Looking for that special fixed blade

B

blademan 13

Joined
Jan 25, 2000
Messages
4,492
Hey folks,

I am in the need of a little assistance in selecting a new knife. This is to be an EDC/utility/defensive style knife. My criteria is as follows;

Blade - approx. 4" blade of 1/8" stock, fully flat ground to a thin edge, drop point, distal taper

Steels - anything forged :D , about any carbon steel or S30V for stock removal

Handle - open to about anything material wise. Just looking for a very secure and comfy handle. Flexible for a variety of grips. An integral guard or finger index would be nice.

Sheath - What I am really looking for is a high quality multi-carry Kydex rig. If somebody could devise a slick leather pouch sheath that incorporates a Tek-Lok that would be nirvana
:D

To sum all of these wants up into one knife is very hard to do. The closest I have been able to come is the work of Trace Rinaldi or R.W. Clark. The fly in the ointment is that I am sitting here fondling my Terry Primos drop point hunter :rolleyes: This knife just has the sweetest damn blade ever conceived for general purpose work. And it just looks so cool with a temperline :cool: So I guess what I am really looking for is a traditional forged hunter with a modern tactical handle? :confused:

So my question is, who makes something like that?
 
Jamie,
While I haven't seen him make a knife quite like what you've described, I can't help but think of Greg Covington (XRAYED on the forums).

The handle work he did on the combat special I bought from him a little while back is very "tactical" indeed. Made out of black micarta, the mortised handle is designed to hold a tight grip no matter what the conditions. Affixed to the wide tang with corby bolts and Acra-Glas, the handle is coated with a black epoxy that contains grit to give it a "cat's tongue" grip. The grip is also ridged, to provide yet an extra layer of friction to keep the hand in place. The end result is a handle that fills the hand comfortably, but will not slip, whether covered in oil, water, blood, or other slippery substances.

Perhaps he'd entertain your ideas, making a smaller, more compact and carry-friendly version of his combat special.

Here's a peek at mine:
covington_large.jpg


Good luck, and let us know what you end up doing.
 
Wulf,

Thanks for the idea! I just read the article on Greg in the new "Tactical Knives" and was impressed. I have also seen some of his work in the past and liked it. Things just didn't click though. I'll definitely put him on the list and drop him a line. Most of Greg's knives that I have seen lean more toward the classic fighting profile. I am sure he could tone it down a little to make them more utility oriented. The grip you described sounds excellent. I really like the "gritty" type finishes on users. One of my personal favorites is an epoxied cord wrap/rayskin handle from Ron Clark.

Ron's Kydex work is excellent as well and is pretty much my standard for this style of sheath. Do you know if Greg does Kydex?
 
I haven't seen that article yet - I'll have to go check it out!

While I'm not sure if Greg does kydex work, there are many talented sheath makers who would be happy to make an after-market carry rig to your specifications. All you'll need to do is send the knife and a description of what you need done.

Separating the two functions may very well afford you more flexibility in choosing which knifemaker to work with.
 
I would be willing to give her a go, I`m always up to a challenge or something different. Send me an e-mail of the specs you have in mind, and I`ll see what I can do for you.
 
Blademan 13

I would consider Ron Leuschen at Little Hen Knives for a couple of reasons.
1. I have dealt with him, I have a knife on order and he is great person to deal with. He had great ideas, but was accomodating to my wants.
2. He lives in Canada, so your American $'s go alot further.
I won't get my knife for another month or so, but from what I have read from people that have one of his knives, he does great work.

My 2 cents worth
Rod
 
Take a look at Geno Denning's work. Les Robertson has a nice selection. I just bought the RCC hunter model from Les, and I'll tell you, I'm impressed. I've been collecting custom hunters for years, have owned some really nice ones, but I think this one's my favorite. Nice big, comfy handle, strong beefy knife with a deeply hollow ground S30V blade that promises to really cut. Geno's attention to detail is very evident. For the money, I really don't think you can beat his work. I've spent $1000+ on hunters that weren't as good as this one.

Pete
 
Ron's integrals certainly have my attention.

Pete,

GenO makes some great knives. Currently have one of his B models in black Micarta. Very sweet knife with fit & finish way beyond the price. Really looking for a flat grind on this knife as opposed to his usual hollow grinds. Will check out the RCC hunter anyway. Thanks.
 
There are many knifemakers out there who could accomodate you. But I second the suggestion of Little Hen knives. The work is outstanding for the price. He has a new website, which I haven't found yet, but the old one has some great examples of his work.
 
look at Robert Hankins, Bob Dozier, Al Polkowski knives... just bought an S30V fighter from Hankins, and it's looking sweet... the other 2 (at knifeart.com, agrussell.com, dozierknives.com) have products that seem similar to what you're looking for. Also, iccknives.com might be helpful for fleshing out your own design. Good luck.

Larry
 
I was in the same situation as you just a month or so again. Someone directed me to the Jerry Busse website (www.bussecombat.com). Check out the Active Duty. I think it meets most of your needs with the exception of the sheath.

Art
 
You can't go wrong with any of the makers named so far. I have a knife from Ron Leuschen and it is a great little integral.

I would also like to add the name R.W. Clark. He can do anything you want done and do it very well indeed.
 
Originally posted by Wulf
I haven't seen that article yet - I'll have to go check it out!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the promo Wulf!

You actually own the first Combat Special made!

Greg Covington
 
Originally posted by blademan 13
Ron's integrals certainly have my attention.
Click to expand...

Yeah for the needs you described I think one of Ron's would be just about perfect.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Originally posted by Keith Montgomery
I would also like to add the name R.W. Clark. He can do anything you want done and do it very well indeed.
Click to expand...

Here, here, Keith! I already have 4 of R.W.'s blades. They are awesome :cool:

Thanks for the ideas guy's. Ruling out some others mentioned because I either have one or they lack a full, flat grind. Keep them coming!
 
Jamie,

I just saw a Matt Lamey knife in the for sale forum last week. It was a straight hunter, maybe a slight drop, forged 1084, and a black micarta handle and metal guard.
It is probably sold, but it was awesome, and I bet he'd make another for you. I have not yet bought one of his knives, but I sure want to.
BTW my new Buxton is awesome!! Nothing new and tactical about it, but awesome!!!
 
Jim,

I remember seeing that one. It was nice. I have a couple of Matt's bowies, his work is sweet! How about a pic of that Buxton? ;)
 
Jamie, I know what you mean about the temper lines, and how incredible those Primos utility knives look (man, the spearpoint just hurts me to look at), but aside from cosmetics you're practically describing a TTKK or Chimera.
Trace does killer sheath work, too;)
 
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