Looking for small fixed blade.

[oprichnik]

I am looking for a small (preferably around 3") blade with full tang, and warnclif / cleaver type blade. Something similar to this (borrowed) picture. don't care for holes in the handle though, but would like a lanyard hole.
I am not picky on steel type as long as it is easily maintained and has descent edge retention.
This will be a back up knife for camping/hiking/fishing.
Before I start looking at customs, I would like to hear some suggestions on what's out there.
Pictures appreciated,
Thanks,

 

[craytab]

Budget?

 

[BP_]

I love my Companion. lightweight and hair shaving sharp. I keep it around my neck, but it would easily slip into any pack or around your belt.

 

[oprichnik]

Budget; up to $400, but the less, the better

I am looking for a small (preferably around 3") blade with full tang, and warnclif / cleaver type blade. Something similar to this (borrowed) picture. don't care for holes in the handle though, but would like a lanyard hole.
I am not picky on steel type as long as it is easily maintained and has descent edge retention.
This will be a back up knife for camping/hiking/fishing.
Before I start looking at customs, I would like to hear some suggestions on what's out there.
Pictures appreciated,
Thanks,View attachment 581543

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

The Gossman UNK is close to what you are looking for. Might be worth checking out. I know it's a custom and not what you want to look at first.

I love mine!

 

[oprichnik]

Thanks, will take a look at it

The Gossman UNK is close to what you are looking for. Might be worth checking out. I know it's a custom and not what you want to look at first.

I love mine!

 

[James w]

How about the small esee

 

[oprichnik]

I got an esee 4 and fallkniven f1 on order, was considering an izula 2, but want something a bit nicer looking. bark river knives are looking pretty good to me right now, even though blade shape is not exactly what I originally wanted.

How about the small esee

 

[oprichnik]

Went with Jeff Diotte custom small piranha. Love this knife! Got a few others on order now...Got bitten by the fixed blade bug

 

[cbach8tw]

For the price range there are a lot of nice customs, I think you should really look at Duck Dwayne Childress knives for future reference. Love mine, lots of different steels, and sizes. Like that piranha, good choice. As always, please let us know how it works and pics always welcome.

 

[oprichnik]

So far I've only used it to cut raw steaks, and the meat was splitting like it was cut with laser, from the lightest touch, so I am very pleased with the ergos and blade geometry so far. I got a larger one on order and some others from the guys on this forum.

For the price range there are a lot of nice customs, I think you should really look at Duck Dwayne Childress knives for future reference. Love mine, lots of different steels, and sizes. Like that piranha, good choice. As always, please let us know how it works and pics always welcome.

 

[Eric@DLT]

I got an esee 4 and fallkniven f1 on order, was considering an izula 2, but want something a bit nicer looking. bark river knives are looking pretty good to me right now, even though blade shape is not exactly what I originally wanted.

If you order new, you can have a stock knife modified to the blade style you want as long as there is enough material to start. Something like this knife is their fox river II with a modified blade

Compared to the original

 

[oprichnik]

That's good to know, I will keep it in mind for the future! Thx

 

[Eric@DLT]

No problem.

Most guys use that option to remove ramps, change the grind to full height, or remove a lanyard extension; but doing a blade shop mod is an option too.

 

[oprichnik]

Went with Jeff Diotte custom small piranha. Love this knife! Got a few others on order now...Got bitten by the fixed blade bug

Update:
I've since picked up 3 blades from nighthaxan, got a Brian Evans companion en route, another Jeff Diotte in the making and an esee 4 and bk14....

 

[Spydesense]

My 2 favorite EDC fixed blades for sure. Bradford Guardian 3 and EK&T Companion.