Fixed Blade Recommendation

wright88

wright88

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2011
Messages
409
Hello all!

I’ve been looking for a fixed blade and would like some advice! I have a Bradford Guardian 6 in 3v but am looking for something smaller that hits these categories:

-3.5” to 4” fixed blade
-blade shape with some belly
-camping/bushcraft and hunting tasks -green micarta handles
-3v or 20cv (or similar)
-kydex sheath
-<$200 (not necessarily a hard limit, but would like to come in under $200)


Knives I’ve looked at that I like but don’t quite fit:

-LT Wright Genesis and Bushcrafter (but have leather sheaths)
-Bradford Guardian 4.5 (already about $250 and comes with leather holster)
-GSO 3.5 or 4.1 (but I’m not dealing with trying to order from them lol)
-ESEE 4 and 4HM (would like better edge retention than 1095 and not crazy about the rough blade coating creating more drag when slicing)
-Benchmade 200 Puukko (would prefer micarta handles, a kydex sheath, and a little more belly on the blade)

So, any suggestions/thoughts? I’ve also thought about just getting a custom knife maker to make what I want, but I’m not sure which ones are good/if it would be more than I want to spend (I’d like to keep it under $200 ideally, though going over some wouldn’t be the end of the world). I know I can get a good knife for much less than $200, but I’d like to get a really quality, tough knife I know I can use for years. I also know I could have kydex sheaths made for the LT Wright knives but that would put the total cost over $250.
 
Look at TOPS knives, they have a number of blades that will fit most, if not all, of your parameters EXCEPT for the steel. They use mostly 1095, but it's properly heat-treated, and will take and hold a very good edge. I personally carry and recommend the Skinat(got mine for $90), although I put mine in a leather sheath, as I don't much care for Kydex for edc.
 
Hi wright88 -

Have you considered one of the makers here at BF for something semi-custom?

I would suggest contacting John Kiedaisch (JK Handmade Knives) at his forum here at BF - he makes customer designs regularly and yours sounds a lot like what he makes - you could customize the handle shape to fit your needs and get exactly YOUR knife.

John does 01 steel and stainless but I am not sure what type of stainless - not sure if having 20cv is a deal breaker for you, but you can get a custom with stainless and I think your price point is right in the ballpark.

Here is a link to his forum -
https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/jk-handmade-knives.830/

best

mqqn
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBW
Mora light my fire actually meets the blade and usage requirements .

A real handy, thin / agile, stainless blade.

You could get a custom kydex if desired for scout / x-draw carry, etc.
 
When I saw fixed blade + green micarta handles my first thought was Bark River.

Some people don't like BR and Mike Stewart for various reasons, not sure if you are one of those people.

Mini Kephart in green micarta fits the bill perfectly for you.
https://www.dlttrading.com/mini-kephart-green-canvas-micarta-317
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Bark-River-Mini-Kephart-Fixed-Blade--69154

You just need for it be back in stock and there should be enough room in the budget for someone here to make a kydex sheath for you.

Bravo Necker 2, Gunny, Classic drop point are a few other models that come in green micarta too.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Bark-River-Bravo-Necker-II-Fixed--38878
https://www.dlttrading.com/gunny-a2-green-canvas-micarta-rampless-1211

Also,
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Boker-Arbolito-Bushcraft-Micarta--80840
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Battle-Horse-Knives-Maverick-Scout--71128
Plenty of $ room to have kydex sheath made.
 
Last edited:
Try the White River Knives Hunter. 3-1/2" blade, S35VN, can be had with OD-green micarta handle scales. Ticks all the boxes except Kydex. $180-ish.....
 
Rex...previous post...beat me to it..
This would be one solid choice... about $107 total.
Fallkniven F1, Thermorun Handle, Plain, Zytel Sheath
Fallkniven F1 Military Survival Knife - 8 1/4" overall. 3 3/4" laminate VG-10 stainless drop point blade with satin finish. Black checkered Thermorun elastomer handle with visible tang end and lanyard hole. Carried by the Swedish National Defense. Black nylon and Zytel belt sheath.


 
Last edited:
I'd go for the Bradford guardian 3.5 in nitro v on massdrop right now. I find that one very interesting right now...
 
Spyderco Mule team #27 in micro-melt PD#1. Blade is 69, handles for 40, sheath for 50 (?). You can also do the work yourself. This is a cru-wear equivalent.
 
^I was gifted a mule team and it's definitely a keeper for me. Great compacts ergos. Just enough knife to edc and get most tasks done.Its about as slicey as a regular Spyderco.
 
+1 on Jk knives, maybe the Rule 9, but has different styles to choose from. For Production model, but close to handmade would be production Fiddleback Kephart or Hiking Buddy.
 
Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I ended up ordering a LT Wright Genesis in FFG 3V, it checked everything except the kydex holster, and I really like the look of the blade and handles.

I also stumbled upon the CPK forum and bought their new Field Knife 2, which hits everything on my list except price (and seems to be a much loved brand here on the forum). So I have two knives on the way lol. I'll see which one I like best and probably sell the other one. Thanks again!
 
There is a nice LTW Forest Trail up for sale in the individual fixed blade section. Green micarta. Maybe too big? A2 good stuff.
 
Skidoosh said:
Spyderco Mule team #27 in micro-melt PD#1. Blade is 69, handles for 40, sheath for 50 (?). You can also do the work yourself. This is a cru-wear equivalent.
Click to expand...

I’ve had my eye on the PD1 or the A11 Mule (which is now out of stock :/ ) but have been waiting for Halpern Titanium to get their 3D micarta scales back in stock for over a year now. I asked them last year about when they might get more in stock but never received a reply. They only have a few 3D scale options available now. I’m worried they might not be making more..
 
You can try a custom knife from Wayne Walker. You can find him on FB under WW Customs. I got a knife from him and it's excellent. Also the price was right about 200 including international shipping if i remember correct, so i believe it is a good option

Edit: i didn't see you already made your mind. Hope you'll enjoy it
 
Ehhhh, go to youtube and watch the Blade HQ shop tour of the TOPS facility. You will see their heat treatment process. I am old and crotchety, so bear that in mind when I call it a glorified torch and slop bucket process. ;)
justjed said:
Look at TOPS knives.........They use mostly 1095, but it's properly heat-treated........
Click to expand...
 
wright88 said:
I’ve had my eye on the PD1 or the A11 Mule (which is now out of stock :/ ) but have been waiting for Halpern Titanium to get their 3D micarta scales back in stock for over a year now. I asked them last year about when they might get more in stock but never received a reply. They only have a few 3D scale options available now. I’m worried they might not be making more..
Click to expand...
I'd be surprised if they make any more Micarta scales unless Spyderso starts making more Mules.
 
wright88 said:
Thanks for the recommendations everyone! I ended up ordering a LT Wright Genesis in FFG 3V, it checked everything except the kydex holster, and I really like the look of the blade and handles.

I also stumbled upon the CPK forum and bought their new Field Knife 2, which hits everything on my list except price (and seems to be a much loved brand here on the forum). So I have two knives on the way lol. I'll see which one I like best and probably sell the other one. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Good job! Have you seen Nathan's matter of fact videos on youtube where he tries to destroy his own knife? So much fun and bad assery! Lol.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top