Help Me With My First Nice Fixed Blade

M

Michael Lankton

Joined
Feb 14, 2021
Messages
6
I've been doing my part and reading as much as possible this last week. I'm down to three and I wanted to lean on your knowledge and experience to get some direction that I can't get from internet searches and Youtube alone.

Lionsteel M5
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This one pretty much is what I was looking for, although I don't have as much info to draw from regarding the Sleipnir steel they use. Also the sheath isn't what I want, so I'd have the extra expense of buying another sheath. Even so, this would be my cheapest option, but not by a ton. While I don't mind made in Italy, it's a small detraction as I like to help my fellow Americans put food on their tables.

Winkler Woodsman
WKWoodsmanWeb1.jpg

I think the steel this one uses is not as impressive on paper as the other two I am considering, and it's the most expensive. It's also the shortest of the three so I worry about having a comfortable grip. Still, I haven't been able to eliminate it yet, it's a beautiful knife.

Bradford Guardian 4
H9NIc8D.png

I am about 90% sure this is the one for me. I have a small concern about what that choil will do for the grip. It's less expensive than the Winkler, but I'd have no problem stretching for the Winkler if it provided any percentage of quality increase.

This is a knife I'm going to carry every day. It's primary use will be self defense, with a little edc and bushcraft on the side. The cost isn't so much an issue as getting a knife I'll be glad I got, and one that my son can enjoy after me. I appreciate anything you have to offer while I make my final decision and order a knife. Thank you!
 
Go with the Bradford, the horizontal carry (look into Armatus Carry sheaths) makes them so easy to carry discreetly ...even when wearing nothing but a t-shirt.
 
The lack of a guard is not ideal for self defense with the Bradford. I like the steel used in the Winkler assuming it is 80cr. It’s really tough and I prefer it over Sleipner.
 
jstn said:
The lack of a guard is not ideal for self defense with the Bradford.
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I’ve read that several times, but if I grip it tightly, even my XL hands maintain a firm grip...probably due to the aggressive gimping.
Shame the OP can’t handle the knives he’s narrowed it down to, that’d make it easier to decide what would work best for him.
 
sheep herder said:
Is self defense really that big of a concern in Iowa?
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I’m in Iowa as well, and you’d be surprised. Farmers have had to defend themselves from meth heads who were caught trying to steal anhydrous to make their poison of choice. That drug is big here.

I know several that keep firearms in their tractors and combines.
 
I'm a corrections officer in a city with a metro population around a million. In 2020 and into 2021 I've had some incidents in public while in uniform that would have been dangerous if there hadn't been so many witnesses around. Hatred for law enforcement is at an all time high. While I carry, I don't carry to work because firearms are prohibited on the property and the penalty is termination. I want a knife.
 
I'll make this suggestion because I own one, and it's my edc fixed blade. Excellent all around, and the sheath it comes with has a rotating lock system so you can easily carry it horizontal, vertical or even at 45 degree (it locks on each setting, works really well)

It's also only $70, often a bit lower when on sale, ... it's not made in the USA, but with your $150 budget, I would suggest donating the extra $80 to a local food bank. That will put more food on tables than the other approach : )

ruike jager
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If cost isn't an issue, I would highly recommend a CPK DEK-1 in AEB-L.

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As the name of the knife implies, Defense Everyday Knife 1, it's pretty much conceived for exactly what you're looking for.

The edge is thinner than some of the more bushcraft oriented knives but it should be able to flex into those roles pretty easily. The sheath is fantastic (as with all Mashed Cat stuff). If IWB carry is a must, I'd suggest a Mummert clip.

If you need a slightly more robust edge, the CPK2 FK2 would be another good choice, though the overall length is a bit longer and might not be as easily carried IWB with its more flared out handle.
 
dirc said:
in that case - you should look on this sub-forum for the 'edc' or the dek models - outstanding 3v steel

https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/carothers-performance-knives.929/

only drawback is waiting for them to do another run... or you can keep an eye out for members selling them in the sell subforum :)

*edit* lol - spears beat me to it : )
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Doesn't matter, you gotta show your DEK-1 since you mentioned it, too! :D

Just don't be an idiot like me and get buffed handles. I personally like a buffed finished; however for a better grip, unbuffed is the way to go.

Also forgot to mention you have some basic options for personalizing your knife from CPK, as well.
 
Lee D said:
I’ve read that several times, but if I grip it tightly, even my XL hands maintain a firm grip...probably due to the aggressive gimping.
Shame the OP can’t handle the knives he’s narrowed it down to, that’d make it easier to decide what would work best for him.
Click to expand...
Th
Lee D said:
I’ve read that several times, but if I grip it tightly, even my XL hands maintain a firm grip...probably due to the aggressive gimping.
Shame the OP can’t handle the knives he’s narrowed it down to, that’d make it easier to decide what would work best for him.
Click to expand...
. With the aggressive checkered micarta I can see that. It might be more of a concern with smooth scales.
 
dirc said:
I'll make this suggestion because I own one, and it's my edc fixed blade. Excellent all around, and the sheath it comes with has a rotating lock system so you can easily carry it horizontal, vertical or even at 45 degree (it locks on each setting, works really well)

It's also only $70, often a bit lower when on sale, ... it's not made in the USA, but with your $150 budget, I would suggest donating the extra $80 to a local food bank. That will put more food on tables than the other approach : )

ruike jager
eyJidWNrZXQiOiAiZmlsZXMua25pZmVjZW50ZXIuY29tIiwia2V5IjogImtuaWZlY2VudGVyL3J1aWtlLWtuaXZlcy9pbWFnZXMvUktFRjExOEdiLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogNzYwLCJoZWlnaHQiOiA0MTUsImZpdCI6ICJjb250YWluIiwiYmFja2dyb3VuZCI6IHsiciI6IDI1NSwiZyI6IDI1NSwiYiI6IDI1NSwiYWxwaGEiOiAxfX19fQ==
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I can second this knife. One of my absolute favorites fixed blades, even compared with much more expensive ones. The steel is great too, very underrated IMO. Lathe contoured handles are super comfy and it really feels like a much pricier blade.
 
dirc said:
I'll make this suggestion because I own one, and it's my edc fixed blade. Excellent all around, and the sheath it comes with has a rotating lock system so you can easily carry it horizontal, vertical or even at 45 degree (it locks on each setting, works really well)

It's also only $70, often a bit lower when on sale, ... it's not made in the USA, but with your $150 budget, I would suggest donating the extra $80 to a local food bank. That will put more food on tables than the other approach : )

ruike jager
eyJidWNrZXQiOiAiZmlsZXMua25pZmVjZW50ZXIuY29tIiwia2V5IjogImtuaWZlY2VudGVyL3J1aWtlLWtuaXZlcy9pbWFnZXMvUktFRjExOEdiLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogNzYwLCJoZWlnaHQiOiA0MTUsImZpdCI6ICJjb250YWluIiwiYmFja2dyb3VuZCI6IHsiciI6IDI1NSwiZyI6IDI1NSwiYiI6IDI1NSwiYWxwaGEiOiAxfX19fQ==
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I don't own one personally; however this looks like a great buy.

Michael Lankton said:
I have up to $400 to work with.
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With a budget of $400, you could get a CPK DEK-1 and a Ruike Jager! o_O
 
I have a like new black Bradford G3 sheath I’d be willing to gift the OP if he ends up buying a knife that will fit it, but only comes with a vertical sheath.
It’s been sitting in a box of extra “knife stuff” for a couple years now and I’m not gonna use it.
 
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