Looking for an EDC fixed blade under $150

J

JDX

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Mar 2, 2014
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Title says it all. Here are my requirements:

-Must be under 4 inches for legal reasons (and I do not have the means to reprofile and edge.)

-i prefer 1095, but I'm open to suggestion

-g10, micarta or equally durable handle material

-full tang (a visible tang would be nice)

-no finger choil, but it's not a deal breaker

-for edc, and field work (cutting branches, vines etc to clear paths, will be cutting through rope and vinyl straps exclusively.)

-needs sheathe

-looking for a utilitarian shaped blade. Drop point? No recurve, tanto or sawback designs please.

-No double edges

That's about it. Feel free to ask questions. Thank you
 
The first thought that came to mind was the ESEE Izula II.

It's got 1095 and Micarta scales. Slightly little blade, but the handle is a decent size, so you get a lot of leverage. I love mine.

I also love my Ontario RAT 3. Also 1095 with Micarta scales. Quality on the handles is kind of a crap shoot, however. I have one that has well rounded Micarta scales. It's a dream to hold. So comfortable.

But I also have a RAT 3 where it feels like the router didn't fully engage the edges of the scales. The radius doesn't feel right, like it didn't grind in far enough, and there's a pronounced edge where it should transition smoothly to the other face. If you get a good one, It's awesome.

The other go to recommendation would be the ESEE knives. The ESEE 3 and ESEE 4 are awesome. Like the RAT 3, super comfortable, 1095 with Micarta scales.

The quality of ESEE knives if fantastic, so you just about guaranteed to be happy with the workmanship. I don't think you can lose with these two models.

Finally, I'd recommed the DPx Gear HEST knife, the original 1095 version with Micarta scales. This is manufactured by Rowan, who also makes the highly regarded ESEE knives.

I love this little knife. It has the same steel (and the same kind of aesthetic/feel) of the ESEE knives, but has a slightly thicker blade, and some other features thrown in. It seems pretty indestructible.

Oh, and don't forget the Ka-Bar Becker BK16. Also a great choice in 1095. It comes with slightly slick Grivory scales, so you'll have to add aftermarket Micarta or G10. I have the trailing point version of this knife, the BK15. I like it a lot. Wish I had the BK16, though!

Hope this helps.
 
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K.T. said:
The first thought that came to mind was the ESEE Izula II.

It's got 1095 and Micarta scales. Slightly little blade, but the handle is a decent size, so you get a lot of leverage. I love mine.

I also love my Ontario RAT 3. Also 1095 with Micarta scales. Quality on the handles is kind of a crap shoot, however. I have one that has well rounded Micarta scales. It's a dream to hold. So comfortable.

But I also have a RAT 3 where it feels like the router didn't fully engage the edges of the scales. The radius doesn't feel right, like it didn't grind in far enough, and there's a pronounced edge where it should transition smoothly to the other face. If you get a good one, It's awesome.

The other go to recommendation would be the ESEE knives. The ESEE 3 and ESEE 4 are awesome. Like the RAT 3, super comfortable, 1095 with Micarta scales.

The quality of ESEE knives if fantastic, so you just about guaranteed to be happy with the workmanship. I don't think you can lose with these two models.

Finally, I'd recommed the DpX Gear HEST II knife, the original 1095 version with Micarta scales. This is manufactured by Rowan, who also makes the highly regarded ESEE knives.

I love this little knife. It has the same steel (and the same kind of aesthetic/feel) of the ESEE knives, but has a slightly thicker blade, and some other features thrown in. It seems pretty indestructible.

Oh, and don't forget the Ka-Bar Becker BK16. Also a great choice in 1095. It comes with slightly slick Grivory scales, so you'll have to add aftermarket Micarta or G10. I have the trailing point version of this knife, the BK15. I like it a lot. Wish I had the BK16, though!

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the answer! I'll look into the HEST knife. But are either the bk15 or bk16 under 4 inches? I thought they were over. If so I might go with the esee 3. Thanks
 
Yes, you're right. Just looked it up and the BK16 blade is 4 3/8"

I do highly recommend the others, however. All are worth looking into.
 
BK 11, Becker Necker, waaay under your price cap, very highly-rated. Great knife. But get the micarta scales as an accessory. This one is 1095 IIRC.

Also, Boker Yurco. Great blade geometry, very workable handle profile too. About $65 or so. Stainless, but I don't recall the type. Hope this helps.
 
The Becker/Esee D'Eskabar (BK14 or BK24) is a good little knife that fits all your criteria.
 
I can add handle slabs if you like.

[Add link to your sigline, not your post. Soliciting business and that belongs in the Exchange]
 
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Esee 3 !! Or an Izula 2
I'm also from CT
My 3 is my winter work knife
Esee knives have impressive stock sheaths and great heat treat
 
Svord Drop Point 4"
Svord_1990NZ_sml.jpg


Svord Drop Point 3 3/4"
Svord_350B_Sml.jpg

http://www.svord.com/index.php
 
Arbitrary legal length limits (i.e. 4") seems so idiotic and oppressive!
 
I think this is one of the highest quality fixed blades available for $150. For EDC the sheath is awesome.

[video=youtube;D3kT7EwHHYI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3kT7EwHHYI[/video]
 
Bk11/14/24 are all under 4", and the 16 is 4.375 iirc. That isnt much to reprofile out if you are partial to the handle shape (and who isn't...)

The 15 has near 1" longer blade than the 16.
I would go with a 14 and scales, or a 16 and take it to my belt grinder/dremel/angle grinder/coarse or rougher bench stone.

OR, go the custom route and look into JK Knives.
 
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Aside from the usual suspects of something by esee (or TOPS) in 1095, to give you a few "alternative" options;

EnTrek Forrester
Or
Boker+ Bushcraft in 440c

Bruseletto Norgesknives in sandvik 12c27

KaBar Dog's Head trailing point in d2
Knives of Alaska Alpha Wolf in d2 or s30v

Add a carbon steel Mora to the order and still be in budget.
 
If I was going to spend $150 on an EDC fixed blade in 1095, I'd hit the knifemaker section of the Exchange forum.

If I was going to spend $150 on an EDC fixed blade, it'd be the Bradford Guardian3.
 
3 off the top of my head...

Original HEST fixed blade by Rowen (or other HEST fixed's depending on what you want to spend). One tough knife. The prybar handle is BIG extra plus, at least for me--gets a lot of use in EDC and saves the tip.

Bradford Guardian if it's in your budget.

ESSE 3 Mil-spec if they're still around.
 
Folks, don't solicit sales threads/direct links to sales threads into the discussion. It's one thing to have it in a signature line, but blatantly pushing it up into the fore front won't work.
 
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