Need a fixed blade for a Go Bag...

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PoundHound

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Jul 13, 2007
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Hey, can anybody recommend a fixed blade to put in a S.O. Tech Mission Go Bag? I'm using it for a small bug out/ emergency bag with a fak, edc niceties and some basic supplies. I would like to include a decent fixed blade stored right down the center of the bag or maybe in the bottom. Probably shouldn't be longer than 11.5 inches in sheath. So far i'm thinking either ESEE 5 or Ka-bar BK2, cause they seem to handle just about anything, but i think i am overlooking more practical options like maybe the ESEE 4 or others. Any thoughts?
 
So far i'm thinking either ESEE 5 or Ka-bar BK2, cause they seem to handle just about anything, but i think i am overlooking more practical options like maybe the ESEE 4 or others. Any thoughts?
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The ESEE-5 and BK2 are great at being heavy, strong slabs of steel but very poor at being knives. The ESEE-4 is lighter, but still too heavy for how long it is and having such a short stubby handle. It would save weight to carry a normal knife and a small crowbar.

If you want a coated 1095 knife, I'd highly recommend the ESEE-3, ESEE-6, or Laserstrike. The ESEE-3 is perfect - it has a decent sheath, lifetime warranty, perfect balance, and rounded handles that are comfortable to use all day long. The ESEE-6 is all of those things, but the handles are too squared for me, it wasn't comfortable to use for any period of time. The Laserstrike has a premium kydex sheath, has perfect balance, is light, flat, sharp, and very nice handles that can be used in many grips. It's easily the best out of the ESEE lineup.

If you want a solid knife, but don't like the coating (like if you use your knife for cutting food) I'd recommend a Bark River Bravo 1. It's 0.22" thick, but with the convex edge it shaves like a razor. The A2 tool steel sharpens in seconds, with a piece of leather or fine sandpaper. It's thick enough to split logs with and small enough to wear high on your belt under a t-shirt.

Fallkniven F1 is similar, in that it has a convex edge and fits just about anywhere and the blade isn't coated.

There's a lot of knives out there that would work fine, it all boils down to what you prefer.
 
Maybe a Chris Reeve Nyala.
Looks indestructible to me.
Have you looked at KLH Knives the backpacker model? This is a light allrounder, comes in a kydex sheath.
red mag
 
A mora would do the trick. Make sure you take the kit out for a long walk when you are done to see how comfortable it is for long distances walking.
 
I would look into something solid, but a bit more affordable. Maybe a Condor Rodan or something from Green River.
 
I have a Randall Model 14 S/S, sawback for mine. If you are looking for something smaller and cheaper I say the Becker 2.......
 
ESEE 4, Fallkniven F1 or S1 in the bag, plus a Bahco Laplander folding saw, and an SAK in your pocket.
 
I have a Spyderco Aqua Salt in mine, but a Mora, ESEE or just about any good hunting knife would do as well. One of the Queen D2 hunters would be a good $50 choice.
 
Lots of good recommendations here. Much of it boils down to just what you want the knife to do. The big ones like the Becker and Esee you're considering wouldn't be my choice. Those are great for a single-tool, do-it-all solution for survival, but since you're packing a bag anyway you have the option to carry specialized tools more suited to their respective tasks.

Just to add something a little different to the list of recommendations - check out the Boker Plus BOB.
 
Wow, tons of options for me to look into here as i am not as familiar with all fixed blade options, being more of a folder guy. Really appreciate it! I am definintely liking the idea of something robust that could stand a bit of torque since it may be be called upon in an emergency, where it can be hard to predict if a tool may always be used for its intended design and purpose. As always, common sense must prevail, yet it is nice to know you have options if required.
Also this is not a big bag so i guess i should try to keep the knife in proportion...
 
both the ESEE 5 or Ka-bar BK2 are excellent

I pack a Glock 78 field knife that is exactly 11.5"
super light very srtong & for around $40 its a great knife
 
Those SO Tech Mission Go Bags are pretty sweet, you must post pics and tell us how you like it.

To keep it compact I would look at the Fallkniven S1. About the same cutting edge as the ESEE or Becker
with less weight. I've had one for a few years and like it very much. It takes and holds a good edge and
corrosion is not a concern.
 
I just received a Survive GSO 4.1 to go with a GSO 10 and have the six on order.
Great option, I love those knives.
 
I keep a Mora #1 paired with a Fiskars retractable saw (and an old Leatherman PST) in my BOB, with that being said I don't think that my choice is necessarily the right choice. If you want a large, robust, tool and feel that a large blade is the best choice, a Condor Hudson Bay, would be an excellent jack of all trades knife. Could split, baton, and chop with ease. I'm back and forth, between large blades, and small blades paired with saws or hardcore choppers. But at this time, I'm trying to put together a very lightweight setup, and generally have a machete in my truck, if all is normal, but that's not saying a whole lot. I may just add a small machete, like a Tramontina with a 12" blade in my BOB. It's a learning process.
 
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