Recommendation? Suggestions for next fixed blade knife?

19-3ben

19-3ben

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
4,666
OK i'm looking for a unique creature.

I need a fixed blade that will be handy for woods carry. Fixed blade limit here in CT is 4 inches. in case I just want to carry it around, i don't want to run afoul of the idiotic law, so let's call 3.9" the max length, and the closer I get to that, without going over, the better. I'm not into tactical, so we're looking at relatively traditional designs. I'll give you my list of wants and needs.

NEED
- Top budget, about $90-100 (less is better)
- Blade no longer than 3.9" If it hits the 4" mark, it's out of the running
- Traditional styling.
- Blade and handle shape conducive to woodcraft.

WANT
- As non threatening looking as possible. Leather sheath, wood or micarta scales, all good.
- A steel that is relatively easy to sharpen on standard ceramic rods and a strop.
- Prefer micarta, or wood scales, and open to G10.
- Looking to avoid polymer/FRN/Grivory scales.
- Probably not interested in a hollow grind.
- Made in USA is preferred, but not make or break.
- Prefer black coated blades (but I can always strip as needed so not make/break)

Knives that fit the category that I've already had experience with:
I've already had an ESEE 3. I loved it but the handle scales were too thin. (I admit i didn't try it with the TKC scales though...)
ESEE3HM- too round and fat in the handle for my liking.
Becker BK14- handle too short. (If it had the Izula 2 handle, I'd already own it)

Knives that kinda sorta fit the bill-
Kabar Globetrotter- checks all of the "need" the boxes, but polymer scales and no leather sheath option make it tough.
Condor Mayflower- looks about right. Wish the blade was a little longer, but it's in the running.
Condor Neo-Nessmuck- it seems to check all the boxes. This is the top contender at the moment.


OK guys, what am I missing? I know there have got to be some good options I'm not considering... help me out here.
 
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I haven't checked his current prices; but this one by GWK should fit the bill. (Didn't come with a sheath, though.)
It's his M4 model... increased to 3.75" blade at my request.
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*edited to add - I just checked his site; and his prices have increased.
 
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A tad over your budget, but the Fällkniven F1 is an excellent knife. The leather dangler sheath is high quality, the laminated VG10 is excellent and easy to maintain. The handle is thermorun, but very grippy and durable. They are available both plain and coated.

The F1 is excellent for bushcraft and camp chores, and is deservedly popular amongst the outdoors community. Its blade measures 3.86”. If you can afford one, I thoroughly recommend the F1.

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Have you checked the knifemakers forum here at BF? You might find something that fits your criteria and price range. Don't hesitate to PM/email a maker and ask questions if you see something similar is style and price.

A few to consider...
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/59-mps-in-sculpted-g10.1573993/
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/95.1573945/

TKC knife builder will get a ESEE 3 + TKC scales = 99.39 + s/h (not sure what $ gets you free shipping, guessing you are close tho..)

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Small-Selkirk-Fixed-Blade--66594
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Fox-Knives-European-Hunter-Drop--31400
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Realsteel-Knives-Observer-Fixed--32450

EDIT: Don't forget a Mora knife. Several with a sub 4
blade length. Nothing fancy but a solid knife that won't scare anyone.
 
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Check out Enzo Trapper or Elver knives.
Available in various steels, grinds and handle materials with nice leather sheaths.

