Next fixed blade?

T

txgolfer45

Joined
Aug 29, 2002
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140
I have fixed blades in size from 3 inches to just under 5 inches.
Bradford Guardian 3.5
Winkler SD1
White River Ursus Cub
Winkler Blue Ridge Hunter
Winkler Belt
Winkler Highland Hunter
And an Esee 4 is incoming.

So, I am thinking either a neck knife size or a 5 to 6 inch bush/survival knife for the next one. Esee Izula 2 or Esee 5 or 6 come to mind. Obviously, lots of alternatives. The neck knife will get carried more often. The 5 to 6 inch could be a truck knife plus used at my hunting lease.

Thoughts? Better alternatives than the Esee's listed?
 
Not saying that it's a better choice, but I like the TOPS Moccasin Ranger in the 5 to 6 inch bush/survival knife category. I'm guessing they go for around $150-$200, but haven't actually looked into it.
 
For a smaller knife, definitely a big fan of the White River M1 in Magnacut, especially if it's gonna be getting sweated on constantly.

Another option in keeping with ESEE is the Pacaya. Definitely more expensive, but slightly thinner and also using 3v.

LT Wright has a ton of options.

Might want to look into commissioning something from one of the makers here on BF.
 
For neck knives, I've found that a normal-sized knife is pretty cumbersome. After trying some smaller knives, I never feel like putting on anything else. The trick is to keep things compact but still have a secure enough grip to do actual cutting tasks. The best I've found for this are the Fred Perrin LaGriffe and the Brous Blades Silent Soldier. Both have a finger hole for excellent retention despite the small size, and the SS is designed so you can use it in a number of grips, including as a push dagger. Most of the Perrins are production knives made by Max in France, although he makes some himself as well. Brous has both his mainline Silent Soldiers and a collaboration version with SOG.
 
Buck 662 Alpha Scout and Apartan Enyo came in today.

The Buck's sheath is being stubborn, will take some time to break in. The Enyo is light I might forget it's there!
 
For the 5-6”: Carothers (as mentioned) BFK (D3V or MagnaCut), Volunteer Knife model 11 (3V), or Mod 12 if you want a little bigger. Both on these forums- great knives and people.

Neck knife: Volunteer Knife Mod 3 or 3.25. Smaller ODC model from Adam Kornalski on these forums.
Handle’s are large enough to get full grip on without needing a fob, but tuck away.
 
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Tsujigiri said:
For neck knives, I've found that a normal-sized knife is pretty cumbersome. After trying some smaller knives, I never feel like putting on anything else. The trick is to keep things compact but still have a secure enough grip to do actual cutting tasks. The best I've found for this are the Fred Perrin LaGriffe and the Brous Blades Silent Soldier. Both have a finger hole for excellent retention despite the small size, and the SS is designed so you can use it in a number of grips, including as a push dagger. Most of the Perrins are production knives made by Max in France, although he makes some himself as well. Brous has both his mainline Silent Soldiers and a collaboration version with SOG.
Click to expand...
LG made a few Sabot neck knives that are excellent, but pretty rare at this point. I second the silent soldier recommendation, though mine is a flipper version.
 
I'll second the Demko Free Reign. Also, the Architect Knives 5.5 in Magnacut or 3v. For the money, they're hard to beat. Have to wait for availability though.

CPK is also great and I do have some, but I probably wouldn't leave them in my truck.
 
I have never been able to make friends with a neck knife. The most tolerable one I have is a Spyderco ARK in H1. It's a beach knife, really.

I have recently discovered ESEE, and Im a fan. I have a 5, and I went with it because it is a slightly different animal from the 3 or 6. Much more of a pilots survival knife, it's a stout beast. Overly thick with an almost indestructible point. It won't be what I pick to whittle with nor would it be my go-to for a Bushcraft knife where it would be the large blade of a kit of tools, but as a do-it-all when your tail is in the wringer, it's a solid choice. It gets way sharper than I thought it would as well.

I just saw that my LKS has started to carry ESEE, and I'm pretty excited about that. I like to buy local, and I got my 5 from SMKW while on Spring Break. The Izula may be next on my list. I have a trip out west in a month or two, and I think the 5 is going to go a long as a primary. However, on days where we are walking super maintained trails for long distances, I may want something super tough but not so damn heavy.

Best of luck to you.
 
Buck 105 in the pro series, I believe it is s35v. I don’t do neck knives, but do like a small fixed blade, for a smaller one I also,recommend one of rhe makers here, such as Daado, GL Drew, and David Mary, amd look over Fiddelback or one of their cousins….makers who got there start with Andy Roy but now make their own knives, yiu can see his influence in their wares. Some of my favorite users are those by redsquid2, good working knives.
 
John Cahoon is running a sale in left over knives, there is one with a nice recurve one with a +5 inch blade in the exchange, fixed blades.
 
Chris Reeve makes a few fixed blades that ie within the form factor you are looking at. CR
K has, I think, transitioned most all of their production to Magnacut at this time.

I am liking their "Backpacker" just now, but there is a more petite bird and trout model too.
 
I kind of want that civivi sokn that is coming out. And looks like it will neck knife fine.

My truck knife is the Hultafors heavy duty. That I Dunked in coffee for a few hours to stop it rusting. (At the price I pay for them. It is the knife I am happy to use for literally anything. Which for ne is the point of a truck knife)


Oh. And third on the freereign. A really good slicer for the sort of knife it is.
 
Tsujigiri said:
….and the Brous Blades Silent Soldier….
Click to expand...

I’ll second the Brouse. Super versatile, and for a fairly thick, chunky piece of steel, it’s razor sharp (at least mine is). But the biggest thing is that it might just be one of the best kydex sheaths out there. The blade just snaps in solid, and isn’t ever coming out on its own (always a concern with a neck knife)

I actually looped some paracord through the eyelets of the sheath and wear it on my belt. Works really well for a quick grab when needed.

ygO4tns.jpeg



Best o got of it attached to a belt. That’s a Benchmade Hidden Canyon next to it for size comparison
XXE6GH7.jpeg
 
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