I've decided to try a fixed blade, after living in tactical folder land for the last several years. I can legally carrying just about anything as long as it isn't concealed, so there's no size limit other than practicality. However I am a bit clueless about the fixed blade market, having spent so much focus on folders in the past.
My basic criteria:
1. Upper eschelon stainless steel -- something that holds an edge well and doesn't need too much care in terms of rust prevention and edge maintenance. S30V is my favorite thus far of the steels I've used. VG-10 second. I live in a desert so I don't need to chop through major foliage, however the water here is exceptionally corrosive due to heavy chlorination.
2. Full tang construction.
3. Micarta or G10 scales.
4. A tip that can handle some prying.
Basically I'd like one nice knife that can cover my everyday cutting/opening needs (which are modest) as well as in extremis needs like personal defense or emergency wilderness survival (the latter situations I prefer to avoid, but better to be prepared). The idea is to always have it within arm's reach for whatever need.
I've been leaning towards the CRK GB and Pacific, and they mark the top of my price range. I've tried to muster some enthusiasm for the Fallkniven A-1, but I dislike the handle.
Any suggestions beyond these three models that I ought to have a look at?
