I need a fixed blade!

BMCGear · Jul 21, 2015

Good morning,

I'm looking for a good fixed blade knife. I want something with classic styling, micarta handles, carbon/tool steel (01 or A2 would be great) and I want the knife to have a 5 inch cutting edge. It needs to be full tang and I'm not really interested in skeletonized handles and I prefer a flat grind, usually. I don't really want to go over 1/8" thick either. I'm not really a batoner but if it needed to be pressed into use I would like that option.

I'm not looking for anything tactical (Esee or Becker).
I'm not looking for scandi grind.
No stainless.
Has to be American Made.
Not really interested in Bark River.

Looking to spend around 200 or less.

Gadt · Jul 21, 2015

LT Wright

BMCGear · Jul 21, 2015

Gadt said:
LT Wright

To my knowledge none of LT's models fit the above criteria. I've owned a Genesis and really enjoyed it; I would just like a longer blade.

rma100 · Jul 21, 2015

Take a look at Hess Knives. Blades by GEC. Hand fit & finished, one at a time, in UP Michigan. Uber Traditional American Hunting Knives.

The Zieg · Jul 21, 2015

Not exactly your specs but would a Kabar Mk I USN with synthetic handles fit your needs?

Zieg

Markesharp · Jul 21, 2015

rma100 said:
Take a look at Hess Knives. Blades by GEC. Hand fit & finished, one at a time, in UP Michigan. Uber Traditional American Hunting Knives.

This would be my suggestion too^^^

screened porch · Jul 21, 2015

Kabar makes a mark 1 with a leather handle. Way under $200, though, if that's a problem, and still black-coated.
Sorry, you said micarta, didn't you, and full tang. I guess I'm the one who needs that Kabar.

glocktenman · Jul 21, 2015

See the Anza 709-m or maybe the Dune Field-M. Size is about right, micarta handles, made from a file. Might be up your alley.

bozack · Jul 21, 2015

Battle Horse Knives, Hess and L. T. Wright knives are in my stable. You can't go wrong here.

Cory Hess · Jul 21, 2015

Closest I know of off hand would be the Battle Horse Highlander 1:

*Image stolen from Battle Horse website

3/16 O-1 Tool Steel
OAL 10 1/8"
5" Cutting Edge
Flat Grind

I know you said 1/8" max. width, but this is close.

BMCGear · Jul 21, 2015

rma100 said:
Take a look at Hess Knives. Blades by GEC. Hand fit & finished, one at a time, in UP Michigan. Uber Traditional American Hunting Knives.

I'm actually considering the Hess Outdoorsman but it is thicker and shorter than I'd like.

The Zieg said:
Not exactly your specs but would a Kabar Mk I USN with synthetic handles fit your needs?

Zieg

scrteened porch said:
Kabar makes a mark 1 with a leather handle. Way under $200, though, if that's a problem, and still black-coated.
Sorry, you said micarta, didn't you, and full tang. I guess I'm the one who needs that Kabar.

Not really interested in Kabar.

Cory Hess said:
Closest I know of off hand would be the Battle Horse Highlander 1:

*Image stolen from Battle Horse website

3/16 O-1 Tool Steel
OAL 10 1/8"
5" Cutting Edge
Flat Grind

I know you said 1/8" max. width, but this is close.

3/16" thick.

bozack · Jul 21, 2015

I have the Outdoorsman. It is thick and heavy. It feels solid in hand. It is saber ground and I think that is not what you are looking for. That said, I love the knife. I think the Battle Horse Knife above would be a good one for you. You may want to look at the L.T. Wright Genisis or GNS.

afishhunter · Jul 21, 2015

Condor Nessmuk or Kephart? Might have to change the handle slabs, but otherwise fit your wants. At their price point you could buy both knives plus new handle slabs and cutlers rivets for both, and still be below your stated budget.

LukeTheSpook · Jul 21, 2015

Check out some of the forums knife makers. My favorites right now are JK Handmade knives and Big Chris Customs knives

KBA · Jul 21, 2015

rma100 said:
Take a look at Hess Knives. Blades by GEC. Hand fit & finished, one at a time, in UP Michigan. Uber Traditional American Hunting Knives.

+10 :thumbup: Great blades and worth looking into.

Careful batoning! There really is technique to that! You may have already known this but thought I would share. A small hatchett/axe would certainly be the tool for that imo.

leghog · Jul 21, 2015

Markesharp said:
rma100 said:

Take a look at Hess Knives. Blades by GEC. Hand fit & finished, one at a time, in UP Michigan. Uber Traditional American Hunting Knives.

Click to expand...

This would be my suggestion too^^^

I'm another suggesting to take a look at Hess Knifeworks products.

Also look at Grohmann D.H. Russells. They too have iconic styling and flat grinds. Canadian vs American though.

BMCGear · Jul 21, 2015

KBA said:
+10 :thumbup: Great blades and worth looking into.

Careful batoning! There really is technique to that! You may have already known this but thought I would share. A small hatchett/axe would certainly be the tool for that imo.

I'm in complete agreement with you. I just want to know that my fixed blade could handle it if it were ever forced into that roll when a hatchet/axe wasn't available.

black mamba · Jul 21, 2015

BMC, I would contact dfarmerknives here on the forums. David makes great knives for low money out of forged L6 and micarta, some of the best and toughest knives around.

heefageLA · Jul 21, 2015

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/611635-Picture-Thread

This fella can make your dreams come true

redsquid2 · Jul 21, 2015

I'll second the idea of buying from BF knifemakers. I would check that forum at least a couple of times a day. Lots of reputable makers.

I need a fixed blade!

Free-Range Cheese Baby