My first fixed blade

S

scwchapman

Joined
Jan 31, 2011
Messages
16
Hey everyone, this is my first post and I've done a LOT of research before hand so I hope I don't seem like too much of a knife noob.

I'm finding that the more I look at knives the more I'm becoming an enthusiast and wanting to spend some more money to get a real quality product. My first big purchase was my Spyderco Endura 4 FFG with Blue FRN handles. Absolutely LOVE the knife (but the pocket clip broke within a week, so suggestions on a better clip would be really helpful). I've also been wanting to pick up and OKC Rat Folder because I love the blade design and stoutness of it, and the price is low enough I wouldn't mind making it a real user.

I could go on and on about what folders I'd like (like a sebenza or a Stirder or ZT of some kind, etc) but my real dilema is that I have a huge desire for a fixed blade.

I do a fair amount of camping, and as such this knife would be predominately for camping/hiking purposes, but also utility stuff around the property. I will preface this by saying that I plan on using the knife for as many different things as possible, so versatility and strength are important.

I've found that there are two schools of thought when it comes to fixed blades, Big blade for big tasks, small blade for small, or a medium sized blade that can do both pretty well. I find I am more in line with the one knife theory, with maybe a necker of some kind for especially detailed tasks, but I'm open to suggestions.

So now that we've gotten that out of the way, my research has led me to want something between 4-6 inches that's got lots of strength, not too heavy, good ergo's, and won't break the bank (and great warranty). I know I will get a LOT of people touting the Beckers, and I know they are GREAT knives, but I'll just up front, I'm personally just not a huge fan, I guess it's a taste thing. The knives that I've found REALLY attractive are the ESEE RC-4, 5, and 6. Hell, all of the ESEE knives. It's what I've been leaning toward, and I've done the research on each, but I'm curious as to what you all think after reading my post thus far.

What knives would be similar to them in price, quality etc? The other knife that REALLY caught my eye, and I've heard nothing but great things, is the Swamp Rat RMD. I know that Busse and Bussekin knives are amazing, and I love the look, but would I be spoiling myself too much to try and find one? I'm open to suggestions and opinions! Also, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the custom makers and such, so if anyone can suggest someone I'd be happy to listen, I always like giving the smaller companies business!

Thanks in advance to everyone who replies. The amount of information on this site is phenomenal!
 
Marcinek, thanks for the welcome. I've heard a lot of great things about Fallkniven, and I know they are definitely a standard when it comes to fixed blades. I've never seen one in person, but it doesn't give me the wow factor that some of these other knives do. It's also a little pricier than I'd like (at least the one's I've seen for sale), but I'll do more research on it. Thanks
 
Do you have a price range? Bark river makes some excellent knives in the medium size catagory and the convex grinds are strong, easy to maintain, and cut like lasers. Not to mention they are all quite purdy to look at.
 
If you are leaning towards ESEE, that is a good way to go. I personally own the 4 and when I first got it, the handles were too small and uncomfortable. I then got the TKC handles and the problem is solved, except they were $50. The 5 is a tank; its heavy and nearly unbreakable, but won't cut as well as the 4 or 6. The 6 has a good handle and is a good all around knife.

Welcome to Bladeforums!
 
Thanks all for responding so quickly. Dtown, I LOVE BRKT. I think they make some BEAUTIFUL knives, I was really attracted to their hunters, as well as the Canadian Special and Fox River. My price range is ideally under or around 150. But I'd be willing to spend a little more if the quality difference is that much great.

Bd51, I've heard the 5 is a real tank, and it can be made to cut pretty well if you get the profile redone, but I'm just concerned that the weight is so high. I also figure, with the ESEE warranty, I'd be okay with a thinner RC-6. Right now it's looking like an RC-6 or RC-5 (though I don't necessarily like the glass breaker pommel).

Keep the suggestions and opinions coming!
 
When I go camping, I take my Junglas. Is it practical? Not really, no marijuana around here. Is it as efficient as a good camp axe? Debatable but probably not. Is it freaking cool? Heck yes it is! So I also pack an ESEE-3 for normal stuff. I generally have a folder on me as well.

When I go somewhere and only have one knife, it's usually a stout folder or a small fixed blade like the ESEE-3 or some such.
 
I was going to suggest the Becker BK2 but since you're not a fan and since you do like ESEE, do yourself a favor and look at the ESEE 5. It's more or less the same knife (with micarta, a better sheath and a larger price tag) and should flat out be a workhorse for you. It's one heck of a design. Think you'll like it.


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Beckerhead #42
 
Gingivitis, thanks man, I will definitely take a look. All the reviews I've read have said great things. Also, I got nothing against the beckers, I know they are AWESOME knives. I'm surprised no one has been in here to tout the Busse-kin yet but I know the thread is still very young.

The more I look at the ESEE knives the more I want all of them, izula for a necker EDC type, RC-3 or for for smaller tasks, Junglas for cool factor haha. I'm gonna wait a few more days to pull the trigger and see what other suggestions people come up with though. I want this to be a knife that I love so much I won't catch the bug for a while.
 
I use an ESEE 4 for medium and larger tasks and a vic soldier for smaller jobs and the basic tools come in handy.
 
I have a 6 and a Junglas. Buy the ESEE, you will not regret it. Getting ready to order a 4 and 5 to add to the collection. Fantastic knives at good prices!
 
Kadinh, The only Busse that's barely in my price range is the RMD, which I've heard great things about, but I also love the ESEE's. Any particular Bark River you'd recommend?
 
I'll go ahead and say rmd is a champ :) not to take away from the esee stuff cuz it's great too, but I'm a big fan of the steel swamp rat uses, plus i think it's one of the nicer looking knives of those listed already :cool:
 
I forgot to say, the only downside of picking up any of the bussekin is that you typically need to find a sheath seperately, which can get pricey...
 
Busse makes a great product, has an outstanding warranty, and a wonderful staff. They can be a bit pricey, but if you have the money I would go for a Busse. ESEE makes a good product too, but I don't have much experience with them.
 
hey welcome! I dont have any esee products but my favorite survival knives that I own (in your 4in-6in range) are the fallkniven f1, the swamp rat RMD, and becker BK2. Fallkniven F1 is great for small tasks, like bushcraft and carving, the RMD is a great all-around knife and can be used for larger tasks than the F1. The becker bk2 is pretty thick, so it can be used for chopping and tasks that require weight and strength. I'd say for you get the RMD.
 
Welcome, and here are my 2 cents....
What kind of knife u carry in the outdoors is a very personal thing, and it would help to know ur price range, and eventually the kind of environment where u will be camping (being in a jungle or in snow does make alot of difference).
But as a general advice, and since u mentioned u are searching in the 4" to 6" range, I will second the suggestion for the ESEE 4 for a number of reasons.
Anyway, I think u should consider downsizing it even more. For (apparently) the same purposes, I use an ESEE 3 and I never needed a longer blade.
:cool:
 
Of the knives mentioned, I own and use an F1, ESEE-3, 4, and Swamprat RMD. I like them all, it really comes down to how much you want to spend. The Fallknivens and ESEE's come with sheaths, the Swamprats don't, but good, custom kydex can be had for under $30 from reputable makers. The other knife I really like is the BRKT Bravo-1 which also comes with a kydex sheath, but they are generally priced in the RMD range. If you want to start at the lower end of price and work up and not have to worry about a sheath, get an ESEE-3 or 4 and see how you like it.
 
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