Now I'm thinking FIXED blade as EDC (under one hundred dollars) and here's why.

[Daniel Dorn]

If you can find one, a Lonewolf Trailmate is the ideal "Gentleman's" knife. I've been looking for a fixed blade for EDC for a couple years, and after all that time, the Trailmate turned out to be perfect. You can find them with G10 handles, but the jigged bone is much nicer looking, if harder to find. (Pic 1)

May be a bit more than $100 (I got mine for $125), but for 154CM and USA-Made, it's a deal.

It has a nicely made horizontal leather sheath with an insert to keep it from poking out.

Another one to consider, way on the cheap side is the A. G. Russell Woodswalker.

The Case Desk knife is smallish and very handsome, but would need a belt sheath, or just drop it in the pocket with the supplied sheath. It can be had in several different handle materials, pearl of course is a bit higher than your price range. (Pic 2)

Don Cowles has a small knife made for him, which he finishes himself, and though small, is quite beautiful. (Pic 3)

 

[Noctis3880]

I myself ordered a Spyderco Bill Moran fixed blade. I got the Bowie version, which might look slightly "tactical", so you might opt for the drop point version instead. If that's not sheeple friendly enough, you can go for the orange handle version.

It seemed pretty appealing to me, under $70, VG-10 steel, FFG blade, lightweight, 3.5"-4" blade length, a "balanced feel" as the main selling point, included sheath and belt clip. Seems like a great value for the money. I'll be happy to post back when I get it and use it. I wanted something that cuts better than my Strider WP-C, which both cuts and weighs like a brick. I suppose it'll do well as an SD blade too given the light weight and sheath style.

 

[Redeye]

Michael Morris makes beautiful knives from files - he could definitely make you something that would fit what you're looking for based around his 'Classic 85'. I have a friction folder and a fixed blade of his and I highly recommend his work.

http://www.michaelmorrisknives.com/

 

[harkamus]

Michael Morris makes beautiful knives from files - he could definitely make you something that would fit what you're looking for based around his 'Classic 85'. I have a friction folder and a fixed blade of his and I highly recommend his work.

http://www.michaelmorrisknives.com/

Totally forgot about Morris. He makes some excellent knives at an unbeatable price.

 

[huauqui]

Okay this addiction is out of control No really I just went and look at Morris' knives and they are just my style. Classic good looking knives that look like they just beg to be carried and used. Must resist the urge to buy another knife must resist must................

 

[razorsdescent]

Blind horse knives makes some gorgeous blades for just under 100 dollars. www.blindhorseknives.com
I have met one of the owners in person and he was just an amazing guy. i cant speak highly enough of their company.
Why go production when you can get a custom?

 

[mugwump867]

I found myself pondering the same thing a few months back and went with a Blind Horse Knives Frontier First Patch Knife as my fixed EDC selection. I made the deep carry Kydex sheath so it would be lighter to carry in my front pocket. It's a perfectly balanced knife (flip it on its spine and give it a spin and it'll keep going round and round for a good long time) and the $60 price is a steal.

 

[czombie]

Spending a little time down the knife makers for sale section is a good idea, some really great knives to be had down there.

You might also want to consider some of Kershaw's new fixed blade offerings.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1082

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1080OR

I'm surprised those knives don't get mentioned more often....the packrat (field hunter) fixed blade is next on my list.

 

[steo]

Here's one I have that might fit the bill.

 

[GingivitisKahn]

Perhaps a Becker BK11, BK14 or ESEE Izula? Any of these with micarta would work well.

---

Beckerhead #42

 

[Shotgun]

I can't remember who but there's another member on this board that had the same issue/conclusion. I would go with a Bark River of some sorts with a nice looking handle. Lots of different fancy woods and such to choose from.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Boker Rhino.

For way less than 100 bucks, this knife is a bargain.

 

[HARDBALL]

Hi all,

Thank you all for all your suggestions. I am taking my time and researching each and every recommendation to figure out what may best fit my needs. Lots of excellent knives. Difficult to choose.

Regards,
HARDBALL

 

[dfkdfk]

Another vote for a custom. You can pick something up for around $100 (might be a little more) - handmade in the USA. Can't beat it if a fixed blade is what you are after.

 

[Noctis3880]

Wanted to give an update since I received my Spyderco Bill Moran Upswept knife today.

The first thing to note is the weight. This knife is aptly named "featherweight", as the knife weighs about the same as the sheath itself(Knife - 3 oz, sheath - 3.10 oz).

Next to my Umnumzaan and Para2 for size comparison.

The sheath material is Boltaron, which seems to be similar to Kydex, at least functionally. The Spyderco G-Clip allows various carry options. I choose to have mine with a handle down reverse grip.

The edge comes razor sharp and the full flat grind allows the blade to cut like a high quality kitchen knife.

For Every Day Carry, the combination of light weight, stainless steel, an included belt clip sheath, and a FFG thin edge for optimal slicing performance all works in its favor.

Please note that Spyderco offers a Drop Point version which is less "tactical" looking. I chose the upswept version for more belly.