Looking for a third blade.

RemyKaze

RemyKaze

Joined
Mar 23, 2012
Messages
2,177
I'm one of those that carries 2-3 fixed blades when hiking/camping/etc. I have an Izula II and a Junglas specifically for woods use. Not necessarily an ESEE fan, though I do love them. Nor am I a collector. I just prefer insanely beneficial warranties on well-made tools that I'm not afraid to put to use. My problem is that while I want to buy a third blade for this system, specifically as a hard use tool, I don't know what would fit best. I've pondered over GB axes, Tramontina/Imacasa or ESEE machetes, the ESEE 4 and 6, the Fallkniven A1 and F1, and a few others like Bark River/TOPS etc. Nothing stands out enough to fit in that niche, so I was hoping a little input from others might sort things out.
 
The Fallkniven F1 (especially with the Bark River handles) is outstanding, and I really like the S1 as well. Also check out the soon to hit the shelves Becker BK-15/16/17 or for something that will take everything you can throw at it the BK-2.
 
ozgooner said:
The Fallkniven F1 (especially with the Bark River handles) is outstanding, and I really like the S1 as well. Also check out the soon to hit the shelves Becker BK-15/16/17 or for something that will take everything you can throw at it the BK-2.
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I'm somewhat leaning toward that size, considering that the Junglas more than takes care of heavier work. The S1 doesn't seem to be talked about much, but I was definitely feeling it. The only issue with knives the length of the F1 is that the Izula makes a fine detail work knife. I guess you could say I'm looking for a non-specific middle ground knife that will cover everything between heavy and light work, which can be a lot. A thick spine would be a plus.
 
The esee 4 really fits your bill perfectly though so do alot of others i say that just because you have experience with esee you know exactly what you are getting (very important when you say you want a hard use knife) I own both a 4 and a 6 I don't own the junglas mostly because i just havent bought one "yet" but the way I use blades the difference between the junglas and the 6 isn't big enough for me to honestly justify carrying both, often the same with the 6 and 4 though if i had a junglas and not a 6 i would probably still carry the 4. Before I end up rambling too much have you looked at cheap tomahawks? I noticed you looked at gb hatchets maybe a cheap hawk would be a good investment (always good to have even when your not carrying) Its a very multi use tool and cheap why not grab one and try it before shelling out the bucks on an expensive option.
 
Jacen84 said:
The esee 4 really fits your bill perfectly though so do alot of others i say that just because you have experience with esee you know exactly what you are getting (very important when you say you want a hard use knife) I own both a 4 and a 6 I don't own the junglas mostly because i just havent bought one "yet" but the way I use blades the difference between the junglas and the 6 isn't big enough for me to honestly justify carrying both, often the same with the 6 and 4 though if i had a junglas and not a 6 i would probably still carry the 4. Before I end up rambling too much have you looked at cheap tomahawks? I noticed you looked at gb hatchets maybe a cheap hawk would be a good investment (always good to have even when your not carrying) Its a very multi use tool and cheap why not grab one and try it before shelling out the bucks on an expensive option.
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How's a hawk fare against an axe for chopping? Kinda like the distinction between a long knife and a machete? How would you classify a tomahawk as a multi-use tool? I've considered them as well. I'm tempted by the 4...but tempted even more so by the LS. I can't seem to pin down exactly when it will be out though.
 
The esee 4 would be great choice...... And I picked up a BK16le late week..... It is truly like a mini BK2 and it won't break the bank..... Either of these 2 would be great
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I don't get your question, actually, as far as what this third knife is for.

My problem is that while I want to buy a third blade for this system, specifically as a hard use tool
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Your Iz and Junglas are already damn hard-use tools! And the different knives you list as possibilities are all over the place as far as size/use/etc. I'm confuzzled :D

It seems to me that you've got the large (Junglas) and medium (Izula) bases covered. I know some people might say the Iz is for small-knife tasks, but actually I would think it best covers medium knife uses. So what about an actual small knife with a thin blade? That thinness seems to be what's missing from your lineup. I'm thinking a smaller traditional/slipjoint style knife, which would be very useful in the woods. Stockman, moose, muskrat, sodbuster, or SAK patterns come to mind. The Case 6318 that I have (three blade stockman) is not all that fancy, but sturdy as hell. My Victorinox Mountaineer (SAK) is also sturdy, and super useful. I've got an Opinel No. 9 that really nicely fills a need for a long thin blade, but I wouldn't beat on it much... but then again, who beats on something like this? Just some thoughts. Good luck!
 
RemyKaze said:
I'm one of those that carries 2-3 fixed blades when hiking/camping/etc. I have an Izula II and a Junglas specifically for woods use. Not necessarily an ESEE fan, though I do love them. Nor am I a collector. I just prefer insanely beneficial warranties on well-made tools that I'm not afraid to put to use. My problem is that while I want to buy a third blade for this system, specifically as a hard use tool, I don't know what would fit best. I've pondered over GB axes, Tramontina/Imacasa or ESEE machetes, the ESEE 4 and 6, the Fallkniven A1 and F1, and a few others like Bark River/TOPS etc. Nothing stands out enough to fit in that niche, so I was hoping a little input from others might sort things out.
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So it seems you have a large chopper, and a small neck knife. I would recommend a thin slicer to fill in the gap. I would look at the BM Nimravus for that
BM140BKaa.jpg
 
Have you checked out Scrap Yard knives ? Right now they have the 311 , 511 and 711 all available on thier sight at great prices . Lifetime warrantee , tough as nails , military proven .


