Recommendation? help finding fixed blade

Sounds like the Steep Country may fit your bill. If not, I was going to mention the RUIKE Hornet or SOG's Ether FX.
 
Oh no. I've got lost in the abyss of knife research. ESEE Xancudo, White River M1 Backpacker, Bradford Guardian 3, and benchmade steep country. those are the top contenders. The WR M1 is growing on me. The deep finger choil? is my only concern, but most people say it's super comfortable. Otherwise, that looks amazing for the price. And i'm happy with s35v. The ESEE Xancudo is a good value too. It's of course subjective, but I like the style of the other blade shapes more. Nothing wrong with it, but it reminds me of a fat swiss army knife blade or something. The bradford g3 is probably the best looking blade and I can get the cheapest handle option and replace it with paracord. Although the hi vis green is pretty sexy. But i'm not familiar with the blade material. The benchmade steep country is s30v. check. good blade, comfy handle. My main concern there is the handle wearing and peeling away over time. Also, i worry in actual use the metal nubs at the top might be uncomfortable.

I didn't expect so many good options honestly. ha. I was thinking there would only be 1 or 2 and they'd all be $250. :-P Now I have choices. Wish I could try them all. Maybe I can just wait for the best deal on whichever one is here or on sale somewhere...
 
White River also has another model that you might like ... the "ATK" It's skeletonized ready to wrap if that's what you're really wanting. More of a traditional styled knife. I'll just add The M1 series is super comfortable to use. I thought it may not be but I own a few of them now. I don't own one of the ATK models, but I've handled them and I can see one in my future.

White River Knives Always There Knife (ATK) Fixed Blade Knife 2.25" Drop Point CPM S35VN I think these are priced around $99.​


Lots to choose from just depends on what speaks to you.
 
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This is a bit outside of your price range ($179.00) but I have found mine to be comfortable to use, sharp (Elmax blade) as all getout and very good-looking to boot. The handles can be removed for wrapping with paracord but as eveled pointed out, this isn't always the best of ideas. Here's my vote, the Rainier Basecamp, upper.
Basecamp-Dunlap.jpg
 
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I’m sure it’s been mentioned, has anyone reached out to David Mary David Mary ? I’ve seen a ton of Mr Mary’s fixed blades that fit the description op is after. I’m not sure what prices are like these days.. A David Mary Knife is a worthwhile purchase though. I’ve done some unintentional and intentional abuse with aeb-l David Mary put out - zero damage.
 
So I've done more research and think by far my favorites are the bradford guardian 3 and the white river m1. i watched the stassa23 review comparison of the two on youtube, and i think his impressions seem very consistent with my thoughts based on my preferences and research.

So I'm pretty sure I'm going to pickup an M1. https://www.bladehq.com/item--White-River-M1-Backpacker-Pro-Fixed--114005

That falls within my budget and has sexy green scales. If I want to I can remove them and use paracord as well, so win win. The blade seems awesome, the biggest reason i'm going for the m1 over the g3 is that the g3 actually has almost too little finger choil. It also has more hot points that could cause discomfort. Multiple reviewers said, while it wasn't a huge issue, they all did get themselves cut by that slight choil issue. the m1 looks almost overkill, but would be obviously safer. and the fit and finish of the m1 looks almost better than the price would suggest.

also, thanks to all the suggestions. you guys are awesome.
 
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Crag the Brewer said:
Wanting it skeletonized and supplied with a sheath might be an issue.

If you wrap it in paracord later, it probably won't fit that sheath. You might need to modify it or get a different one.
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I was about to state the same. But I was pretty sure someone else would have mentioned it before.

The only exception would be a sheath that ONLY covers the blade, with no interference with the handle area. I recall having one like that STIFF KISS by CRKT (ancient knife, I know). I made a set of homemade micarta scales for it and the plastic seath fit well as it didn't cover any portion of the handle.

I would suggest you find one with scales already in place, but very thin. Unless you plan on going full bushcraft with it and doing power cuts, you don't need THAT MUCH of a handle. If you can do it comfortably with a folder, you should be able to do it with a thin scaled handle.

Mikel
 
Skrama 80 might suit you. Skeletonized (with available handles), 80CRV2 steel. I found the offered sheath a bit bulky, so I pocket carry it in a very ugly slip made of cardboard and duct tape. The Jäkääripuuko 85 also comes skeletonized with a mote conventional drop point.
I second the suggestion to look a David Mary. I have one of his small knives, waiting on a big one to arrive this week.yy
 
Mikel_24 said:
I was about to state the same. But I was pretty sure someone else would have mentioned it before.

The only exception would be a sheath that ONLY covers the blade, with no interference with the handle area. I recall having one like that STIFF KISS by CRKT (ancient knife, I know). I made a set of homemade micarta scales for it and the plastic seath fit well as it didn't cover any portion of the handle.

I would suggest you find one with scales already in place, but very thin. Unless you plan on going full bushcraft with it and doing power cuts, you don't need THAT MUCH of a handle. If you can do it comfortably with a folder, you should be able to do it with a thin scaled handle.

Mikel
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the white River m1 fits the sheath with scales and paracord. :-)
 
so... i am going to sell my crkt ripple 2, and i was literally about to pull the trigger on the m1 when i discussed it with the wife. anddddd..... I think i may get the speedgoat 2.0. it's just too damn sexy. magnacut, less than 2oz, super sexy blade.... mmmm. i may not need it, but i want it. and sometimes i feel like you should get what you want if you can. I'll enjoy it more. they also have a super warranty and sharpening/rewrapping guarantee... now if it only would be in stock.:-P


I'll post whatever i get once i get it lmao and we'll see if i actually follow through ;-)
 
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