I need a new 3 - 3.5 inch fixed blade

O

obsessis

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
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I am thinking of buying a 3 to 3.5 inch fixed blade for an EDC knife. I have been thinking about the Spyderco Street Beat. I'm not too sure what else would be good to get, besides an rc-3. Can you help me out with some suggestions?
 
i already ordered an rc-3 and a cold steel mini pendleton hunter. I like a little variety, though, so I am still looking around. i think i'll like the rc-3, seems like a great knife for the price.

Also, that dozier is nice but sold out! also the price is a bit high. I'm thinking $150 is about the most i'd like to spend but would spend more for a superb knife....maybe.
 
You can't go wrong with the Street Beat. I really like that design.

Maybe a Fallkniven F1. It's in your price range at about $105-$110, but the blade is 3.8".
 
I have a nephew that is a LEO in Las Vegas who recently picked up a Stree Beat and loves it. He is pretty hard to please but can't say enough good things about the Spyderco! I would say it's a good choice.:thumbup:
 
The Spyder is a good choice. how much do you want to spend?
What about a Leu custom? I love mine.
 
Benchmade Activator? At 3.63" it's a bit longer than your desired length though. D2 steel and wood scales.
 
Two other excellent choices are the Buck 005 Gen5's and the Benchmade 201 Activator+.

The two Buck production Gen5's, ~3", are the base 005GYS with it's charcoal handle, nickle-silver finger guard, 420HC blade, and horizontal belt carry nylon holster and the upgrade 005RWS with it's checkered Rosewood handle, brass finger guard, CPM154 blade, and vertical shaped leather sheath. To be honest, that base one gets more carry - especially on the coast. You can get both - and a nice lunch - for that $150.

The Benchmade 201 Activator +, ~3.5" of D2, is just one handy knife - and, well balanced, even if the winewood scales could be just a bit thicker for me. Mine came dull - brand new out of the box. The Bucks were both razors. Should be <$100 shipped.

Another ~3.5" fb I really like is my favorite Gerber - a Freeman S30V/stag. The S30V blade came fairly sharp - not as sharp as my Bucks, like the 408 Kalinga Pro (S30V), but sharp nonetheless. The stag is a little thicker - and nicely and randomly jigged - looks like Sambar stag! Above all, it's a comfortable hold - and has a nice sheath, too. ~$100-$125.

In my Bark River goodies, they are all, save the small handled 'Huntsman' over 3.5" - and seem to hit around $150+ now. My Journeyman is a deal - great utility blade/nice grip - green Micarta handled - hard to find now. My T.U.S.K. is a great 'carver' - albeit it's wharncliffe style may turn some away. It's available shipped <$150. Check Derrick at KSF - or DLT Trading - both great to deal with.

All of the knives mentioned are US-made, as is at least the Gerber's sheath. The Buck sheaths are from 'elsewhere'. More choices...

Stainz
 
Spyderco Mule in S90V or ZDP-189 are available now, and M4 or 52100 models can be found on the secondary market. You can send it off to Tom Krein or another knifemaker (I really like Tom's work on my M4 model) and then you will have a G-10 or Micarta handled 3.25" or so slicer blade in a great steel. If you can wait a little bit for the handles and sheath to be made the Mules are great bargains for super steel EDC fixed blades.

Mike
 
The Buck Gen5 looks like a good option, pretty cheap. The BM with D2 seems nice, too. I don't own any D2 knives. I have some DMT diasharps and duofolds so I think I'd be able to sharpen it up.

Thanks for all of the suggestions! Thanks for letting me know the Rat was a good choice....I ordered an RC-3 and an RC-4 for a couple different sizes. I will probably pick up the Spiderco when I get paid but I might be able to swing a Buck Gen5 much sooner.
 
gunmike1 said:
Spyderco Mule in S90V or ZDP-189 are available now, and M4 or 52100 models can be found on the secondary market. You can send it off to Tom Krein or another knifemaker (I really like Tom's work on my M4 model) and then you will have a G-10 or Micarta handled 3.25" or so slicer blade in a great steel. If you can wait a little bit for the handles and sheath to be made the Mules are great bargains for super steel EDC fixed blades.

Mike
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about how much does it cost to get scales made to fit the mule?
 
The Blackhawk Crucible @ 3.2" has an excellent carry system, worth checking out, I don't have one yet but it's on my list. There is another variant called Kalista.
 
obsessis said:
about how much does it cost to get scales made to fit the mule?
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It depends on who you have do the work. Tom Krein does amazing work and I believe it is $70 +- to get either G-10 or Micarta in any color with liners. I think he charges $35 for one of his excellent Kydex sheaths with a Tek Lok. I am extremely happy with how my M4 Mule is outfitted, the work on the Handles and Kydex is every bit as good as the customs I have bought from Tom. I know others do the work as well, you might check with STR or some of the other knifesmiths here to get their prices.

Mike
 
I second the Mule. It really is a great knife, and the ability to customize it with the handle of your choice is great.

Mike, do you know if Tom will make a sheath for one he didn't put the handle on. I prefer to do my own handle work, but I haven't done any sheathwork.
 
Phillip Dobson said:
I second the Mule. It really is a great knife, and the ability to customize it with the handle of your choice is great.

Mike, do you know if Tom will make a sheath for one he didn't put the handle on. I prefer to do my own handle work, but I haven't done any sheathwork.
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My understanding is he will do a Kydex sheath for you for $35, including the Tek Lok, no matter who did the handle.

Mike
 
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