Small EDC fixed blades between 3-3.5 inches with cpm3V ? Or any other good comfortable, easy to carry fixed blades around that size?

JJ_Colt45 said:
I was going to suggest the Bradford Guardian in Cruwear also, but my preference by far is the 3.5 over the 3. It just feels much better in my hand than the 3 or the 4 because of the style. The 3.5 (this one in Magnacut, I have one in Cruwear also). I would recommend the full flat grind over the saber, it's a much better cutter in the small knives.
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They do offer 3V in some models, but I'm not sure just what is currently available. DLT Trading usually has a pretty good selection of Bradford knives. Or call direct they are really easy to work with and try to get you what you want.

They are a bit above your $250.00, but Winkler has a few small fixed blades I like a lot too. The SD1 and SD2 and the newer Huntsman model. The steel is 80CrV2 and they do it well. SD1 below, it's a stout small knife, but a very lightweight package.
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Some of the makers here offer great small fixed blades. Dave BF nic is @Horsewright has several models. I have one from him in ABE-L. This was just after I got it. It's a handy piece and nice and thin a great cutter. Probably a little over your $250.00 also, but a real nice knife.
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Thanks for the reply. I have been looking at the bradfords and they might end up being what I get. Though that winkler is beautiful!
 
Smiffman said:
Is Aeb-L easy to strop back to sharpness? Because I really like that in a knife.
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For my work knife I haven't stroped it. It usually gets a couple minutes (2-3) on the medium sharpmaker stones every 2-3 weeks and it will remove arm hair. Now I have been known to spend hours sharpening a knife until it's "almost done" if you know what I mean. So when I can quickly bring a knife back to "decent" (shaving) I'm impressed. My main edc since Christmas has been my David Mary riverhawk. It's a slight hawkbill design that works great for everything but my kitchen tasks (any cutting board style cuts). I hadn't dealt with much AEBL before this knife as it was subpar compared to my 3v but man I've been happy for a daily carry.
The bottom 2 are both AEBL and make a great pair. Both 3" blades. The one on the right lives on my belt horizontal 11:30 lefthand draw and the one bottom left rides in my watch pocket or dangles upside down on on belt 3 oclock
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The Kershaw is there because the picture is recycled 😁
 
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Smiffman said:
Who do I contact to do knives like these?
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This is one of mine I made for somebody.
I usually recommend people to Other makers first......
I like making knives, but I don't like selling knives
I only make a couple per month. I do it for fun, I love making them, but I don't want a list of people waiting for me to make them something. I do do it for a few people, but I don't want the extra stresses of having 100 people waiting for me......
I don't want to appear exclusive, and a snob. I'm not.... I'm a Hack.

My stuff is crude, rough, performance based. Not lookers. I want it to work better than what you are used to, so I don't care if it's pretty. They definitely aren't for Everyone, Still, it just might become a favorite. Im bad at marketing, me telling you to buy from somebody else......hahaha. :/

As what was said & steered to you, "David Mary" makes many variety you might like? He is eager to make what you want. I send lots of people to him. Say "Hi" from me

"deerrockknives" is someone I also admire, he makes what I dont, Performance & GORGEOUS. They look Perfect. Classic, Timeless.
Get him while you still can. Soon his work won't keep up with demand.

If you are in Europe, I'd recommend "Scaniaman" another who style is very complimentary.

Other names like "Seedy Lot" you won't easily find, as his work isn't beat, and he is a leader of leaders, here. Strong following, always sought after.

*still, if you HAVE to have something from me, we can talk..... :)

A link with some of my work.
Thread 'THANKS "brand" Fixed Blade Collection' https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/thanks-brand-fixed-blade-collection.1915903/
 
I have a few of David Mary’s AEB-L knives, which are as gorgeous as they are functional. but I’ve also seen several of Crag’s ‘boring’ pieces as well (you’re selling yourself short, sir!). I know David is awesome to work with. My opinion, you can’t go wrong with either of them. You’ll get a custom piece that’s exactly the size, shape and material you want, and if you don’t know what you want, they’ll help you figure it out, in many cases turning out something unique that you won’t see in anyone else’s pocket. Definitely worth looking into as an option.
 
ferider said:
Good budget.

You could go custom: might send @Volunteer Knife a message: they make a very sweet 3" knife and I can recommend them. Maybe they have a small batch in the works ? (I have several 4.5" copies).

I have also have a sheepsfoot Bradford Guardian 4.5 that is very good. The Guardian 3 comes in different shapes, with good sheaths, too (leather or kydex, your choice).
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Was going to suggest Volunteer knives also. Recently acquired a 4” blade from them in 3v and it’s excellent. Been emailing with the owner Bart and he is working on 3” blades as we speak
 
Pretty sure I've still got a Bradford Guardian 3 in 3V...but it will be a few days before I can post it on the Exchange. Probably Sunday or Monday (you'll likely have bought something by then)
 
Danny Linguini said:
I have a few of David Mary’s AEB-L knives, which are as gorgeous as they are functional. but I’ve also seen several of Crag’s ‘boring’ pieces as well (you’re selling yourself short, sir!). I know David is awesome to work with. My opinion, you can’t go wrong with either of them. You’ll get a custom piece that’s exactly the size, shape and material you want, and if you don’t know what you want, they’ll help you figure it out, in many cases turning out something unique that you won’t see in anyone else’s pocket. Definitely worth looking into as an option.
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Oh Great....... now They are going to know that I pay you. ;) Haha

Thanks for the kind words.
Im glad You like my work
There still might be time to get in on my current Pass A Round that's going on Now....

-Before I Give it away.
 
+1 on David Mary, and I was also thinking about Bradford, but the 3.5, something about the 3 makes me think it would too small in the handle. AEBL at a higher Hardness has been very well received lately. Just some thoughts, let us know what you find and good luck with your search. This size knife is handy.
 
Crag the Brewer said:
Im bad at marketing.
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I'll say!


This.....
Crag the Brewer said:
I'm a Hack.

My stuff is crude, rough, performance based. Not lookers. I want it to work better than what you are used to, so I don't care if it's pretty.
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Will guarantee this....
Crag the Brewer said:
but I don't want a list of people waiting for me to make them something
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Man your blades are solid designs with decent lines. And your only a bit of sandpaper and some time away from bumping them up a notch.

You should always want to be in higher demand even if YOU CHOOSE not to take on extra work.

This is meant as positive constructive criticism. It pains me seeing guys using the above position to justify lesser fit/finish than they're capable of.

Knives can be BOTH beautiful/exquisitely finished AND functional. I want makers to always do better(ultimately their best) work.
 
Last thought, would anything from Fiddleback or one its cousins ( their apprentice makers ) hit the mark? Just to show the comfortable size of a knife this size, here is a pic of my JK River Companion in 01, not thst you are looking for that steel.

IMG_0528.jpegIMG_0527.jpegIMG_0518.jpegIMG_0517.jpeg
 
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Lt wright also does the small northern hunter at 3.18" blade. That shape is one of my favorites for an all around knife. Currently in AEB-L but you might be able to find one in 3v.

They are available in 3v.
 
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