Help me choose which fixed blade to get

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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I've finally narrowed down my choices to:
-Esee 3
-DPX hear HEST (1 or 2?)
-Bark River Bravo Necker
-TOPS tracker scout

I'm going to be moving to upstate New York in the catskills. I want a fixed blade I can openly carry and use for edc and not worry about freaking people out. The DPX looks the toughest, especially with that thick blade. But it's also the most menacing looking. So has anyone tried a few of these knives and thought one was better than the other or that one wasn't as good as you thought? Also, don't have a hunting/fishing/trapping license so it can't be over 4 inches (for those of you who will suggest other blades) $150 budget. Thanks

EDIT** How do you guys feel about the Fallkniven F1?
 
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All good choices. No 'wrong' choice there.

You seem to favor the DPX, so get the one you like best. ;)
 
Of the options provided, I prefer the Esee.
If you want something a bit more peaceful looking, there is always this.

Buck custom shop knife. S30v blade, waterbuffalo handle. Also quite classy.
 
I too considered those brands and more before I bought an original HEST by Rowen several years ago. As I've stated here before, that knife turned out to be the best "knockaround" knife I've ever had. Still is. Grab it and go.

Since then I have purchased more HEST folders and fixed blades. IMO they are superb. My go-to knives for the outdoors are a leuku I've owned for decades and a HEST II Woodsman in Sleipner steel.

You won't be disappointed with a HEST. Extremely rugged knives...and the prybar handle absolutely saves tips and is an extremely handy feature lacking in the others.

You think a HEST fixed blade is threatening?? Never heard that one before. I've never had anyone turn white or scream when I pull it. In fact, I think the blade shape makes it look kind of tame....
 
I would have a custom made.
Check out the link in my Sig and look into JK Knives.
 
I've seen the Bark River Knives Woodland Special in CPM S35VN on closeout lately and have been tempted by that. Might be a good fit for you for something that is non-menacing.

Falkniven F1 seems to fit very well what you want. I've never tried one, but people really seem to love them.

I have a Battle Horse Knives Small Workhorse. Great smaller EDC blade.
 
There are some people who might be bothered by the HEST's unusual shape, with the cap lifter and all, but there's no pleasing everybody.

I had a woman freak out over my orange-scaled Boker Nano one time. She used the words "dangerous weapon". :rolleyes:

Of the four, I think the Bark River is a good bet for non-scary, because it disappears into your hand. With the right carry method, and some practice, people will hardly notice you are even using a knife. Furthermore, if you pay attention to your blade color choice (tan, green, gray, or bare blade) and handle choice (again, tan, gray), you can make it something that looks like a harmless tool. Even bright colors like red and yellow can contribute to this perception. Or, custom scales made of kirinite for the multi-color effect.
 
EChoil said:
I too considered those brands and more before I bought an original HEST by Rowen several years ago. As I've stated here before, that knife turned out to be the best "knockaround" knife I've ever had. Still is. Grab it and go.

Since then I have purchased more HEST folders and fixed blades. IMO they are superb. My go-to knives for the outdoors are a leuku I've owned for decades and a HEST II Woodsman in Sleipner steel.

You won't be disappointed with a HEST. Extremely rugged knives...and the prybar handle absolutely saves tips and is an extremely handy feature lacking in the others.

You think a HEST fixed blade is threatening?? Never heard that one before. I've never had anyone turn white or scream when I pull it. In fact, I think the blade shape makes it look kind of tame....
Click to expand...

How is there sleipner steel? Between the hest 1 and 2, the main difference is steel. Is the stainless superior to the 1095?
 
Sleipnir is comparable to a finely grained D2. I have it in their Heat and I like it. I had to thin the edge for it to shine, but with it being of a finer grain structure, you can thin it without as much of the threat of tear out associated with regular D2.

Though it isn't a true stainless, I haven't noticed any blemishes. I have carried it this summer so far in NJ in both shorts pockets and IWB on gym shorts and sweat was encountered regularly. I have yet to notice Anything.

Buy with confidence.
 
NJBillK said:
Sleipnir is comparable to a finely grained D2. I have it in their Heat and I like it. I had to thin the edge for it to shine, but with it being of a finer grain structure, you can thin it without as much of the threat of tear out associated with regular D2.

Though it isn't a true stainless, I haven't noticed any blemishes. I have carried it this summer so far in NJ in both shorts pockets and IWB on gym shorts and sweat was encountered regularly. I have yet to notice Anything.

Buy with confidence.
Click to expand...

I don't plan on using the knife for "survival or bushcraft" just edc, so which would fit me better? 1085 or sleipner?
 
I feel that the sleipnir will take and keep a finer edge while 1084 (?) Might be about the same regarding toughness.

I haven't used my Heat for anything other than slicing, well, thats not entirely true, I have also pried with it (beer bottle caps count? )
I like the heat and only have experience with 1095 or 1050 regarding the 10~ series.

Between 1095 and sleipnir, they can both take a thin edge and some beating, depending on hardness. These two would be a toss up.

All of that being said, I carry O1 in a custom fixed blade (check my sig) and 1095 crovan regularly for my fixed blades and s35vn, sleipnir, M4 (a favorite) and O1 for my folders
 
JDX said:
How is there sleipner steel? Between the hest 1 and 2, the main difference is steel. Is the stainless superior to the 1095?
Click to expand...

Sorry I took so long....was laughing at the comment above about someone being bothered by a 'cap lifter.' :rolleyes: I assume that to be the notch in the top of the blade which I use for busting wire, hooking handles of cooking implements over a hot fire and other neat things. I hope to hell he wasn't talking about the prybar on the handle, again a very handy feature I've used a lot sparing the tip. Probably the best feature of the knife, ESPECIALLY for all-around EDC.

I like the sleipner---very tough and takes a great edge. Steel techies will tell you that technically it isn't considered a 'stainless' but I've never had any problem with corrosion of any kind, as others here have stated too.

I'd say it's superior to 1095 in edge-retention and corrosion resistance...and only slightly more effort to sharpen; like a tough D2 on steroids. At least that's been my experience with a lot of use.

The knife is one tough S.O.B.
 
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