Suggestions for small utility fixed blades

folsom

folsom

Joined
Oct 23, 2000
Messages
346
This search started when I was looking for an inexpensive small fixed blade to give to my twin sons for their 11th birthday. I'm looking for a knife with a 3 1/2-4" blade, something like a drop point, and not too "scary" looking. For general purpose use, some whittling, camp work, and so forth. There isn't much out there. I was looking at the Ka-Bar 6" with rosewood handles, but nobody seems to have them in stock. What do other people use for this kind of task?

I realize that this is a kind of knife I'd like also, so I'm looking for both inexpensive and moderately priced ideas. Any help?

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Al Folsom alan_folsom@email.com
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Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Then he'll be a mile away, and barefoot!
 
Definitely check out Ragweed Forge http://www.ragweedforge.com/ and especially his Scandinavian knives.

He's got small utility knives specifically made for children, although you may find some of the other knives equally appropriate.

The prices are right, the blades are tough and compact, the handles are an excellent grip.
 
Check out the Frosts of Sweden Mora knives. They are exactly what you are looking for I think. You can find them at Woodcraft. They have a website but I don't know the address. A search would be sure to turn it up though. These are great knives. Laminated carbon steel for strengh and ease of sharpening. A couple of blade sizes and styles to choose from, full tang construction with wood handles. I love mine.
 
If you want to take a step up from basic procuction stuff, but still want to keep price reasonable I would recommend Mineral Mountain, Newt Livesay or Greco knives. All three make really good users with great prices.

You can do a search in this forum or custom for their info.
 
My favorite small fixed blade is the Talon from Camillus. It retails for $340.00 U.S..
This knife has a great feel in the hand. It comes with a 3 inch Talonite blade which seems to cut forever without sharpening. If you do manage to dull the blade it is not that hard to get it razor sharp again.
 
I think you should check out A.G.Russell's
Dear Hunter model It should fit the bill.
JOCKO
 
The above suggestions are all good choices. The only thing I can think to add is the Camillus Arc lite due out in early December.

Paul
 
D.H. Russel number 1 or number 2 fits your bill. You can have stainless or carbon steel too! they come with great leather sheaths and ARE NOT scary looking. The number 2 is smaller and may be best for young'uns but the number one ought not be too big. They are also know as Grohmann knives, as Grohmann made them for D.H. Russel and sells them undere that name.

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"Come What May..."
 
You don't mention how much you want to spend. Check out the Deer Hunter from A.G. Russel, the Spyderco Moran, the Fallkniven F1 or H1. These are excellent cutting tools for under $100. If you are going over that, get a hand made knife. Some of the best hand made values are from Bob Dozier, but there are many knife makers who make an excellent tool for under $200. Surf the net. Start with Neil Blackwood for one, Lynn Dawson for another. Enjoy the search.
 
As a Scout (Eagle, Troop 2, Appleton, Wisconsin), and having been a Cubmaster, I'd recommend something sturdy and cheap that will hold up to real abuse. The Frost or Ericksson knives from Mora, Sweden, fit the bill. Ericksson are a tad sturdier, IMHO, although I prefer the Frosts laminated knives. The plastic handled ones are great beaters, come with a safe (albeit ugly) plastic sheath, and the bright colors make them difficult to lose... well, maybe not for an 11 year old, thinking back a bit. I left a trail of lost knives when I was that age. You can get them in carbon steel for better edge holding or excellent stainless (probably Sandvick 12C27).
 
How about a matching set of Buck Model 102 Woodsman's? Or maybe the Woodsman Cocabola? The pair will cost less than $100 and I bet they outlast the kids. I still use the same Woodsman for deer hunting that I got when I was in Boy Scouts, nearly 30 years ago. That knife is still hard to tell apart from a new one, but I think I've had 3 or 4 new sheaths for it. I'd love to get a kydex sheath for mine.
 
All the suggestions already given are GREAT. If you want hand made at a great price, consider Allen Blades MEUK and Tadpole Knives. I have one of each on order. Ragweed Forge definitely has some great Scandinavian utility blades at great prices. If you want SUPER quality in a production knife at a great price, consider Fallkniven's F-1 Model. You'll have to look far and wide to find a better drop point hunter for around $60-$70. Cold Steel's Master Hunter is also a great choice, at only $50.
 
I agree with sgtmike88.I have a 102 Woodsman I bought in '79.I have more knives than I know what to do with,but when I go out the door to camp,fish,or hike,the 102 is the one I grab.It's one of those knives for kids and adults alike that is very seldom mentioned,except by those that own one.To me it is a all around "old standby".
 
If you can deal with a 3 inch blade, you might try the REKAT Pikuni.

biggrin.gif


Available here.

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iktomi

[This message has been edited by rockspyder (edited 11-21-2000).]
 
Wow! Thanks for all the responses, and keep them coming! I'm looking into several of the
responses, though I doubt a Camillus Talonite is appropriate for 11 year olds.
wink.gif


For the scout from Alberta, good to hear from you! I am the the scoutmaster for Troop 172 in Warrington PA, and my older son(17) is the SPL. His brothers will be graduating from the pack, where I was the cubmaster for 3 years, in March or April.

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Al Folsom alan_folsom@email.com
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Before you criticise a man, walk a mile in his shoes. Then he'll be a mile away, and barefoot!
 
My suggestion would be for a Schrade Sharpfinger. The Frosts are nicely priced but I think an 11 year old should probably have a knife with a more secure grip. Some of the Frosts have a rubber grip with a guard that might be the ticket. Also, you might want to check these out:
click here /cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=
17618&cgmenbr=1&parentCategory=3965&shop_method=pp&sc1=SHOP&sc2=Sporting_Gear_Apparel&sc3=
Hunting_Gear&s c4=Accessor]http://www.llbean.com/cgi-bin/nco
mmerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=17618&cgmenbr
=1&parentCategory=3965&shop_method=pp&sc1=SHO
P&sc2=Sporting_Gear_Apparel&sc3=Hunting_Gear&
sc4=Accessories&sc5=Tools_Knives

[I've abbreviated the URL 'cause it was creating a very wide window.]

If that link is too hard to follow (
biggrin.gif
), just go to ww.llbean.com, hunting accessories, and click on big game knives. These are made by Schrade. They are the old PH (pro hunter line) and I think this is the only place you can still find them. The overall design is great for hunting and camp use, and while these knives are not exotic, they are certainly useful and durable, and the grip is of I kind I favor for utility use.


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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM


[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 11-22-2000).]
 
Newt Livesay makes a terrific little utility knife called the Little Pecker. The blade is 3", with a good point and alot of belly. The knife is made of very well heat treated 1095, and it will do anything you need a small FB for, best of all, it costs $30.00 It is about the best bang for the buck you'll see.

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Although it does not mindfully keep guard in the small mountain fields, the scarecrow does not stand in vain
Bukkoku
 
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