Small Fixed Blade Comparison

C

Craig55

Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
13
Just my thoughts in case anyone knows less than I do, which ain't likely.

I like small fixed blades for everyday use. I've tried a bunch in the less than 3.5" class, including some small skinners and capers.

Recently I purchased an AG Russell Camillus Arclite D2 for 49.95 + shipping and just yesterday received a Queen 89SW D2 for $32.00 including shipping. The Queen is the superior knife, granted the style of grind, make and intended use is different but the quality is all Queen. I had a nice little 440C knife a few years ago similar to the Arclite D2 made by Mike Irie for about $75.00. I had to trade that knife because when I used it in the dark my forefinger crept up on the blade and got cut twice (I told you I ain't too bright). Back then I was in the Army and was in sort of a leadership position; it was embarrassing to ask my sergeants for a bandaid late at nite as I dripped my blood all over my boot. (They never could understand how I could trade the enlisted side of life for the other - my mistake in retrospect.) The Irie knife was a fine little knife, but not designed for my foolishness; it now rides on the hip of a retired Warrant who works for a special op aviation unit at Ft Campbell.

This Queen "Light Hunter," model 89SW, is the "cats meow" though. It has me so interested in the series that I have a odd feeling that I should get all the designs in that series - but that is not too bright (why I like the idea) and my wife won't stand for it (the practical end of things).

The only thing I will be doing to enhance the little Queen fixed blade is to make a wet molded pouch sheath that fits tight to the knife so I can wear the darned thing in public by sticking the blade portion of the sheath down my back pocket. The blade flexes a bit so the ride should be comfortable. Now that I'm not involved with the "special operators" (retired Army '73-'98) my main concern is pruning the shrubs, opening my boss's mail, and slicing vegetables and cheese). I got to get the little Queen 74SW because it looks like a bit better squirrel, rabbit, bird and fish knife, while the Queen 89SW seems to be a fine everyday carry knife.

If any of you folks have a great recommendation for a small everyday using fixed blade let me know - I may be, have been and often am, way "off course."

Craig in TN
Thistle Dew Kennels (where hare-brained ideas abound - dogs don't)
 
Greetings, I can't say with 100% certainty yet, but I suspect the Bob Dozier straight personal model I currently have on order will be the cure all for the perfect small fixed blade. Mr. Dozier has absolute magic ju-ju in his D2 blades. I have an Arkansas toothpick model, and it cuts like the devil. I have a molded kydex sheath that sits horizontally on my belt. The thing is darn near invisible... it helps greatly that there is a little bit of "padding" that lops over the belt.:rolleyes: I can't wait for it to arrive. Take a look at what Mr. Dozier has to offer, you won't be disappointed. His website is: www.dozierknives.com

Good luck, Mongo
 
I'm sure Bob Dozier makes a good knife or he wouldn't have the reputation he does. I have an old Army buddy whose brother makes knives and sells a bunch and has specialized in D2 as well as unique kydex sheaths for years. A 10 minute grind, tops, a couple of cash per hour kydex makers and then no bolsters on the knives, but with Micarta slabs. $125.00+ and up.

Except for the polish my old buddie's brother's knives, they look remarkably like a Dozier knife, but in overall package look more like a Greco knife. Nothing wrong with either one, but in my mind and pocket book, not worth the money when one looks at the total package, regardless of what it took them to "get there."

Give me a Queen D2 and I'll bet the value per knife vs percieved quality in finish lies with Queen in the long run. Just my opinion and experience with knives from a military and woods perspective.

I don't get out much these days so I am probably all wet on this observation. But if I can buy a 30-50 dollar knife that is 10% less in overall package than the $245.00 knife then I think, however misguided, that I am ahead in the ball game. However, I think the Queen D2 fixed blade is as good a knife as one could want for a variety of tasks, at a price that is probably too low.

Craig in TN
 
I can't find a picture of that Queen knife, so I don't know exactly what sort of thing you're looking for... do you want a pretty small fixed blade or a "tactical" looking one? How small (is less than 3.5" fine, like you said, or would you prefer smaller? Between 3.0" and 3.5"? What blade length, what handles? Any preference in materials, in blade shape, in grind? I know you said you prefer cheaper knives, but do you have a max price point?

I've sorted through probably fifty or sixty of these things over the past month, trying to decide which is the best deal... for me, I finally decided on the Busse Assault Shaker, but that's probably more than you wanted to spend.

There was someone selling some small fixed blades over on the Custom Fixed Blades for Sale by Maker Forum... I believe he had one or two left... been looking pretty hard at the skeletonized one myself...
 
Mongo, Get ready to be amazed by your Dozier. I own this
knife and find it to be outstanding in doing just what Bob said
it will. Cut everything like it's a much bigger knife. His little
knife is really a do it all everyday knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top