New user here. I am sure you guys get tired of answering questions like this so I will try to be specific. I am looking for a small fixed blade knife (2-4 inch blade) for concealed carry and I would like to stay around $50 or less. I like to have some sort of cut out or groove for the index finger (for a more secure grip) as opposed to the straight type handle. I am looking at the TOPS Sparrow Hawke or the Ferret or the Praire Fox. Any opinions on these or any other recommendations. Thanks.
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Looking for a small fixed blade...
- Thread starter ar15man
- Start date
Bud Nealy designs and makes some very thin profiled knives in his MCS (Multi-Carry/Concealment System)
You might want to take a look at the budget Boker Bud Nealy Escort (model# 580) which is low priced at below $50
http://www.bokerusa.com/artikel.asp?ProductType=Nealy&ProductGruppe=02
You might want to take a look at the budget Boker Bud Nealy Escort (model# 580) which is low priced at below $50
http://www.bokerusa.com/artikel.asp?ProductType=Nealy&ProductGruppe=02
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2000
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ar15man,
I am sorry, I don't believe that a cheap knife goes well with an expensive firearm. In both cases (if you are serious) you should buy the best you can find. You can get a pretty fair knife for under $50...the CRKT stuff comes to mind...but if you spend the money on firearms...why not spend some on a knife?
I carry a small Sebenza every day, it's not as pretty as most of my firearms, and not to say that my firearms don't shoot, but it's reliable.
C'mon, spend some money on a knife, you'll be pleased!
Steve-O
I am sorry, I don't believe that a cheap knife goes well with an expensive firearm. In both cases (if you are serious) you should buy the best you can find. You can get a pretty fair knife for under $50...the CRKT stuff comes to mind...but if you spend the money on firearms...why not spend some on a knife?
I carry a small Sebenza every day, it's not as pretty as most of my firearms, and not to say that my firearms don't shoot, but it's reliable.
C'mon, spend some money on a knife, you'll be pleased!
Steve-O
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- May 17, 2002
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CRKT Ryan Plan B - I've got the version with the black coating and I love it! Secure and comfortable handle, sharp blade with a nice recurve, looks awesome, the sheath is OK IMO (even though it's Zytel).
Camillus CUDA Arclite - very flat, great sheath, decent handle (especially when you cord-wrap it). Like the above-mentioned CRKT it comes very sharp and sports a recurve blade that cuts like hell.
Both are very inexpensive, well below your price limit, but both are made of steels with mediocre edge-holding capabilities. I'd still recommend both of them highly, especially the Plan B.
Camillus CUDA Arclite - very flat, great sheath, decent handle (especially when you cord-wrap it). Like the above-mentioned CRKT it comes very sharp and sports a recurve blade that cuts like hell.
Both are very inexpensive, well below your price limit, but both are made of steels with mediocre edge-holding capabilities. I'd still recommend both of them highly, especially the Plan B.
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- Jul 18, 2003
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I like the Columbia River Knife Works (CRKT) K.I.S.S. - About $30 and meets your criteria. Steel could be better, but sharpens nicely.
Good luck.
Good luck.
I don't have a specific knife to suggest, but some features to consider. If your use of the knife is more utilitarian, I'd suggest one with a blade that is not as broad as the TOPs you've selected. I have a few small fixed blades, and the slimmer ones (more like a paring knife) are more functional and also considerably smaller. For concealed carry, you can find knives with slimmer handles or w/o handles in in thinner stock that might be more concealable and just as functional.
Hey great suggestions folks. A couple of points, the main reason I don't want to go with a high end (expensive) knife like the Chris Reeves line is that I have never carried a fixed blade as a backup weapon. I would like to make sure that this is type of backup piece is a good choice for me before I spend the money on a higher end knife. I hear you though.
I definitely want a gaurd or groove of some kind on the grip, I have had a couple bad experiences with knives that were guardless for lack of a better term. The CRKT looks pretty promising, definitely from a price standpoint. I also noticed that the TOPS C.A.T. is about $65 which is not much more than I was looking at spending, although I am not really in to skeletonized handles. The C.A.T. with handles pushes me up to $100, ouch. Perhaps I should get over that as it looks like many nice concealed carry knives are skeletonized.
I definitely want a gaurd or groove of some kind on the grip, I have had a couple bad experiences with knives that were guardless for lack of a better term. The CRKT looks pretty promising, definitely from a price standpoint. I also noticed that the TOPS C.A.T. is about $65 which is not much more than I was looking at spending, although I am not really in to skeletonized handles. The C.A.T. with handles pushes me up to $100, ouch. Perhaps I should get over that as it looks like many nice concealed carry knives are skeletonized.
The CRKT Companion has about as secure a grip as you will find on a knife that size in any price range. Smaller knives seem to be less likely to have big guards.
I have a Smith and Wesson double edge dagger with a blade of about 3 1/2 inches, and a handle of sticky rubber and small double guards. The grip is not as secure as that of the CRKT, but it isn't too bad. It was pretty cheap, too. Also, there is the Fallkniven WM1, which is a bit over $50 but has a more secure handle than most neck knives.
