with the Matrix. You won't find anyone better to deal with than Trace, and the Matrix looks great--matter of fact, I've got one on order right now:D
Other knives in that size range that I love are Trace's Gambit, and Darrel Ralph's CF ArcLite (similar size knives, but different blade types). Trace can also make you a wharncliffe version of the Gambit, btw. I handled one of these, and really liked it, too.
 
My EDC fixed blades are Gryphon M-10,CS Kobun,CRKT Kasper Companion.Soon to get are the Pukulan/trainer and Ryan plan B.
 
I recently picked up a Trace Rinaldi Engima for your exact purpose! It was perfect!

Of course, now that mine will be in American Handgunner, I think it will be a show piece. :(

I guess I'll have to get another!
 
Wow, thanks to all for the informative input. Seems like every time I'm on the forum, I learn something new. I'm particularly impressed with the knives I can get from R.W. Clark and Gene Ingram, that easily fall within my budget. I always thought that a "name" maker like Mr. Clark would be out of my price range; I was pleasantly suprised by the price, and even my wife was wowed by some of his knives.

Of course, now I have more knives to choose from... at least I'll have fun deciding which one to order :D
 
Some good knives were mentioned, however GERBER Yari was skipped for unknown reasons. I would like to complete this matter:
* Good handling comfort
* Premium materials
* Pretty tactical look (since this is important ;))
* Very good cutter due to thin high performance edge
* Acceptably good Kydex sheath, although without Tek-Lok but with the holes matching it. So you could buy Tek-Lok separately and attach to the sheath.
* Very good ratio between price and quality
yari_01.jpg

yari_02.jpg
 
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