I Need a Fixed Blade. Help Me Out.

Buzzbait

Buzzbait

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Feb 25, 2001
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I'm looking for good fixed blade somewhere in the 4 to 4 1/2 inch range. I can spend up to $150.00. I'm willing to go with a good carbon steel or a very high quality stainless. If stainless, it would have to be something like BG42, D2, or 440V. I'll be using this knife for camping and hiking, so the sheath must be good and secure. I hate rubber handles. Does anybody have a good recommendation for a tough as nails Knife in this range?

I've been eyeing the BK&T Companion, as well as the TOPS Overlander.
 
How bout a Busse basics #3?
It does have a rubber handle, but it's suposedly better than other rubber ones.
 
Buzzbait,

I know you have a $150 ceiling but, for $25 more, you can get a Strider Knives Model MFS that'll handle anything you can throw at it. It's got a 4" blade, 3/16" thick ATS-34, your choice of finishes (as long as it's Tiger Stripe or bead-blast) and one of the slimmest, most-secure kydex sheaths I've used in a lo-ong time.

TripleAughtDesign has pictures (and maybe even a few in stock) or you can order one from you friendly neighborhood Strider Knives dealer.
 
Two choices spring to mind:
Fallkniven F1 in VG-10 steel, in a Concealex sheath by Normark, of course (you might as well have the best). VG-10 is the best stainles steel I've encountered, and paired with a Normark sheath it is a great combination. However the grip on the F1 is Thermolun, a rubber-like compound that is however quite hard (significantly harder than Kraton).
Second suggestion is a Marble's Fieldcraft or for a little longer blade, the Campcraft. I have one of each, both in Marble's 52100 high carbon steel, which takes and holds an edge better than anything else in my experience. Both come with excellent leather sheaths or you can get Normark to make one for you in Concealex. Marble's offers these in a variety of grip material; I prefer traditional stacked leather.
 
Just to make things clear, in case I wasn't. I want the blade to be 4 to 4 1/2 inches, not the overall knife. :)
 
I think Jeff Randall has a few Laser Strikes with incorrect heat treats you could inquire about. The only problem with them is you can't use the back of the blade with flint to throw sparks. But you get micarta handle, carbon steel (1095), drop/spear point, ferroccium rod, and all that. I thinkl the ones with the incorrect heat treat were being sold for cheaper than the $180 they were asking for the regular ones.
 
You're pretty close to the prices of Bob Dozier's. Seldom is a bad word said about any of his knives. He uses D2 exclusively, so far as I know.

There is another maker, RW Clark, who posts on the Shop Talk and Custom Knife forums. He makes a great looking little 4" hunter for $150, compleat with sheat -- I think. Woudln't want to held to the sheath part.

Also, I've read a few negative comments about the grinds on recent Marbles. You might want to do a search and check those out. I've handled 2 Marbles that belong to a forumite who lives near me, and I think they are great knives. I was surprised at the low prices for what you get and the history that comes gratis.

Lots of knives out there in that price range. You might even check places like Blade Art, Knife Art, etc., to see if you can find a custom within your budget.

Good luck.
 
Anything by cold steel is a good choice, you may also consider a Benchmad 145, or 180, both knives would be a good choice.
 
Buzz, it might be worth your while to throw a post in the "Knives Wanted" forum and see if you can find a MEUK from Allen Blade. Differentially heat treated 5160 and a very nice Kydex sheath.

I would also suggest R.W. Clark. I will be in the market for a 5" blade soon and this man is at the top of my list. Looks to be beautiful work and his tri-color sheaths are a work of art in themselves.
 
In that price range, you could get a pretty nice custom fixed blade. Check out Bob Dozier's stuff. He has great blades in your price range and in your size requirement. You might also check out John Greco's stuff. Both of those guys make some great knives you will really be happy with.

If you would consider a 5" blade, and would like a very stout custom - shoot me an email and I will tell you where to get one dirt cheap!

thoonee@hotmail.com
 
In that size and price range Bob Dozier is the man.
Micarta,razor sharp D2 and a great kydex sheath. It just dont get much better.
 
Come on guys. Help me out.

1. As far as I can find (or not find), Bob Dozier does not make a fixed blade knife with a blade length between 4 and 4 1/2 inches.

2. Busse, Fallkniven and Cold Steel all use rubber handles, which I don't like.

3. I wanted something a little better than ATS-34, which is used by Strider.

4. While I don't care about the fire starter option, isn't the Laser Strike larger than what I'm looking for?

5. I'm not a big BM fan.

6. I already have a similarly sized Marbles. :)

There have to be a few models out there that fit into what I'm looking for!!!!
 
Dozier professional guides model, 4.75 inch blade, $169. Whats 1/4 inch and $19 dollars. You will not be disapointed.The best bang for the buck going
 
A good fixed blade? How about:

Cold Steel Master Hunter Carbon V with kydex sheath

I really like this knife. I also bought one of the new Gerber Gator fixed blades with the drop point, and have used it skinning two hogs already. This was a good inexpensive blade.
 
We know that when you say you only want to spend $150, you really only want to spend $200 :D .

You are not going to find a much better steal than Striders ATS-34. It is HT by Paul Bos, so you know it is done right. I am going to second Brian_T's nomination of the Strider MFS. This knife holds an edge longer, doing harder work than my Spyderco 440V knives (But my Spyderco 440V will kill my other ATS-34/154CM knives). It is really good stuff. The sheath is kydex with a Tec-Loc. Plus, if you ever damage the knife( :rolleyes: )it will be replaced by Strider.
 
Check out Chris Reeve 1 pc knives. I have a 4" Shadow III (I think that is the name of it). They are indestructible!
 
There is also Trace Rinaldi. I think Les Robertson has some of his TTKK's or Chimera's in stock. TTKK is 4.5 inches, in A2. The Chimera is 4.0 inches, and again in A2 I believe. Both have Micarta handle scales, kydex sheaths, and Paul Bos heat treat. Only problem is, they are $200 instead of $150. But darn well worth it, IMO. Bladeart also has several of his knives, a little cheaper, in the price range you're wanting. Again, A2, D2.
 
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