Fixed blade EDC

D

dragonass

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
12
Looking for a little help trying to find a nice fixed blade for EDC I'm trying to keep the price below $100.00 any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hello Dragonass. I'm dragging mine too. Boy there seems to be a growing interest in fixed blade EDC. That is my preference too. For a fixed blade EDC I would recommend the Ontario RAT3 for about $62 at DLT Trading company. It comes with a kind of klunky, in my opinion anyway, plastic sheath. The sheath, while klunky, does do the job though. It comes with a Blade Tech Tek-Lok that enables many carry options. The cutting edge on the RAT3 is about 3.5 inches. Scales are linen Micarta. I have a RAT3 in D2 and like it very much.

I would also try to find a Spyderco Temperance. I think the blade length on the Temperance is 4 inches. They go for about $80 with a Kydex sheath.

Welcome to the forums and good luck.
 
I have been carrying a Benchmade Snody Activator in D2. It's a small knife with excellent ergos and a nice blade steel. Easy to slip into a pocket. I bought it (NIB) on a Swedish auction site for approx $ 60.

BenchmadeSnodyActivatorD2.jpg


~Paul~
 
Yeah, the intended use is kinda out there... another idea to get a couple of the lower-priced customs (secondhand or otherwise).
 
i am in the same predicament and i have been considering a graham rs3 which i ordered but apparently my order to newgraham got there shortly after another order ... for the last one currently in stock :mad: but it seems like a very sturdy practical edc and i like the in pocket sheaths ... any one else have and feelings on this choice
 
I caried a Fallkniven F1 for almost a year.Then I replaced it with a Ka-bar impact warthog just because it was cheaper for work use/abuse.That little Benchmade Snody Activator looks pretty sweet though.
 
Thanks for the help I like the Rat3 but not sure about the sheath if it would be comfortable to carry and the blade is a good length, I also like the benchmade snody only I wish the blade was a little longer and I think the leather case would be comfortable to carry.

Question is which steel blade on the Rat3 is better the 1095 or the D2 or should I ask which will hold it's edge longer?
 
Get a folder -
1) you will not save money on fixed blade (and don't forget the sheath)
2) to be it comfortable fixed blade needs to be very small - in that size you will get larger blade in folder
 
Spyderco makes a few fixed blades that great for EDC carry; namely the SWICK, Moran and Temperance.
 
i would go with the activator, sometimes you get lucky in ebay and find something decent at that price (is a 40%chance),best of luck
 
I like the Bark River Blackwater Boot Knife. Not sure why it is called a Boot Knife as is comes with a belt sheath. The knife is compact, nicely made and takes a great edge. It fits in my pocket if I don't want to wear it on the belt.
 
If you go on over the the Makers' forum, you can find listings of handmade fixed blades. I've scored few for less than $100. I've bought from Nick Allen (NWA), David Wesner (Kelsey Creek Knife Works), and G L Drew. All of them came with sheaths. All of them were good deals.
 
2manyknives said:
I like the Bark River Blackwater Boot Knife. Not sure why it is called a Boot Knife as is comes with a belt sheath. The knife is compact, nicely made and takes a great edge. It fits in my pocket if I don't want to wear it on the belt.
Click to expand...

Bark River makes quite a few smaller knives that would be good for EDC.

Andy
 
dragonass said:
Thanks for the help I like the Rat3 but not sure about the sheath if it would be comfortable to carry and the blade is a good length, I also like the benchmade snody only I wish the blade was a little longer and I think the leather case would be comfortable to carry.

Question is which steel blade on the Rat3 is better the 1095 or the D2 or should I ask which will hold it's edge longer?
Click to expand...

If you like the Snody's design check out the Fixed Resistor (3.4" blade).
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=220
 
I am a folder guy, but recently decided to try out a fixed blade edc. I went with Nemesis arch-ally (secondhand - $100). Truly an excellent knife. Can be carried as a neck knife or with a tek lock
 
dragonass said:
Thanks for the help I like the Rat3 but not sure about the sheath if it would be comfortable to carry and the blade is a good length, I also like the benchmade snody only I wish the blade was a little longer and I think the leather case would be comfortable to carry.

Question is which steel blade on the Rat3 is better the 1095 or the D2 or should I ask which will hold it's edge longer?
Click to expand...

If you have a choice between the D2 and 1095, I would go with the 1095. It will be easier to sharpen than the D2 model. Also, as was pointed out over on the Swamp Rat forums, D2 can be brittle if not properly heat treated and the jury is still out as to Ontario's heat treat protocol. My RAT3 is D2 and I'm just careful to use it as a knife and not a pry bar.

The D2 blade will be harder to sharpen but will hold the edge longer. Someone said, "D2 will take a mediocre edge and hold it forever."

The 1095 is said to be a tougher steel, will sharpen easier but will need a touch up more often.

Regarding the sheath, I am having one made by On Scene Tactical. It will be Kydex and will cost $28 USD. I should have it in a few days.

You have gotten a lot of solid advice in response to your inquiry. Good luck with your purchase.
 
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