Fixed Blades - Opinions?

spyken

Gold Member
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Apr 29, 2002
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5,578
Hi all,

Wonder if you can share your views and opinions about how the following blades compare to each other? Any other suggestions, especially customs within the $50-120 range?

I'm actually looking for a good 4-5 inch utility / tactical blade with a screaming sharp edge that will hold. I would like to keep the budget to under $150 although if the difference is extremely impressive, I will consider parting with a bit more moolah (just need to survive on bread and water for longer period :) . Could you share your experience on:

(i) fit of handle
(ii) quality of blade, handle
(iii) sharpness & edge-holding ability, and ease of sharpening
(iv) overall feel in hand
(v) reasonableness in price

(1) Dozier Personal Utility (a little short but will consider getting it customized)
(2) Howling Rat
(3) Spyderco Bill Moran (although I don't like the blade shape)

Thanks. Dunno much about customs, but from what I've read, they can be had for about $120 bearing in mind the above specs. Would appreciate pointers....

Thankee:D

Spyken
 
There are a number of good choices, but I don't think you can do any better than one of Bob Dozier's knives. If you want something longer than the Personal Utility (K-9) take a look at the Professional Guide's Knife (KS-3).

--Bob Q
 
I have a howling rat on the way ;) , dunno if you'll like it, sure I will.
But for the money you're talking about I recommend a Fallkniven F1.
I have one and I use it for hunter/skinner. Real nice in VG10 with a sheath from On Scene Tactical. Best $60-$70 range knife I have.
 
i needed a fixed w/a versatile carry system, tried several which didnt really work out for all the time, now i have a bud nealy pesh kebz, w/a 5" M2 blade, w/the MASS system custom made for my knife, NOT the MCS system, which didnt work for me at all. MASS really works well, and the knife is also very light for a 5" blade, and man, the sheath works well......dont have to have a belt, etc.

i carry mine w/a wide assortment of clothing, often w/out a belt, and the MASS works as good as or better than any i have tried.

they are a little more than $150, but ya could prob find one for $200 or so,

good luck

greg
 
A.G. Russell Deer Hunter available in AUS-8, VG-10, and D2. I think these are around the $40 to $60 range depending on steel choice.

The Dozier K-9 would be a good choice. I have one with black micarta handles, and I like it very much. I have large hands, and I can get a good grip on the K-9. This knife will simply disappear while wearing an untucked t-shirt, and it will not get in your way. Big D1
 
Go with one of Bob Dozier's knives. Awesome tools for the money! They come sharper than any other knife I've ever seen/handled (including Marbles, Spyderco, other customs, etc.). Bob has several designs that would work well in most any situation. Check out his web site & A.G. Russell's.

AJ
 
I prefer a drop point over any other blade, so thru trial and error I finally found the one for me -- REMINGTON RH-31.
 
I'd go with Bob Dozier. Just pick your favorite size, and Bob should have a great knife to fit the bill. He also has some of the best sheaths around, which is an area that is often overlooked when buying fixed blades. Nothing sucks more than buying a great knife, and getting a lousy sheath.

Bob is known for his tough D2, scary sharp edges, ergonomic handles, and excellent Kydex sheaths. His knives sound like a perfect fit for you. Mr. Dozier makes knives for people that actually use their knives for cutting.
 
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