Looking for a Fixed 4" Blade

[SliCed]

I want a tough knife that I can cut thick cardboard with often, it will also be a potential camp knife (max workload: cutting thin slices of wood off of logs). I am looking for a blade about 4"-4.5" and about a 4.5" of handle. I also will want to do food prep with it once in a while and I'm going to want a thinner blade with a flat grind. I am thinking the uncoated ESEE 4 might be the best knife for me

Prefer: full flat grind, non-stainless, possibly a cheaper suggestion to the ESEE 4

Thanks a lot everyone!

 

[amg137]

The Bark River Aurora fits those categories almost perfectly (convex instead of flat grind, which is an improvement IMO)... except for the cost. They'll run you a bit north of $200. I realize you're looking for something cheaper, but I thought I'd throw the suggestion out there. Bark River makes really great stuff and I think they're well worth the cost.

Can't really go wrong with ESEE-4 either, and you certainly can't beat them at their price point. I can't think of a better 4" fixed blade at or below the $100 level. Maybe a BK16, but it's not enough cheaper that I would recommend it over the ESEE.

 

[ocnLogan]

Becker BK16 is almost exactly what you are looking for. It is 5/32in thick FFG 1095 steel, 4.375in blade. The kicker, its also cheaper than the ESEE 4 (~$70) with essentially the same warranty.

The "downside" is no micarta handles, or kydex sheath. Although I hear the handle scales are shaped much better (never held a ESEE 4, but the 16's handles are nicely shaped).

Good luck with whatever you do .

 

[NJBillK]

I would suggest the bk16 or the JK Knives Element 01. I'm sure that if you were to PM him he would make you one with a 4-4.5" blade.
This was his post:

Check out this link to see the JK O1 being tested to the extreme.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ves-Torture-Test-Passaround!?highlight=Viktim
The Element O1 is ground from a bar of O1 high carbon tool steel, in my shop in Mokena, IL , This steel is found on many of the finest
custom knives and only very rarely on any " factory built knife. I use no water jets, I use no preformed blanks, these knives are made entirely in my
shop from bars of steel sourced from the US .

O1 Steel is tough, sharpens easily and holds an edge better than nearly all production knife steels in this price range.

I heat treat these blades in my own shop to a Rockwell hardness of 58-59, which my many many knife customers over the years tell me is just
right for edge retention and sharpen-ability.
The blade design on either Element 01 knife is a classic drop point 3" long and 1" tall, 1/8" inch thick with a wicked sharp saber grind. . This grind makes for a very strong knife with a rigid spine and is a wonderful all purpose grind that has an easy to maintain edge.

Black micarta handles are standard on the Element O1 and provide a durable and comfortable grip. One solid and one hollow aluminum handle pin locks the micarta handle in place and provides for a lanyard attachment

The Element Series comes standard with a riveted and molded Kydex sheath of my own making.

To keep your cost low, the Element O1 comes in only two sizes:

The easy to carry, never leave home without it, EDC Element O1 (Every Day Carry) with 3" all purpose drop point blade and 3-1/2" handle

or

Hunter Model Element O1 with the longer, hand filling 4" handle and the same great drop point blade design that is
loved by hikers, hunters and anyone who plays and works in the great outdoors.

The Specs:

EO1 EDC - 6 1/2" overall, with a 3" drop point blade, of 1/8" thick O1 steel





EO1 Hunter - 7" overall, with a 3" drop point blade, of 1/8" thick O1 steel





Comparison Photos





Standard kydex sheath.



Optional leather sheath (+$15)



Price Breakdown:

Standard EO1 (EDC or Hunter, black canvas micarta, aluminum pins, kydex pocket sheath) $100

Optional handles $15 - $25
Colored Liners (red or black) - $5
Thumb Notches - $5
Brass pins $3
Leather pouch sheath $15
Shipping $8 [/SIZE]

 

[SliCed]

Thanks guys. Thanks for letting me know of JK Knives, njbillk. I'll definitely consider one.