Help picking small fixed blade

[Gary W. Graley]

This one was pretty handy No Bother

G2

 

[herisson]

"Cold Steel Secret Edge" as a necker (can be also carried vertical / horizontal on the belt or in the pocket, if you prefer) and AG Russell "WoodsWalker", in a very different style (comes with pocket or necker sheath), a fantastic everyday utility knife. Both are sold at steal prices. Great to try and get a feeling at a low cost. If you like them, you'll get years of use out of them (I do). It's win / win, isnt'it ?

The top two :

 

[JParanee]

Out of prouduction but they are out there

I just snagged this one

 

[maximus83]

* Bucklite Max 684 (this is the 3" blade, I have the larger 4" one and the handle on these is great, amazing value for around $20. While the Buck 420HC is a step up from Aus8 as you asked )
* Ruike hornet (nicely implemented little carry rig and blade in 14c28n. This one is well setup for carry out of the box, the Buck will need a better sheath.)
* Spyderco Street Beat (I have the micarta one, this is the newer one with the FRN handles, probably would be my fave of these 3 that I have)

ETA, adding a few random pics of my copies of the above:

The Bucklite Max (again, mine is the 4" one, and I added the finger choil):

The Bucklite with a carry rig I had made for it:

The Ruike and factory sheath:

The Street Beat and custom sheath:

And a bonus one forgot to add above, the Spyderco Mule in 20cv with Halpern Titanium grips and boltaron sheath:

 

[Mossyhorn]

I recently picked up a Hinderer flashpoint from the exchange. It's an excellent compact for daily carry.

 

[Velitrius]

I definitely like the A.G. Russell Woodswalker, but the OP specified something other than AUS-8.

Shouldn't rule out AUS-8 in a blade this size, IMO. It won't be called upon to perform Herculean tasks by any means, and it's a steel that sharpens up very nicely with very little effort.

The leather pocket sheath is especially easy to carry.

 

[rustyspike]

I cross carry an Esee Izula a lot in my rotation. Fully concealed under 3". The Sheath is a Armatus. You can custom order it or Blade-HQ has them in stock.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/155860989@N03/35172789871/in/datetaken-public/

Here is my Dan Tope Bull Dog Mid Tec. Just under 3.5" with the same sheath. This sheath was was custom made.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/155860989@N03/37966564545/in/datetaken-public/

Rich K.

 

[bflying]

When I carry small fixed blades, it's almost always flat in back pocket. I carry the Candiru a lot. But the handle is too small to be useful for me without the optional Micarta scales. Also drop the Izula often. Made a thin slip for it, carries almost invisible. The Boker Fitz is also a fun knife.

 

[rustyspike]

Nice selection there B. Bottom line is during the work week I do not need any thing larger and I have legal issues for larger blades. Al thought out in the woods I can carry almost any thing. And these small blades have great utility for both EDC and out in the woods.

Rich K.

 

[Spectre]

Spyderco has several flavors of Enuff in your size range with good steel.

I'm partial to the ARK, but it's only suited for neck carry.

The CRKT Folts Mininalist Wharncliffe is a great little knife, though not with great steel.

 

[Wallace Mutt]

Buck 616

 

[Mountain Man 75]

1. TOPS/Buck CSAR-T Liaison - it's 420HC 3" rounded tanto shape, kydex sheath with great retention, and lies very flat under a shirt. Of all my neck knives, I find I wear this one the most.
Wish it came in 154CM like the other CSAR-T line knives. It's about $50
.2. Buck Ops Boot Knife - 154CM, tanto blade with a good grip for its size. Many carry options with this including neck $100
Some cheap options are the CRKT S.P.E.W. and their Minimalist line, but they're 5Cr15MoV steel. All around $20-40

 

[numbersman]

That Benchmade is a pretty sweet looking blade, but......$98 for a neck knife????? Whats it made out of, compressed diamonds?

 

[weezer919]

The Old Timer Sharpfinger 1520T
While the blade is definitely not AUS8 or better ...... This knife is very well built for something under $20 ...... This was the every day carry knife of non other than Sonny Barger (Although, he owned the American version) ...... Founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club ...... One of the most popular every day carry knives of all time.

• Overall Length:7.00"
• Blade Length:3.25"
• Cutting Edge:2.875"
• Blade Thickness:0.14"
• Blade Material:7Cr17MoV
• 100% Full Tang
• Handle Length:3.75"
• Handle Thickness:0.74"
  
• Weight:2.79 oz.

 

[longbow]

Look at Landi knives sold on the makers forum here or on ebay. Also look at the Schrade line of 1095 knives, I forget the name designation but 1095 with g10 and decent sheaths. Also I like the CS mini Pendleton hunter. I carry it my front pocket sheathed. keepem sharp

 

[jimmyd1982]

Check and see if LT Wright or the new BHK still makes the snap Knapp, or if you can find an old one floating around. It's basically a folding fixed blade.

 

[115Italian]

M maximus83 Thanks for the links and pictures. I appreciate the effort.

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

+1 on the Spyderco street beat. Just got mine in, awesome knife

 

[115Italian]

Well Ive made a desicion. I went with a white river knuckle head. Purchased from USA made blade. @whitty

A big Thank You to everyone who posted their suggestions. You guys gave me a lot to think about and look at. It was quite enjoyable. Thanks.

I’ll post pictures when it arrives.

 

[ShannonSteelLabs]

I might be able to make you something in that price range.
Steel choices are AEB-L and Nitro-V
Both are excellent inexpensive steels. Much better than AUS 8. Both have fine grain and good edge holding.
AEB-L has better edge holding
Nitro-V has better corrosion resistance and is a little tougher.