...............................................
HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
I'd look at #3 as a great time to look for a good pocketable folder as a slicer/small work tool. The Buck 110 is a tough slicer - certainly widely available at a reasonable cost. In a smaller scale, the Buck 112 is a bit harder to find. One pocket knife I carry when woods-bumming is a Vic SAK 'Farmer' - highly suggested - just a tad harder, still, to find.

Stainz
 
A SAK or a multi-tool would have a thin blade, not to mention the other tools. I like to take my Leatherman Wave on certain outings. It has a file, serrated blade, straight blade, a saw, screwdrivers, scissors, and the pliers.
A small slipjoint makes for a good food prep blade, it's small, and lots of styles to choose from.
Heck, even an Old Hickory kitchen knife, maybe the butchers knife, would be great for food prep, and it's can baton, lots of frontier, trappers, etc. carried a very similar knife.

Depending on the hawk, they are often lighter than hatchets, the head can be removed, used in hand for cutting chores, or as a splitting wedge. You can throw them, in a pinch, use them for digging, chopping, a poll hawk has a hammer, a spike hawk can be used to pick up wood, or digging a trench, or as a weapon. They are the original multi-tool.

Depending on your AO, all these tools can work, but picking the best combination is always up to the chores you plan on doing, per trip. I had the Junglas, but sold it and prefer to use either a machete, or my Culberson Bolok. I then carry my ESEE 4, and either a slipjoint, multi-tool, or a PSK. I do like hawks, but have yet to buy one for camping, I always lean towards the fighters or breachers. I may get a Coal Creek Forge Toma-Axe at some point.
 
RemyKaze said:
I'm somewhat leaning toward that size, considering that the Junglas more than takes care of heavier work. The S1 doesn't seem to be talked about much, but I was definitely feeling it. The only issue with knives the length of the F1 is that the Izula makes a fine detail work knife. I guess you could say I'm looking for a non-specific middle ground knife that will cover everything between heavy and light work, which can be a lot. A thick spine would be a plus.
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If you're thinking about something F1 or S1 like, the Peltonen Sissipuukko in either 4" or 6" blade length could be right up your street. This was a military issue replacement for the Falkie (once that got too expensive for army types). It also has a more comfortable handle and a better designed sheath than the F1.
 
Get a SAK;),or a good traditional,just my op.The Victorinox Huntsman is pretty tough to beat,and would compliment what you already have.
 
Lots of great suggestions... I don't know how anyone gets by without carrying a SAK but, to more directly answer your question, I'd get the ESEE 4 (I have all ESEE models but the Junglas, which I just don't have a use for, but it's probably just a matter of time--and money). I like being able to remove the scales, they're a better chopper than the F1 (of which I have two), I personally love the ergos, and you can get them for $83 at Knifeworks. The nice thing about a 4 for you would be that you could carry a highly functional knife whenever you're unwilling or unable to carry a bigger blade.
 
I'd +1 the ESEE-4. But with it, pick up some Dale scales. They make a light and day difference in the ability of the knife. I love mine. :)
 
I'd say check out any 1 of the 3 new Beckers. BK15, BK16, BK17. If you want more slicey, then the BK15 is the ticket, if you want pointy, then either the BK15 or BK17 are the ticket, if you want to baton with it, then the BK16 is the ticket. You can baton with any of them, but the BK16 is IMHO, the one best suited for that.
 
I'd like to throw in that I'm fond of micarta customization, especially grooving/dyeing handles. Also, I feel as though lifetime warranties like ESEE and GB carry are well worth potential extra cost. I have a Leatherman Wave, and depending on what I think I need in my bag, I trade out something larger for that. However, I do like to buy in advance for any environment in case I get it in my head to trek off to some other climate for a change of scenery. In some places it would be more preferable to have something like Wave/4in blade/machete, whereas in others I might need to replace something with an axe, longer knife, or just leave out one entirely. If that "middle ground" tool gets most of the abuse and breaks, the others can handle the gap. Which may not happen over a span of a few years, but stress does eventually wear everything down.

I think ESEE comes first in my mind, based on my experience with them, the warranty, and the steel/handles. Bark River and the Condor Bushlore fit in there nicely too, though BR is pretty up there in price. That Becker above looked pretty decent as well. In all honesty though, if the Laser Strike were out in enough quantities that would be my number one pick.
 
A hawk will not be as good as an axe when it comes to chopping it doesn't have the weight or cutting surface. A hawk can be easily fixed in the field if you break a handle though, using the hawk head you can easily knock up a serviceable handle, The ability to remove the head is what gives it extra versatility, removing the head and using a bit of cordage you can turn your hawk into an adze, you can hold the head in your hand and use it as a blade that way different hand holds offer up various uses. It can easily become a splitting wedge aswell, remove the handle hold the head in your hand exactly where you want it and pound the back of it with the handle, (if you are worried about breaking the handle use another piece of wood). Removing the head can also make it easier to pack, if you are one of the ultra light types learn to make a handle and don't bother carrying one just make one in the field. They are also a lot of fun to throw be warned you will break handles though another good reason to learn how to make them.
I'm pretty sure there are alot of other uses that I haven't found or thought of as well.
 
RemyKaze said:
I'm somewhat leaning toward that size, considering that the Junglas more than takes care of heavier work. The S1 doesn't seem to be talked about much, but I was definitely feeling it. The only issue with knives the length of the F1 is that the Izula makes a fine detail work knife. I guess you could say I'm looking for a non-specific middle ground knife that will cover everything between heavy and light work, which can be a lot. A thick spine would be a plus.
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Entrek 11 Bravo
 
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