Help picking small fixed blade

115Italian

115Italian

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Nov 13, 2015
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Im looking for a small fixed blade to carry outside of work. Two inch to three inch blade length. Something with a blade steel above aus 8. Itll be used for mild tasks if needed like cutting up food or opening boxes etc. Concealing it under my shirt is also a factor.

I carry, for work, a white river backpacker on my belt horizontal at my 10-11 oclock. It tends to print. There are also times when Im out with the family I rather not have a folder clipped in my pocket. Ive been going to a lot of kids birthday parties with my daughter and it got me thinking, I always carry a knife but rather not display it out of respect for the kids and parents. (I know what so of you will say)


Im looking for people first hand experiences carrying a small fixed blade, which one you chose and why. What brands Should I look at?

Thanks.
 
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Price range?

Benchmade Hidden Canyon $120. A co-worker has it and it feels pretty good in hand given the size.
TOPS Mini Scandi Knife 2.5 $65
Cold Steel Pendelton Mini Hunter $35
Mora offers a few choices although maybe not the quality steel you want.
Don't forget the ESEE Izula
Real Steel Mini 127 D2 steel $40

I personally don't carry a fixed blade on me unless hiking or camping. I would also never carry one in the 2-3" blade range. I normally carry a folder in the 3.3-3.75" range. I wear a xl or 2xl glove, I like a good size handle to grab.
 
gazz98 said:
Price range?

Benchmade Hidden Canyon $120. A co-worker has it and it feels pretty good in hand given the size.
TOPS Mini Scandi Knife 2.5 $65
Cold Steel Pendelton Mini Hunter $35
Mora offers a few choices although maybe not the quality steel you want.
Don't forget the ESEE Izula
Real Steel Mini 127 D2 steel $40

I personally don't carry a fixed blade on me unless hiking or camping. I would also never carry one in the 2-3" blade range. I normally carry a folder in the 3.3-3.75" range. I wear a xl or 2xl glove, I like a good size handle to grab.
Click to expand...
Max $1oo.
Thanks for the info. I’ll check those out.
 
Real Steel Pointman. Awesome little knife! Great ergo, heat treat, steel, blade geometry, etc. Comes with a belt attachment that can be set in any direction(vertical, horizontal, angled, cross draw, etc.) and for left or right. Cool design. The Ruike Jager, and I think the Hornet have the same belt/attachment deal.
So happy with mine I bought a back up Pointman.
The Real Steel Forager is another awesome one. A little bigger and thicker stock, but same great feel. Has a leather sheath, so doesn't have that kydex belt loop attachment.
 
I haven't looked recently; but the LT Wright Patriot should be in your price range. I've only got a couple of sub 3" fixed blades (because they're so small); but I do like the Patriot. The other is a long discontinued AG Russell model; but they may have something similar.
Lots of fixed blades pop up in the Makers section of the Exchange... if you're looking for the best bang for your buck.

Are you looking for a "neck knife"? (I dislike that carry method; but the size lends itself to being pocketed.
There are a few Bark River options that can be had at the upper end of your range (second hand)...and, if your okay with slightly larger due to a finger choil, the N690 Guardian3 pops up regularly for around $100.
 
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The hidden canyon hunter as mentioned above I have one love it but don't use it or carry it just bought it to have. It's scout carry and conceals perfect. Small blade good functional shape comes very sharp from Benchmade. Nice leather sheath and very attractive wood.
 
You've already seen the White River Knucklehead, which is one I like a lot.

The Spyderco Ark might be a solid choice for you.

Take a look at the Benchmade Follow-Up. I don't have one, but it looks to fit the bill.

Benchmade-Follow-Up-Black-Black-BHQ-78786-er-thumb.jpg
 
AG Russel Hunter scalpel. 2.5". AUS10 & FRN. Blackie Collins-designed "Thumbold" kydex sheath. WELL under your asking price.
 
I know these are over your price range, but man, they're such sweet knives that you have to see and consider.
The smallest is from Loreno, a maker here. Picked it up last year because I wanted a small concealable blade. Go look on the knife makers for sell forum. Who knows, you may find something.

f2c7ArA.jpg
 
Enzo 70 Necker
Old Timer Lil' Finger
Horsewright Sonoran Belt Knife. Or any other Horsewright knife. Dave specializes in small Fixed blades, Beautiful work.
CRKT Hunt n' Fisch or the Mossback Bird & Trout
Arno Bernard makes some beautiful little knives. Check out his Bush Baby Series.
 
Vanadis 4E Super Clean.jpg Vanadis 4E Super Clean1.jpg Bradford Guardian 3 or 3.5 both cross-draw in leather sheathes.
I have owned about 8 Bradford G3's in the last two yrs, in various steels...M390, CPM-3V and Vanadis 4E. I have sold some; gifted some and carried several. My current favorite is in Vanadis 4E Superclean... a very excellent tool steel which promises to hold a sharp edge for a very long time. Price about $160.
 
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Becker BK11, if you want to hold out, they have made a San Mai version with upped hardness and a White 2 core.
 
My favorite small fixed blade Many Patriot: http://www.manlyusa.com/product/manly-patriot-d2-orange

$75 when not on sale. They occasionally have sales of around 10% off.
Not too proud to admit it totally outperforms my Spyderco Moran VG-10 and keeps up with or exceeds my Fallkniven F1 in 3G and other knives costing 3x+ the price. I bought another one for my son for elk skinning tasks. Excellent heat treat and very, very impressive wear characterists for D2. Must have the heat treat VERY dialed-in.
 
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