Tell me about fixed blades

matgarsmi

matgarsmi

Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
447
Until now, I have been interested only in folders. But, I've reached a point where I want to expand my knowledge and experience and give some fixed blades a try. Problem is, I know nothing about them. My only experience has been the brief ownership of an izula which was quickly sold to help pay for a folder. I have no particular need or specific use intended for these knives. I just want to see what they're all about.

So, what do I need to know?

What knives should I try?

Carry methods or uses my beginner's mind has not thought of?

Thanks in advance.
 
Budget plays an important roll, intended use dictates the size, and the style is largely your personal preference.

Are you looking for one single fixed blade to represent the apex of fixed blade knives?
Or are you more interested in accumulating an assortment of lower- to moderately-priced blades to experience the variety available?
 
I carry an Izula or an Izula 2 daily horizontally on my belt in addition to a Large 21 Sebenza and various small folders in strong side and weak side pockets respectively.
 
I've found that the best way for me to gain the experience I want is to start on the lower end, and with each additional purchase move up a price level ($30, 60, 100, 150, 200, etc.)

As far as size and style, I have no preference and am willing to try anything that looks promising.
 
I guess my question would be what you want a fixed-blade knife to accomplish that a folder cannot. If you can't come up with a reasonable answer to that question, then there's really no compelling reason to move from folders to fixed-blades.

I'm in something of a quandry myself in this regard, but in the opposite direction. I like the look and feel of fixed-blade knives and I've bought a lot of them. Problem is, I have absolutely no use for them. I can't really carry them where I live, so they end up gathering dust on a shelf. I know I'll never get rid of some of them because I just like them too much (Busses, Pattons, Doziers . . . the list goes on). But I doubt I'll ever use them. On the other hand, I can actually carry and use folders, and I've got quite a few of those, too. So am I silly to hang onto my fixed blades? That's really a topic for another thread. Now back to the issue of whether YOU should start buying fixed blade knives . . .
 
Well I know they don't fold. I suspect you should just throw them out if they do. :)

I think knives have specific purposes. Some folders can't sustain heavy use and you will for sure destroy them doing some things. I did. If you find you are ruining a rather robust folder, you need to upgrade to a fixed blade to do that stuff. Other than that they are just like folders if you think about your utility related to materials, cost, and construction.
 
Interesting thread. I suspect you will get a wide variety of preferences here, but that's okay, I suppose.

I am, without a doubt, a fixed blade guy. I have folders and I like them too, but if I can carry a fixed blade, I do.

I would suggest that you don't start inexpensively, but rather, start small. Honestly the least scary knife I own is a mikro canadian from bark river. It is easily my favorite blade ever and I have much nicer blades now. The reason why it is my favorite is because it got me into carrying fixed blades because it is so small and friendly. Now I carry larger blades too...mini Canadian, izula and sometimes larger.

For me, I like to carry in kydex, horizontal, front belt under my shirt. Smaller is better here for comfort and so it doesn't stick out. I have custom kydex for a few blades, my favorite sheath is from mashed cat for my mini. Good lord that is a great rig for a great, but smallish knife.

Go smaller and get used to it!
 
I just transitioned back to fixed blades from carrying folders for many years. I did this for no other reason that I wanted to. I just got started making my own kydex (used generically) sheaths. I have an IWB for my BK11, and am making a couple of horizontals for my other knives they will be front left on the belt for crossdraw. I haven't decided on how best to carry my larger knives yet. Most likely IWB like the BK11.
 
matgarsmi said:
Until now, I have been interested only in folders. But, I've reached a point where I want to expand my knowledge and experience and give some fixed blades a try. Problem is, I know nothing about them. My only experience has been the brief ownership of an izula which was quickly sold to help pay for a folder. I have no particular need or specific use intended for these knives. I just want to see what they're all about.
Click to expand...

So, what do I need to know?
Click to expand...
^ Your local knife laws to start with.

What knives should I try?
Click to expand...
^ This depends on what you want to use it for and how much you wish to spend. There is an almost infinite variety of fixed-blades sold at a wide range of prices.

