Fixed Blade Virgin

herisson said:
@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.
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Thin blades are easier for a lot of tasks. I was cutting some drywall a week ago with the Eskabar and the thickness made it more difficult. Something like a Mora Basic would have been much easier.

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22-rimfire said:
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.
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I like the Mini Bushlore quite a bit. I do find that I have to touch up the edge pretty frequently. I found using the window on my truck fixes it up quickly so it's definitely not a deal breaker. Love the wood handle.

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My latest crush is the Bark River Bird & Trout. Talk about a thin blade ! It's an Elmax blade, so would it cut through cinder blocks ? No, but I don't care. It has proven to be a fantastic EDC (in my range of uses). Cuts everyday stuff, vegetables and meat on the board and it just keeps on going with the factory edge ! I'm actually curious how long it will last until it needs a honing. As long as it shaves hair, I'm good.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Why not just start out with a Mora to see his you like fixed blade carry.
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David_Clemons said:
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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No need to spend more for a starter blade, will also allow to get an idea of the kind of length, handle, sheath and shape you need/like

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MORA FTW!
 
@Alpha3 : I'm sorry, I think I lost focus on your initial question. My advice would be to check out Cold Steels's entry level offer of small fixed blades. They come in many different patterns, are very affordable and in the end... are very hard and good working knives. At them prices, you can't go wrong. Get a feeling for what works for you, move forwards and still have one (or several) reliable beater(s) in a drawer. It's all win in my book. The CS Roach Belly was my entry drug in the knife world (once again). I still use it (it's a great boning knife) and I honed it to the extreme, just for the fun. It may be a cheap beater but it delivers to the best !
 
My very first fixed blade that I purchased was an Ek Commando bowie knife which was in the Rambo vein. I traded a 22 magnum rifle on the same day for a handmade knife (gun show). The Randall fighters followed those purchases over a couple years. I just never got used to using a fixed blade for anything although I understand why you choose a fixed blade over a folder. Years pass and and nothing has really changed other than I own a lot of fixed blades that I seldom use. Most of my purchases in the last 5 years have been pretty practical and I started using them mostly in the woods as a second knife to usually a SAK. My advice is to choose something you think is practical and begin your fixed blade journey.
 
My vote for the perfect carry fixed: both the knife and the carry method. I've tried a lot. This is absolutely wonderful, IMO.
The Bradford Guardian3 is a 3.3" blade (M390 or CPM-3V) with 3.1" sharp edge. You forget you're wearing it. He does have longer blade models also useable for horiz belt crossdraw carry.

...and you can find a much cheaper model due to professional paracord grip wrapping on the Bradford web-site.



 
many excellent choices to be had in your price range. Becker, ESEE, Mora, Condor...pick what you like. My vote goes for the BK-16
 
Sonnydaze said:
My vote for the perfect carry fixed: both the knife and the carry method. I've tried a lot. This is absolutely wonderful, IMO.
The Bradford Guardian3 is a 3.3" blade (M390 or CPM-3V) with 3.1" sharp edge. You forget you're wearing it. He does have longer blade models also useable for horiz belt crossdraw carry.

...and you can find a much cheaper model due to professional paracord grip wrapping on the Bradford web-site.



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Link? I've always loved the looks of that knife but not the price.

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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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Having any luck on making a decision?

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The sheath makes a big difference in how much you will like and carry the knife. I have a BK14 that I didn't use very much. I just didn't like the way it felt and carried. I added the grivory handles and stripped the blade which helped some. However, I still didn't like the sheath and didn't carry it much. After I got some kydex making supplies I made myself a kydex sheath which I carry horizontally in the 10:00 position (like the Bradford guardian above). The advantage of my sheath is I used a loop with a pull dot snap that is easy to put on and off without undoing my belt. This is a great way to carry a small knife because it's easy to draw and re-sheath but it doesn't get in the way of anything I do.
 
What do you plan to do with it?
For a good general purpose fixed blade, I would have to suggest a Mora companion, as some of the others have suggested.
They are not a "super steel", but they take and hold a razzor edge.
You do not need diamond stones to sharpen them, stainless steel or carbon steel, you can field sharpen them, even using a smooth river rock, if that is all you have.
There is a reason Moraknive has been making them pretty much the same for over 100 years***. They work.

*** Some models like the Companion have modern synthetic handles instead of the more traditional wood.
 
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Gerber Strongarm or Cold Steel Gi Tanto
Strongarm's $50 and made in the USA with 420 HC steel
Gi Tantos usually $25 or under, made of 1550 Carbon steel

You can beat the crap out of both of these knives, and just have to sharpen them at the end of the day. Plus Gerber will replace it if you break it. The Cold Steel doesn't have a warrenty like that, but for the price you can't beat it.

Hope this helps

-TR
 
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