small fixed blade EDC & carry system?

Verzejd · Feb 26, 2003

All,
I am looking for my 1st small(about 7" total) fixed blade EDC knife. Use: general utility/last ditch SD; in the Army & would take it to the field, but not put it on my LBE; would keep it with me close. Don't want a neck knife carry system; but still something that has easy accessibility; maybe Inside Waist Band. What do think of kydex, leather, etc...? What other carry systems should I consider? Models & brands I have found on the WWW that look good (IMO only): Newt Livesay has several that seem to fit my needs; Woo, Peckerwood, BHB, etc.... Haven't handled a Livesay, but they look sweet. Keen Edge Knife Works has a knife called the Pukulan that is nice looking (7 5/8 length; 3 3/8 blade). Fallkniven has another good looking knife I am interested in: WM1...& the sheath that is appealing for my uses is the OHO (One Hand Operated). Price range: max $50-85. Looking forward to to all your recommendations & suggestions.

Sundsvall · Feb 26, 2003

As a small blade that serves as a last ditch self defense I would carry the Cold Steel Safekeeper II.

3-3/4"Blade 6-3/8" OAL , kraton handle push dagger. Kydex sheath w/ clip, can be worn IWB, or clipped elsewhere.

Double edge 420 subzero quench stainless steel. They are shaving sharp from the factory.

The pushdagger handle is really comfortable IWB and the sheath design makes it very accessible. Also, t-grip push daggers are very easy to deploy and wield. The fundamental design makes weapon retention very good. Hell, you can even use your hand to manipulate things while hanging on to the knife between two fingers.

Best part: costs around $40 on ebay or online retailers.

If you are really hardcore, there is a 5 inch version of the same knife called the SafeKeeper I. It is out of production, but once in a while you see them on the sale forums.

The shortest of the safekeeper series - safekeeper III has a 2.5" single edge spearpoint blade, 5" OAL. Smaller means easier to carry everywhere. Single edge means more utility.

The older safekeepers were manufactured in Japan and were of pretty good quality. The newer ones that are manufactured in Taiwan and not as good, but they fit your need and your budget.

MW740 · Feb 26, 2003

I like the CRKT Companion. I find that it carries well IWB or multiple other ways with the two sheaths that it comes with. It is a low cost knife that has great ergonomics.

nonbox · Feb 26, 2003

I'm a CRKT fan. CRKT Companion is heavy and the sheath sucks but if you are low on $ its still a good buy.

The Porcupine · Feb 27, 2003

I would suggest a Fällkniven F 1 and one of Normarks excellent kydex sheaths.

pic of mine:

Normark (On Scene/Tactical)

I seldom notice it's there and it doesn't show much under clothes.
The Fällkniven WM-1 is great too! On my wishlist!
Another alternative might be a Benchmade Outbounder (180) with a Normark sheath.

Bo

beluga · Feb 27, 2003

I second Fallkniven F1.

Or pay some extra $$ and get a Dozier fixed blade.
It's worth more than what you pay for.

peacefuljeffrey · Feb 27, 2003

It's funny how coincidences work... Only this Monday, an order I made from Knifecenter.com arrived, and in it were two Timberline Mini Pit Bull knives.

And here's you, asking for input about a small fixed-blade knife to get. I MUST insist that for $28, I cannot think of a better designed, better made, more stout and durable-seeming knife than the one mentioned above. It is cheap enough that I bought two of them, and despite that fact it is now my favorite personally-owned knife. I am more fond of it than my blue combo-edged Delica, my Co-pilot, my Benchmade Mini-Griptilian, my Benchmade Tether Knife, even my Glock Anti-Terrorist Knife! The MPB now sees regular daily carry in its SUPER-SNUG plastic sheath (suitable for neck or belt carry). I swear there is not an iota of play between the knife and sheath when it is seated. I love that about it.

Really, please do yourself a favor and check out this affordable, quality knife. I am a total convert!

Sergiusz Mitin · Feb 27, 2003

One vote more for Fallkniven F1. Their WM1 is neat little knife very useful for precise work and/or as backup blade, however it is too small to be any good basic cutting tool.

What about SPYDERCO Bill Moran Featherweight? Great (but really great!) cutter, very lightweight and easy to carry, excellent multi-carry factory sheath. Poor prybar anyway...