Small FB for Portland

dougo83

dougo83

Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
4,834
So..with my hiking thinger in Portland fast approaching, I came to the realization that I do not have a decent, small FB. Here are the req's:

Around 3-4"
Under $100
Something I can baton with if needed.
I don't have time for customs so I would prefer something in ready production.
I was thinking RC-4, but I don't think I can get one in time.

Thanks
 
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Doug, shoot Two Wolves Outdoors a note as they may have some the RC4's in stock and should have it to you in a day or two as the are local/close to your area.

I think the RC4 would be ideal.

ROCK6
 
For beaters, I like Benchmade fixed blades and they are made in Oregon City (I think?), so may be readily available. I presume you're backpacking, so here's what I've used:

Benchmade Fixed Griptilian - modified to remove blister-inducing jimping and thumbramp - much improved, good 154CM stainless steel, but blade is 4.5 inches but light at 4.6 oz. Sheath can be worn horizontally or vertically or malice clipped to anything. ~$100

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Benchmade Activator - D2, 3.5 inch blade, leather sheath - great slicer, I used for hunting, but handle too small for me:

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Benchmade Rant - haven't used this one, but gets good 'bang-for-buck' reviews and can be had for ~$50:

rant.jpg
 
+1 on the RC4. Two Wolves will get it to ya quick. I picked up my RC4 a while back and now I hardly ever take it off. Fantastic knife.
 
I agree. The RC-4 or even Fallkniven F1 would be fantastic choices.

For a less expensive route, I like the Benchmade Rant better than the Fixed Griptilian. I just like the handle better for extended use.
 
Would an Izula work? Great little knife, and about half the price of an RC-4. Still a perfectly capable little tool.
 
rocketbomb said:
Would an Izula work? Great little knife, and about half the price of an RC-4. Still a perfectly capable little tool.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't put an RC-4 and Izula in the same league as one another. The Izula is a great pocket knife but it is a complement knife not a stand alone one for outdoors use. The RC-4 is a stand alone one. Just my 2 cents. RC-4 is an amazing deal for the quality of the knife. Although some folks don't like the smaller handles. For me it fits perfectly.
 
In case it hasn't been already mentioned look at the Rat Cutlery RC4

you're welcome :D
 
I dunno now...I have seen that BM makes an affordable blade that I might have to check out. I shot LupaWolf an e-mail b/c the RC-4 links are dead and I am not (so I tell myself) going to opt for the RC-5. :rolleyes:
 
Have you checked the makers area? There may be a custom for sale right now that would fill the bill. You'd only have shipping time to be concerned about.
 
protourist said:
Have you checked the makers area? There may be a custom for sale right now that would fill the bill. You'd only have shipping time to be concerned about.
Click to expand...

Nothing against our custom makers, but I just don't think they have what will fit my needs at the time. I will, however, be getting a blade made one day to fit my specs. Just don't have time right now...
 
I will second .. or third .. or however many times the RC 4 has been said +1 :thumbup:
 
kgd said:
I wouldn't put an RC-4 and Izula in the same league as one another. The Izula is a great pocket knife but it is a complement knife not a stand alone one for outdoors use. The RC-4 is a stand alone one. Just my 2 cents. RC-4 is an amazing deal for the quality of the knife. Although some folks don't like the smaller handles. For me it fits perfectly.
Click to expand...

All good and fair points, but I don't feel undergunned with an Izula when I'm backpacking. Depends a bit on the situation, for me. If I'm going to be hunting or doing lots of woodwork, a bigger, more comfy-handled knife is definitely worth carrying. But if I'm just going to be doing a lot of hiking every day, a light knife like an Izula is great. An RC-3 is also a good choice, the thinner stock lightens up a knife pretty good, and the RC-3 is definitely still big enough to do most anything.
 
rocketbomb said:
All good and fair points, but I don't feel undergunned with an Izula when I'm backpacking. Depends a bit on the situation, for me. If I'm going to be hunting or doing lots of woodwork, a bigger, more comfy-handled knife is definitely worth carrying. But if I'm just going to be doing a lot of hiking every day, a light knife like an Izula is great. An RC-3 is also a good choice, the thinner stock lightens up a knife pretty good, and the RC-3 is definitely still big enough to do most anything.
Click to expand...

I would probably carry the Izula if I carried an FB daily. It seems to me like it is better as a back-up for the RC-4. I want the larger so I can do things like baton if needed (I'm thinking of having to jerry-rig splints, not for fire's sake) and I don't think the Izula can hack it.
 
With respect to proturist's post - he meant going to check out the maker's area in fixed blades for sale. The offerings in this section are for immediate trade, there is no wait time other than shipping and most of them will have it out to you the moment they receive payment. Anyhow, a quick perusal and I found these on offer. All look pretty good. The Farmer's are excellent knives and well known for their sharpness.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640422

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=639543

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638213

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638155

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635227
 
dougo83 said:
I dunno now...I have seen that BM makes an affordable blade that I might have to check out. I shot LupaWolf an e-mail b/c the RC-4 links are dead and I am not (so I tell myself) going to opt for the RC-5. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads-up guys. The wife has taken care of it. Good to go now.

As others have said, RC-4 has my vote. The Izula as a back-up.
 
kgd said:
With respect to proturist's post - he meant going to check out the maker's area in fixed blades for sale. The offerings in this section are for immediate trade, there is no wait time other than shipping and most of them will have it out to you the moment they receive payment. Anyhow, a quick perusal and I found these on offer. All look pretty good. The Farmer's are excellent knives and well known for their sharpness.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640422

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=639543

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638213

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=638155

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=635227
Click to expand...

Thanks KGD, I obviously didn't speak(write) clearly.
That was exactly what I was thinking. I spend a lot of time perusing that sub-forum looking at the beauties I can't buy.
 
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