In Search of My First Fixed Blade

GMox677

GMox677

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Apr 8, 2018
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So I have been in love with knives for over a decade now and have been almost exclusively into folders for EDC and my other daily needs. I was never really into fixed blades and never really looked to them as a daily carry option. Lately, a switch has been flipped and I find myself really interested and intrigued by them. To be honest I really don't know a lot about them and what brands and models to look for or avoid. I'm not looking for anything super large or super expensive (maybe $200 max). Maybe around 7.5-9" in overall length. I work on a farm so it would get used in that type of environment. I've done a small amount of research and I have come across ESEE and I really like the ESEE 3. I just wanted to ask the forum members their opinion on a great first fixed blade and what ya'll would recommend. I do prefer US made knives but I am open to other options as well. I look forward to seeing your recommendations!
 
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for a first fixed blade if you aren't sure if you will like it or not ... I would recommend ...

Beckers ... specifically the BK16 will give you alot of knife for a great value ... and they are made for using so they hold up well ... and you can buy one and save money for another ...

if you want to spend more and have more options on models and steels ... LT Wright has some great knives in various models and options ...

you can even get some of the knife makers on the forums to make you a custom fixed blade ... or buy one of their designs ... some for around your $200.00 or some even less ...

I can recommend JK Knives for a great value and built to use ...

maybe down the road if you like a fixed blade and want to get into some of the top fixed blades with a great Delta 3V steel ... Carothers Performance Knives are about as good as it gets ... but are in high demand and are slightly above your $200.00 max.
 
If you like the ESEE, you should get it. Why ask me what YOU are going to like? I can only tell you what I like, and it may or may not work for you. Or you might get lucky and find a keeper right out of the gate. Try the Buck 101, a fixed blade version of the Buck 110 folder. Handy, and just the right size for most people. I usually carry a TOPS Skinat, a 4" drop point in a leather pouch sheath. Needed a little work on the edge, but it's a good piece of 1095.
 
So many options. If I were you I'd go to a decent shop and hold a few to see what fits your hand well, what blade profile, thickness finish, you like, etc.

Blade steel is another consideration in regard to farm work: edge retention, maintenance, rust, etc.

You will get a lot of good opinions here, and I'd offer some myself, but nothing beats getting a few in your hands to compare.

I have a Southern Grind Jackal incoming myself :cool:
 
justjed said:
If you like the ESEE, you should get it. Why ask me what YOU are going to like? I can only tell you what I like, and it may or may not work for you. Or you might get lucky and find a keeper right out of the gate. Try the Buck 101, a fixed blade version of the Buck 110 folder. Handy, and just the right size for most people. I usually carry a TOPS Skinat, a 4" drop point in a leather pouch sheath. Needed a little work on the edge, but it's a good piece of 1095.
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I don't think there's anything wrong with asking a very knowledgeable audience what they're recommendations are cause most of the time they give you a great place to start. That's all I am asking for cause I don't really know what to look for when it comes to fixed blades. Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely look into them!
 
mt666tm said:
So many options. If I were you I'd go to a decent shop and hold a few to see what fits your hand well, what blade profile, thickness finish, you like, etc.

You will get a lot of good opinions here, and I'd offer some myself, but nothing beats getting a few in your hands to compare.
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Yeah you're absolutely right. I live in a very rural area and I have to drive about an hour to the nearest serious knife store so that's why I am asking. Appreciate the advice though!
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
for a first fixed blade if you aren't sure if you will like it or not ... I would recommend ...

Beckers ... specifically the BK16 will give you alot of knife for a great value ... and they are made for using so they hold up well ... and you can buy one and save money for another ...

if you want to spend more and have more options on models and steels ... LT Wright has some great knives in various models and options ...

you can even get some of the knife makers on the forums to make you a custom fixed blade ... or buy one of their designs ... some for around your $200.00 or some even less ...

I can recommend JK Knives for a great value and built to use ...

maybe down the road if you like a fixed blade and want to get into some of the top fixed blades with a great Delta 3V steel ... Carothers Performance Knives are about as good as it gets ... but are in high demand and are slightly above your $200.00 max.
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I'm really liking those LT Wrights! I'm gonna have to get one of them in my hands soon. Thanks for the advice!
 
I just made the switch recently, been carrying an izula 2 lately and I love it. I had plans to buy something ridiculous and huge in 3v to compare to my izula when I first got it, but it's been basically perfect and I haven't had a reason to do so. I'd imagine in your care something like the esee 3/hm might be better, or maybe a lionsteel m1/m4 or Becker bksomething, fallkniven f1, guardian 4/.5, bark River bravo, or some of the others mentioned.

Or look on the custom forum here, there are some absurd deals. Guys do some seriously nuts work.
 
MegaLARP said:
I just made the switch recently, been carrying an izula 2 lately and I love it. I had plans to buy something ridiculous and huge in 3v to compare to my izula when I first got it, but it's been basically perfect and I haven't had a reason to do so. I'd imagine in your care something like the esee 3/hm might be better, or maybe a lionsteel m1/m4 or Becker bksomething, fallkniven f1, guardian 4/.5, bark River bravo, or some of the others mentioned.

Or look on the custom forum here, there are some absurd deals. Guys do some seriously nuts work.
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I've also had a look at the izula and really like them a lot. ESSE seems to be really good value as well. Appreciate the recommendations!
 
GMox677 said:
I'm really liking those LT Wrights! I'm gonna have to get one of them in my hands soon. Thanks for the advice!
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You're welcome LT Wright makes very nice knives ... I enjoy several models ... good luck with your first fixed blade.
 
GMox677 said:
I've also had a look at the izula and really like them a lot. ESSE seems to be really good value as well. Appreciate the recommendations!
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A huge part of the value equation to consider with fixed blades is the sheath, too. If my izulas's sheath wasn't so good I would never carry it, but it works really well for me. I had a guardian 3 before I got the izula and I sent it back within a week, partially because I didn't like the handle but mostly because the sheath didn't work for me and I didn't like it enough to spend 40 bucks on a better one. Everyone loved the Bradford sheath so I assumed it'd be fine, but I spend a lot of time in the gym and have kind of an abnormal body shape because of it so the horizontal carry most people here love printed like crazy compared to vertical carry which just disappears at my side. It's a lot like guns if you've got a CC permit
 
MegaLARP said:
A huge part of the value equation to consider with fixed blades is the sheath, too. If my izulas's sheath wasn't so good I would never carry it, but it works really well for me. I had a guardian 3 before I got the izula and I sent it back within a week, partially because I didn't like the handle but mostly because the sheath didn't work for me and I didn't like it enough to spend 40 bucks on a better one. Everyone loved the Bradford sheath so I assumed it'd be fine, but I spend a lot of time in the gym and have kind of an abnormal body shape because of it so the horizontal carry most people here love printed like crazy compared to vertical carry which just disappears at my side.
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Yeah that's a great point! I can imagine a great sheath is almost as important as the knife itself. I think vertical carry would be fine for me as well
 
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