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looking for opinions on fixed blade knife
- Thread starter novaburst
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2014
- Messages
- 56
Hi, I'm new here but have browsed for months, figured it was time I signed up.
Anyway, I've been EDCing a Ka-Bar 1117. You don't hear much about them, as they're overshadowed by becker neckers, but I love mine.
1095 carbon steel, clip point, fuller, flat ground, full tang, jimping, and a blade just a hair under 4". It may look a bit tactical for your tastes, but I get the job done just fine with it.
Saw one at a local gun store for $60, then found em on Amazon for ~$30. They're marketed as neck knives, but I can fit it into just about any front pocket without it being noticeable or uncomfortable. Here in Indiana I don't have to worry about fixed blade/length, but being under 4" should legalize it in many jurisdictions.
The only complaint I've read about this knife is the small skeletonized handle, but I have smallish hands so a quick paracord wrap makes it very comfortable and surprisingly ergonomic.
Hope this helped, I strongly recommend this knife.
Anyway, I've been EDCing a Ka-Bar 1117. You don't hear much about them, as they're overshadowed by becker neckers, but I love mine.
1095 carbon steel, clip point, fuller, flat ground, full tang, jimping, and a blade just a hair under 4". It may look a bit tactical for your tastes, but I get the job done just fine with it.
Saw one at a local gun store for $60, then found em on Amazon for ~$30. They're marketed as neck knives, but I can fit it into just about any front pocket without it being noticeable or uncomfortable. Here in Indiana I don't have to worry about fixed blade/length, but being under 4" should legalize it in many jurisdictions.
The only complaint I've read about this knife is the small skeletonized handle, but I have smallish hands so a quick paracord wrap makes it very comfortable and surprisingly ergonomic.
Hope this helped, I strongly recommend this knife.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Aug 14, 2012
- Messages
- 124
Love my BK11 and 14. Things are sharp out of the box and are little beasts. Great value for the price. Give the handle a good wrap with some 550 cord and it'll be feel a lot better in your hand.
Cheapest seller I've found lately (I occasionally purchase and refinish them) is an ebay seller named: unitedoutdoors
Try this link: eBay
Here's a pic of my wrap job...
Cheapest seller I've found lately (I occasionally purchase and refinish them) is an ebay seller named: unitedoutdoors
Try this link: eBay
Here's a pic of my wrap job...
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
I like the Condor Kephart. It runs around $30 and has a nice leather belt sheath. For me it may be a little small as a fixed blade; it feels much like a steak knife to me.
My suggestion is that you consider a BK-14 and put some micarta handles on it. Evenutally you'll want a different sheath too.
You aren't going to be doing much chopping with knives this size. You might consider something larger for woods or around home carry and then the smaller EDC fixed blade. I tend to prefer to EDC folders. Have tried fixed blades, but I am just not comfortable doing it. Take a look at the BK-7 or BK-9 for your chopper. They tend to be a little large for me, but I think they're really cool knives. I seldom chop with a knife, but I do have short machetes that I chop with. I like the Condor Pack Golok a lot. Yes, more money.... just giving you some ideas.
My favorite sized fixed blades are in the 4-5" blade range and I use these in the woods. They are just easy to carry on your belt and don't get in the way. In the Kabar Becker line, my favorite is the BK-16 and I like the BK-15 too.
When I first started buying fixed blades, my eyes would light up on the big knives. But I found that I seldom use them. So, I gradually moved to the 4-5" size as my favorite using fixed blades.
My suggestion is that you consider a BK-14 and put some micarta handles on it. Evenutally you'll want a different sheath too.
You aren't going to be doing much chopping with knives this size. You might consider something larger for woods or around home carry and then the smaller EDC fixed blade. I tend to prefer to EDC folders. Have tried fixed blades, but I am just not comfortable doing it. Take a look at the BK-7 or BK-9 for your chopper. They tend to be a little large for me, but I think they're really cool knives. I seldom chop with a knife, but I do have short machetes that I chop with. I like the Condor Pack Golok a lot. Yes, more money.... just giving you some ideas.
My favorite sized fixed blades are in the 4-5" blade range and I use these in the woods. They are just easy to carry on your belt and don't get in the way. In the Kabar Becker line, my favorite is the BK-16 and I like the BK-15 too.
When I first started buying fixed blades, my eyes would light up on the big knives. But I found that I seldom use them. So, I gradually moved to the 4-5" size as my favorite using fixed blades.
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2013
- Messages
- 764
My suggestion: Kabar Becker 11/14. Great EDC's and capable bush knives too
Love my BK14, but with the facory scales you get to $50 and the sheath still leaves something do be desired. Ontario ranger shiv and Decima are in the price range, 1095 steel (my favorite) and 3-4 inches. Heard good things about tbe sheaths and they both come with handles.
After suggesting the Kephart (above), these other Condors would be my next suggestion. Or even their Nessmuk if someone is into historical patterns.
Then there's the 5" Green River knife from John Russell, made since the 1830s. And speaking of traditional knives, there's a whole industry making fur-trade-era (1750s to 1840s) reproductions of historical designs — belt knives, English and French Indian-trade knives, skinning knives, scalping knives, coureur des bois knives (er, couteaux).... Nearly all are under the OP's $50 limit.
Or one can go the industrial route and get a modern style fixed blade.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 19,385
i have that Queen knife in micarta. It's an okay knife. I had to do a lot of sharpening when I got it.
I do like the Condor Bushlore. I don't know about EDCing it.... seems a bit pointy to me.
I do like the Condor Bushlore. I don't know about EDCing it.... seems a bit pointy to me.
If pointyness is a problem, the reproductions I mentioned will all be a problem! But see for yourself: check out Crazycrow and Track of the Wolf.