Here's my Elver in O1 steel, scandi grind and natural micarta handles
zfqwOt-fjyf7VgFU6dKuotyCfMTkumvre1k-t-C_N0YcHk6oCoCfD7QeGrZKhRtHTuyQpb37G2zTTbnpMIBlsStEIn5N1qy2nbDyJdNR9RK7L9U9Psz8m12lpy78ZmOrTd_XlsxSznJ765bA1ktuctRez9ykErb7miwASHBKLxthyCgpSg7powelw4qdBCwRkjP0CIaj-22WawO6MeFv2lCWx4ELDxUKiieHCiDR7wUQVpqfDEbIUVGzZ4BWusUJ1kLhu-YZzVZXpAZuXgapLDw2pWBzYjo7aJ6sz-DXeQ1r2Ey2sZrmFVtieAQVhHsibxw--U80gEEXDo8X0NtvLO-VxmuNrKZ1mqabOGL8jBnB4twGuoUU5DPiDc0OzqgSZkpxBtPseuv7TQayx93f7a78OdlLYcnLQ6zexPcnIfmHa7Hjph_Z6K1x3O7iBX05NPVbMs0n02FUQqOIJISRiOLsiyYeOHOEJhMOX4f-tH3jCuIo2-CQK-nUmPleQN_bTyOp7KYgfBGcipEd9k51ilV7raOeGXKqjrkACeDQMGyyoPW6IU0zi-OXqDHsaGAVQuyqYCDNDu8ePBdhrQqrkr995xUgjHMvkgRohas=w800-h533-no
 
Enzo trappers are great! I have several in different steels and love them. Also the manly patriot in D2 should come in under your budget.
 
Buck 113 ranger Skinner would fit the bill pretty well at around $75.



So would the mora classic #1 with a 3.85" blade, but it comes with a plastic sheath.
At $14 though an aftermarket sheath isn't out of the question.
 
I’ve held the ESEE 3 with the TKC scales and they are a definite improvement. Especially the +.5” length version.
 
I would look at some puukkos ... Helle and Kellam both make some really nice knives that should check all your boxes ... and are great for woodcraft and general outdoor uses.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
I would look at some puukkos ... Helle and Kellam both make some really nice knives that should check all your boxes ... and are great for woodcraft and general outdoor uses.
Click to expand...
Good call. :thumbsup:

The Helle Eggen would fit the bill nicely. Curly Birch handle, good quality leather sheath, triple laminated stainless steel blade at 3.9”. I have the Helle Gaupe, which is a little bigger - it’s a very fine knife.
 
Yeah both Helle and Kellam have some nice knives that are very comfortable wooden handles that fit in the size range and have good leather sheaths ...

Martini makes nice knives also but I'm not up on their prices or sizes ... I know the Helle and Kellam are great choices.
 
The small Condor Bushlore is pretty handy considering it only has a 3" blade. I carry it sometimes in the woods. Non-threatening is it's middle name.

Was going to suggest the Condor Two Rivers skinner, but I believe it has a 4" blade.
 
I would agree with the Kellem wolverine or Pukkoo. Mora garberg is close to 4". Mora bushcraft black is close too. I'm not super sure on exact measurements.

One maker on these forums that comes to mind is Landis knives. The guy makes really nice knives for a very affordable price.
 
Wow. A few very thoughtful and intriguing replies here. I looked at Landi's stuff and looks VERY reasonable for the work. Reminds me a bit of Goldman.. I never see him post anymore. I wonder what happened to him.

LukeTheSpook said:
Mora garberg is close to 4". Mora bushcraft black is close too.
Click to expand...
I have the Bushcraft black. The Garberg is 4.3". Otherwise, it would answer a lot of these questions. It's actually almost identical in size to my beloved BK16, which is just a hair too long if someone wanted to be all persnickety. The falkniven f1 was mentioned above, and I might do that. I see them on the exchange at the high end of my price range pretty frequently.

I’ve never given much thought to puukos, it this is changing my mind...

On another note, any thoughts on the Tops Scandi Trekker?
 
Lt wright next gen in a2 flat grind with natural micarta for $135. A little over your budget but it comes with a super nice sheath.

I have a next gen (3v) the micarta is top notch and it melts into your hand.

Within your budget you could get a lt wright bushbaby in 1075.
 
Lt Wright bushcraft HC or Bushbaby HC, or lately I have been seeing a lot of good deals on Landi knives, has some up for about 60 in sculpted g10 in 1095. I got an EDC and PSK models in A2. Manly Patriot in D2, I have one that I wanted to see how D2 works, I have been told a little harder to sharpen which will test my skills.

Just noticed that GLDrew has one left on the exchange for 95, 1095 in micarta and 3.5 inch blade.
 
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