Fixed Blade Help

J

Jsmalley9

Joined
Jun 14, 2016
Messages
77
Hello, Everyone!
I've watched the forums over the years and 'stolen' plenty of great advice, but this is my first time posting. I have a handful of folders that I absolutely love but most of my knowledge falls in kitchen cutlery, as I am a cook for a living. I was hoping to get some advice on a fixed blade knife preferably for no more than $100. I'm looking for something I can carry on late night dog walks and something I can have, well just in case. Ive noticed that both the tactical and survival knives are what I've gravitated towards in my research - Gerber LMF II and StrongArm, the various SOG Seals, CRKT Ultima are some that I've looked at. I was wondering what you folks think would be my best bet for something between 4.5ish"-6ish" in length.

Also - aside from the obvious, what are the differences between a 'survival' and 'tactical'? Or are they essentially the same? Again aside from the fact that one is primarily for fighting and the other for multi-use, are there differences in manufacturing process, steels, and technical specifications?

Thanks in advance for both the advice and the patience with the new guy:)
 
'Tactical' and 'survival' are really just terms used to try and market a knife. I would ignore those descriptors altogether. People here should be able to give you lots of good options.
For less than $100 and to have just in case, I would suggest one of the becker tweeners (bk15, 16, or 17) or an ontario. The cold steel srk also gets great reviews (though I personally haven't used one).
 
Spyderco Street Bowie. From what I've gathered, your parameters are exactly what this knife was intended for. Super lightweight, good sheath with good clip. It's got decent reach and a grip that locks into the hand very well. Also rings in under $100. That's my recommendation.
 
Thanks so much guys! Now I have to just decide which to get because I love them all. I saw the VG-1 SRK and an SRK San Mai III for basically the same price ($10 difference, both under $100), but I'm not familiar with CS's "Super Steel". What are your takes on the two?

Also, that Spyderco and those Beckers are absolute beauts. I was hoping this would make everything easier, but I think I've just opened Pandora's box :D
 
WadeWilson said:
Spyderco Street Bowie. From what I've gathered, your parameters are exactly what this knife was intended for. Super lightweight, good sheath with good clip. It's got decent reach and a grip that locks into the hand very well. Also rings in under $100. That's my recommendation.
Click to expand...

That was exactly what I was going to say. Great knife, perfect for what you need. Light enough to clip to any kinda of shorts or pants you wear. PJs included.
 
mec003 said:
'Tactical' and 'survival' are really just terms used to try and market a knife. I would ignore those descriptors altogether. People here should be able to give you lots of good options.
For less than $100 and to have just in case, I would suggest one of the becker tweeners (bk15, 16, or 17) or an ontario. The cold steel srk also gets great reviews (though I personally haven't used one).
Click to expand...
Excellent suggestion !
 
Welcome. All the knives mentioned so far are great choices. I'll though out one in the $60-70 range...the Kabar Mark 1.

Just a nice, time tested, "all rounder" kinda fixed blade, with a full flat grind making a very good slicer.

Not terribly "sexy" or anything, but if I was going to buy just one fixed blade for under $100, that might be it.

But who buys one?!?
 
Hard to go wrong with a Becker or a Kabar for the price point and there a good variety of options to choose from. Kabar makes a smaller version of their classic models with a 5 or 5.5" blade I think it is.

Bought my brother a Gerber strongarm for Xmas last year for 45 bucks and I was extremely surprised how nice it was for the price. 440 steel with a nice sheath and was razor sharp out of the box. Built in the USA too.

If you have a supplier around you somewhere ID suggest going in and handling a few different options to find what suits you best and is most comfortable in your hand. And it will all depend on how hard you want to use it, what materials you are cutting, doing batoning, wet environment or dry etc. Good luck in your search, hope you find one that suits your needs, keep the forum posted on what you decide!

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
BeastMode24 said:
Bought my brother a Gerber strongarm for Xmas last year for 45 bucks and I was extremely surprised how nice it was for the price. 440 steel with a nice sheath and was razor sharp out of the box. Built in the USA too.
Click to expand...

Nope. 420HC. Now if it was "440 steel" that's very bad, since 440 series steels end in a letter. If a maker doesn't include the letter...dont trust them.
 
Last edited:
Oh yes that's right thank you for correcting me! Couldn't remember exactly just remembered it was a 400 number :-)

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
For a third to half the budget stated, I'd recommend the Cold Steel Kobun. Slim, compact carry, 5.5 inches of blade, sharp as a scalpel and strong penetrating point.

Other knives I'd recommend are the CRKT Yukanto/Spyderco Street Bowie/Spyderco Aqua Salt/CS Counter Tac for smaller size, Kobun/SRK/KaBar Short/Ontario Pilot Survival/G.Sakai Sabi 3/CRKT Ultima/SOG Tsunami for medium size and CRKT Hissatsu/Ontario SP1.

Good luck!
 
There's a proverbial cornucopia of different choices with the prerequisites listed. That's kind of the beauty of fixed blades. Often a lot cheaper than folders and so many options.
 
What have you guys done to me?! Today was payday and this check doesn't seem like it's going to last very long...
 
Spyderco Street Bowie is the knife you described.

SCFB04PBB.jpg
 
BeastMode24 said:
If you have a supplier around you somewhere ID suggest going in and handling a few different options to find what suits you best and is most comfortable in your hand. And it will all depend on how hard you want to use it, what materials you are cutting, doing batoning, wet environment or dry etc. Good luck in your search, hope you find one that suits your needs, keep the forum posted on what you decide!
Click to expand...

For the most part around where I live (Lansing, MI) it's only Dick's/Gander Mountain - we used to have an amazing knife store but it closes a few years back. I haven't checked all gun shops yet and we have a PX that I want to try, but sadly it looks like it all online for me.
 
Great, I'll check that out, thanks! And seriously - thank all of you for taking time to give the new guy some advice, I look forward to getting to better know you guys and the hobby!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top