Looking for a small fixed blade for EDC

C

chaserracer

Joined
Jul 29, 2013
Messages
14
Hey guys,
I am still kinda new to the forum (had an account for a while but only one post) so if I am doing something wrong please let me know. My name is Chase, and I'm 15 living in Atlanta. I love survival gear and everything with a blade. I have been looking for a fixed blade EDC for a while now. My specifications are: blade length less than 3 inches (preferably closer to 2), overall length less than 5 inches, weight less than 2 oz. (probably something like titanium), and blade steel something with good edge holding capabilities such as S35V or titanium. I will be using it for everyday tasks like cutting cord or small bushcraft tasks like snares and such. I was looking at the Amsler Mini Slik Tanto in all titanium and I would do anything for that knife. However, it is out of stock in all the dealers listed on Amsler's website. Therefore, does anyone have any suggestions for a knife fitting my specifications? I would like to keep the price preferably under $200. Final note: I love Esee knives and I will be getting a Esee 3 soon. However, I am not looking for an Izula or Candiru. Thanks for your suggestions in advance.

-Chase
 
Titanium has its virtues, some of which are useful in knife production, but steel takes a better edge.

I'd suggest something like the Boker Plus Pocket Bowie to start with. You should be able to pick one up for under $50.

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Hey!
Thanks so much for the suggestion. I'd like to make a revision to my earlier specification: I am looking for titanium handles and good steel for blade (no titanium for the blade).
 
Check on the Knife Makers fixed blades section. Something custom would be easier to find. That blade length is going to send you into the neck knife realm. Nothing wrong with a good neck knife, but you'll probably have limited carry options.
The Boker above is an excellent choice. Boker has quite a few in that length area.
The CRKT No Bother is an excellent knife. There was a review posted in the last couple of days in the reviews section.
I love small fixed blades myself, so have fun!
 
Thanks guys! That helps a lot. Any other suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated! Pictures would also be appreciated if it is not an inconvenience.
 
Mora 2/0, I prefer the carbon steel, but I believe it is offered in SS as well. Very small but useful blade, easy to sharpen, and lightweight. I use mine when I don't plan on needing a larger knife, often when on the boat fishing or just taking a day hike. A fixed blade is not super easy for me to EDC, but it could be done on a lanyard around your neck.
 
Hey! Thanks to collim1, jimh0220, and Freman Bloodglaive for y'all suggestions. I will look into all of them!
 
Bark River Knives offers some great options in your price range, check out the PSK, one of my fav small fixed blades :)
 
I really like the White River knives Caper. S30v steel with an really nice G10 handle. About 6.5in overall with a 3in blade. I also like Dawson knives. They have one that is called the pocket knife which seems perfect for you, however both of these knives are larger than your 5 in goal. Field guide is another that is a little shorter, but I have not handled that one. Personally I think 5in is a little small for what you want to do.

But.... we got to give this kid some props. A 15 year old with a $200 budget is pretty impressive. And he knows exactly what he wants! Way to go Chase!
 
I just got a Blind Horse Frontier Trapper. It is about 6" OL. Will make a GREAT EDC fixed blade!
 
There are some good suggestions here, esp the BHK and BRK ones. I've handled those knives and they are very capable cutters. The Bokers are very nice as well. A. G. Russell has some smaller FBs that many people swear by.

Alan Davis on BF here does some impressive small FBs in your size and price range.

One suggestion... I'd reconsider your OAL. A 2" blade is sufficient for a lot of tasks, but a 3" handle may be cramped and hard to use for campsite / outdoor kinds of tasks. BHK and Bark River do a good job with smaller FBs that are easier to handle, but they run into the 6" to 6.5" range. Look at something like Bark River's City Knife or Essential. The City Knife is CPM154. The Essential is CPM M4.

And welcome to BF.
 
Some very good suggestions so far...

For a first fixed I usually recommend an ESSE 3, a Bark River or an Arno Bernard, depending on your budget. All are good knives.

With that short blade requirement I'd also check out some of the pukko's forged by some of the better Nordic knifemakers like J, Martinni. They would work as well as anything in the bush.
 
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JW Bensinger makes a pretty nice blade - like the no-frills like the one below I used to have my arm after getting bit by a dog
price and specs seem to meet your described need, except it's 5 5/8" OAL.

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Another fantastic knife from Boker.

And it you want to go small all the way, and it will knock your socks off for it's size:

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Shaving hair at the skin is so passe'. :yawn:

I want to see a patch of hair leveled at half-shaft. THAT'S a sharp blade.
 
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