Small Fixed Blade Suggestions

Oh yeah how could I forget. Charlie Mike will make you a wicked fixed blade exactly how you want for within your price range.
 
On your list, I like the Esse 4, though it is pretty thick (heavy, not a great slicer).

Personally, I would avoid coated stainless steels, as the coatings will eventually wear or chip off exposing the reflective blade. When that happens on a carbon steel blade, it will eventually patina.

If it were me, I’d probably go with a Becker BK-16 with micarta handles.
 
hhmoore said:
You just described the Swamp Rat Ratmandu...but don't overlook the ESEE 4 or Guardian 4, all pictured below. (RMD is stripped, G4 available with DLC)
H1YXBgM.jpg
Click to expand...

The Ratmandu was the first thing on my mind as well, before even finishing reading the original post :thumbsup: You can order a custom kydex or you can always use a generic Spec-Ops sheath
 
Have this one landing Tuesday. Steel used is Tamahagane made by hand from iron sand, smelted then forged and folded to a higher number than I can count...
3 5/8" blade, 7" OAL.
IMG_5234_opt.jpg IMG_5242_opt.jpg IMG_5249_opt.jpg IMG_8520.jpg IMG_8586.jpg
Purchased for a song off of the exchange.
 
Last edited:
It seems like you're describing the ESEE 6. 5.75" sharpened, black coating, comes with a MOLLE sheath if you so choose, very pronounced choil, where your hand can go in front or behind the choil, depending on the activity. It has the full appearance of a tactical or combat knife, when really it is an EXCELLENT outdoor knife as well. IMO, it is the best ESEE in the lineup. It will be way under your price requirement, as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
Gideons said:
Hey BF,
I have been looking for a small(ish) and lighter fixed blade that will prefer all possible tasks during; camping ,long hikes and infantry/paratrooper activities. Blade Length 4" - 6" with preferable around 5.25". I require the knife to have a large/prominent finger choil/guard and strongly prefer black DLC coated blade, or any non-reflective blade . Price requirements probably sub $400, but always cheaper the better. The sheath specifics I want most likely will have to be custom, I want a strong kydex sheath that needs to be extremely secure but quick to access, but also need it to be jump qualified sheath. At the same time I hate snaps, so I would want to remove easily or out of the way and unless when required I would not use the secondary retention method or are there other methods of secondary retention?... anyways that will be another thread most likely. So, production sheath while important, won't break a knife for me.

The knives I've been considering are:
Gryphon M10
Esee-3
Esee-4
Cold Steel Master Hunter 3V (DLC)
Cold Steel SRK 3V (DLC)
Fallkniven S1 (black coated)
Chris Reeve 5.5" Green Beret
Benchmade Nimravus

What are your suggestions? Look forward for your input!

-Gideons
Click to expand...

NO CHOILS that I know of.

Right now I am looking at a Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter Fixed 4.43" S30V Satin Blade, and Winkler's 3 inch Everycarry.

I have two Winkler Knives and Mastersmith Jason Knight models and they rock. Am thinking abt buying the 3 inch Everycarry model so that I have all 3. The knives are 80CrV2 and the sheaths are probably the best that I own and are apparently leather/kydex/lined.

EDIT!
Bought a Bradford Guardian 3 M390 and Winkler Everrycarry.
 
Last edited:
I'm surprised no one said the Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie . Ergonomics are great, good blade size, DLC coating and deep choil guard area. Not that the other recommendations are lacking.
 
Landi makes some nice little fixed blade knives.
He’s here on the forum and they’re easy on the pocketbook too.
 
Bradford Knives has a G4.5 model available for order.

Edit, taco and pancake Kydex sheath options, also.
 
  • Like
Reactions: vba
Another vote for the Ratmandu. I guess that knife is my most used EDC from the Busse compound. For a trek in the wilderness, I usually have the Basic 9 close by.

A good buddy of mine carries the AMS. Seems to be a winner also in the small knife category...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top