most comfortable fixed blade you know of?

S

stormshadow

Joined
Dec 15, 2003
Messages
137
what's the most comfortable fixed blade you own? I'm looking for a comfortable "using" knife between 3 and 5 1/2 inches, and no more than $300 usd. I'll be using it as a general camp knife, and hunting/skinning knife.

Thanks,
caleb
 
Howdy!

Here's a couple suggestions: Cold Steel Master Hunter - they make it in Carbon V & AUS8 Stainless. You can definately find a new one for under $100 - more like $50 really. However, you did say 'comfortable' & though I'm not sure exactly what you mean, some find the MH's handle a bit uncomfortable...

With that in mind, I suggest the Black Jack Grunt: this knife has about the most comfortable handle design I have ever had the pleasure of holding. 5 1/2" blade is very wide & would definately be at the 'large' end of the scale but you will not find a more comfortable knife IMHO. If I were to make another recomendation on the Grunt, I would go with the Kydex or pouch sheath though.

As for custom knives - I think a Dozier would be in your price range but I don't own any of his fine knives... By all accounts, they are excellent though!

Good Luck! :)
 
There are literally endless knives that can be termed comfortable. But for a handmade USING blade, you can own a Dozier made, for starting at just about $200. His shop turns out designs that are meant to be used. No fancy finishes and complicated handle designs need apply here. Bobs background is that of an iron worker and a hunter/ outdoorsman. He knows using knives, which is the basis of his philosophy in knife making. For a wealth of info go to www.dozierknives.com And be sure to click on the Knife Discussions forum. Bob and his team participates on a regular basis.

NOTE: there is currently a 12 month wait for his strait knives. And no more orders are being taken for his folders. But there are quite a few blades on hand that is listed in his forum under the thread "Inventory".

N2
 
Stormshadow, can you be a bit more specific. What do you like in a handle for example? Do you generally prefer larger or curvy handles, or is smaller you preference. In a very general sense, I find the Loveless style handle very comfortable as well as the Lakota Hawk. With some more information, we may have some better suggestions for you.
Richard
 
Please take a look at this thread:

Handle Ergonomics (link)

I particularly like the (Wayne) Hendrix Model #11 semi-skinner
(handmade - BUT priced about ~$75):

Hendrix11CocoboloS.jpg


HendrixCocoboloS.jpg


http://www.hendrixknives.com

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
 
Without a doubt, the most comfortable knife I've ever handled is the Dozier K-4 Straight Hunter. It's as if it were made for my hand specifically. I have average sized hands with maybe longer than average fingers.

dozier5.jpg
 
Hay man,

Iv got a few knives i use for just those kind of jobs, I use my TOPS storm rider and tracker the most but the KA-BAR worthog gets good use as well, I find the tops handles are better over a long period of use than other knives iv got and keep an edge fairly well and are defo. the most usefull when out in the wildes.
 
thanks for the reply's guys... as for specifics, I'm thinking a handle of micarta or g-10... something durable. Also, but comfortable, I meant erogonomic; fits the hand well and is effortless to use. Dozier looks good (I've looked at his work before), but I don't want to wait a year (I change my mind to many times in a month, much less a year ;)
 
Another vote for Dozier here. If you don't want to wait a year look at his in stock inventory, retailers, and the for sale forums here.. You shouldn't have a problem finding something you like, and in your price range available.
 
stormshadow said:
those hendrix knives look nice
Click to expand...

If it's of any help here's another thread with a lot more Hendrix knives, with detailed photos -

Hendrix

ivory Micarta handled model #13 (model #11 with guard) about ~$100
Hendrix13_S.jpg


HendrixMicartaS.jpg


The comfort and feel of a knife has a lot to do with the weight and balance - a tapered tang - not only shows the good workmanship - but improves the balance of a knife - most top makers tend to do tapered tangs -
Hendrix is no exception:

Hendrix11_tang_S.jpg

Hendrix1_tangs.jpg


--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
 
Any Swamp Rat knife with a Resiprene C handle will be very comfortable to use. In the blade length range you suggest it is worth considering the Bog Dog, Howling Rat, and the Bandicoot.
 
You can buy several models of Doziers from A.G. Russell with little or no wait at all. Dozier has models with and without fingergrooves, I have one of each and they both fit in the hand beautifully. I'd say you could be pretty safe picking the one that just looks the best!
 
djolney said:
Any Swamp Rat knife with a Resiprene C handle will be very comfortable to use. In the blade length range you suggest it is worth considering the Bog Dog, Howling Rat, and the Bandicoot.
Click to expand...
As much as I like canvas micarta and textured G-10, the Busse Basics/Swamp Rat Resiprene C handles get my vote, too, along with some other "plastic" handled knives with fully enclosed tangs like the Spyderco Temperance fixed blade, and AG Russell DeerHunter.
 
g-10, ergonomics? cheaper? Take a look at a Benchmade Nimravus. Mine is my user fixed. Take a look, they can be found for well under $150. I got mine for $70.
 
Simply the best, a Dozier Professional Guide Knife. Master craftsmanship by a knife user in superbly heat treated D2 for about $ 200.
 
That would be my Buck Nighthawk...It's handle feels perfect! I am also one of those weirdos who likes the tapered rubber handle on the Cold Steel Tanto and Tai Pan.
 
Bark River Knife and Tool, micarta and g10 handles and almost all there models are in your size range and well within your price range.
Look great, feedback is positive and I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of my first one.
 
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