My only fixed blade (is this decent?)

I

ingoldsby

Joined
Dec 24, 2007
Messages
42
The blade is approx 8" in length, with what looks like rosewood scales. It's a Muela and the blade has Fury and 90026 written on it.

I've had it for 10 years now, and it has served me well so in that sense it's good, but I haven't really been into knives until recently so know very little about it besides that :) It's survived chopping wood, a Tom Brown Jr. survival camp, etc.

Good knife?

:thumbup::thumbdn:?

muela.jpg
 
It sounds like it has taken care of your needs, so by definition it is decent. On the other hand it has the looks of a cheap knife. The handle is a plastic-filled laminate that is similar to a lot of cheap Pakistani knives. The guard and butt are cast aluminum that is similar to a lot of cheap fantasy pieces. The Muela brand does not carry any cache. While it does the job it is not likely to impress blade snobs.

I would look for something that is simpler and fits more traditional styles. A presentation grade Quartermaster Knife falls into the same category. http://www.impactguns.com/store/071721063100.html or a Bark River Bowie http://www.agrussell.com/knives/pro...r/bark_river_rogue_bowie_mesquite_handle.html

The other approach is just to avoid knife snobs.
 
Jeff Clark said:
It sounds like it has taken care of your needs, so by definition it is decent. On the other hand it has the looks of a cheap knife. The handle is a plastic-filled laminate that is similar to a lot of cheap Pakistani knives. The guard and butt are cast aluminum that is similar to a lot of cheap fantasy pieces. The Muela brand does not carry any cache. While it does the job it is not likely to impress blade snobs.

I would look for something that is simpler and fits more traditional styles. A presentation grade Quartermaster Knife falls into the same category. http://www.impactguns.com/store/071721063100.html or a Bark River Bowie http://www.agrussell.com/knives/pro...r/bark_river_rogue_bowie_mesquite_handle.html

The other approach is just to avoid knife snobs.
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That's about what I was expecting to hear :) I don't take offense to it hehe, after all it was purchased by my mom 10 years ago for me.

That bowie looks nice!
 
As long as you're happy with it, and it preforms the tasks that you require of it, its a decent knife. The more you learn about knives, the better knives you will want. There's nothing wrong with that either though.
 
So if you were going to replace it would you go longer, shorter, thicker, thinner, fancier, plainer...? We could make some suggestions if we knew your preferences.
 
Jeff Clark said:
So if you were going to replace it would you go longer, shorter, thicker, thinner, fancier, plainer...? We could make some suggestions if we knew your preferences.
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I'm looking for a fixed blade, about the same length but maybe a bit more of a workhorse, I feel like this one would break if I really pushed it.

I'm a huge fan of simple (yet elegant) knives. That bowie you posted up is actually right on the money for the type of knives I like. Some examples I can think of offhand are not fixed blades, but they might give you some insight as to what I mean by simple.. Basically not hugely embellished.


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or

lochsa-s30v-plain-1.jpg
 
For an inexpensive knife Muela is probably top of the heap. My guess is that the blade is a lower carbon stainless. Read in the forum and try to get it really sharp and see how long it holds and edge. If its long enough for your use then you have a good knife. Nothing wrong with that. the handles are what is called dymondwood, layers of colored wood and resin. Water proof and very strong so makes a good handle.

I like to take a knife that big camping, I pull it out to cut a steak and watch everyone's eyes open wide. I make a drop point hunter in A2 with micarta, ironwood or stag handles which is a real workhorse. Or in O1 for a utility knife usually micarta handles. You can see them on my web link.
 
PCRKnives said:
I make a drop point hunter in A2 with micarta, ironwood or stag handles which is a real workhorse. Or in O1 for a utility knife usually micarta handles. You can see them on my web link.
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Looking now :)

I like that drop point. I'm actually really close to you, location wise - up in Santa Barbara, do you have a display shop or do you just work out of your house?
 
Do you really need a knife that big? I'm not being a wise guy, I'm just curious as to your reason for wanting a knife this large, and a fixed blade to boot.
 
smitty0331 said:
Do you really need a knife that big? I'm not being a wise guy, I'm just curious as to your reason for wanting a knife this large, and a fixed blade to boot.
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I use it as an all purpose tool while camping and backpacking. That's partly why I'm looking for a stronger blade, I chop wood with it into kindling etc. Also, in a pinch you can use a knife that size to cut much larger objects (such as tree trunks) by placing the blade against whatever you're cutting and hammering the back of it.

Oh, it's also great for slicing up steaks :o
 
Ok, I think I'll be going for the Bark River...

Now to just pick out a handle..
@$185
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or @$173
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or @$260
Rogue_DIB_Wt_Liners.jpg


So hard to choose.
 
God, I can't make up my mind. I think I just need to sleep on it hehe. I just found this BoonII by bark river and now I'm thinking that might be the one..

Boone_II_Stacked_Leather.jpg
 
Since you seem to be thinking along these lines, what about a Bark River Teddy:

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or a Marble's Ideal:

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I have the Ideal and it's a fantastic knife. The Teddy is still on my list.
 
Well I bit the bullet and actually ended up going with the Browning. Unfortunately for me, I have a feeling it wont be long before I start getting that itch to pick up a more reasonably sized knife (ie. that Teddy, or something similar) since the Browning has a 10" blade which is pretty huge.

My poor wallet :o
 
smitty0331 said:
Do you really need a knife that big? I'm not being a wise guy, I'm just curious as to your reason for wanting a knife this large, and a fixed blade to boot.
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What's wrong with fixed blades? They're a lot stronger than a folder, easier to clean, and can be used for larger tasks like chopping etc. I like folders and carry them daily but when heading into the outdoors I reach for a fixed blade every time.
 
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