Recommendation? Iconic American fixed blades

baxtrom

baxtrom

Joined
Jan 15, 2012
Messages
858
Hi blade enthusiasts,
So I have previously asked you guys about iconic American folders, and thought about expanding this question to the realm of fixed blades!

I have for some time pondered upon the question if I should get a Buck 119, for example. What is the BF consensus on the 119? Its folding little brother, the 110, was frequently mentioned in the replies to my “iconic folders” threads.

What other fixed knife models / patterns are to be mentioned? Ka-bar USMC? For me it feels almost like stealing valor to buy a 1217 as I have never been a soldier, let alone a US Marine 😉

Obviously, as a pattern Bowie is a classic. I don’t know if there is any particular manufacturer that is considered to be more genuine?

Best,
Daniel

78E76B21-931C-4D19-95AC-169646557303.jpeg
(Buck 119 Special, pic from Buck Knives)
 
Between the Buck 119 and the Bear & Son Bowie's, there are a lot of interesting and affordable options. I'd also recommend the Ka-bar mk 1 navy.
 
The 119 is an iconic sheath/hunting knife. Has been for the last 80 years or so.
(I think the 75th (diamond) anniversary edition came out 5 years ago...)

Others have mentioned the Ka-Bar "Marine Fighting Knife"
(Ontario's model 498 is the same knife with one itty bitty tiny difference: The 498 is still Mil Spec. Current production Ka-Bar isn't. For one, the Ka-bar lacks the anti-fungal stuff applied to the handle, so it's prettier.)
I would also nominate the Ontario 499 "Jet Pilot Survival Knife". (Walmart's version lacks the cockpit canopy saw on the spine.) and the precursor to the "Ka-Bar", the USN Mk1 and Mk2.

(Personally, I've always preferred the 499 over the "Ka-Bar" because it is a handier size, and I like the sheath better.)

I'll also nominate the Western W48 "Bowie" and Western L66/W66/F66.
For several decades the L66 was the most common sheath/hunting knife in the USA (not sure about the Canadian) deer woods.
L66 = Leather Washer handle. W66 = Wood handle. F66 = Black Fiber and Aluminum washer handle, AKA: "Black Beauty".
 
This blade shape is a slightly modified Woodcraft pattern that was made by every manufacturer of knives in the US from at least the 1930s up through the 1990s. At roughly 8¾" OAL with a 4" blade it is perhaps the most useful outdoor/hunting pattern ever produced. My collection includes knives from Schrade, Camillus, and Western.

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As afishhunter posted at the same time, these are the 66 pattern knives he mentions above (Western's designation).
 
The Buck 102 woodsman is very iconic.
20211124_091354.jpg

The ubiquitous butcher pattern is probably the most important blade in American history, the green river sheath knife old hickory hunter or green river belt knife are all excellent examples.

Here is the green river sheath knife blade I handled and slightly modified.
20210916_160523.jpg
 
Couple that many only ever hear about ... Ruana Knives and Randall Made Knives ... yes they can be kind of spendy
I'm lucky to have one of each ... both non-catalog knives
Ruana Vic's Blade in hammer forged 1095
Randall Denmark Special Stainless ... 440 series I think

D3u0BYw.jpg
 
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I've owned a Buck 119 most of my life and it is a great blade. Recently purchased the Buck Frontiersman (124) and it may be the perfect fixed. I have several fixed blades and seem to grab this one when I need one. My advice, go with the Frontiersman. Not iconic but there are a few BRK Tope Recons available. Picked one of those up and love it! Pretty sure I'm set on fixed blades.

View attachment 1898002
 
Blades of Glory said:
I've owned a Buck 119 most of my life and it is a great blade. Recently purchased the Buck Frontiersman (124) and it may be the perfect fixed. I have several fixed blades and seem to grab this one when I need one. My advice, go with the Frontiersman. Not iconic but there are a few BRK Tope Recons available. Picked one of those up and love it! Pretty sure I'm set on fixed blades.

View attachment 1898002
Click to expand...

That’s a beautiful knife ❤️, but over here it is $300 and I have a moderate Swedish salary. Think of it as a $450 knife, at US income levels, and you get the picture. I’m not a Norwegian swimming in oil money 😂. The 119 is pretty nice and it’s only $100
 
baxtrom said:
That’s a beautiful knife ❤️, but over here it is $300 and I have a moderate Swedish salary. Think of it as a $450 knife, at US income levels, and you get the picture. I’m not a Norwegian swimming in oil money 😂. The 119 is pretty nice and it’s only $100
Click to expand...
Fair enough. 119 it is! Are Fallkniven cheaper in your area than the US?
 
You can get a 'sterile' version of the Ka Bar 1217 without any service markings. Great knife.
In the picture below (all variations of the USN MK II knife design, all 7" blades), my old (bought 2003) Ka Bar 1217 is 2nd from bottom, a new one is bottom (bought 2018). The 'new' one has the sabre grind taken up to the fuller. The top two are the Cold Steel Leatherneck and the Ontario 498 Marine Combat knife.
FYM5Qe.jpg
 
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