Looking for a Durable Fixed Blade...

G

gat9874

Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
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I am looking for a durable fixed blade that would stand up well to everyday use. I bought a very nice fixed blade, made by Robert Dark, but it is simply too nice to use. What would be a good choice for a knife that would continue to look good over the years? Some knives seem to scratch and/or wear rather easily. I would like an overall length of eight inches (or shorter), and I would like the keep the price under $150.

Thanks...
 
Don't know what kind of use you're looking for... how about a Bark River TUSK?

tusk_vintage.jpg


Photo courtesy of Knives Ship Free. :thumbup:
 
One of my favorite "users" is my Bark River Highland Special

HighBlazeOrgG10SolPin.jpg


It has a 4.0 inch blade and an overall lenth of around 7.75 inches. It has a great edge, nice balance, and the handle fits well in my somewhat large hands. The blade is about 0.170 inch thick, which I think is nice. Sturdy, without being too heavy and clunky. I really like the drop point blade style for general use knives, too, as it seems to handle most tasks well.

IIRC I paid around $120 for the knife and sheath. :cool:
 
These are two excellent suggestions--thanks. I think I have a slight preference for the Highland Special (I like the drop point blade). I looked at the Bark River Journeyman, too. This also looks like a fine choice...too bad it does not appear to come with a sheath.
 
F1.jpg


How about the Fallkniven F1, even with their recent price increase I think you should be able to pick up the Thermorun handle for around $150.

Kevin

EDIT: A quick check reveals you can pick them up for around $100 depending on Leather or Zytel sheath.
 
BRKT Bravo-1 and Fallkniven F1 are two that I own and use. Both very durable.
 
I like these suggestions. The F1 is very interesting. Will the leather sheath accomodate the thickness and/or bulk of an average belt? I ask becuase the size of the sheath's opening is somewhat difficult to determine in the photo.

PS: After doing a quick search, I found a thermorun handle version for about $100. I did not see the other two handle choices (as in the photo). I would like to price these, too...any suggestions?
 
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For $150.00 I'd say F1 as well. Or wait and see what Scrapyard and Swamp Rat come out with...
 
gat9874 said:
PS: After doing a quick search, I found a thermorun handle version for about $100. I did not see the other two handle choices (as in the photo). I would like to price these, too...any suggestions?
Click to expand...


The Ivory Micarta and Maroon Micarta handles are new for 2009, They are limited edition 25th anniversary knives, they will feature 3G steel instead of laminated VG10 and will be produced in limited quantity of only 1000 knives. They are due to be released in the summer of 2009 (July I believe)

The Black Micarta handle is available at a fairly significant premium on the price. However with regard to the Black Micarta Fallkniven's site states "It is especially exciting to handle a completely handmade knife, with the enduring knowledge that a skilled craftsman has put his soul into manufacturing this particular knife." So I suspect a big part of the price difference is due to being hand made.

I will check on the sheath when I get home tonight, I don't think there will be any problem.

Kevin

EDIT: I double checked my info after I got home tonight and the Ivory and Maroon Micarta are available now, the F1 3G will be available in July '09 but I have no info on what handle material it will be offered in.
 
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I thank you, Kevin. I went ahead and bought the thermorun F1. I got it with the leather sheath. It was a good deal, and so I made the purchase. I picked up a Camillus Heat, too. It looks like a nice folder. I believe this knife was made in Spain (rather than the US).

Glen
 
gat9874, I'm certain you will be pleased with the F1.

Here are some photos of the sheaths etc. to confirm your previous question the belt loop on the leather sheath would accomodate up to a 4" belt width, the belt loop on the Kydex 2.5 - 3 inch belt width.

F1 Micarta vs Thermorun
F1-sidebyside2.jpg


Leather Sheath Belt Loop
F1Sheath-Leather.jpg


Kydex Sheath Belt Loop
F1-Sheath-Zytel.jpg


Leather vs Kydex Sheath
F1sidebyside.jpg


Kevin
 
If you're looking for value, go for a carbon steel Mora with wooden handles. A 4" Mora of this type and plastic sheath will set you back about $15 shipped, and a 6" blade costs roughly $25 shipped. Them Moras make excellent work knives.
 
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