My experience with fixed blades is even more modest than that with folders ( I carry a special interest for folder as they seem more carry-able to me, but I also think that a fixed blade is stronger an can withstand more hostile influences, but what is the use of all that if you can't enjoy it because your fixed blades ages quietly on some shelve...
Nevertheless, my favorite fixed one is the Cold Steel Black Bear Classic in AUS-8A and with the extremely nice subhilt for added control. I realize that AUS-8A really isn't that much of a fine steel type, but this blade is meant for fighting purposes and after a few seconds you have plenty of time to restore its condition if deemed necessary. Another important note is that the out-of-the-box sharpness is unacceptable, especially when Cold Steel promissed you quite the opposite. But with some effort, you obtain a double edged fighter that demands respect and is capable to be very lethal (that knife can really penetrate if you want it to, it is real easy to damage some vital bodypart. The balance lies somewhat on the handle, but is very light and can be used to maximise control. The hilts are really solid and should prevent to hurt your own fingers, they seem also up to safeguarding your knifehand from damage of a fierce counterattack with an edged object (yeah, sure it is not a match for a heavy battle axe but what it lacks in brute force, it makes up in maniability and possibility to make the blade do exactly what you want). The blade steel really is not that superb but still it takes a good edge to really tear apart your opponent *grin* after that you can take your time "sanitizing" the blade. A few good cuts is all it takes to make a good fighter, control is very important, the AUS-8A is rather cheap and still has all it takes, this benefits the affordability. The conclude I am not at all happy, because Cold Steel downright lied to me, the bastards violated my trust by not delivering a hair shaving sharp blade right out of the box, in all that is not that big a deal, the potential of the knife is not affected, but a manufacturer who defies my trust in a manner that obvious will fail me only once, although the BlackBear Classic really holds everything what I expected (it really is a fighter and a force to be reckoned with) I nevertheless feel cheated by Cold Steel. The factory edge might seem a detail that is easily fixed, for me they took my good trust and spat on it, there's no way of knowing how far they will go in cheating an honest customer. All and all I'm very satisfied with the black bear (beuatifull and up for it's actual purpose, that is damaging enemy tissue in a way the user wants it (if I need to answer agression in this way, it is rather likely I will aim to kill and the Black Bear sure seems up to that grim task. A manufacturer can only once violate my trust and that's why I'm through with Cold Steel, they won't ever cheat me again although in truth they delivered a fine knife that holds a large potential.
Hell hath no fury as a knife-lover scorned, Cold Steel, you can kiss my cash goodbye, this mistake of your side can be set right quite easily but there is no way of telling how they will cheat me next time. In the mean time, I cherish my BlackBear Classic, an awesome fixed blade I keep very close whenever I hear strange noises at home (my plan is to fake that I am deep asleep, so the burglar does not see me as a threat and does not prepare himself for counteraction. But if he has the audicity to come close enough and I sense deep hostile intententions then I will try to surprize him and aim to bury the entire lenght of my fighter in his thorax, I think that this would discourage him to undertake further hostile action *grin*. If you want a big, substantial fighter don't forget to investigate the Cold Steel Black Bear Classic, it DOES hold particular benefits and is more than capabale to take down anything human. The sheer sight of this knife will intimidate almost everyone
this is a welcome asset as I want to avoid forcefull use of my knife and I do not really have the urge to kill or injure anybody, but it good to know that you could actually perform this horrible task. I want to keep breathing, no matter what... However unlikely and even undesirabale that a fighter will once serve it's actual purpose, they often are really nice just to look at, this along with the notion that you can say you never needed it is more then enough I expect from a fighter. If you ever actually need it, there no reason at all to rejoice (but if you did not have the fighter things would really look bleak, I suppose, however awfull the results of implementing this weapon can be, I would praise myself fortunate if the fighter would safeguard my priceless physical integrity. Just imagine the value a lifesaver like that would gain, no amount of cash could release the profound emotions of the knife in question. However unlikely that a fighter will ever serve it's purpose (if an attacker menaces you with something like a shotgun, you'd better do anything he wants you to do and leave your fighter where it is... Maybe later fit conditions to use the knife, when the opponent really believes you pose no threat at all; will arise. One thing is for sure, if you do not have a fighter handy you are more vulnerable. A concealed knife won't provoke anybody but is right there if ever the opportunity AND the urgent need to use the fighter in a harsh way. One will have a hard time in trying to convince me that a fighter is useless. Off course, one should keep in mind that the only knife that is any good to you is the one you have direct acces to, sitting on a shelf at home it won't help you in any way, one should form the habit of keeping his blade, he prefers, handy for action. A lanyard can improve the availability of the knife, just fix the other side to your belt and even in the most awkward of situations you will be able to allow the knife serve it's purpose (that purpose does not always implies bleeding an adversary dry, there are plenty of other ways to make good use of a fine blade.
No... really... do I sound like a schoolteacher or not... If you are questioning my subjective views then please be so kind as to tell me why... I would be very gratefull, sooner or later everyone makes mistakes. And if you bring my history of screwing up into account it is plain and clear that I require fresh and origanal viewpoints and I really would profit of others experience. Yeah, however hard I try, I always seem to find a way to screw things up. my knife hobby is all about getting as near to perfection as I can, so any mistake does cost me too much. Please be my guide in the complicated, puzzling knife-universe
yout points of view would be highly appreciated. Thanks a lot, fellow knife lover.
