Small thin drop point fixed blade wanted ...

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Oct 14, 1998
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I'm looking for a relatively small fixed blade drop point. It needs to be thin and needs to have excellent blade and edge geometry for cutting things like food, fabric, light wood (think feathering sticks for a fire) and other generally fine and/or detailed work. No prying, no batoning through logs, etc.

I prefer a modern stainless, no stamped steels please for blade material. I'm not opposed to 440C and similar but, would like SVN35 or similar. The blade needs to have a relatively flat profile (no small wheel 'flats') with a sabre or flat grind preferred. By thin, something around 5/32" thickness and a blade length of 3.5"~4.0" (nothing 3.0" or 5.0") as it needs to be unobtrusive tucked into a pants pocket, on a belt or, in a pack, bags, etc. I prefer something lightweight but, it needs to have a 'normal' sized handle for comfortable extended use.

For reference, the White River Firecraft Pro 3.5" model looks pretty good but, the ring handle and small scales are a bit hard to get past. The firesteel notch and firesteel are not really needed in my case but, I can get past that. If it had a more hand-filling grip, I think it would get me across the finish line in the checkout process. ;)

What do you recommend for a knife like this in the <$150 range of options?

TIA,
Sid
 
Have you looked at a lionsteel M1 or M4? What about a bradford guardian 3.5?
 
I’m not sure if it matches everything you are looking for but check out the Spyderco Streetbeat :-)
 
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The bottom one... but it's only 3/32, and 3.3" blade (m390)
 
Look for SamuraiStuart on the knife makers exchange. He makes great knives with everything you are looking for .
 
I like the Spyderco Bill Moran drop point, and the Gayle Bradley Bowie. I use the Moran as my field knife when hunting and camping. It is an easy carry, good sheath, works well when dressing deer, etc.


 
I’m not sure if it matches everything you are looking for but check out the Spyderco Streetbeat :)

Honestly the Street Beat is one of my favourite edc fixed blade but the knife is abit thick behind the edge and also not a drop point.


S Sid Post check out the White River Backpacker pro or Caper for some great edc fixed blade options.
 
You might check out the TRC Knives XS Splinter. Checks most of the boxes, but can be a little difficult to find sometimes. About 3.5" blade, N690/Elmax/M390 options for steel, maybe a little thinner than you want at around .100" thick. The regular XS Splinter (FFG) runs just over your price limit and the 'deluxe' (high sabre grind) runs about 50 bucks over, but still deserve a look IMO.

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Have you looked at a lionsteel M1 or M4? What about a bradford guardian 3.5?

The Bradford Guardian 3.5, while a good knife doesn't fit my hand well for some reason. The grip and scales are also a bit big for what I want.
 
Would rust be an issue with a BRK Mimi Kephart in 3V? The profile and size seem to be a good fit and prices run ~$150. 3V would certainly take a beating better in this thin stock than some other options I have looked at.
 
The Bradford Guardian 3.5, while a good knife doesn't fit my hand well for some reason. The grip and scales are also a bit big for what I want.

Had the exact same problem with it. Ended up getting a Sheepsfoot 3 in V4E that worked perfectly.
 
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