Fixed Blade - Utility - Any Suggestions

joe90

joe90

Joined
Aug 17, 2001
Messages
346
Been thinking about purchasing a fixed blade - say 4"-5" blade for outdoor camping utility type work (not cutting down trees :)).

Have a small Puma Hunters Pal currently that I bought about 20 years ago and that is still very nice - but perhaps a touch small.

Was thinking about a Burke "Entry Tool", Rinaldi "TTTK" (if you can get em) or a Swamprat "Howling Rat", but am indeed open to any and all suggestions - no rush to buy at the present time so have plenty of time to look into it.

What do you guys think? Am not overly concerned about steel type really since I don't go into the wilds that regularly - more looking at form and function.

Ideas / experience / suggestions ? Lets have em' :)

Thanks guys.

Joe
 
well, there are certainly a lot of options! I will say that my spydie Fred Perrin Street Bowie is a great utility knife, 5" blade of flat-ground VG10 is a cutting machine and the handle is very comfortable and secure. Plus, it's a very lightweight package, you forget it's there. I wouldn't pry with it if I could avoid it, but if you want to CUT things then it's top-notch.
 
TTKK would be a fantastic choice!

Maybe check out a Bergland Puuko? I've sure been impressed with the reviews of his work that I've seen.
 
I just did a bit of checking on Murray Carter. There is a 3.75" "Alaskan Skinner" blade at Bladeart.com that would do a nice job for camp chores too! He sure makes nice knives, for a Master Smith an all :)
 
Gerber Yari fulfills that role for me. I EDC it regularly. At just under 5" with comfortable micarta scales it's an excellent utility knife. I also like the Buck Strider collaberation for that type of knife. Greco's MST or Companion would also fit that bill. I think there are more great choices available in this type of knife than any other. I believe if I were going to buy today, I'd get both the MST and Companion from John for about a C-note.
 
I would definitely consider the Blackjack Trailguide II. I have one of their Small models and love it to death. Here's a link.
 
Well if you're looking for functional proven utility knives, I'd look at some of the Finnish blades over at Kellam Knives or Ragweed Forge. They come in various sizes. :cool:
 
i have been hunting for a couple of years for a knife of your description and here's what i found
1). tops overlander, 3/16 1095 steel so it is strong and durable, it is sharp and easy to sharpen however the hollow ground edge wasn't a fav.
2). tops dawn warrior, little bigger and better handle design but still hollow ground
3).idaho knife works "cliff" excellent performance, thin flat ground carbon steel not to expensive but not nearly the strength i was looking for
4). busse lean mean street, one of the best knives i ever bought, i have no complaints here but good luck finding one
5). strider mfs, this is the knife i take to the woods, 3/16 flat ground ats-34, 1 3/8 wide blade, indestructable design plus with the paracord handle wrap you will always have some for emergencies, comes with a nice kydex sheath with tec-lok too.

by the way bladeart.com had some rinaldi tttkk in stock last time i checked
 
I'm really happy with my Fallkniven F1 for outdoor/camping cutting.
It's got a thick blade with a rather fat convex grind. So its strong, but its no razor.

Nitin
 
I don't have any experience with the Howling Rat but I have been using an INFIcoot for a few weeks. I know the profiles are different but the 'coot is a great little knife for utility work. I won't hesitate to recomend or to take it into the field.
 
Cold Steel Master Hunter. Available in Aus8A or Carbon V. The Carbon V model can be purchased as a factory 2nd for about $35. :)
 
I have used a variety of 4" utility knives but have gotten quite the suprise in my Frosts swedish clippers and Moras you can actually see me carving with one of their hooked ones on my web page in hard maple. I would say that it is a good example of the K.I.S.S principal.

http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel/ Onscene Tactical has just developed a Tac sheath for them which make the factory sheath obsolete.



CanRanger
http://home.cogeco.ca/~aelias/
Diving Sparrow Canoe Co.
 
Check out Bob Dozier. I have one of his smaller fixed blades and I love it. He uses D2 steel and knows how to use it well, his knives are the sharpest I've ever seen.
 
By all means get the Howling Rat. I have all the Rat line up, and over 20 Busses, but the HR gets used the most out of all. One of the handiest blade shapes around. Great steel, comfortable grips (as all the Rats) and an unconditional lifetime warranty and a very reasonable price. There is nothing not to like. I've had mine for about 2 years, and I just keep liking it better. You will too. :D :D

Rob
 
You haven' t mentioned any particular price range. But when you say "utility" and "...work", then take a close look at Dozier mades. Go to www.dozierknives.com

There you will find many models to choose from, all using knives. No fashion statements needed for these blades with a lifetime use design.

N2
 
Wow .. lots of food for thought! ;)

Thanks a lot for the information. I'll be sure to check out all the models mentioned. :eek:

Thanks again,

Joe
 
Before you make your decision, go to BarkRiverKnifeTool.com and look at the Gameskeeper (4.5" x .217") and Highlander (4" x. ,150"). Mike Stewart's knives get nothing but positive reviews and for hand-made, the prices are very reasonable (69.95 list for Highland and 129.99 list for Gameskeeper. Plus, some of his dealers discount. [Ssshh. discounts are a secret.])
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top