Small inexpensive fixed blade

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
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!
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Sorry for the slow reply...

The sheath is kydex with a nylon belt loop and some sort of synthetic clip on the front. There is at least an inch of kydex at the top that is formed to the shape of the handle, particularly the "guard" part. It requires a fair bit of force to insert the blade back into the sheath. The blade can easily be removed by pushing away the kydex with your thumb. Plus, there is a strap with button on the nylon as extra retention.
 
I love the blade on that Echo, and the handle looks comfortable.
The Cold Steel pushdaggers would make for a great weapon, and I can't imagine anybody getting it away from you. I gave my old Terminator to a female friend years ago, but it's size made for some great carry options, like clipped inside the wrist on the sleeve of a winter jacket-out of sight, but easy access, when anything else would have been under a couple layers of clothes, or stuck in a pocket. Worked great IWB under a t-shirt, and could even be carried as a boot knife. The newer sheaths are different, I think. Mine had a leather sheath with a spring clip typical of "boot knife" sheaths. Wonder what's different about them because of the price. IIRC, the Terminator was ~$100(?) ten years ago.

ummm, what about one of your TTKKs? Great for slicing and dicing, in the camp, kitchen, and on bad guys....:D
 
Thanks guys! My thoughts on the latest round of excellent suggestions:

Boker/Nealy: Great suggestion, and I've always admired Nealy's overall system, especially the sheath. However, I disagree about the lack of need for a guard. Or rather, I think Nealy's stuff makes more sense for a knife that has to stay concelaed, since it doesn't have a guard to get in the way. For my purposes, it must have at least a rudimentary guard.

Deerhunter: I wanted a bit more robust blade. Otherwise, it's great, especially the thumbolt sheath.

Small kabar: Well, I can't argue this is a classic combat/utility knife. However, my purposes are a little more narrow -- defensive and retention use -- so the kabar suffers from something that the SOG pup also suffers, a handle that works better for a combat/utility than a defensive knife, at least in my mind.

Greco Cub Companion: Wow! Killer find! I'm not entirely sure I want a tool steel for this knife, since it'll be left in its sheath for months at a time, but what a great deal. It's high on my list.

Frost/Ericksson puukkos: Love these knives, but guardless and with oval handles, too slippery for what I have in mind. On the other hand, don't they also have models with guards? I'll take another look at them. Deep pouch friction-fit sheaths are usually cheap, but plenty secure. I think I want more robust blades. No argument though that these are some all-around awesome knives at optimal bang for the buck.

Cold Steel Desperado: Cool knife, the pic makes me want to run away screaming :) But the handle doesn't do it for me. I do have a Vaquero Grande which I like, and carry sometimes.

TTKK: Why yes, it does fill any number of roles (including a defensive role) really well, thanks for pointing that out! It is, of course, much more expensive than my price range. I do have one at home already, but it's also my most-used fixed blade knife, for just about any purpose. The reason why I'm looking for a cheap knife is that I'm going to hang it on my bump-in-the-night belt (which has the holster for the Glock, etc.). So this knife is mostly just going to sit in the closet, and may very well never be used. That's why I just want a cheap-but-functional knife. I couldn't bear to leave my TTKK or even my Deerhunter in the closet for so long!


Thanks for this round of excellent suggestions! I don't know whether or not you all like this way of the topic starter giving feedback on all the suggestions as we go along. But I always thought it'd be interesting to hear what the questioner thought of the suggestions, so I decided that next question I asked, I'd try it out.

Joe
 
Joe I've got a couple of Unlikely suggestions. First the Buck 102 Woodsman. Blade is 4" clip point and the price is right. Unfortunately, Buck is no longer making the flap over sheaths that I consider the best production knife sheaths I've ever seen but you may be able to buy a new knife and pick up an extra old style sheath on the knives wanted forum. You would still be under $50. Second would be a Grohmann Canadian Jump Knife. Unlike the other Grohmann sheaths, this is a flap over design that fastens with a stud. Last if you are willing to put in the time to retrain, as you mentioned above with the Safekeepers, I would suggest either the Outdoor Edge Gameskinner or the Whitetail Skinner. Both have a very secure T handle grip and the sheaths are more than adequate. The other thing I like about all of the above knives is that in addition to being very servicable in a self defense role they are not strictly speaking fighting or tactical knives so that if you ever find yourself in a situation where you would have to explain or defend your reason for carrying, you are going to be in a much better position than if you were carrying a CS Safekeeper I or II. BTW, the original names for the Safekeepers were The Urban Skinner and the Terminator and there is a reason for that.