Carry methods or uses my beginner's mind has not thought of?
Click to expand...
^ This depends on the type of knife, what's most comfortable for you, what you want to use the knife for, and your local laws.

What knife is best and the best way to carry it are completely subjective and depend entirely on the individual.

I carry a fixed-blade every day along with at least one folder. Among other things, I carry a fixed-blade for various utility tasks. Specifically, I use it for cutting items that require a significant amount of force. For such tasks I prefer a very strong knife that cannot close under any circumstances, has no chance of breaking, and one that has a large, and very secure grip. I also use my FB for dirty jobs that would otherwise fill a folder with dirt, grit, or other similar material. Fixed-blades are very easy to clean. I also carry a FB for use as an emergency prybar, though I have never been required to use one in such a manner.

If you can be more specific about what you want to use a fixed-blade for, or simply what style of fixed-blade you like best, it would be easier to make recommendations.
 
Last edited:
If you are wanting a smaller sized to start I can not say enough good things about my ESEE-3 mil. As far as 1095 goes no one does it better than Rowen (this is who makes the knives for ESEE) they give you the best warranty in the knife business bar none and you get a great sheath. I use mine for everything from EDC carry to my primary outdoors knife it is just that versitale. Its small (only 1/8th inch thick) and light at a shade over 5 ozs but still tough as nails.

This will set you back just a bit over 100 bucks.
 
Lightweight fixed blade for hiking and backpacking with a great locking sheath, try one of these. Available in different sizes and steels depending on your budget and preference:

DeerHuntercomparison.jpg


A traditional American-styled hunting / woodswalking knife, I'm a fan of these Light Hunters from Queen Cutlery. The build quality is excellent and the handles are stunning, but they do have a reputation among other owners for not having a fine edge from the factory. Some are D2 and some are lower-grade stainless.

http://www.queencutlery.com/Light_Hunters.php

Here's a Canadian-styled hunting knife. Not everyone cares for the ergonomics, but those that do them really like them.

DSC_1755.jpg


A thousand people are going to reply, "Get a Mora!" I prefer the traditional wooden handled models, but the various plastic and rubberized handles seem to be very popular as well. Ahti, Marttiini, and a few other brands also provide an excellent value for the money in a Scandinavian-styled knife. An Ahti for example:

9607.jpg


Keep an eye on the For Sale By Maker section here at Bladeforums for some affordable and attractive blades without spending a fortune:

DSC_1587.jpg


HargisEDCII.jpg


For a chop-the-woods-down survival fixed blade, I really like ESEE and Becker.

ESEE-group-shot1.jpg


BK16Detail.png


I doubt anywhere in the entire knife industry you can buy more steel-per-dollar than Condor knives.

http://www.condortk.com/

This should keep you busy for a while. :)
 
I totally agree about the Condor comment. They give you soooooo much knife for the money. My next purchase may very well be a Rodan I just love everything about that model.
 
One thing I would caution you on is handle comfort, matgarsmi. I agree that, dollar for dollar, you'd be better off buying a smaller knife that's well made than a larger knife that isn't as well made. But you don't want to end up with a small knife that doesn't feel good in your hand no matter how well it's made. My suggestion would be to go to a knife dealer near you and try out a few knives before you buy.
 
Just chiming in for Mora. I don't think you'll be anything but thrilled. I love their carbon steel models...Just fantastic -- especially at the price.
 
Thanks for all the comments. You have all definitely got me thinking. There are some great ideas out there. Please keep them coming. I particularly like the reasons for why you guys carry fixed. Tht seems to get my thoughts moving.
 
Get a Resiprene c knife, sooo comfortable, extremely tough and you can easily modify the handle to fit you better, unlike micarta or g-10 knife handles
IMG_2660.jpg

Scrapyard, best rubber handle knives
 
I'm gonna echo some of the above advice. Go in slow and gradual, rather than all at once. You can have both a hidden tang slicer, like a Mora, and more robust full tang hard use knife, like a Condor Hudson Bay(which are kinda on different ends of the spectrum), 50 bucks or so. Learn how to develop preferences, rather than giving into, someone else's opinion, without much thought.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top