Fixed blade must-haves?

M

mrszeontestpilot

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Mar 28, 2012
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Wondering what your traditional fixed blade must-haves are. I currently own two Moras, and that's as far as I've gone with fixeds. Thinking about adding to that collection, though I don't really have any specific use for them at the moment, except using the Moras for whittling. Maybe camping and things of that nature.
 
A good puukko like Ahti, Roselli Carpenter or Wood Jewel, Woodsknife or Lapin Puukko would be great for camping, hiking, backpacking, etc.

Rich
 
-3-3.5" blade length: Useful size, but not too big to EDC
-Flat grind preferred, drop point, nice belly, full tang
-Stainless I like S30V. Or, if high carbon, I like 1095.
-1/8" blade thickness: thin enough to slice nicely, but at this length robust enough for most bushcraft/survival use
-Sub 7" OAL: large enough for a good grip, not too big to EDC
-Must have handle scales (micarta is my preference), jimping on spine, lanyard hole, and a window punch is a nice addition.
 
Oh there area bunch of fixed blades you should try, definitelly.

The German/Bavarian Jagdnicker





Puukko knife - this is a Puukko I got made by a great forum member here on BFC



Here is a classic hunting knife, made in Germany. A half-integral Otter with purty stag handles





There are other great knives, for sure that fill that niche. Like the Schrade Old Timer Sharpfinger (fantastic knives) - Buck 119 - and list could go on and on...
 
There are a few of what I consider "standard" traditional fixed blades that everyone should try out:

Mora/Puukko
Ka-Bar
Buck 119 or variant
Randall 1-7, or the more affordable Blackjack homage
Something bird and trouty -- I like the Mokis a lot
Gerber Mk II, EK Commando (obviously fewer practical applications with these)
 
For traditional fixed blades, you've got to have one with a stag handle, or at the very least, stag scales. Personally, given the option I'd get a BlackJack 125 to cover this one...the perfect medium sized game hunter. I agree with having a 1-7, again the BlackJack variant so you won't be tempted to just put it in a safe somewhere and not use it. Gotta have a bowie of some sort, depending on your budget, a I'd suggest a Cold Steel Trailmaster, or something along those lines. There's just something about carrying a big knife in the woods that makes me smile...not sure what it is exactly, but I think you'll see what I mean if you ever try it. I also second the bird and trout suggestion, you go fishing, you've gotta clean them with something...and you probably don't need the 8" blade fillet knife they seem to sell everywhere either, unless you happen to fish sharks or tuna. I mean really a 4'' blade is a pretty good choice, with maybe a 6" version for bigger game fish. You could get away with a small thin bladed Kabar like a Little Fin, or a Case knife along the same lines. You can get a plastic one and it'll do the job, but having a nice wood or micarta handled knife with a leather sheath makes if feel more like a tool than a toy.

Sorry if I got a little long winded there, but remember, you asked:D
 
As others have said, too many to mention. Some are not up for discussion here. However, I recently picked up a couple Bark River Knife and Tool knives (please forgive me if these are not considered traditional). I do have to say they have great fit and finish and also have a great edge on them when you get them. There are many different styles and sizes and grinds to choose from. I doubt you would be disappointed with one of these.
 
No mention of the 'Little Finn' yet?:eek:

If you're into traditional knives, you need to have a Little Finn around. Three and a half inch blade, give or take a half inch, stacked leather handle, carbon steel blade with a dark gray patina.

Come on, ya gotta have a little finn tucked away somewhere!
 
Check out ESEE. Very well made and balance is excellent. Should fit most all of your criteria. I own a ESEE 3, Izula 2 and the 6. Full flat grind with Micarta scales.
 
Queens #98 is a modern rendition of the Marbles Woodcraft pattern and a great one.
Excellent D2 steel and carved stag bone for about $65 . . . a real steal!

Another iconic pattern and the best small game knife I've ever used is the Schrade USA #152 Sharpfinger.
No longer made in the USA with Schrade's excellent 1095 steel, they can still be found on the secondary markets for reasonable $$.

A step up in price would be the Blackjack or Bark River knives, all of which are beautifully made with great materials.
Being a hunter, I'm partial to the bullnose semi-skinner patterns, including this Kalahari Hunter model in A2 and bocote.

BRkalahariMark_zpse19a36fa.jpg~original
 
Haven't figured out what a traditional fixed is yet and am always fearful of posting my preferences. Been buying a Dozier or two in the last year or so, Blackjack classics, and others that I suspect are not "traditional".
 
someone mentioned that the little fin was carbon steel...is this the case for the older ones?..because all the new ones I find are stainless
 
When i think of traditional fixed blade the first thing that comes to mind is a small leather handeled case or similar.
 
OP can you clarify if you were asking for examples of must-have classic style fixed blades? Or, if you were asking for the must-have characteristics of a go-to fixed blade? That's how I interrupted it. Although reading comprehension never was my strong suit. Or any sort of comprehension for that matter. :D
 
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