Full tang alternatives to ESEE 6/BK7?

RemyKaze

RemyKaze

Joined
Mar 23, 2012
Messages
2,177
Hey guys, I'm still working on getting together preferred tools for multiple climates(camping, hiking, primitive living etc) and I'm currently looking for a 6-7 inch fixed blade, full tang. Criteria are that it needs to be able to work as a lighter chopper, without being heavy as hell. I prefer spear or drop points, and I like the idea of customs but the price tag is usually crazy, and I usually don't know that I'm getting before I buy with a freelance maker. Any suggestions on "outside the box" makers that could fit the bill?

I have a Junglas, Izula II, BK16, and SAK Huntsman which pretty much work for most seasons, but the 6inch blade would replace the Junglas for summer.
 
Mountain Mike said:
Have you looked at Scrapyard or Swamprat knives?
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I'm kinda liking the Scrapyard 711, but I was honestly hoping someone could give me a shortcut to an independent knifemaker that does Blind Horse Knives kinda work. I've been over in all the knifemaker forums and such, but I'm sure there are some makers that specifically work on things along these lines. I like the idea of having a custom, no frills blade for general woods use. If not, I'll either end up with one of the two in the title, or the 711.
 
Have you tried using a silky saw instead of chopping? Just a thought. The esee 6 and bk7 are both great.
 
Fanglekai said:
Have you tried using a silky saw instead of chopping? Just a thought. The esee 6 and bk7 are both great.
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I bring a saw as well. I dig the chopping aspect. Chopping firewood and sharpening knives are both relaxing, and I go out there to do just that, lol. For the summer I was going to leave the chopper behind, bring the 6-7 incher and a SAK along with my folding saw and go kinda light.
 
retzius said:
Fehrman
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I'm really feeling a couple of those! But I guess I didn't mention I'm trying to stay out of the crazy expensive price range. An ESEE is probably the most expensive knife I will ever buy. More than that and you're getting into gun buying range, lol.
 
Well the first blade I thought of when you said 6" was the Doug Ritter/ Becker collaboration knife. It has a 6" saber grind. I really like mine. Some do not like the becker handles and I can understand that. But the grips fill the hand and you can hold the handle in any position and it feels great. The price is comparable to an Esee 6 ( which I also have and love).
John
 
Condor Varan or Kumunga. Nice and light on paper (I only own the Rodan, which is the smaller of the three). Good sheath. Just as comfy as a Becker, if not just slightly less so, in my opinion. Around $30.
 
Bk5 buddy. All the blade of the bk7 without the weight. Its called.the magnum camp for a reason
 
BK7 seems to be the one. Excellent ergo's on handle, priced right, tough as nails, light in hand, & also good in the kitchen, yet can baton. So can the BK5.
 
Surprised no one mentioned the A1. I'm not down with Becker after getting a BK16. It's a shame because I love the style and the handle of the knife, but it really doesn't like taking or keeping an edge, and I had to modify the sheath a bit to make it work out. I don't think I'll be getting another Becker for a while.
 
I have a BK7 and it does everything you mentioned. I took it out for a primitive camping weekend and beat the hell out of it. When I brought it home I didn't even need to sharpen it. Only thing I didn't do with it is batoning. I find it... Silly. Other than that I found it to be a great camp and heavy use knife. It's my go to beater now. I've also been wanting to try a Scrapyard, they look like good knives for the money.

As far as customs go, you would be surprised at what you can get under $150. My last several fixed knives have been customs from knife makers here. Jason Woytaz makes a great bushcraft knife, Oleg Krymlin, Alan Davis, for a little more than $150 you can look at BacustomKnives. I just ordered one from him. He makes some of the most beautiful users I've ever seen. These are just a few of the many outstanding makers that can be found in the makers market here. Their blades are sought after for a reason. Also check out Jeff White on the evil bay. His knives aren't what you'd call pretty but they are good users and can usually be had for less than a Becker.
 
Well there are some custom makers that offer good value for what you get. JK is one I can think of off the top of my head. You just need to look around a bit. Good deals are out there. For production I just bought a Scrapper 711 and love it so far. The reason I got it is because it's pretty light for a knife that size. It weighs about the same as the BK2 but you get an extra 2 inches of blade.
 
I've heard good things about the Boker Vox Rold.. it's D2 steel.. looks pretty nice to me..
 
I love my SYKCO 711. So much so i bought a second one along with a 511 and 311 to go with it. As stated above its fairly light for its size and carries well on the waist while hiking. Its about the biggest i would go for hiking.

Its a helluva blade for the money. I bought my second one brand new here in exchange for $125 shipped. Nothing else compares in that price range if you ask me.
 
blt-2-drg said:
I love my SYKCO 711. So much so i bought a second one along with a 511 and 311 to go with it. As stated above its fairly light for its size and carries well on the waist while hiking. Its about the biggest i would go for hiking.

Its a helluva blade for the money. I bought my second one brand new here in exchange for $125 shipped. Nothing else compares in that price range if you ask me.
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You definitely make it sound like a great blade. Is it stripped?
 
RemyKaze said:
You definitely make it sound like a great blade. Is it stripped?
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No, atleast not yet. I've thought about it but im still up in the air. Im pretty new to Busse Kin blades so i atleast wanted to beat it up a while to see how the finish held up compared to my other blades from SOG, ESEE, and Becker.

Its holding up really well, i've chopped through several trees and used it for regular duties and just have regular smoothing to the finish so far.

My 2nd one is still new. I may strip one of them and keep one factory.
 
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