Fixed Blade for Outdoor and General Use

R

Randall Stevensen

Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
28
I've been looking for a good fixed blade for outdoor and other general uses. I've researched for a while and haven't found quite what I'm looking for. Can anyone recommend something like this?

- High carbon steel (1095, O-1, or similar)
- 4.5-5.5" blade length
- 3-5 mm thick
- Full tang
- Synthetic scales (micarta, G-10, or similar)
- Scales are removable, screwed on (preferred, but not necessary)
- Satin finish (no black coatings)

I've already looked at the RAT RC-4, but it's a little more expensive than I'd like to spend, and I don't want a coating of any kind.

I own the Ka-bar Becker BK2, which doesn't really suit my uses because it's too thick. It's just a sharpened prybar.
 
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Look into Bark River's offerings. The Bravo 1 and Aurora are favorites around these parts. Check out knivesshipfree.com - they have a wide selection.
 
I think you will have a hang up on removable scales in that price range. But the Bark River Bravo 1 and Gunny are top notch.

Doc
 
Hi Randall -

Well - If $124 is out of your price range you may be out of luck for a JK, but you could check out JK Handmade Knives -

Stomper is a member here and he makes beautiful hand made knives that are EXACTLY what you are looking for - except his are just a little more than the rat4 you exampled.

Take a look anyway to see what you could have - and Stomper will build to your exact specifications, so maybe you could work with him to get a knife in your price range (i.e. omit the sheath etc...). His scales are pinned on, but maybe he could use hardware - talk to him.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=830

http://jkhandmadeknives.com/

Here is a teaser pic of my JK Kephart with maple burl scales -

kep_800_8.jpg


best regards -

mqqn
 
He says a RC-4 is too expensive so you guys suggest Bark Rivers?

Hey Randall give us a little more on the price range.
 
Have you checked out Condor yet?
they have some new knife designs that are pretty functional looking.
mostly 1075 - which isn't 1095, but it's still pretty functional from all the reviews I've seen.
 
The Bark Rivers look nice, but they're out of my price range for now. I'd rather not spend much more than $100, but I will if I have to in order to get what I want.

I'm still considering the RC-4. I just can't stand black coatings so I would have to strip it.

The JK knives look very nice and I would probably spare the extra cash if I went that route; it would be worth it to get the knive built exactly the way I want it. How long does it usually take him to finish an order?
 
Randall Stevensen said:
The Bark Rivers look nice, but they're out of my price range for now. I'd rather not spend much more than $100, but I will if I have to in order to get what I want.

I'm still considering the RC-4. I just can't stand black coatings so I would have to strip it.

The JK knives look very nice and I would probably spare the extra cash if I went that route; it would be worth it to get the knive built exactly the way I want it. How long does it usually take him to finish an order?
Click to expand...

The RC-4 or even the RC-3 seem to match your requirements perfectly. If you are not a fan of coated blades, the actual process of stripping them is really easy and cheap. You also get the best warranty in the business to back you up.
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
The RC-4 or even the RC-3 seem to match your requirements perfectly. If you are not a fan of coated blades, the actual process of stripping them is really easy and cheap. You also get the best warranty in the business to back you up.
Click to expand...

+1 You can pick up either the RC-4 or RC-3 under $100 from one of the vendors that support the bladeforums (Knivesshipfree, NewGram, The-knife-connection, etc.)
 
Check Jeremy Horton at Horton knives forum. Thick or thin large or small. He will build you the knife you need
You won't be dis appointed!
 
Also check out ML knives, he also makes a 4-4 1/2 in ch camp and field knife with sheath for 95.00.
 
Randall Stevensen said:
I've been looking for a good fixed blade for outdoor and other general uses. I've researched for a while and haven't found quite what I'm looking for. Can anyone recommend something like this?

- High carbon steel (1095, O-1, or similar)
- 4.5-5.5" blade length
- 3-5 mm thick
- Full tang
- Synthetic scales (micarta, G-10, or similar)
- Scales are removable, screwed on
- Satin finish (no black coatings)

I've already looked at the RAT RC-4, but it's a little more expensive than I'd like to spend, and I don't want a coating of any kind.

I own the Ka-bar Becker BK2, which doesn't really suit my uses because it's too thick. It's just a sharpened prybar.
Click to expand...

The removable scales requirement shoots down a lot of otherwise good knives. Honestly, I think you would be well served with a carbon steel Mora Clipper or Craftsman.

Another suggestion would be to find someone who has finished one of the Spyderco Mules in 52100 or M4 with removable scales, or buy a bare blade and screw on a set of the Halpern scales.
 
elkins45 said:
The removable scales requirement shoots down a lot of otherwise good knives. Honestly, I think you would be well served with a carbon steel Mora Clipper or Craftsman.

Another suggestion would be to find someone who has finished one of the Spyderco Mules in 52100 or M4 with removable scales, or buy a bare blade and screw on a set of the Halpern scales.
Click to expand...

If the knife was stainless steel, I'd worry less about the removable scales. But with carbon steel, if water gets in between the scales and tang, there would be no stopping the rust.

And I've looked at the Spyderco Mules, but they're smaller than I would like.
 
Randall Stevensen said:
If the knife was stainless steel, I'd worry less about the removable scales. But with carbon steel, if water gets in between the scales and tang, there would be no stopping the rust.

And I've looked at the Spyderco Mules, but they're smaller than I would like.
Click to expand...

If the scales are attached with both epoxy and mechanical fasteners, there isn't any way that moisture can get under the scales.

Many makers apply a coat of epoxy to their scales before attaching them for that very reason.
 
elkins45 said:
If the scales are attached with both epoxy and mechanical fasteners, there isn't any way that moisture can get under the scales.

Many makers apply a coat of epoxy to their scales before attaching them for that very reason.
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I guess I'll look at some knives with non-removable scales, depending on how well they're made.
 
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