Looking for General Fixed Blade in $120 Range

B

bnp

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Dec 6, 2013
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I currently have a Mora Companion HD and I like it, but I'm looking to upgrade to something in the $120 range. It will be used for general outdoors, backpacking, Boy Scout leading, etc.

Currently, I'm almost settled on a Fallkniven F1, but I think I would prefer something with a "slab" handle rather than the standard Thermorun. I don't dislike the Thermorun necessarily, it's just that custom slab handles on F1s look really nice. Unfortunately, those don't fit into my price range.

I have considered the ESEE 4 and decided I'd prefer the Fallkniven, for now at least. Anything else I should consider before I go with the F1?

Thanks,
Ben
 
The F1 is a great option, check out scrapyard is my opinion and see if there is anything you like. I am a scrapyard fan but also like the Fallkniven fixed blades.
 
bnp, you can't go wrong with either ESEE 4 or Fallknive F1. Both are great knives and have good blade performance.

I myself do scouting activities, too. Personally I prefer Fallkniven F1 for its rust resistant ability.Rusting is a considered problem when you go camping in coastal areas. The salty water and salty wind will make carbon blades rust easily.
The thickness of Fallkniven F1 is also close to my "ideal thickness" of a small knife (~ 3mm). It is strong enough for heavy baton yet slices well.
Though many people prefer leather sheath, I choose Zytel. Zytel proves to be useful in wet environment, while leather may swell and decay.

ESEE 4, on the other hand, is heftier and I feel have more slicing momentum than F1. It is heavier, and the handle is comfortable with bare hands. The checkered Zytel on F1 is not a big problem with precise tasks, but it makes blisters as doing heavy tasks.

Ideally, I think a customized Fallknive F1 with micarta handle is the best.

Of course carbon steel has some advantages. I still use carbon blades but for an utility camp knife, Fallkniven F1 or a laminated stainless Scandinavian blade (Helle, Mora...) is my choice.
 
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Welcome to bladeforums :).

Do you have preferences on things like blade steels or grinds?

Just off the top of my head and at various price ranges, you could try looking at these. Condor Bushlore (micarta, or normal wood, 4in 1075 blade, "skandivex" grind, ~$30-60), Becker BK16 (4in 1095 blade, FFG, ~$65), Enzo Trapper (3.75in D2 blade, Convex/Scandi grind, ~$120).

The Enzo trapper is probably closest to the F1 in appearance and design.

Good luck :).
 
Any of the ESEE series. Great fixed blades with a great warranty. All from the 3 through the 6 are roughly in your price range. Just pick your size.
 
The BK12 is a great call out.

Also, I should add that the BK16 comes with plastic scales, and that there are micarta scales available for ~$40 that really bring the knife up to par with more expensive offerings.

Good luck with whatever you do :).
 
I recently added an ESSE Laser Strike to the group and so far I am really impressed with it.

I too was debating the ESEE 4,5,6 but then stumbled on to the LS and have not looked back.
I also almost snagged a BK2 instead for the price mainly and I imagine one is not all that far from my door still.

They are both a Beast!

Just other options,of many.
 
That EnZo Trapper is really nice. It hadn't come up in my search. I do prefer its handle to the Thermorun on the F1, but after a great deal of reading and thought, I have decided to stick with the F1, primarily due to the grind and the sheath.

Thanks to everyone for your input.

Ben
 
AddictedToGear said:
The F1 is a great option, check out scrapyard is my opinion and see if there is anything you like. I am a scrapyard fan but also like the Fallkniven fixed blades.
Click to expand...

I like their stuff too but if you buy from them you'll more than likely have to have a maker thin the edge on whatever you get. Their edges are horribly thick. Res-C is the bomb though. BK16 would be a good option too.
 
UGP-500x.jpg

(UGP2) Utility General Purpose 4 3/4 "

870BB-500x.jpg

(870BB) General Purpose 6 1/4 "
http://www.svord.com/
 
Might be able to find a Rodent Solution for near that (~$140 ish) if you look around, and well worth the effort. Without a doubt the most comfortable small fixed blade I've ever handled. Otherwise, BK-17 with micarta scales goes under $100. ESEE 4 also a nice choice.
 
+1 on the Laser Strike. Despite the cheesy name, its a really good blade with great ergonomics and a good all-round length
 
Esee 4 has one of the best sheaths I've ever used. Just fits perfect. Knife is a good size, a bit thicker than I prefer though, and has a choil,

which, IMO, just cuts down on useable blade size in a knife of this length. The F1 is a good size & shape, just can't get past the rubber handle.

The Becker BK16 is a great knife, but it's even better if you strip the coating, add micarta scales and a better sheath, leather or kydex.

Unless you get a used one off the exchange you are over budget. How about Blind Horse Knives? Traditional rather than tactical look,

(better for scouting), no work needs to be done on it, comes with a decent sheath too. Do a google search, second listing is a good vendor.

If you like flat grind, look at the Brumby Lite (in budget), or Brumby (just above budget). There is a code for sale pricing.
 
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