Suggestions needed on fixed blade knife

J

jcic

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Jan 17, 2016
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Hi all, new to the forum but I've found myself reading various threads on bladeforums for a long time. I was hoping to get some suggestions on a new fixed blade knife. So far, the knife that has my eye is the Gerber Strongarm. I'm not loyal to any manufacturer, and I realize Gerber isn't the most bang for the buck brand, has had QC issues and whatnot. But the utility of that knife, the sheath, etc, the whole package seems very functional to me. It seems to get decent reviews overall too. But, everything I read says there's usually a better option for the money compared to Gerber options so I was hoping to get some suggestions.

I'm not a steel snob, but I do have an S30V Kershaw that I do like. Probably looking for something with a straight edge, not serrated, around 4.5"- 5" blade length seems good. The other knife that has my eye is the Buck Selkirk. The looks of this knife are great, but the sheath seems to be the turn-off for me. The Strongarm sheath allows for various mounting options, on a pack, etc. I can't see this being the case with the Selkirk. The striking pommel on the end of the Strongarm over the flat end of the Selkirk seems like a plus too.

Budget is less than $100. Planned usage revolves more around bushcraft, something to strap to a pack or belt while hiking, hunting, etc.

I looked at a few Becker knives, the BK16 for instance. But I'm sort of the same mindset with that sheath as I am with the Selkirk.

Maybe the Strongarm is the way I'll go because it does seem to fit the bill. Just wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions to consider.

Thanks for the help!
 
The Becker BK16 is by far the best choice of the knives in your post, and was going to be my recommendation before I even read past 4-5" blade.
 
Buy the the Becker. You can always work out options with the sheath . Gerber=junk
 
I must have missed the BK16 with the nylon sheath. When I initially looked at it, all I saw was the kydex sheath. While I like kydex a lot, the nylon one seems to be made with more versatility. I'll take a look at that one a bit more.
 
For your budget there are better choices out there than the Gerber.

For comfortable EDC carry, with tilt toward bush and outdoor, the three best $100 choices I know of (and three VERY different knives), with excellent sheaths, are:

Original DPx HEST by Rowen fixed blade; the pry bar is invaluable--CroVan steel.

Gryphon M-10, now available in full flat grind; excellent G-clip sheath--VG-10 steel.

Be sure and check out some 4-5" Scandinavian leuku's too. Even more bush oriented than the other two....
 
An esee 4 is also an option for right around $100 if you shop around or check the bladeforums exchange. But I would agree with the bk 16. Its my favorite knife. I like to belt carry and it's not too heavy or cumbersome. Haven't tried strapping it to a pack. If you want to go smaller, the bk 14 is very versatile on a pack. And well under your budget. What are your main uses for the knife? Is stainless important?
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. Will probably have it around to compliment a folding pocket knife. I don't like to use a folder for field dressing, fixed blades are easier to clean. Probably use it for field dressing, camping for cooking/cutting food, cutting rope. Never had a knife that I could use to baton, but I usually have a cheap machete and a camp axe around. Some light batoning would probably be on the list of potential uses though.

Pulled up comparisons b/w the BK2 and BK16. The BK2 is quite a bit bigger, sort of thinking borderline too big. The BK16 is still at the top I guess at this point. Since I realized the nylon sheath it comes with is molle friendly, I think the BK16 will easily push out the Gerber Strongarm.

I like the ESEE knives, was looking at the ESEE 5 but that is over my price point, I'll give the ESEE 4 another look.
 
You want a Strongarm? Then go get a Strongarm.

Becker a better choice? Many say so, but in the end YOU are going to be the judge of that.

If you get the Strongarm, please do a review of it for how it works FOR YOU.

I suspect it will serve you just fine in the capacity you're looking for.
 
I like the crkt elishwetz ftws but its a little big at about 6 inch blade length and the partial dual edge may not appeal to all but I like it, it also has tapered tang which is rare on a production knife😀
 
Buck selkirk > Gerber strongarm imo

Additionally;
BK 11 with scales and a TDI clip will run you south of $100
H&K dispatch or Steel Will cager (d2 Steel)
Cold Steel san master Hunter in vg1 or 3v
Kizlyar Supreme echo
Tops Swat

All options I would consider before a Gerber Strongarm
(TDI clip should work with a few of those sheaths as well, if you want a clip option to replace the nylon strap belt strap).
 
The strongarm is a decent enough knife. I had one and loved it at first, but after some extended use my love dwindled down to the point I sold it. Maybe if I was planning on joining a specops mall ninja team I would've kept, but atlas I'm not.

I'd have to agree with every recommendation for the bk16. It's a great knife that'll out perform the Gerber in everyway except maybe stabbing enemy insurgents. However if you were to choose the strong arm it would likely serve you well, especially if you don't have another blade like a bk16 to compare performance against.


Another option around the $100 mark is the tops BOB. It's a lil more heavy duty than a bk16 but not quite as robust as a bk2. Would be worth checking out.
 
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I'm a fixed blade guy myself, & I'll offer you the same advice I give everyone with similar questions.... Ignore all production knives, unless something really speaks to you, & go to the Fixed Blade Exchange here on BF & buy yourself a nice custom - they pop up all the time for sub-$100, matching your specs. & if you like nylon sheaths, those can be had for next to nothing as a stand alone purchase - as the demand is relatively low for them. That's my advice, and I'm afraid you are legally obligated to take it - it's in the extra fine print of the BF rules - best of luck brother!
 
I'll agree with VanDammet... there are lots of great values to be had on the forums "For Sale by Individuals".
 
Thanks for all of the other suggestions. Suggestions for other non-mainstream (at least to me) brands is what I was looking for.

I'm really impressed by the kizylar supreme echo. The blade looks very versatile, handle looks great, full tang, and the sheath looks very usable and well made. That might be the one I have my eye on now, with the BK16 in second.

The blade exchange is a good suggestion. I will keep my eye there too. I'm not quick enough on buying an item posted usually though, others usually beat me to the punch.
 
I personally do not like the bk 2. I know that's almost blasphemous depending on the subforum. Its way too heavy for me to want to carry extensively. I much prefer the 16 and a folding saw at almost half the weight. And it's not like the 16 is flimsy by any means. I can still baton with mine in a pinch. I just find the bk2 to be unnecessarily overbuilt.
 
I think you would be very happy with the BK-16. It is a very useful knife and one you'll actually carry in the woods versus leaving at home. I like the nylon Becker sheath. Some don't.
 
The bk16 wrapped in some kydex is Damn near perfection for an edc knife, it makes it considerably more compact.

Here's a shot of a few of the blade side by side.

uxr2SCq.jpg
KUXcnFO.jpg
 
Would you consider the Kizlyar Supreme Echo a drop point or clipped point knife? It seems in between compared to the BK16 and its clipped point counterpart. Then some photos of the echo look like its drop point, and others make it look thinner and pointier overall.
 
To throw another idea out there, there's also the Becker BK10, it's like a slimmer BK2 with a thumb ramp and a clip point.
 
MaximIsayev said:
To throw another idea out there, there's also the Becker BK10, it's like a slimmer BK2 with a thumb ramp and a clip point.
Click to expand...

+1 On the BK10, my thought exactly. I have a bk2 and it is a bit heavy. Let us know what you go for.
 
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