Recommendation > Medium sized fixed blade with big handles

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antman138

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Oct 1, 2014
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Hi all, looking for a recommendation.

I want a new fixed blade for outdoor/camping use, but something I can discreetly belt carry. I've been carrying folders and supplementing with an issued Ontario M-1 in the outdoors, but I need something a little more practical and in the middle when a PM2 isn't enough knife for the job, but I don't need to penetrate a rhino's skull with a slab of steel.

I've been eyeing Esee for a while, and really like the look of the 4 (the 5 is a tank, the 6 is more blade than I want in a medium duty, the 3 is a smaller 4). Problem is, I've got big mitts (like palm a sticky basketball big) and I don't want something I'm going to lose in my hand.

My folders all have longer handles than the shrimpy four inchers on the Esse 4, if it had 4.75"+, I'd be sold. Any ideas on a comparable blade that'd suit my needs? Thanks!
 
Becker BK16. It has a longer and more comfortable handle than the ESSE. It's the go-to camp knife for many here on the forums. I personally had the BK17 with the clip point and it was very comfortable in the hand.

ka-bar-becker-short-bk16-large.jpg
 
The BK16 would be a very good choice. I'm also a big fan of the Fallkniven F1. Here are the specs on the Fallkniven:

Total length: 210 mm (8.3")
Blade length: 97 mm (3.8")
Blade thickness: 4.5 mm (0.18"), tapered
Tang: Broad, protruding tang
Weight (knife): 150 g (6oz)
Steel: Laminated VG10
Blade hardness: 59 HRC
Handle: Thermorun
Sheath: Zytel sheath

And here's a borrowed pic:

SWEDF1EK.jpg
 
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Becker Bk10 might fit the bill, although its much closer in size to the ESEE 6 (overall length). Its worth a look at least though.
 
If you're going to go for a larger knife, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the Swamp Rat RatManDu. The RatManDu is my go-to utility knife. It has the most comfortable knife handle I've ever encountered. At 5", I doubt you'd find it too small for your liking. Only drawback is you'll have to have a sheath made for it. But there are plenty of sheathmakers here to help you out with that. Here's Swamp Rat's web site:

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/ratmandu-cg/
 
I would suggest one of the Blackjack classics. In particular the Model 125 would work for you with a 5" blade. It has a big handle. There are other Blackjacks that use the same handle configuration.

I feel pretty sure that the BK-10 handle would suit you, but not the blade... The handle on the BK-16/BK-17 is smaller for a smaller knife.
 
I have big hands and find the Esse 4 handle to be on the short side. The Becker BK-16 handle is longer and fits my hands better. I recommend the BK-16 because of its longer handle and the nice medium blade size. If you want larger handles and larger blades then the Esse 6 and the Becker 10 would be good choices.
 
Benchmade Adamas Folder
it folds and should still be pretty much enough for any job short of chopping down full grown oaks. The handles are just perfect.
I have super big hands too. XXL gloves are kind of smallish but its all they got in stores, if even that.
I bet you have the same problem. :-)
 
Right now in the custom forum, there is. KFU with a four inch blade and a good size bocote handle, going for 97.00.
 
antman138 said:
Hi all, looking for a recommendation.

I want a new fixed blade for outdoor/camping use, but something I can discreetly belt carry. I've been carrying folders and supplementing with an issued Ontario M-1 in the outdoors, but I need something a little more practical and in the middle when a PM2 isn't enough knife for the job, but I don't need to penetrate a rhino's skull with a slab of steel.

I've been eyeing Esee for a while, and really like the look of the 4 (the 5 is a tank, the 6 is more blade than I want in a medium duty, the 3 is a smaller 4). Problem is, I've got big mitts (like palm a sticky basketball big) and I don't want something I'm going to lose in my hand.

My folders all have longer handles than the shrimpy four inchers on the Esse 4, if it had 4.75"+, I'd be sold. Any ideas on a comparable blade that'd suit my needs? Thanks!
Click to expand...

The ESEE-4 has the same handle as the '3, but is thicker making it feel heavy and stubby. It's the only ESEE whose handle doesn't work for me. IF you want an ESEE, look at the LaserStrike, it isn't that much longer than the 4 in the blade, and the handle is just long enough to be perfect. It also comes with a great kydex sheath.

The most comfortable medium sized fixed blade I've ever used is the Bravo 1 by Bark River. It must be held to be appreciated. They can be had in A2 or 3v or S35Vn and work very well.
 


Check out the bark river Montana Guide. It is the same as the Gameskeeper but without the guard or choil. The handle is very long, great for big hands. I love mine!
 
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Here are some pictures of the Montana Guide shown with the Fox River and Bravo 1 for comparison, and an in hand picture of the Montana Guide. I wear a size XL glove.
 
An alternative might be the Dozier Wilderness knife (KS-7). The handle is a hair under 5" but with a 5" blade. Certainly more money than most of the factory knives. Honestly, I like the Pro Guide's knife better and AG Russell commonly sells them. But the handle is a tad shorter on the Pro Guides.
 
bld522 said:
If you're going to go for a larger knife, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the Swamp Rat RatManDu. The RatManDu is my go-to utility knife. It has the most comfortable knife handle I've ever encountered. At 5", I doubt you'd find it too small for your liking. Only drawback is you'll have to have a sheath made for it. But there are plenty of sheathmakers here to help you out with that. Here's Swamp Rat's web site:

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/ratmandu-cg/
Click to expand...

Damn! Beat me to it!
 
If you can afford it, if look at Fallkniven or Swamp Rat Knives. If you're more on a budget, I suggest looking into Kabar Becker. Bk10, bk7 are good choices. Or the ontario rat 5 is a nice choice
 
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