I have a Smith and Wesson double edge dagger with a blade of about 3 1/2 inches, and a handle of sticky rubber and small double guards. The grip is not as secure as that of the CRKT, but it isn't too bad. It was pretty cheap, too. Also, there is the Fallkniven WM1, which is a bit over $50 but has a more secure handle than most neck knives.
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I have a few questions. Do you prefer double egde or single? And if you prefer single, is there a blade type you prefer? Ie: Spear over Tanto or vice versa.
I'd like to second the vote for going a bit higher in the ammount of cash you're willing to spend. If you go to the area of $70.00 to $80.00, you will have a much broader range of styles and qualities. You are going to be defending your life with this knife correct? I don't think I could settle on a matter like this due to price. Now don't get me wrong, the knives that have been mentioned are very good knives for the price. But if you shop around, you could get a better knife for about the same price.
If you are willing to pay a bit more, and go with a slitghly longer blade, you could go with a Spyderco Temperence. Or if you think a militaristic looking knife won't be a problem, the SOG SEAL Pup might suit you. I would lean more towards the Camillus CQB Black Ops Junior. Good blade shape, decent steel, and a nice price. What do you guys think? Any other ideas?
I'd like to second the vote for going a bit higher in the ammount of cash you're willing to spend. If you go to the area of $70.00 to $80.00, you will have a much broader range of styles and qualities. You are going to be defending your life with this knife correct? I don't think I could settle on a matter like this due to price. Now don't get me wrong, the knives that have been mentioned are very good knives for the price. But if you shop around, you could get a better knife for about the same price.
If you are willing to pay a bit more, and go with a slitghly longer blade, you could go with a Spyderco Temperence. Or if you think a militaristic looking knife won't be a problem, the SOG SEAL Pup might suit you. I would lean more towards the Camillus CQB Black Ops Junior. Good blade shape, decent steel, and a nice price. What do you guys think? Any other ideas?
I do prefer a double edge blade, but I am not a fan of the Tanto blade. $70-$80 you guys have talked me in to, but a $350 Chris Reeves knife is just out of my league at this point. Yes, this is a backup self defense piece. I will check out the Black Ops Junior and the Seal Pup as well. Thanks.
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If you are willing to push that 100.00 pricepoint, check out the Spyderco "Ronin". It is a great SD knife that you can get in the 90-100 dollar pricepoint. It has a nice 3" blade that has a point that will draw blood if you do not pay attention while handling it. This knife has had rave reviews and I can say personally that I love mine and feel that it was money well spent. It is a well thought out design, fantastic materials, a nicely done sheath that can be used in a varity of positions. Read up on it a little. I think you will be impressed.
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- Feb 26, 2002
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Im gonna get laughs here, but why not an OUTDOOR EDGE WEDGE,this little knife has every thing needed for what your looking for.This knife is really under rated for the potental it has Check it out at the OUT DOOR EDGE WEB SITE.
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- May 11, 2002
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No laughs from me David Allen! I love my wedge and wedge II. nobody ever mentions them 'cuz they are so cheap and don't have much flash appeal.
The wedge II is the easiest-to-handle, most ergonomic knife I have.
I do hate the plastic sheaths they come with though!!:barf:
The wedge II is the easiest-to-handle, most ergonomic knife I have.
I do hate the plastic sheaths they come with though!!:barf:
fishface5
Gold Member
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- Feb 3, 2001
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Since you say concealed carry, it sounds like thickness of handles could be an issue. This is more important in neck carry than IWB or pocket carry. If you are not worried about thick handles being too obtrusive, it sounds like you cannot do much better than the Spyderco Ronin. It is small but pointy and reputedly has incredible cutting power.
If you need to keep handle size to a minimum for concealment purposes, then I'd suggest looking at the Newt Livesay Woo. In fact, you might want to get this first to try out fixed-blade carry before spending more. It's about $25, good 1095 steel, and is made specifically for last-ditch defense. Also, while you may not find a chisel-ground tanto to be an attractive design, it has very good flesh-cutting characteristics. The only problem with the Woo is that it is a bear to sharpen, and could really stand certain improvements by the purchaser. Here's a pic of mine with cord-wrap, thumb-traction grooves filed on, and the kydex sheath given a cut-out for that greatly improves accessibility. It takes a little work but it's fun.
If you need to keep handle size to a minimum for concealment purposes, then I'd suggest looking at the Newt Livesay Woo. In fact, you might want to get this first to try out fixed-blade carry before spending more. It's about $25, good 1095 steel, and is made specifically for last-ditch defense. Also, while you may not find a chisel-ground tanto to be an attractive design, it has very good flesh-cutting characteristics. The only problem with the Woo is that it is a bear to sharpen, and could really stand certain improvements by the purchaser. Here's a pic of mine with cord-wrap, thumb-traction grooves filed on, and the kydex sheath given a cut-out for that greatly improves accessibility. It takes a little work but it's fun.
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Take a look at Darrel Ralph, he makes a very nice neck knife!