Need a good all purpose fixed blade and have around $150 to spend no more than 4 inch

Woodrow F Call

Woodrow F Call

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Jan 3, 2013
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I think I'm looking for a bushcraft type knife, but maybe not. I was thinking about an ESEE4, then a ESEE3.... then I read some of the threads here in this sub-forum and many thought that the ergonomics of the ESEE series wasn't really meant for bushcraft work.... I can see some of the other makers have more rounded handles for more comfortable long term use.

What do I plan to do with this knife? It'll be mostly used to clean game, but I'd like to learn to batton, feather sticks, make a wooden spoon.... you know newbie bushcraft stuff.

Certain features I want: Micarta handles, steel that I can sharpen in the field (no super steels), preference for carbon steel, lanyard tube, drop point or maybe a spear, don't really want convex grinds.

Price, I was looking at buying an ESEE4, but I figured a little more for some additional options.

Got some recomendations?
 
There have been a couple really nice ones on the Exchange unders fixed blade knives for sale by makers just in the last 2 days. A couple labeled bushcrafters and one screaming kephart.

Names like Big Chris and Matt Tackett are making some really nice quality knives for real reasonable money. There are others as well but those names come to mind.

Bill
 
You can get a new Becker BK-16 or 17 and micarta handles for around $100, leaving plenty of room to also pick up some paint stripper to take off the coating. Great general purpose knives and very nice 1095cv steel.
 
I would highly recommend checking out Blind Horse Knives. They have several designs that fit your bill, within that price range, and their quality is top-notch.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
then I read some of the threads here in this sub-forum and many thought that the ergonomics of the ESEE series wasn't really meant for bushcraft work....
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This is personal preference. People either like the handles or don't and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for it including in regards to hand size. I heard Bearthedog say once that the esee3 is his go to knife and others real like the 4. So, I say give the 3 or 4 a try and see if you like the handles. You can always re-sell them pretty easy.
 
If you don't like the handles of the ESEE, there are many aftermarket options that can improve the comfort for you. I love the 4, and I don't mind the smaller handle. Many others simply buy the aftermarket handles and say that changes the feel of the knife so they love it and not hate it.

If you want a knife ready from the go, a custom or possibly something from Blind Horse may be the way to go if you don't want to chance an ESEE.
 
Get a carbon steel (but the stainless really is a lot less hassle) Mora, experiment a bit and then work from there.
 
I found the ESEE scales too flat and slab-sided for me. Also, for my big hands, both the 3 and 4 are 3-finger knives. In the 3 that didn't bother me, but in the 4 it felt like I wouldn't be able to use it as hard as I might like.
I have a couple of custom bushcraft knives in the 4" range, ranging from over your price range to way over your price range. I love 'em, but frankly, I found the BK-16 can do anything they can, and sometimes better.
Blade is a smidge over 4", but still in the range. I made my own oversize micarta scales - but that was before the Becker ones were available.
For a do-it-all ~ 4" carbon steel fixed blade, I heartily second the recommendation for BK-16 with Micarta scales. Depending on the size of your hands, you may want to pick up some liners to thicken up the grip a bit. Then again, they really may be unnecessary.
 
Thanks. I have not written off ESEE at all, but I thought I would like to get addtional input. Yours is greatly appreciated.
 
Grey Wolf makes some very good knives that are very reasonably priced
The sharpest 4" scandi grind bushcraft clone in walnut in 1095 for less than 100
He has a website and can be found here

Enzo Trapper is an excellent knife at over 3 1/2" in O1 or D2 in micatra or Birch
Extemely comfortable
 
You have a ton of flexibility within that price range. I can highly recommend the BHK Bushcrafter. It's got a comfortable handle, easy to sharpen and holds a good edge, nice sheath, great company.
 
Hairlesstwinkie said:
Sounds like the Bark River Canadian Special fits your criteria quite well.
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I have an elliptical shapped Canadian Belt knife (Grohmann #1s). The Canadian Special is a similar knife with a larger handle. It works really well for big game as it's big enough for big tasks, but still agile. It's all belly though. I'm not sure it works well for the intended application. I could be wrong though.
 
You'd have to give up on the lanyard hole but I think it would be worth it to have a flat ground Enzo Trapper. 3.5mm thick is a great choice for a cutting design that isn't too weedy. D2 steel has a long and well proven pedigree, and if you sharpen on the right stuff isn't difficult like cack-handed people like to make out. Diamonds, ceramics, or wet-n-dry paper will bring it up sharp very easily no matter where you are. And if you like what you've heard about ESEE and edge retention consider this – ESEE is heat treated for toughness not edge retention. Custom makers tend to bring 1095 up a lot harder. If I recall correctly ESEE is about RC 56 or so. Compared to Enzo that is using a steel that has much greater potential for wear resistance and is massively harder at RC 60-61 there's going to be a huge difference in edge retention. And before a fanboy says that means the Enzo with chip, look 'em up, it isn't the case with proper use. Enzo have a brilliant reputation. With your criteria in mind I think you might equal one at the price if you found a professionally finished custom at the price point. Not so sure you'd better it though. Something would probably have to give, even if it was just a less pleasing fit and finish.
 
ESEE 3 is a wonderful bushcraft blade. Cost is under $100.
RC3leather.jpg
 
Get an Esee 4 you won't regret it. If you don't think there handles are made for outdoor use check out there forum.......
 
I've yet to really play with mine, but from the reviews it's great for battoning. I think there's a review on blade forum.
 
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