phantom4
 
You might also want to look at the Cold Steel Pendleton(sp?) Hunter or the smaller Mini Pendleton Hunter.
The steel is aus-8.
I don't have one but am planning on getting the Mini to stick into my right front pocket where I currently have a CS voyager folder. I'm planning on replacing all my edc folders with small fixed blades, yip call me crazy but I like fixed blades better than folders nowadays.:p
 
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ARCLITE™ (Serrated)
Made from 420HC steel, the Arclite's slim profile is both comfortable to hold and easy to use. The skeletonized handle keeps this utility cutter lightweight and secure under varied gripping conditions. A notched lanyard hole is present for attaching a thong or cord - you can also cord wrap the handle should you so choose. A hand crafted Kydex sheath is included with each knife as well as a ball neck chain. If you would like to increase your carrying options, the sheath has been built to accept the Blade-Tech TekLock buckle system (sold separately); just attach the TekLock and your knife is now ready to be carried on your belt, attached to web gear, or clipped to a safety harness.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length, Overall: 7.875"
Blade Length: 3.125"
Blade Material: 420HC
Handle Length: 3.5"
Handle Material: 420HC
Weight: 3.28 oz
Sheath Material: Kydex

MSRP $29.49

;)
 
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Mike Sastre of River City Sheaths sells the Companion with the addition of one of Mike's modular sheaths. You get the full CRKT package, plus the custom sheath.

This might be over-sheathing it in some folks minds, but the sheath that Mike made for my 440V Polkowski Companion is fast on the draw and presents much more of the handle for an accurate fast grab. Mine's not a tight fit, but that's mine - yours can be discussed with the maker beforehand. Mine clicks in secure enough for me and yanks out in a blink.

The modularity affords righty/ lefty carry; straight up; IWB or draw point. Mine is appendix carry.
 

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The Kershaw Echo looks to be an excellent choice. How about the Kershaw Amphibian? Almost 4 inches, has a double guard, double edged with plain on one side and serrated on the other, and choice of sheaths. I have one on the way with the leather sheath. Price is around $35 to $40 on Ebay. I paid $39.00 for mine and that included shipping. Big D1
 
Joe Talmadge

The handle on the Desperado isn't for everyone. One of my training partners thinks the Desperado is the stupidest design ever. However, some people are surprised by the secure grip it has to offer, especially when used as a push dagger. If it's possible try to handle one so you can see for sure.

How about these:

http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/productimages/cat202actionphoto.jpg
http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/productimages/ch263action.jpg
http://www.newtlivesay.com/newt_livesay_UJI.htm
http://www.newtlivesay.com/newt_livesay_NRGS.htm

I can't comment on them because I've never owned them. However, at one time or another I've thought about picking these up.
 
Originally posted by VOODOO CHILD
Joe Talmadge

The handle on the Desperado isn't for everyone.
http://www.newtlivesay.com/newt_livesay_UJI.htm
http://www.newtlivesay.com/newt_livesay_NRGS.htm
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I was just about to suggest Newt Livesay as well :)

As for the Desperado, I think it's great! I handled one recently and it exceeded my expectations...that egg shaped grip is very comfortable and allows for a multitude of grips...incidentally, Bud Neally offers a more expensive version (designed by Mroz)

RL
 
Regarding your search for an inexpensive fixed blade in or below the $50 range I suggest a Greco Cub Companion which can be had from Blade Art...it's a 3/16 of an inch thick of very sharp high quality tool steel with a clear coat finish to protect it from rust....the blade can be honed to an astounding hair shaving edge, it's hollow ground edge measures 3 and 3/4 inches,with a black micarta handle: included is a great ( VERY SECURE ) black leather sheath that puts most non custom kydex to shame! The knife is what I would call semi-custom: made in batches by an underrated craftsman by the name of John Greco..there is NO comparison to anything in its price range IMO,,,it costs $49.95 and the balance on this little work or art is something to marvel at....why in the world this is going so inexpensively is out of my comprehension...if this discription meets your requirements you would have to circle the globe to find anything comparable in its price range.... AUS-6 steel indeed can't even touch this knife's edge...hell for the rest of you not even looking for a new blade ...don't let this deal pass.......they are on closeout special fom Blade Art (Type "Blade Art" in your search engine)....just my opinion...GRAMPS
 
