suggestions on 7" fighter - in honor of Exposure

[larrytwohig]

In honor of "Exposure" I've decided that my next knife will be a 7" fighter, with a shoulder rig (possibly from survival sheath systems)... suggestions on custom makers/production models welcome... I like 'em VERY sharp, and around $300. Mustn't be TOO heavy, and handle must offer adequate grip... clip-pt bowie style preferred

 

[K Williams]

I don't think the Randall Model 14 is over $300. I bought one years ago when they were $230 without mods. Anyway, there's the KA-BAR USMC @ $40! If I had the money, I'd get a Jerry Hossom Ranger.

http://www.hossom.com/index_page0003.htm

 

[Sundsvall]

I would pick the RW Clark bowie you are looking at in the Custom FS forum.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I would take a look at Robert Hankins' original Black Velvet fighter. This a great looking knife. I have never owned or tried one personally, but I would have no hesitation in getting one of these if I was looking for a fighter in that price range.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=243050

 

[larrytwohig]

thanks for the tips guys! keep 'em coming...

 

[Marcelo Cantu]

Lightfootknives.com.

 

[Mongo]

I'll throw out a production knife that looks and feels like a custom... the Camillus/Fisk OVB bowie. 7" blade, clip point, light-weight, and feels very lively in the hand. Not to mention... drop dead gorgeous looks.

 

[DrSpine]

Mad Dog ATAK

 

[L. Uebelein]

Cold Steel Black Bear Classic.

 

[Ed T]

I would second a knife from Robert Hankins. I have one of his small bowies and it is an excellent knife.

 

[naturalslave]

I'll 3rd the Hankins! One of, if not the best value, in custom knives.

Mark

 

[Gabe Newell]

A new maker you might want to check out is Jason Cutter:

Jason Cutter's Website

You get a lot of knife for your money, and he's new enough in his career that you've got more of a chance for appreciation. Here are two examples from his website:

I've got three knives on order with him. This second picture, for example, is ~$140 US.

Here's a more tactical look from Jason (at ~$110):

 

[blademan 13]

Damn, you guys are good! I was also going to suggest the OVB bowie as far as production knives go.

Jason Cutter is also one to consider IMO. I have a Firestorm on order along with another blade from him. The quality looks to be there and the prices are super. Hell of a nice guy too.

Another you may want to consider is Greg Covinton who makes a very nice looking fighter/bowie. Anthony Lombardo's recent article on Greg in "Tactical Knives" was a winner and some of his designs are a nice meld of Bagwell and Randall styles.

Prices are all under your budget, however, they are all carbon steel with the Cutter and Covington blades forged.

 

[King Grinch]

I think the Randall model 14 is about $270. What about the Randall model 1?

 

[Burchtree]

I third the Hankins -- great looking knives. A suggestion that isn't exactly a "fighter" but still has the qualities is a Timberline Zambezi -- cool sheath, great blade. You might want to check out some Greco knives.

 

[larrytwohig]

What do you guys think of R.W. Clark? Was doing some research here, and he had gotten some bad press in the past, but the knives look impressive!?! Black Velvet by Hankins looks sweet, and Lamey also has some nice offerings, although a bit more pricey... the OVB looks good, but for that price, I think custom is a better idea.

 

[glockman99]

If you can handle a fighter with a slightly over 9 inch blade, the Ontario/Bagwell "The Gambler" might be a nice one to take a look at.

I have the slightly larger "Hell's Belle", and I can say that these Ontario/Bagwells are pretty decent "fighters".

 

[ceya one]

7 inch fighter with shoulder rig...Hmmm...one name comes up for me ....BOB DOZIER!

Ceya,,,Ceya Knife Designz
‚¹

 

[Ebbtide]

I have no personal experience with these, but I am tempted....
http://www.agrussell.com/paragon/index.html
The Harley Battle bowie may be a bit bigger than 7"

 

[Ad]

It's too bad you can't go a little higher. They have a Strider D-9, made of S30V, over at Triple Aught Design, for $425. As far as I'm concerned, it's about the last word in a 7-8" fighting knife. It's about as well balanced and tough as it gets.