Looking for new blade

R

RugerNurse

Joined
Jul 13, 2019
Messages
650
Hi,

I know people post these questions a lot but it is always fun to see people suggestions. I’m looking for a medium sized 8-9” total length knife for hiking/camping. Preferably with a nice finger guard and full flat grind and up to $150.
I have an ESEE 3 in s35vn which I really like the blade shape and thinness but the handle is starting to get to me. I was thinking about picking up the TKC extended scales but added all together it would be $170. For that price there are other options. I’m sure there are many suggestions out there I’ve never heard of.
 
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While I have posted my unhappiness with Randal Made over my percieved customer service issue, a Randall knife can still be a good choice for the collector/enthusiast.

Then long Waite n time for delivery (4 years?) is actually a benefit here. If one commits to the purchase and orders a knife, Sure, the price is high, and we can discuss the cost/benefit ratio. But they will take partial payments over the course of the waiting period, which takes most of the sting out of it.

And eventually, Christmas does come, and you get this knife that your other Knife buddies do not have.
 
I have an Esee 3 and really like it. It fits good in the hand and feels really well built. I got mine in 1095 which should be pretty indestructible for any camping/hiking chores. I'm sure there's better knives out there but I don't think you'll be disappointed with that knife. Plus, there suppose to have a good warranty.
 
If you really want a more comfortable handle:
Try a SYKCO WS1020

The handle is Reseprine C, wonderful stuff, a tough, slightly yielding rubber-like material with a grainy surface for grip. I liked the handle so much, I bought a couple more SYKCO knives, just for the handles. The WS 1020 is the one that meets your requirements, 8.75” OAL, with a 4” blade.
 
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A few suggestions ... Linked from BHq for easy reference.

If you want something really unique.. how about a handmade knife?
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...t-hunter-440-c-stabilized-birch-burl.1860386/

Worth getting a new ESEE 3 with a new set of scales? Sell the other one maybe?
https://www.bladehq.com/item--ESEE-Knives-ESEE-3-Fixed-Blade--105729

Don't underestimate the 420hc from Buck. Decent sheath too.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Small-Selkirk-Fixed-Blade--66594

.25" over.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-Short-Becker-Drop-Point--11492
 
$150 is a tight budget. You’re already invested in a nice s35vn ESEE 3…I would get the TKC extended scales. You can upgrade to an ESEE 4 later and use the same scales. All made in the USA!
 
Some great ideas! I like the look of the Buck Selkirk, plus it’s $50 on some sites. I do like the BK16 as well, the knife connection has some nice scales for it.
I was thinking of grabbing an Izula in s35vn for edc/small outings to the state parks around here as well. I had the White River backpacker but just didn’t like the way it cut. I know it popular and it was very nice, just didn’t connect with me.
 
Benchmade 200 puukko.

Lionsteel also makes some fancy fixed blades around that price range such as the M4, M5, etc.

Edit: I think you can get Bradford's around that price range too

Good luck
 
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MrStabby7 said:
I have an Esee 3 and really like it. It fits good in the hand and feels really well built. I got mine in 1095 which should be pretty indestructible for any camping/hiking chores. I'm sure there's better knives out there but I don't think you'll be disappointed with that knife. Plus, there suppose to have a good warranty.
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I like the full flat of the 3 and the 1/8 thickness, not to thick but good enough for small outdoor stuff, but the handle started to feel cramped.
 
RugerNurse said:
I like the full flat of the 3 and the 1/8 thickness, not to thick but good enough for small outdoor stuff, but the handle started to feel cramped.
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I think you would like the TKC extended scales, you already have a knife you like and the steel, the scales will make it feel like a different animal. I have an old Ontario Rat 3 and the micarta scales were about 50.00 bucks and it made it feel so much more controllable with the longer grips. With the extra money get the Izula with s35n as a backup or hikng knife.
 
cbach8tw said:
I think you would like the TKC extended scales, you already have a knife you like and the steel, the scales will make it feel like a different animal. I have an old Ontario Rat 3 and the micarta scales were about 50.00 bucks and it made it feel so much more controllable with the longer grips. With the extra money get the Izula with s35n as a backup or hikng knife.
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That might be the way to go. Do the TKC extended scales have a palm swell?
 
I thought S35VN ESEE 3 is with the contoured factory G10 handle, isn't it? If so, how the TKC scales will improve the ergo significantly? I'm curious how ergonomics-wise these two sets of scales differ from each other.
 
Buck fixed blades in that length should work perfectly. Your budget should allow a s30v 119. Nice blades. I have a few buck 124 and am quite happy with them.
 
sharp_edge said:
I thought S35VN ESEE 3 is with the contoured factory G10 handle, isn't it? If so, how the TKC scales will improve the ergo significantly? I'm curious how ergonomics-wise these two sets of scales differ from each other.
Click to expand...

I think the ESEE series HM have the modified handles, more broom stick or rounded.
 
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