Recommendation? Looking for a high quality, tough 5"+ fixed blade

[dylan_d]

I have a CRK Pacific that I like to use but I find the handle a little too large for my hands. Can you recommend a knife of similar quality that will handle a variety of tasks and would fit a smaller hand?

 

[hhmoore]

If you're willing to go to 6", the Carothers (CPK) HDFK is the knife you want... though I don't know how the handle size compares to the CRK Pacific. Might still be too big. If you don't mind a little smaller, the CPK Field Knife is the way to go.
The Bark River Bravo 1.25-LT has a smallish handle, at a blade length of approx 5.25" (*I have 3 different LT models, and all are about 1/4" less than their stated blade length...so my 1.25 is 5")
In between in handle size is the Swamp Rat Ratmandu; but it's geared more toward durability than fine cutting tasks.

Top to bottom: CPK HDFK, SRKW Ratmandu, BRK&T Bravo 1.25-LT, CPK Field Knife

 

[dylan_d]

I really do like that CPK HDKF, that's pretty much what I am looking for. I will look into the handle size. The Field Knife looks pretty good too, thanks!

 

[hhmoore]

I neglected to mention the Bradford Guardian 5. I don't have one to show; but I have a Guardian 4

 

[Murphjd25]

Can’t go wrong with a CPK. I love my FK2 and use it for everything!

 

[chiral.grolim]

I have a CRK Pacific that I like to use but I find the handle a little too large for my hands. Can you recommend a knife of similar quality that will handle a variety of tasks and would fit a smaller hand?

This is not my image, compares ESEE-6, CRK Pacific, Ratmandu (RMD, this an LE version) and ESEE-4.

This my image, compares ESEE-6, S!K GSO-5.1, RMD, and gen-1 GSO-4.1 (2016 comparison thread here https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...d-with-swamp-rat-ratmandu-and-esee-6.1366826/)

This image compares so blade geometry profiles:

Here are more comparisons: GSO-5.1, RMD, Tops BOB, Gerber LMFII, Gerber Strongarm, GSO-4.7, SK-4, Becker BK16

More: GSO-5.1, RMD, Gerber Strongarm, GSO-4.7, Busse Hog Muk, Bradford Guardian 4, Mora, SK-4, Becker BK16

A few more: Cattaraugus 225Q, GSO-5.1, RMD, Gerber Strongarm, GSO-4.7, Becker BK16, SOG Pillar

 

[chiral.grolim]

Let me know if you have any questions about any of the models presented. Only the ESEE-6, SOG, RMD, GSO-5.1, and the Catt are >5" blades, but the others help to present the perspective.

 

[rpn]

Bradford 4.5 and 5.5 would be great too and worth a look.

 

[dirc]

if you want the best bargain in a tough 5" blade, check out ontario 1075 in the spec plus alpha - an absolute bargain around $30 with a minimalist but highly effective handle

 

[gazz98]

Cold Steel SRK in 3V is a 6" blade, $145, and the handle shape is neutral and should fit a smaller hand well.

Bark River tends to have shorter then average handles imo.

Fallkniven S1 and A1.

LionSteel T5 is right at 5". My buddy has the M5 (4.5") and it is a very nice knife.

 

[Henry Beige]

Something out of the mainstream: Anza Dune Field. 5 3/4” blade. It is about as tough as anything I have.

 

[hhmoore]

Don't forget to check the knifemakers For Sale section
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...nt-g10-micarta-scales-pictures-added.1675516/

 

[JJ_Colt45]

if the CRK Pacific has too large of a handle ... as much as the CPK HDFK is one of my all time favorite knives ... I doubt you would like it as the handle is a bit larger ... but it is also much more ergonomical ...

LT Wright makes some great knives you may want to look at like the GNS ...

Winkler makes some nice blades IMHO that have smaller handles but are comfortable for even larger hands ...

I really like the Bradford 4.5 ... the handle isn't as bulky but it is longer ...

hard to know what to really recommend without knowing what price range or what you uses will be ... and if you want only stainless or if high carbon is good ... ???

 

[unwisefool]

Either CPK or some sort of Busse would be my choice. I like the Busse SJTAC or the ratmandu in that size

 

[Black Oak Bladeworks]

I would second the fallkniven A1. Mine has performed very well, it is one of my all time favorite knives. Lots of other great options have been mentioned as well. Best of luck in your search!

 

[rexromic]

Fallkniven S1 PRO!

 

[Fletcher.357]

RMJ jungle combat. Good sheath. I have been impressed with the nitro V and the handle is comfortable in my medium sized hands.

 

[madcap_magician]

Here's an off-the-wall suggestion:

Vehement/Kopis Oxus.

I have small hands and was surprised and how well it fits.

Just shy of a 5.25" handle. Feels beefy and has some heft, but not fat.

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

Fiddleback Forge production Camp Knife may be worth a look.

 

[dylan_d]

Lots of great recommendations here, thank you everyone.

hard to know what to really recommend without knowing what price range or what you uses will be ... and if you want only stainless or if high carbon is good ... ???

I live on a large piece of land, the majority of it is wooded. I end up doing a bit of everything with my knives. Chopping, digging, dressing game, even a bit of light prying from time to time. I don't mind spending $300+ on a quality knife (like the CRK Pacific) but less is always better! I lean towards a non stainless for this application, in my mind non stainless is tougher. But if I am wrong, I welcome a stainless blade.