Recommendations for good all around fixed blade knife...

R

ras

Joined
Jan 9, 2002
Messages
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What I'm looking for is a knife that's better suited to the tasks that my folders aren't up to. I decided to go to a full tang fixed blade -- but what length and what blade style. The blade style will either be similar to other fixed blades I have, modified Bowies with a straight sharpened upper edge (not a clip point), or a hunter.

I'm considering buying a fixed blade from one of the recognized semi-custom makers and I noticed that the maker tends to favor shorter blades. Too short in my experience, but maybe he has had more input and a shorter blade is better.

So the question is: What is the best all around outdoorsman/camping/utility fixed blade length? For blade style would you prefer a straight hunter style knife or a modified Bowie?
 
I think a Dozier Straight Hunter or Yukon Pro Skinner would be a good choice. I'll probably be ordering a YPS myself later this summer (the only thing stopping me is funds right now).
 
Both the Dozier Straight Hunter (3 5/8") and Yukon Pro Skinner (3 1/2") seem short to me. I've always thought a good all around fixed blade knife should be 4"-5" rather than 3.5'ish.
 
Depending on your price range, you may look into a Buck Mentor, or if you have some cash, a Cold Steel Master Hunter. If you have a bit more cash, a SwampRat may be a consideration.
 
You might take a look at the larger Bark River models, like the Forager, Gameskeeper, and soon-to-be-released North Star. They are thicker than most medium-sized knives but still quite sharp due to a convex grind. A good-quality knife of that length and strength will do most jobs you don't need an axe, machete, or khukuri to accomplish. Fallkniven (F-1; H-1; S-1), Busse (Badger Attack), Swamp Rat, and others make quality knives that occupy that slot as well. (Google search will find web articles on Bark River knives and the torture tests thay have passed . Warning: if you see a Bark River you like, buy it. They don't hang around too long and it's months until a given model is produced again.)
 
I like a straight drop point knife in the 3.5 to 4" length. Never felt I needed a bigger knife. My favorites are Bark River Woodland, Dozier K4 and Fallkniven F1. The F1 stands out as a good deal for a stainless knife which I normally take saltwater fishing. The K4 and Woodland are for camping and freshwater fishing.
 
The Bark River Forager looks real good as does the Swamp Rat Bandicoot -- these are good options. Still looking at Dozier, I may need to request that he stretch the blade. The BM Outbounder is still under 4" -- maybe that's good. What's the advantage of a blade under 4"?
 
You really can't go wrong with one of Bob Dozier's fixed blades. Awesome cutting power. Great designs. Top notch sheaths. Best value in fixed blades (IMHO). Seriously, they'll cut whatever you need cutting and keep on going long after any other knife will cry "uncle." My personal fav is the Yukon Pro Skinner mentioned by Ras.

AJ
 
Dozier Pro-guides knife.

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Although I find myself eyeing the Strider WP...

Mike
 
While I'm keeping the Bark River Forager and the Swamp Rat Bandicoot on my list of knives to buy later, for now I'm going with Dozier. Michael_Aos' pic of the Dozier Pro-guides knife made me take another look at it. The KS-3 will do it -- not tactical/military looking, good steel, just a simple all-around knife.

Anyway, the knife has been ordered. Dozier is way backed up, but they pointed me to a retailer that had it in stock, A.G. Russell. Thanks to all for the recommendations.
 
Lots of good recommendations made, but the Dozier Pro Guides Knife fits my hand like it was made to order.....It's the perfect sized woods knife.
 
If I didn't already have an Entrek Companion, I'd order a Dozier Pro-Guides knife myself. I really want one.

EN-COMPANION.jpg
 
some good suggestions.

But if you really want a fixed blade to do the things you don't want to do with your EDC folder -
that may mean a tough knife - but also one that you probably don't care that much about - ie: cheap enough to replace.

In which case take a look at a Swedish Mora knife - two main producers -Frosts (not to be confused with Frost Cutlery importers of cheap knives), and KJ Eriksson.

Frosts are the only ones to produce the legendary laminated steel Mora (priced as low as $9!!).

I personally don't like the traditional simple red colored wood handles - and have a preference for the more modern thermal plastic molded "puukko-like" handles - but even those are cheap < $10-15

Try it - sometimes it's nice to have a knife that you're willing to do almost anything with.

For example I've had this cheapo KJ Eriksson "Falcon" Mora for years
KJ_MoraRR.jpg

and I carried it when doing field archery - it was used to dig out arrows from straw bails and arrow heads stuck deep/hard in trees (mine in the early days - others' when I got better :D )

Of course I now care a lot about this knife - because of the service it's done, and purely sentimental value.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/
 
The Dozier Pro-Guides knife has caught my eye. It looks very strong and would be immensely useful out in the field. :)
 
Dollar for dollar ,pound for pound, it would be very hard to
find a better all 'round knife than either the Buck Nighthawk
or the good ol' Ka-Bar. Both are proven to be "bulletproof"
in the actual use in the field. :D :D
 
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