The "do everything" fixed blade shape.

[RX-79G]

If you wanted to do nearly all knife tasks with one knife, you could probably get many knives to work. But it is also clear that many features are specialized for certain tasks and make doing other things harder. The large crossguard of a combat knife is a good example of a feature that makes it hard to used for certain tasks, or a very blunt tip would limit your ability to do detail work.

These two are examples of what I think of as really flexible knife shapes:

Ageo:

Winkler:

The features I think make them so flexible:
The edge is straight and the lowest point on the knife, which makes it possible to use the knife in the center of a cutting board, like a chef's knife.
Like a chef's knife, the blade is wide enough for fingers to be remain above the chopping plane.
Having the fingers above the edge means that there is a built in guard for doing dangerous things like stabbing or cleaning large game, but there is no guard to get in the way of carving or chopping.
The FFG is reasonably strong while being a good carver, slicer and chopper.
A somewhat high point with a flat spine provides a ton of tip strength and plenty of belly for skinning.
The edge grind ends very close to where the index finger resides, so close in detail work isn't challenging.


I don't think that makes a knife like this "perfect" - more like Jack of all, master of none. I feel like if I had to do everything with a single knife (like many people used to), I could get along in the kitchen and everywhere else pretty well with a knife like this.

Of course, the very different looking Canadian Belt Knife style does all the same stuff, too.


What would your do-everything fixed blade look like?

 

[KingMC]

I agree no one knife will be a perfect do-everything knife, the design of the Winkler is about as close as you get to said design.

If someone can't afford a Winkler, there are certainly other designs that come very close.

 

[Comeuppance]

Honestly, I like a good American Tanto with a bellied blade, much along the lines of a Cold Steel Kobun. Very versatile for basically everything but skinning - which I never have to do, so, it literally does everything I need a knife to do. That's why I picked up the Medium Warcraft Tanto after my co-worker reminded me of how great the Kobun I gave him is.

 

[Tachead7075]

These two come close I think but, there are many other examples.

https://www.eseeknives.com/ESEE-4-DE.jpg

http://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-ixfms..._15.54.57__94828.1446961523.1280.1280.jpg?c=2

 

[EChoil]

For all-around, I prefer either a tanto or stiletto blade variation. I think the population at large would probably choose a "hunting knife" profile as most useful.

The Winklers really are nearly perfect. My nominee for do everything fixed blade shape would be the Winkler Operator. It's the one I'd grab first.

 

[RX-79G]

These two come close I think but, there are many other examples.

Quoted for picture enjoyment.


While a tad shallow and not quite FFG, I would heartily agree about the shape of that Survive! knife.

 

[Tachead7075]

Here is another good option imo. Busse Basic 4. The anorexic version would probably be best all around though.

Thanks for quoting them RX, im not sure how to make them appear as a picture instead of a link.

 

[RX-79G]

Here is another good option imo. Busse Basic 4.

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr140/azwelke/sheaths 2012/DSCF9291.jpg

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr140/azwelke/sheaths 2012/DSCF9294.jpg

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr140/azwelke/sheaths 2012/DSCF9294.jpg

Thanks for quoting them RX, im not sure how to make them appear as a picture instead of a link.

If you are in edit, replace where it says "url" with "IMG" at both ends. If you are posting new, go to the little icon that looks like a picture of a tree with a black dot in each corner, then post each http address in the dialog box that pops up. Use the film strip next to it for posting videos.

 

[Tachead7075]

If you are in edit, replace where it says "url" with "IMG" at both ends. If you are posting new, go to the little icon that looks like a picture of a tree with a black dot in each corner, then post each http address in the dialog box that pops up. Use the film strip next to it for posting videos.

Done, thank you sir:thumbup:

 

[The cow]

A drop point or a spear point will do most everything you need it. I find that drop points are better at slicing (more belly towards the tip) while spear points are better at drilling.

 

[RX-79G]

Done, thank you sir:thumbup:

Nicely done.

The only "issue" I would take with that Busse is that the lanyard hole ricasso thingy keeps your hand further from the blade than it needs to be, making carving just a little more challenging. But it is still a relatively short span compared to the typical combat/survival knife of 30 years ago. But it is a distinctive look and Busse probably has a function for the lanyard hole.

 

[RX-79G]

A drop point or a spear point will do most everything you need it. I find that drop points are better at slicing (more belly towards the tip) while spear points are better at drilling.

Drop points and spear points seem to be preferred for use on things like bushcraft knives because the belly you lose with both is made up for by having the tip closer to the center of the handle axis for drilling motions. They are a choice that certainly doesn't radically change the final product.

 

[jpm2]

Here's a knife that has surprised me with its versatility.

 

[Tachead7075]

Nicely done.

The only "issue" I would take with that Busse is that the lanyard hole ricasso thingy keeps your hand further from the blade than it needs to be, making carving just a little more challenging. But it is still a relatively short span compared to the typical combat/survival knife of 30 years ago. But it is a distinctive look and Busse probably has a function for the lanyard hole.

Thanks.

I agree but, the distance doesnt appear to be much more then on the BK16 and it is still a good carver. There will also always be some trade offs when trying to find the perfect do it all knife to do everything from combat, to batoning, to carving, to skinning, to food prep, exc. Jack of all trades master of none kind of thing.

Interesting thread, keep the suggestions/examples coming guys:thumbup:

 

[RX-79G]

This would be my idea of something that's harder to do everything with:

The recurved section of the blade and guard would make it hard to cut on a flat surface; the short, irregular ricasso prevents getting your hand close to the edge for carving and the grind isn't the sliciest. That doesn't make it a bad survival knife, but I wouldn't want to do a lot of cooking, carving or animal processing with it.

 

[Leftytwogunz]

I've been through my share of fixed blades and the Winkler hunting knife was one of the keepers. It is not the coolest or most fancy but it definitely has a great shape to it. Definitely ready for many tasks.

 

[gadgetgeek]

Worth looking at the new ESEE MH (modified handle) 3 and 4. basically they cut out the handle nub, and have a clean line through where the choil was, allowing you to get right up to the edge.

 

[RX-79G]

Worth looking at the new ESEE MH (modified handle) 3 and 4. basically they cut out the handle nub, and have a clean line through where the choil was, allowing you to get right up to the edge.

Very nice.

 

[SALTY]

Here's a knife that has surprised me with its versatility.

Please forgive my ignorance, but what knife is that?

Also, KingMC, this comment is directed at you: the BK16 was destined for this thread and you stole my thought by posted first. :thumbup:

 

[KingMC]

Also, KingMC, this comment is directed at you: the BK16 was destined for this thread and you stole my thought by posted first. :thumbup:

As a Beckerhead, I felt it my duty to share the BK16, this thread was just asking for it.