Recommendation? Fixed blade

M

mefisto

Joined
Oct 10, 2019
Messages
12
Greetings all,

based on the recommendation on this forum, I have acquired a folding knife. Despite my rather simplistic description of the intended purposes, the recommendation very quickly focused on few knives that met the description (maybe because I had a preference for a manufacturer).

I have now discovered that certain tasks would probably be better handled by a fixed longer blade knife, so I am again turning to the member for help. I will try to be a little more precise with my requirements.

1. As with the folder, the primary purpose of the knife will be use on a farm/ranch, and secondary use while hiking, camping, and similar activities. Consequently, the toughness of the knife and comfortable secure grip overrides other considerations, e.g., weight.
2. Based on the toughness requirement, a full tang and strong blade would be desirable.
3. A comfortable handle and a front finger guard would be desirable; the latter because I often bear forward on the knife.
4. Great slicing capability, although in my understanding this may conflict with the strong blade requirement as it implies thinner blade. In this regards, I am clueless regarding shape and grind.
5. No edge serrations.
6. Blade length 4.75-5.25 inches; the upper limit preferred.
7. Budged $200. I am rather flexible as I have discovered that being cheep is rather expensive in long run.

Please, let me know if I am asking too much for the budget or if any additional information would be helpful.

Kindest regards,

M
 
Take a look at Carothers Performance Knives. Great ergos, heat treat, design and a good sheath. Also he has nice hair.
 
i have a mora bushcraft black and a mora garberg. they are kinda inexpensive and very tough. not great slicers though. If the mora knives are too cheap for you there are always some nice options in the knifemakers section. Cahoon always has nice stuff for sale.
 
Cold Steel SRK Compact.

5 inch blade. Kray-ex handle is nice and comfy, with a finger guard like you wanted.

Their SK-5 isn't super duper steel, but it's tougher than I need, and easy to sharpen.

Good sheath too.

It's under $50, so you can get a couple of them if you want.

If you are OK with a 6 inch blade, get one in 3V. Tough AF, it's $200 though.

Have fun, I sure did with my Cold Steel fixies.
 
How about the KA-BAR / Becker Knife and Tool BK 62 Kephart? It's a great allround knife that seems to find a happy medium between toughness and slicing ability. It's not so tough that I would regularly baton with it, but I don't think it would have any trouble doing all the things a knife is supposed to do, even when the going gets tough. It's also not stainless, but you didn't specify that and I understand the carbon steel used has advantages in toughness, sharpening and edge-holding.

kabk62$01-ka-bar.jpg
 
I like the Blackjack (BJ) 125. But it does have a reduced tang since the tang is not exposed. I think if you have big hands, this knife may work for you. Not sure of current pricing but the leather handled ones tend to be the least expensive and many prefer them. The 125 was my go-to woods knife for a number of years. Ultimately, I started leaning toward something a bit smaller for this purpose.

The BK-62 is a very good all around knife.
 
Plenty of good makers on BF here for sure.

Another vote for the Cold Steel SRK or compact depending if you want 5 or 6 inch blade. SK5 isn't a super steel but is a solid budget steel and easy to sharpen.

If you have a big hand, this knife is very comfortable in hand. My neighbor has one and I sharpen it for him. At .91 inches thick, it is thicker then most handles. It is at the top end of your budget but Lionsteel makes good knives.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--LionSteel-D5-Fixed-Blade-Knife--67466
 
https://bladeforums.com/threads/slight-recurve-harpoon-figured-maple.1740597/#post-19901206

Custom forged, sheath, finger guard.

Under your price point.

52100 is an amazing steel for use.

Not a full tang, but based on where the tang pin is, I'd say it would be as strong as you would ever need.


Here is another in 1085 with full tang and micarta handle scales airh sheath right in your price range

https://bladeforums.com/threads/forged-hunter-with-green-canvas-micarta-sheath-pictures.1740663/


Another full tang 52100
https://bladeforums.com/threads/edc-skinner.1740425/#post-19901789
 
Last edited:
Greetings all,

thank you all for the responses both to specific knives and the KnifeMaker's Market, I really appraciate your willingness to help. I have perused it, and, indeed, there are some amazing knives there, for a very reasonable - given the custom-like manufacturing - prices. And, indeed, some of them would fit my requirements.

I have a few questions.

1. My understanding is that the heat treatment of steel is critical, could the individual makers achieve the same quality as big knife making companies.
2. Given that the knife will be used to cut anything I come about, is there a steel that you would recomment.
3. Could you identify any of the makers that have a good reputation?

Kindest regards,

M
 
1 and 2 are q's for the maker.
Most will work with whatever you like but I'm sure they have preferred steels.
I think most steels have set heat treatments, unless you want differential.

IMO the folks that sell here are all good! Just depends on what style you want and at what price point.
Don't be afraid to ask questions; the makers here I've talked to have been very helpful.
I have bought from four makers here (about to be five) and am very happy.
Why buy off the shelf when you can get exactly what you want?
 
Take a look at the Esee knives with contoured handles and stainless. No questions warranty. Priced right.

Rich K.
 
Many makers send their blades out for heat treat to professionals.

Others have the proper equipment to heat treat.

I would not hesitate to pick any of the great makers here.

It does not take a big company to properly heat treat a knife. You will likely get better performance out of a custom maker.
 
Hi jieda,

thank you for the answer regarding the makers selling here. I am not sure whether the steel question cannot be answered in general, cf., e.g., gazz98's and Bigfattyt's comments re steel.

Hi rustyspike,

thank you for your answer.

Hi Bigfattyt,

thank you for the answer regarding the makers selling here.

Kindest regards,

M
 
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