Small inexpensive fixed blade

J

Joe Talmadge

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,842
Hi folks,

I'm looking for a small (4" ideal, 5" MAX) inexpensive fixed blade (I'm hoping <$50 but I might be flexible), strictly for defensive and weapon-retention purposes. My top priorities are what I just stated -- ~4" blade, inexpensive -- plus the knife needs to be very secure in the sheath unless I purposely pull it out. While I'd rather have high-quality materials than low-quality materials, given my price range I realize what I'm getting, so don't hesitate to suggest knives with 6A or whatever.

When I think of a knife that's not expensive but is a good value, CRKT comes to mind. The P/K Companion (3.5" 6M blade, $35) comes quickly to mind ... Ryan Plan B, bear claw, and Carson neck knife are all smaller than what I want. So first question: how well-done are the sheaths on the P/K Companion? If you had one strapped to you and you were grappling but didn't have the knife out yet, would you be afraid the knife would fall out?

Spyderco, Benchmade, and Gryphon entries are too expensive. Buck and Gerber have some interesting entries, but I don't know anything about their sheaths.

Thanks!
 
IMHO, the CRKT Companion is the best buy defensive knife in the price range that you mentioned. I can't see the Companion ever falling out of it's sheath. When I first got mine, I repeatedly sheathed and unsheathed the knife in order to losen up the fit.
 
blade is a little short, but how about a Schrade Sharpfinger in 1095 w/nice leather sheath that snaps? very inexpensive too.

michael
 
The Companion´s sheaths are bulky and look and feel cheap. But the knife is just great, so I would recommend buying one and having a custom sheath made for it. If you happen to like the original sheaths (although I think this is not very likely), even better.
This knife plus the sheath shouldn´t be far away from your budget.
 
Just to throw in another possibility-Kershaw Echo. 4" blade, AUS 8A. Around 30 bucks. Comes with a leather sheath, but I don't know how secure it is.

Jack
 
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
Hi folks,

I'm looking for a small (4" ideal, 5" MAX) inexpensive fixed blade (I'm hoping <$50 but I might be flexible), strictly for defensive and weapon-retention purposes. My top priorities are what I just stated -- ~4" blade, inexpensive -- plus the knife needs to be very secure in the sheath unless I purposely pull it out.
Click to expand...

Hi Joe,

The Cold Steel Desperado and Safe Keeper series of push knives might be worth considering for a dedicated defensive blade – they are pretty cheap and come with usable sheaths.


-Frank
 
Boker/Nealy collaboration comes to mind, might be a few bucks more than $50 new but I see them on ebay anywhere fom $25-$45

Look Here
 
Hey, you guys are fast. Thanks for all the suggestions so far, from everyone!

Some quick thoughts, having checked the knives I'm not familiar with:

Spyderco Moran: I love this knife, but as a defensive tool, the grip isn't secure enough in my hands.

Schrade Sharpfinger: Another great time-tested knife, but definitely a tad short.

SOG SEAL Pup: Seems to fit the specs. im2smart4u, could you describe the sheath, how the knife is held in, and how firmly it's held? Thanks!

Kershaw Echo: Seems to fit the bill perfectly! If someone can tell me about the sheath, it'd be on the short list.

Cold Steel Push Daggers: They'd be an interesting choice, though I'd have to retrain a bit for them.


So far, the Companion seems to still be the front-runner, since it meets all the specs, and more seems to be known about the sheath than the others. I don't care if the sheath is a bit clunky, provided it holds the knife securely.

Still, I plan to look at the Kershaw Echo, and secondariy the SEAL Pup (a bit bigger than I'd ideally like) as well. Definitely plan to check out the Companion sheath first-hand, too.

Keep 'em coming, if you got 'em! thanks

Joe
 
Have a look TOPS Strykar models.
I think I'm going to pick one up soon.
They have a small Tanto with Micarta thats nice.
40-50 on the net.

Cheers,
Hal
 
Geeez, at $18.99 for the Echo you could send it to Kenny Rowe for a sheath and still be under fifty bucks. :)

Jack
 
Originally posted by sandrat
joe,

here is a link to the echo sheath (small picture)
http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ec4nonserbla.html

seems to be standard with snap and slit for belt. they say it is "harness" leather


michael
Click to expand...

If this knife is like any Kershaw I've ever owned, it looks like a helluva deal for 19 bucks. Jeez, what can you buy for 19 bucks?

John in Boise

I must amend this a bit. Apparently the company selling this knife for $19 gets 10 bucks for shipping any item, which I consider a rip off for items this size.
 
The name that invented the fighting knife:

Kabar (short)
Blade length 5 1/4", overall length 9 1/4"

Under $50, very strong blade design, abuse it, Ka-bar fighting knives are made to be put to work in any application. Sure, not as sexy as the others, but they will get the job done. If not this, then any SOG fixed blade.
:)
Warthog
 
You should check out the Greco Cub Companion. On sale in the clearance section at bladeart.com for 49.95. When it comes to toughness, you can't beat a Greco.
 
My favorite production blade for strictly self defense purposes is the Cold Steel Desperado. I have a preference for blades angled forward because it works well with my fighting style. Also, the Desperado can be used effectively as a push dagger, without being classified by law as one. The only problem is the sheath. I've come across some that have good retention and some where I wasn't too impressed with the level of retention. The small handle makes it very easy to conceal. What I usually do is attach a "static cord" and carry IWB or in my pocket.

I now have multiple Desperados. One of them has been converted to a trainer. So I guess you could say I think highly of them.
 
If you want to go really cheap look at the Mora blades from Frosts or Ericksson. The sheaths are ugly but totally functional. That pretty well describes the knives, too. But for sheer cutting they are tough to beat. You can get them in stainless (probably Sandvik 12C27) or excellent high carbon steels.
 
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