Recommendation? Fixed blade

[K.O.D.]

I literally know nothing about these steels, other than 1095, 1096Cv, Elmax and S35VN.

I like the lionsteel. I see they come sleipner (I've heard it's similar to D2) and niolox, which is better?

 

[XtianAus]

I literally know nothing about these steels, other than 1095, 1096Cv, Elmax and S35VN.

I like the lionsteel. I see they come sleipner (I've heard it's similar to D2) and niolox, which is better?

It can take a while to learn the common steels and their characteristics. But i really suggest you learn some of the popular ones so that you can work out which steel you want based on what sort of performance you are after.

What things do you value most?
Edge strength? Toughness? Corrosion resistance? Wear resistance? Etc

Depending on what you are after determines if niolox is better or not.
D2 would be to tougher than niolox but not as corrosion resistant (although still very good).
Could be wrong but i think D2 is superior in edge retention too.

Im still new in learning steels, but i hope that helps.

 

[K.O.D.]

I think wear and corrosion resistant.

I've been looking at the cold Steel SRK, both the VG-1 San Mai and the 3V version.

 

[XtianAus]

I think wear and corrosion resistant.

I've been looking at the cold Steel SRK, both the VG-1 San Mai and the 3V version.

I recommend checking out TRC knives, nice looking and solid knives. Available in m390 and elmax, both excel at wear and corrosion resistance.

http://www.trcknives.com/

 

[sfrigon1]

I recommend checking out TRC knives, nice looking and solid knives. Available in m390 and elmax, both excel at wear and corrosion resistance.

http://www.trcknives.com/

I also would recommend trc the k1 is pretty much the perfect ( all around ) knife imho

 

[19-3ben]

Wow. Can't believe I'm post #25 and the first to mention it, but ESEE 4 in 440c seems to check off all your boxes pretty darn well. I'd take a hard look at it.

 

[deltablade]

I really like the SOG Northwest ranger for an all purpose edc type fixed blade



and I have been impressed with the quality and selection of Cudeman knives

 

[Hard Knocks]

I'm looking for something around 5" blade length and under $160.

The first blade that popped into my head from what you asked above is one that's already been mentioned, the Lionsteel T5. I'm having pretty good luck with the Niolox steel, it should check your box for corrosion resistance, and seems to hold a reasonable edge as well. IMO a very good value for the price, which is right about your limit. Comes with a serviceable leather sheath.

Here's a comparison picture with the T5 sandwiched between a GSO 4.7 and a CPK field knife.

 

[K.O.D.]

How is that Niolox steel? I'm very seriously considering it, even a $30 above my limit.

 

[Hard Knocks]

I would describe its edge holding as good. It's not bad to resharpen, and it accepts a fine edge, a very nice steel maintenance-wise. It definitely can't run with good 3V, but it's also much less expensive. If you haven't checked lamnia yet, you might give them a look for a price check. They've got a black finished T5 as well as the satin.

 

[K.O.D.]

A little bit above your price range, but go ahead, you deserve it!
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/aeb-l-with-hand-engraved-pommel.1493081/

Love the knife in the link, but it will be a while before I have that much money.


I'm still debating on all of the options.

 

[McFeeli]

Speak with Gollik, he is here on the forums, or check out Gollik knives on Facebook. He has great prices for the quality you get. Definitely worth talking with. For a 5 inch blade he uses Sleipner for tough with some corrosion resistance, or Elmax for more corrosion resistance and edge hold, but less toughness. Both great choices.

I think this is an amazing recommendation. I've seen his work here on the forums and his knives look damn near indestructible. Would be a great option for the type of work you plan on using the knife for, plus the money goes to a small workshop, which is always good.