Help finding small fixed blade knife

Y

yakantosh

Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Messages
158
Hi all, I am in need of some assistance. I have been looking for a small fixed blade knife for edc use. There are some options out there that I am aware of, but am still looking for that perfect knife. What I am looking for in such a knife is as follows.

-Blade length under 3in (IMPORTANT)
-Handle length around 3.5in
-no "super steels"
-Flat, scandi, sabre, convex, and hollow grinds are all good
-Needs to be drop point, spear point, or wharncliffe
-handle material does not matter, skeletonized is ok
-price less than $75.00 usd
-Sheath options do not matter

Some knives that I have caught my eye would be the Esee Izula, the TM Hunt Magua, Michael Morris Pee Wee, Koster Scout, Benchmade Activator. I understand that the Esee Izula is the only knife listed in that price range, but it would not be my first pick if given the choice. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
 
Esee Izula hands down. I loved mine, I traded it awhile back, and definitely regretted it ever since.
 
Kabar Becker BK-24 (D2 steel). It is the same as the lesser priced BK-14 with better steel. Add some handles (scales) and you have a small knife you can use. I believe the blade length is exactly 3" versus "under 3".
 
Don't get me wrong, if the bk14 or bk24 had a blade length of under 3 inches (bk24 is still 3.25), It would be in the mail. However, it would be illegal for me to carry in my area. I will have to take a closer look at the bk13, but the handle seems a bit short for my liking. In terms of the Izula, Im just a bit hesitant because i got a sloppily done 4.
 
I measured mine. I guess you could squeeze out 3.25" and I checked, that what it is listed as vs 3". Oh well...

How about a Blackjack 155? It's made by Bark River for Blackjack. I have been thinking about getting one of these myself. Added: If I did my math correctly, the handle is 3.5".
 
Thats pretty tempting. One of my favorite steels and a great overall design. How is the heat treat compared to that of benchmade's 154 cm?
 
If Bark River makes it, I would suspect it is pretty good. I would try to add scales to it myself and they seem to be in very short supply when I checked a couple dealers. The sheath (thermo plastic) may not be so great and I suspect I would be looking to replace it eventually.

I hope someone else more knowledgeable responds concerning Bark River's heat treat of 154CM.

My sub 3" fixed blade that I carry sometimes is a Dozier custom K-36 (Companion) in CPM 154 with a Wharncliffe blade or modified wharncliffe with G-10 handles and Bobs nice horizontal kydex sheath. Yes, I know, it exceeds your price tag, but I love this little knife.
 
I looked at the hornet, but the handle is way to short. Does anyone have anything to say about how the Blackjack 155 feels in hand? And that Dozier seems like a nice little knife, maybe with some saving...
 
Give esee another chance. I haven't had a "sloppy" one out of the 5 I've had and if you did get one you can always exchange it for one that isn't. I've owned the becker necker(11 I think), Izula, Izula 2, Gossman PSK, and JK's anniversary edc. The one I like the most is the Izula 2. The ergonomics are the best on the Izzy 2 and the distal taper comes in handy.
 
The Izula II feels much better in the hand than the Blackjack 155, which is about the same as the original Izula. Here is a photo with the Izula (1st from top), Izula II (2nd from top) and Blackjack 155 (4th from top). 3rd and 5th are both Bark River Bravo Neckers.

Smallknifecomp1_zps02fe6da1.jpg


Another one in that size and price range with as good or better handle than the Izula II is the Fallkniven WM1 which is in this photo 7th from the right next to a Blackjack 155.

Smallknifecomp3_zpse336783f.jpg
 
I may have to give it another try. As a comparison, how does the handle of the izula feel compared to the Benchmade mini-grip?

Edit: With scales on the izula
 
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I was looking at the tops mini-scandi, but the handle just doesn't do it. And the paring knife idea isn't that odd... I was thinking about rehandling a victorinox paring knife the other day for that purpose. And thank you to everyone who has posted suggestions and opinions so far!
 
Bladeforums member knife maker el0147 has recently made some awesome little knives which fit your description. Head over to the For Sale Fixed Blades area of the knifemakers market and have a look.
 
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