Small fixed blade recommendation.

[22-rimfire]

If you snap the tip off drilling a hole for a bow drill, or prying on something, it's nice to have. Honestly, I think most people are more likely to have a handle screw come loose and fall out in the woods, or a sheath break, or have a scale crack than they are to snap the blade in half. I wouldn't make the decision to buy based solely on the warranty, but it's a differentiator, especially if you're comparing an ESEE to a KA-BAR or Ontario Knife Co. (which are essentially the same knives).

If you are prying something and break the tip, it's the user's fault. No warranty should cover such abuse. Kabar has a good warranty for defective product (especially Beckers). I have no particular knowledge of Ontario stuff... have a couple of their machetes which I hate, one chopper knife, and Old Hickory kitchen knives. I always bought ESEE versus RAT versions.

 

[Duper]

Have a look at the Arno Bernard Bush Bay series.

,,,Mike in Canada

 

[8-Fingers]

I have to whole-heartily agree about the Bradford knives selections for the OP's request suggestions for a small hiking knife/dog walking knife. Brad's brother (RainierKnives) also offers the FastPak (2nd from top) which is shown below as well as Bradford's G-Necker (top) are great solutions for just under 3.0" blade length. These are compared size-wise to the Bradford G3 (3rd from top) and the G3.5 below (bottom).... Now if you need something bigger than 3.5" I would also recommend the Bradford G4.5, G5 or the G5.5 (which I also own )...

 

[marchone]

I am looking to get a small fixed blade, 3-3.5 inches blade, in a stainless steel with a 90 degree spine that I would be able to carry on my backpack shoulder strap while hiking and for very light duties at camp. I would also want this to carry at night when walking my dog as a last resort against coyotes!

I am for some reason very drawn to the Blue Glow G10 handles with orange liners and am looking at the LT Wright small workhorse, maverick scout, and next gen. I have also looked at BRKT essential 2, and bravo EDC.

Does anybody have any of these knives for light carry and or any other knives I should be looking at? Thanks in advance!!

ESEE-3 with 3D G10 Handle

There are different handle colors. One is a bright zebra striped electric blue.

 

[Justme33]

I have to whole-heartily agree about the Bradford knives selections for the OP's request suggestions for a small hiking knife/dog walking knife. Brad's brother (RainierKnives) also offers the FastPak (2nd from top) which is shown below as well as Bradford's G-Necker (top) are great solutions for just under 3.0" blade length. These are compared size-wise to the Bradford G3 (3rd from top) and the G3.5 below (bottom).... Now if you need something bigger than 3.5" I would also recommend the Bradford G4.5, G5 or the G5.5 (which I also own )...

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you know if the guardian has a 90 spine? From the pictures I can’t tell.

 

[8-Fingers]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you know if the guardian has a 90 spine? From the pictures I can’t tell.

All four of the knives shown have 90 deg splines... You could also look into the White River Knives Backpacker series (3.0”) and their FireCraft series (3.5”), both with the same carry use of the Bradfords/Rainier...

Also the recommendation of any of the Spyderco Mule series would work as well and if you want a longer blade (4.4”) to do camp knife duties, the Spyderco Phil Wilson designed Bow River is extremely hard to beat for the price..

.

 

[rpn]

Don't know how much of a must the 90 degree spine is for you- but I LOVE my Joe Watson Magni. Awesome small carry knife with a great sheath and belt attachment.

 

[Willie71]

I was going out to take the picture when I found it... happened to have a knife handy to open the package; so I did.


That knife has been, by far, my most carried fixed blade since I got it. Maker is Willie71

This is music to my ears! Thank you for the compliment. My favorite steel, and one of the nicest pieces of curly maple I have had the pleasure of working with.

 

[Justme33]

IMO, the BRKT essential is over-priced for what it is, at least compared to other options, even within their own lineup. The mini Kephart is quite nice, though it doesn't have the 90-degree spine.

LT Wright should have some good options for you now that he is using AEB-L steel. I really like his coyote design, which is available again at DLT Trading at least, but it's not stainless. The small workhorse looks good as well. I like the bigger handles of the next gen, but for hiking it can be a big package.

The 90 degree spine will be a big the limiter on options unless you're willing to have one added for you.

Yeah, essential 2 is on sale for 270. Seems a bit pricey!!

 

[bikerector]

Yeah, essential 2 is on sale for 270. Seems a bit pricey!!

I had one I got in the trade. It is a very nice knife but I would never buy new unless it really spoke to me. Just too many other good options similar for better prices, even from BRKT themselves. But, if you find one 2nd hand at a much better price, it could be a good choice.

 

[V-1]

That knife has been, by far, my most carried fixed blade since I got it. Maker is Willie71

Thank you for the heads up!

 

[Justme33]

I think I’ve narrowed it down between the small workhorse and the great plainsman. Both a little smaller than I originally thought but I think the smaller size will be better to carry. Workhorse is stainless and brighter, but I love the shape of the plainsman. Decisions decisions!!!

 

[bikerector]

I think I’ve narrowed it down between the small workhorse and the great plainsman. Both a little smaller than I originally thought but I think the smaller size will be better to carry. Workhorse is stainless and brighter, but I love the shape of the plainsman. Decisions decisions!!!

The great plainsman is one that has always interested me from the aesthetics. The workhorse seems like a good no-nonsense option.

The newly released LT Bandit exclusive to Smokey Mountain Knife Works could be a great option as well.

 

[Ben Dover]

I'm rather fond of my BRKT "Lil TUSK."

 

[Justme33]

I ended up getting a brumby lite from the pout house! Perfect for my needs! Thanks for all the advice!!