Smaller modern fixed blades: What am I missing?

archieblue

archieblue

Joined
Mar 19, 2001
Messages
3,157
I'm really digging fixed blades lately. I've all but given up on folders. Sebs and SnGs do it for me like nothing else. Like everyone I do have certain interests & biases though. I've been on the hunt for "the one" (haha). I've been testing several against each other lately and I do really like some of the ones I have but they are all missing "something." Too thick, too thin, too long, too short, handle size/shape, & even just looks. I definitely prefer modern materials and look but nothing really tactocool. If Dylan Fletcher made a stainless Operator 425 I'd be all over it. But I would still prefer bolts or tubes holding the handle scales in place.

Here's a pic of what I have right now. Like I said I really dig them all but there are one or two things I would change if I could.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1385773769.969442.jpg
L to R they are:
Strider SLCC
Strider SA-GG
Strider EB-S
SYKCO MAXX 375
ESEE-3
TFK Rubicon
Fiddleback Forge -one off- CPM154
Phil Rose PSK 2
Boye Basic 3

I like a 3-4" blade, thicker stock but thinner grind, 4-5" handle, G10, carbon fiber, C-tek or similar handle & I prefer a kydex sheath.
So if you have or like something similar I'd love to hear about it! (Minus CRK FBs...I've had most of them and none were my cup o tea.). Thanks folks!
 
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Have Jason Wilder make you a fixed blade. Before his prices go up.
Jason made me a FB with a 3" blade that I just love.
Sorry no pic but I think Jason has one.
Nice FB collection, man.
rolf
 
If you're looking for something different here's my kwaiken by josh mason.



7 1/2 overall
 
Wow, Archie..you've got a nice collection!

I used to love my folders, but I'm hard on blades, sick of lint..wondering if they'd hold up in potentially extreme situations..disillusioned with "super steels" ..so was on the hunt for the perfect EDC fixed blade..tried a bunch, but turns out the one blade that has stayed in my pocket longer than any of them (folders included) is a little Esee Izula 2..balance is great, takes a beating, has been battoned repeatedly..and leaves no print in your pocket :)..I got rid of the Striders, Reeve's folders, and all I carry in my pockets, blade wise ,is it and a SAK..

Check it out..makes a killer necker too!
And, btw..is an awesome little throwing knife for when I'm bored (balance again is primo)!!

Blade, I think is a little over 2 1/2 inches...removable scales...rock solid sheath..still tight after all this time, and best edc ever (at least so far into the ever :D), all things considered....for the $..can't be beat.
In the pic there's a SOG Ti Vision for size comparison..man, I've beat the crud out of it over the last 10 years..freakin' tank of a folder..best SOG ever made, IMHO....nah...it is the best they've made so far, period.





Just to keep other options on the table, I'd love to one day have one of Murray Carter's neckers..seem like something amazing..and considering his rep/pedigree in the knife making realm..check em' out..but, have never had the honor of using one, so wanted to clarify that ;).
 
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I am currently carrying a Blind Horse Knives Snapp Knapp. I have had it for a few weeks and I love it. I have the large over all its around 6.5 inches. It is a very nice set up. I cannot post pics on here so if you want to see a picture send me an email address and I send you a pic or you can check out there website. I did attach a pocket clip from another knife to make it a little more pocket friendly.
 
I would say the Izula is a great knife . I would like to share this one that I made a few days ago with you.
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Try a Becker BK24 in D2 steel. Like the esee handles but on a Becker blade
 
Nice job flatblack :thumbup:

Op- I've never seen another Fiddleback like that one-off. Pretty cool, although it reminds me more of a kitchen type knife. Mind sharing how you came across it? Have you looked over Andy's new knives? I'm totally smitten. :)
 
My edc fixed blades are both in the 3.5-4 in range. Spyderco Street Beat when i feeling like going light weight or a ZT 0121 when i don't mind the extra weight. The handles are right under 4" i think, slightly smaller than what you specify but still plenty of grip.Both are decently thick stock and thin behind the edge. The ZT is a deceptively good slicer. My search for fixed blades has slowed to a crawl since owning these for awhile.
 
This has been my set up for the past 3 months.

(sorry for the pics quality)

R3andBullet_zps6b538542.jpg


The SwampRat Knife Works R3 is an amazing small package. And even if the blade is a little on the heavy side, in the pocketsheath, it holds straight up in the pocket and completely disappear... even in dressed up pants. The blade is 3" and the OA length is 6"7/8. Mine being a FFG, it is a hair under 3/16" at the spine.

R3andBullet2_zps03150726.jpg


Here's a picture of it when it arrived, all purdy and shiny. Now, the SR-101 being a high carbon steel, it has patined in a seriously sexy way (sorry, no pics)

Photo9-27-2013103939_zps475e21bf.jpg
 
Just noticed the 4-5" handle size and Stainless...

THEN...

I propose you have a look at this one; the Hairy Carry (still SRKW)

photo_zps86ec06a2.jpg


Most comfortable handle there is, and 154CM

3.5” blade; 8.25” oal

It's just a tad too large for me, but I really think they hit it out of the park for that size.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for a Spyderco Mule team in a variety of steels. It's a great size, very comfortable, 1/8" thick with a very nice blade geometry for slicing.

You can get bolt-on scales and a sheath to customize it to your liking too.

I've got a bunch and really like them.
 
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