In Search of My First Fixed Blade

Just made this the other day. 7.5in OAL 3.5in blade AEBL
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really really nice example... great steel choice, I want more aeb-l

what is your hrc after temper? (do you do a double temper or?)
 
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Since I just posted this picture in another thread...
I prefer fixed blades over folders, and have a decent variety from which to choose. Recently, I've been more interested in knives that do what knives are meant to do - cut. Sure...I love my beat the everlovin p*$$ out of it, it won't break knives; but they tend to fall short when it comes to cutting things. The two pictured are small (<3.5"), thin bladed, and very "slicey". Both came from makers on this site at under your max.
For me, while I have a fondness for 5-7" blades, knives with 3-4.5" blades are more convenient...and (arguably) more useful for day to day, edc type tasks
 
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I would add that not everyone has a need for a fixed blade. If you made it this far without one, chances are you dont need one.
Maybe you want one, just to have one. I'm in that boat. There is no need for me to have a fixed blade, yet I have several around the house. At most, I'll split some wood for a firepit or gawk at.
Fun part is looking for one, theres so many.
 
....For me, while I have a fondness for 5-7" blades, knives with 3-4.5" blades are more convenient...and (arguably) more useful for day to day, edc type tasks
That's fits me. That is always the quandary when choosing..... more convenient use versus "like". The solution is always to own both sizes of course. 7" fixed blades feel a little big for me unless I know I need such. But I own some. ~5.5" is my sweet spot for a larger knife.
 
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I’m going to suggest a powder steel knife if it’s a working farm knife, the edge retention of ELMAX is why.

I bought a knife in a small shop in Jackson, Wyoming last August made by Schenk in Idaho Falls, ID and I carried it through hunting season and a cattle round-up on my Uncle’s ranch and worked my Schenk KODIAK pretty hard for 4 months, I’m impressed with their KODIAK. For a large knife, over 9” in length, it rode well in trucks, a John Deer Gator and on horseback, it’s not as large as some fixed knives I’ve carried while doing ranch work and hunting, but I never felt I didn’t have enough blade when working it; I prefer an open-top sheath for a working fixed blade and the Schenk’s come with a real nice thick leather one. It’s in your price range (actually the KODIAK is under your $200 max), small shop produced in Idaho, ELMAX is great steel for a working knife, the contoured G10 scales are very comfortable and I think the knife is attractive and hard to beat for the money, you can also buy them directly from Schenk. Some of their knives can be had in 51200 steel, but I’d stick to stainless ELMAX for a working knife.

Here’s their website, check out their BADGER and KODIAK knives in their hunting series, both in ELMAX, I’m going to buy a BADGER and give it a go-round too :D http://schenkknives.com

My KODIAK in ELMAX (when it was brand new...)
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It doesn't matter what your blade is, fixed or folder. A 3" AEB-L folder will cut just like a 3" AEB-L fixed blade, assuming the grinds on both are the same. A fixed blade is just quicker into action than any folder, especially if that folder is deep in your pocket. Pocket clips can be one answer, a lanyard is another. But a fixed blade will still be faster, stronger, and safer. Steel choice is a personal preference, if the OP lives(or just works) on a farm, it's likely he knows how to take proper care of good tools.
 
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A lot of great knives mentioned, to me the best range is 3.25 to 4.5 inches with a good four finger grip for control, a good stainless steel like cpm 154, Elmax or AEBL, etc, and a kydex sheath. I have Fiddleback Production Hiking Buddy that is waiting to be tried. For simpler carbon steel the ESEE 3 HM, or I have a Rat3 with TKC extended knife handles that gives it more length and comfort.
Good luck with your search and let us know what you decide.
 
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