Fixed blades--your recommendations?

KBR

KBR

Joined
Feb 12, 2002
Messages
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I've been thinking of adding more fixed blades to my collection, up to this point the only ones that I have are a Khukuri and Black Ka-Bar, but I'm undecided on what to get. I've seen/handled a few at gun shows, ranging from SOG to Becker and Cold Steel blades, but I'm undecided on which to choose from. I really like the BK7 and BK9, but then I also like the SOG Trident and SEAL 2000. I'm not limiting myself to just these two brands, but they're the only ones that I've seen upclose.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
What about the Spydie FB's? I have the Perrin and it is great. If your are looking for something beefy try Strider$$$$ or what about Swamp Rat? Have been lurking around there and really like the Bog Dog(cover of Blade) They seem to have very good prices and a great warranty. I just ordered a BK-7 for a co-worker but haven't got it yet should be here in another week or so.
 
I had a Spyderco Perrin bowie, but traded it off awhile back, very nice...should have kept it. :( I have also looked at the Temperance, but I would prefer a blade with a full tang in the handle, a blade length of 6-9 inches with grippy handle scales.

Let me know what you think of the BK7 when you get it in. Thanks.
 
I guess the answer to your question is another question, what are you looking for a blade to do?

Is it to be primarily a:

Fighter?
Utility?
Survival?
Campknife?
ConcealedCarry?

You need to make a priority of requirements, since there is no one knife that does everything perfect.

For example a pure fighter does not have the heft for many survival and camp chores such as hacking and prying. Similarly, a heavy camp/survival knife usually has more blade weight slowing it down for fighting. also, thic blades are not good slicers, but make great clubs and hammers when blunt.
Prioratize so you can choose more effectively unless you do what most of us do and that is own everything.:D
 
Originally posted by Cobalt,
Is it to be primarily a:

Fighter?
Utility?
Survival?
Campknife?
ConcealedCarry?
Click to expand...

Not really looking for a fighter, but rather more of a survival, camp knife. What knives would best incorporate utility, survival, camp use, fighter(if need be)?
 
nothing like a custom...

3" skean dhu, I modified it slightly from traditional to give it a more common grip. This sucker is 1/4" 5160, flat ground, and comes in around 9-10oz.

have 3 more here, 2 are twins...

warncliff(right and left sheaths for it, I use the left) and twin drop points(right and left sheaths, cocobolo and bucote handles)

I carry fixed for general use. EDC, food, field, survival if I get stuck in the bush... and get a good grip on em that SD is a possibility.

Who says you need a 7-8" for SD? skean dhu's are traditionally a 3" range, and animal claws are around an inch. What would you react to more? a single 7" "combat/fighting knife", or 2 3" knives coming out and moving as a pair?
 
Sub $100 I would say the Beckers BK7 is perfect and economical and Eight dollar Mountain foundry

$100-200 I would say the Camp tramp would be my pick, but Greco and entrek are worthy of mention as is anything By bill Siegle and the Mission MPK in A-2. Sog makes excellent knives an they Have the trident and tigershark in that range. Cold Steel should be mentioned alo. Trailmaster and Recon Scout

$200 and up, there are tons of quality knives out there including Busse, Entrek, Siegle, Rinaldi, Ferhman, Carson, Lightfoot, Independence Custom Cutlery, TOPS, Wicked Knife Co, Strider, Johanning, etc. Too many to list, including so many custom makers that your eyes will bug out.

also, do you want Stainless or Carbon steel. That narrows the list some. In stainless CPM S30V, BG-42, VG-10, ATS-34, AUS8a, 440C are all good steels if properly heat treated.

In carbon steel you get tougher and the better ones are 5160, CPM3V, A-8, L6, 52100, and of course INFI.

sorry if I left other worthy mentions oout, but this is only from my memory
 
KBR,

Fallkniven A-1 is one of the best survival knives (laminated VG-10, blade thickness 6mm, slightly over 6" blade, full tang ...
There are smaller ones in the series, S-1, F-1. The latter are accepted as survival knives for U.S. Navy and Marines (pilots).
The smallest one, WM-1, is one of the strongest, small neck knives.

My personal experience (A-1, WM-1) is extremly positive.

Franco
 
Another vote for Beckers and Swamp Rat, based on the price range of the knives you started this with (SOGs, etc). Between these two, Swamp Rat is my favorite, but either will serve you well.

Greco, as someone mentioned, is also a fine choice, but John is retiring, and the only camp-sized knife he was still offering, the X-Plorer, sold out a couple weeks ago.
 
Get the Camillus/Becker BK-7...It's the one that you'll wish you'd have bought, if you don't buy it.:).
 
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp. If you can, go either to Rat Chat or the Swamp Rat forum here to read how a CT was used to cut OUT of a wrecked jeep. Pics are included. A knife you can bet your life on.

Rob
 
Originally posted by wetdog1911
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp. If you can, go either to Rat Chat or the Swamp Rat forum here to read how a CT was used to cut OUT of a wrecked jeep. Pics are included. A knife you can bet your life on.

Rob
Click to expand...

I think this story has been missed by many because it was hidden inside another thread. However, it was an incredible bit of survival and the occupants of that Bronco are lucky to have walked away.
 
The Becker's are a good choice. I own several and quite happy with thier performance and low price. Have you looked into some of the offerings from Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works? Great knives at a great price but some recent issues with the sheaths supplied might warrant a replacement sheath from a custom maker. The Trident is a great looking knife and would serve you well but is double the price of the Beckers and at least a third more than MMHW if price point is an issue. Good Luck

Dayuhan
 
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