I need help with a new fixed blade.

J.Mattson

J.Mattson

Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
2,518
For along time I had a RC-3, however last week I gave it away and as such am in need of a replacement. I loved the Rat but I want something longer this time. Naturally I’ve got the RC-4,5 and 6 on my list. But it never hurts to expand ones horizons and since I’m basically a folder guy I don’t know a lot about my options.

Basically I’m looking for something 4-6ish inches long. And around $100-200 dollars. As far as that price goes I buy used and don’t mind waiting and looking around.

I know I saw pics of a Scrapyard knife that I liked a lot and there are some swamp rat knifes that I like within my price range but to be honest I’m unfamiliar with virtually any of their models (kind of ashamed to admit that but like I said I’m a folder guy and was happy with what I had).

I’ve been given to understand that there are custom knives within my price range, does anyone one have any suggestions on makers that I should check out?

Oh BTW the I’d prefer that the knife be tough enough to process wood (yes I know many people thinks its unnecessary but I feel that something about batoning is satisfying, and enjoy doing it, aside from the fact that this is a backpacking/canoeing knife and I simply don’t want to carry an ax or hatchet).

Any help would be very appreciated. I’m really hoping for pictures with names and descriptions of some of those scrap yard/swamp rat knives since I’m interested in them but am one of the uninitiated in their various models.
 
Check out the Ka-Bar BKT 2. It runs about $65 and it is stout enough to baton through anything.:thumbup:
 
J.Mattson said:
I’ve been given to understand that there are custom knives within my price range, does anyone one have any suggestions on makers that I should check out?
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Yes there are several Awsome makers here on the forums that could help you out. From my personal experience Bryan Breeden makes some awsome knives & has very fair prices on his stuff. Bryan is a Very good guy to deal with & will work with you.
breedenknives.com
Also you have Christof Harper AKA Koyote knives. He has some sweet looking blades to, I'm waiting on a couple from him at this time.
 
I just a ScrapYard SOD (Son of Dogfather). I found it for less than $200 with the SpecOps Sheath (kydex lined nylon). I really really like it.
 
I got a RAT RC-5 a month or two back - wow!! They are still available, but the old sheaths are running low - new designs are reportedly coming. I got mine from two cats, dogs, or wolves... something like that. Check the RAT sub-forum. Also - check out Derrick at KSF (knivesshipfree.com) - he has quite a selection - and top drawer service. There are lots of $100-$200 Bark Rivers, too - I'm partial to my Gameskeeper and Fox River.

Stainz
 
Since it sounds like you know your way around a knife and its woodsy applications, I'd suggest taking a look at some of the custom makers, especially those that frequent W&SS. I of course wouldn't hesitate to recommend the RC-4 or RC-6 as I have both along with the Izula and RC-3. I love the RC-products, but as you indicate, it never really hurts to see what is out there.

Here is a list of folks you should consider:

Bryan Breeden (Pathfinder model or Peacemaker, top two in picture below, pathfinder is in orange G10 - all knives shown are Breeden's)

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JK knives - see his subforum, his Kephart (top pic below) is awesome but he has many other great bushy blades.

DSC_0083-4.jpg


Koyote - see his subforum, koyote has a really unique style to his knives and they are awesome bushcraft performers. Her is one I just bought from him in the pic below next to a modified Scrapyard Scrapper 5.

DSC_0633.jpg


Koyote again - the sheaths by Koyote Girl are a work of art!

DSC_0640.jpg


Others to look at for. Fiddleback forge (see his subforum), SDS-knives (see his subforum), NWA (See his subforum), Gossman (see his subforum).

Others still - Walter Davis - he frequently sells in the Maker's For Sale Fixed Blade Area, as does DP-knives. Good luck!

p.s. you really should go custom on this one, you'll be happy you do. I like the scrapyards fine (I also have a SOD), but they are beating knives that are I think a tad ugly compared to the custom ones. Thats just my IMO. If you want a heavy duty beater though a scrapyard is hard to top!
 
I'd recommend (my one and only BRKT) a Gameskeeper II. I used it primarily for camp chores and hiking. Also, check out Landi's at http://landiknives.com/ and Ray Laconico's work - both makers participate on these forums.

Overall Length: 10.250 Inches
Blade Length: 5.750 Inches
Cutting Edge:5 Inches
Steel: A-2 @ 58rc
Steel Thickness: .215 inch
Weight:6.875 Ounces
Balance Point on the Guard.
Blade Height: 1.1 Inch

Gmskpr_II_Ant_Ivory_S.jpg


DSC04136.jpg


BARK%20RIVER%20BA321MAI.JPG


Landi's MPM

2927520342_a1519d9f08_b.jpg


Ray Laconico
laconicoxd8.jpg
 
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Two of my favorites within the range you describe are the Swamprat Ratmandu and the Fallkniven S1 (Forest knife).

I love the looks of that Landi MPM Sulfer.
 
Busses, Swamp Rats, Scrapyards, Bark River, Rat Cutlery; they are all really great knives.

There are some other great ones to consider too: Ontario Ranger series are pretty tough and don't break the bank either. Another really great knife brand is Fehrman. Fehrmans are made out of CPM 3V and are very tough knives, with excellent fit and finish.

Take your time, do your research and enjoy the decision making journey.

_____Rat Pack #106_____
 
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After hours of looking through thread after thread, and countless more drooling over pictures I think I can say that I would want a RC-6, the Scrapyard scrapper 5 or a custom. To be honest I’m amazed no stunned no flabbergasted at the quality and variety of fixed blade customs I can get within my limited price range.
 
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