Opinions on fixed blades- which would you buy

Blade814

Blade814

Joined
Jan 4, 2000
Messages
232
Hi,
I am a knife dealer here on Blade Forums, have knives in a couple of stores and a website (www.Lantacknives.com). I admit I have a weakness for fixed blade knives, always have. Folders sell much better and I try not to get to heavy into fixed blades. I am thinking about adding another line of fixed blades to my business. Looking for your opinions, thoughts and which you would more likely purchase if given a choice between-
Bark River
Fiddle Back Forge
Bradford Knives

Thanks
 
Personally... I'd take FbF knives over any other fixed blade... with Bradford a very close second. I currently own and use knives from both makers. I carry my Bradford G3 more than any other FB because of it's light weight, very useful blade, and the horizontal carry sheath. But I have to say that my fav fixed blades are my FbF Hiking Buddy and Bushcrafter Jr.

The Bradfords will probably sell better because of their price point and the fact that you get a very nice and useful sheath with the knife.
 
No Bark River - Research the drama there first.
Fiddle Back Forge are great knives but imo over priced.
Go with LionSteel, I mean Bradford. :D

LT Wright
 
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None of the above for me. I like puukko; Ahti, Jarvenpaa, Roselli, Wood Jewel and of course the custom makers. IMHO (no disrespect to anyone), if you need a guard on the knife - you shouldn't be using one.

Rich (ye olde' puukkophile)
 
Bark River has too many SKUs, so you either have too much inventory or you have a small selection and people will go to the bigger sites.

Everyone loves Bradford!
 
Interesting replies. I have sold Bark River before and they sell pretty well. You are correct they have so many different knives and options you cannot stock them all. The A2 steel models tend to develop rust if not kept oiled. I like Fiddleback and they are they are local for me, they are pricey. I was leaning toward Bradford myself. I met Brad Larkin at the Bladeshow last year and bought a couple of the G3's from him to try. He is very up front about how his knives are made and only uses premium steels and materials. The G3 is a great EDC, you can even just drop sheath and all in a front pocket. Carries like a folder. The one I carry is 3d handle with a M390 steel. Hold an edge well and cuts great.
 
If i were in shoes (had a knife store) i would go with Bradford myself. I think they would sell better and they reach out to more knife demographics. For the most part they have friendlier price points, and seems like modern, traditional, and fixed blade folk all like them. Im speaking with no retail/distributing experience, just my opinion. All great brands though imo.
 
Not as much into fixed blades as folders, but man if I can have only one fixed blade, it would be Spartan Harsey Difensa (the discontinued Model 2 shall do it too).
 
I would split the difference and go with both Fiddleback and Bradford if possible. For a small dealer, I would think it would be rather expensive to stock so many different knives that Bark River makes in order to make an impact in the business.
 
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Custom. Find a maker that will turn your drawing into a knife.
 
I have four Bradford Guardian3 fixed blades and one G3F (his first folder). All of these are excellent, in CPM-3V and M390 steels. I guess you know my choice. (of brand-names)
There is no doubt that FiddleBack has excellent quality products and a large following, but their relative prices are significantly greater than Bradford products.
I carry one of the fixed Bradfords in his horizontal crossdraw sheath on my belt all day, but I still keep a folder in my rh pocket. I am still evaluating the G3F folder, but it seems to be a great product as well.

 
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marcinek said:
I wouldn't take a Bark River if you gave it to me along with a free sandwich.
Click to expand...

Why?

I am genuinely curious. I am currently into Bowies and I saw nutnfancy's YouTube review on their bowies. Look, the knife in question was a c2009 and it looks like if probably was a ~ 3/4 rat tail tang but it was a beautiful light fighting bowie.

Oh, and OP, I know it sounds pedestrian and kitsch but I'm a sucker for Ka-bars, fwiw.
 
I would also say bradford of the three--just like his designs and choice of steels and scales.But I would also suggest to check out esee and southern grinds fixed blades.In the end it comes down to what your use of it would be.Good luck and have fun with your choice.
 
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