Following the outlines provided by Joe T., The CRK & T Kasper Companion is the way to go. Its primary and perhaps only intended design is for personal protection purposes. The handle design/ contours were made to lock the knife into your hands. Full tang, decent steel, and durable synthetic removeable scales in a package that is priced right. The provided sheaths is not that bulky at all. It is close to as thin and compact as most other kydex models. The clip attachments however, need to be recycled. Here is a simple alternative to having to to have a new sheath made. Have a (or several depending on angle of carry preference) "J" hook clip made with 2 holes drilled that will correspond with the holes in the provided IWB sheath. Attach with 2 screws (type that Tech Locks use) along with the rubber grommets. Voila! You now have a sheath that carries the knife inside the waistband on the strong side abdomen at a cant in the same manner in which the custom version of the Companion is made by Al Polkowski. I have been carrying mine in this manner on a regular basis for a long time now. Too simple. right? :)
 
Hi Joe,

I think your request for more info on the SEAL Pup sheath went unanswered. Here's a picture of its sheath.

kydex.gif
 
Originally posted by Ron@SOG
I think your request for more info on the SEAL Pup sheath went unanswered. Here's a picture of its sheath.

kydex.gif
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It didn't go unanswered! Look at the top of the page! :p

But thanks for the pic! ;) :D
 
How about the forthcoming production version of Neil Blackwood's small hybrid from Outdoor Edge? I have a custom version and it is one awesome knife. I can't wait to see the production version.
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
It didn't go unanswered! Look at the top of the page! :p

But thanks for the pic! ;) :D
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Oops! Sorry. That's what happens when I come to work sick.

Coughing...choking...sniffling..bleary-eyed...want-ta-be-sleepin' ...
 
Phew! Maybe I'm wrong and I can't keep up with all suggestions! I'll try to hit them all.

TOPS Strykar: TOPS reviews have been uniformly great. For me, the small version is too small, plus I don't like the blade shape. The large version is out of my price range. Nice stuff though, I hadn't browsed the TOPS page in a long time.

Buck 102: Meets all the specs, though with a handle that's less secure than the P/K Companion. I knew Buck would probably have multiple knives, mostly hunters rather than "tactical" knives, that would meet the specs nicely.

Grohmann Canadian Jump Knife: Couldn't find a pic, but I know their knives, and I'll bet it also meets the spec, albeit with probably a slightly less secure handle than even the Buck.

Cold Steel Pendleton: Blade is a tad short, but it also meets the specs.

*** One thing I should have noted about sheaths. I did say I wanted a secure sheath, and that is a top requirement. On the other hand, I'd also like a quick draw sheath. These requirements seem to be contrasting, but I'm not sure they are, completely. I think the combat/utility and hunting knives that hold the knives in through a snap-closed loop are usually very secure, but slower in the draw than a friction fit sheath (or better yet, friction fit plus a kydex lip that folds over for extra security, and must be thumbed out before the draw). That's why the P/K Companion is still tops on the list -- there are other knives that seem just as good, but you have to take into account handle security and sheath security and draw speed. 'course, some of these knives are so inexpensive that I could also afford an after-market quick-draw sheath.

Newt Livesay Bushi: Awesome knife, $50 too expensive.

ArcLite: I think this knife is awesome. This knife was designed partially for ease of carry as a neck knife, and it's awesome in that role (I've handled both the production and custom versions, all great). But I don't want to make any compromises for carryability, and handle security is sacrificed on a skeletonized handle. On the other hand, a simple cord wrap might be all that's needed to make the thing super grippy. Thanks for bringing it to my attention Will.

Livesay Uji: Nice looking knife, but I have the same comment as I had for the Nealy: I think a guardless handle has no place on a defensive knife that doesn't need to be concealed. For a knife that has to be concealed, it's a viable option.

Livesay NRGS: Whoa, awesome! Meets the specs perfectly, and I see I can order a cross-draw instead of a neck sheath. My only concern would be whether or not the thing will stain if left in its sheath for months at a time. But it's parkerized, so some Tuff Glide should be all that's needed to keep it safe.

The two TOPS knives: No need to go skeletonized, I think I'd give up too much in grip security versus the Companion, NRGS, or any other number of knives.

Greco Cub Companion: Yep, great option. The A-2 is coated, is it?

SEAL Pup: Thanks Ron. I'm leaning more towards something that comes with a quick-draw sheath, but that's a great little package there.

Outdoor Edge/Blackwood: Haven't seen it yet, I'll keep an eye out for it.


Thanks!

Joe
 
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