Fixed Blade Virgin

A

Alpha3

Joined
Aug 17, 2016
Messages
18
Very much into folding EDC knives and own many but I've just started to think about buying a fixed blade. I know nothing about fixed blades. Thinking of a 4-5 inch blade that I would wear on my belt vertically or horizontally in a sheath (not a neck knife). Looking to spend in the area of $100 for my first one. Would appreciate any advice you might have to offer. Thanks
 
I would try a Becker BK16 if you want a stouter knife, a Mora or Hultafors if you want a capable budget friendly user, or keep an eye on the custom makers>fixed blade section for some of the value priced knives that pop up.

There are a few makers that put out knives in the $100 range.
Especially Dalibor Seckard. He goes by the name is "Daado" here on Bladeforums.
 
I think the Kabar Becker BK-16 is a great suggestion. It is a very good "first fixed blade" and one that avoids the Rambo knives or similar fighting knives that I started buying when I first got interested in fixed blades. I never actually purchased a "Rambo knife", but they had a great deal of influence on my initial choices. I figured they were mostly crap knives.
 
Yeah, that Swamp Rat Ratmandu is not a bad idea! Worth the extra cash for sure. Or check out their website and pick the knife you like, that is available.
 
Look into the Ka-bar becker knives.

Also everyone should own one Mora :D
 
I'd think seriously about the Buck 102 Woodsman...iconic, small fixed blade made in the US. You won't want to try busting open wooden crates or battoning knotty logs with it, but for a EDC designed to be handy...and cut things...you can't beat this knife at it's price-point.
 
Esee 4 uncoated was my first for about a hundred bucks ,it's a perfect knife to start with . The sheath is good , the steel is great, just a great all arounder . Good luck let us know what you end up getting
 
I used to have a bunch of crappy fixed blades as a kid before completely turning to folders. Over the last year I've gotten back into fixed blades. I'd go with a Mora Companion HD. It would run you around twenty USD and I've never seen one break. If you want a full tang the Garberg is down to about 55 USD now. It comes with a good leather or plastic sheath as well.

The BK 16 is great as well, but I absolutely hate the sheath so I don't carry it much and don't want to spend another 40 dollars to get a good sheath for it.

Condor knives are decent as well but the steel is soft. The Bushlore is about 35 USD and comes with a leather sheath that is probably worth 30 USD by itself.

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ESEE 4hm would be right up your alley. They're tougher than snot and if you break it, they'll replace it free of charge. They make a good reference point to what a fixed blade should be.
 
A 4 to 5" inch blade is quite the mighty EDC ! In my book, of course. If you're a farmer or a professional outdoors man, that would be my choice, too. This said, as you asked, I checked out that from 4" downwards to 3" and even a little less, was handier, quicker, efficienter and lighter to carry, however you carry it. I'm not advocating small knives (although some of them have amazed me with their performances) and I still think 4" is just right as a "do it all, can it all" EDC. It all boils down to "what do you expect from your EDC ?". The 3 to 5" range is overwhelming with splendid offers, ranging from industrial brands to hosted makers on this forum. Take the time to take a look, compare, appreciate regarding your needs... You'll have a good time (hunting IS nice !) and I'm sure you'll end up with some great knife !
 
herisson said:
A 4 to 5" inch blade is quite the mighty EDC ! In my book, of course. If you're a farmer or a professional outdoors man, that would be my choice, too. This said, as you asked, I checked out that from 4" downwards to 3" and even a little less, was handier, quicker, efficienter and lighter to carry, however you carry it. I'm not advocating small knives (although some of them have amazed me with their performances) and I still think 4" is just right as a "do it all, can it all" EDC. It all boils down to "what do you expect from your EDC ?". The 3 to 5" range is overwhelming with splendid offers, ranging from industrial brands to hosted makers on this forum. Take the time to take a look, compare, appreciate regarding your needs... You'll have a good time (hunting IS nice !) and I'm sure you'll end up with some great knife !
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I personally carry a Bk14 for my urban fixed blade EDC. It turns less heads and I can carry it as a neck knife, scout carry it, or carry it on my side. I don't put it in my pocket but I've heard people do that as well. Very cool knife. I also have an Izula that I don't carry anymore. I wish I had gotten the Izula II.

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David_Clemons said:
....The BK 16 is great as well, but I absolutely hate the sheath so I don't carry it much and don't want to spend another 40 dollars to get a good sheath for it.

Condor knives are decent as well but the steel is soft. The Bushlore is about 35 USD and comes with a leather sheath that is probably worth 30 USD by itself.
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The Condor Bushlore leather sheath makes a good sheath for the BK-16.

The OP did not say what he was going to use the knife for. For EDC, I like a horizontal belt sheath such as comes with the Bob Dozier hand made knives. Price of those knives are a bit above your price range, but certainly not extreme for what you're getting.
 
22-rimfire said:
The Condor Bushlore leather sheath makes a good sheath for the BK-16.
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I could kiss you. I don't have a Bushlore but I do have a Bushcraft basic and it fits perfectly. For some reason that never occurred to me even though I have swapped sheaths before.

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@David Clemons : Yes. I think this is my Becker D'Eskabar's size and pattern. Like it, carry it but only on occasions. In my current life, thinner blades have taken over. Now, if someone looks for a blade that could be used occasionally to batton up a fire in the woods (on top of cutting sammiches, string, paper, cardboard and popping beers...), this would be my recommendation. Great little knife, great value, great user.
 
I have been known to carry the little Condor Mini Bushlore as an EDC in their vertical leather belt sheath. It is about the same size as many folders, so it is a matter of personal preference. The pricing on the mini is about the same price as the regular bushlore. I very much like Condor knives. The Condor Two Rivers skinner makes a pretty good woods knife also. Most people don't talk much about this model, but I like it.
 
Alpha3 said:
Very much into folding EDC knives and own many but I've just started to think about buying a fixed blade. I know nothing about fixed blades. Thinking of a 4-5 inch blade that I would wear on my belt vertically or horizontally in a sheath (not a neck knife). Looking to spend in the area of $100 for my first one. Would appreciate any advice you might have to offer. Thanks
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ESEE-3

Right at $100, cuts well and comes with a great sheath (most $100 fixed blades don't). Knife is the size of a large folder, ground thin enough to be a great cutter but still plenty strong. The sheath is very versatile, you can mess around figuring out how you like to wear it, it's a great "transition" knife from folder to fixed blade.
 
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