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Tough mid size fixed blade options

Joined
Jul 21, 2011
Messages
110
Good evening,
So I have asked this question before...And I ended up going with a Winkler 2 Belt Knife for my EDC of choice. I love it and I love to carry it. How ever, I find myself looking for something about an inch smaller. for the days I might have trouble concealing the Winkler 2.
I want something tough with a great warranty. I would like atleast a small integral guard.
ESEE 4 - Looks like a great knife, but I am worried my hand wont fit very well on the handle (Gorilla hands)... Also I am not a fan of the large choil.
What are my options here? I would prefer to stick with production/semi-production knives.
 
Have you looked at the DPx HEFT4? Comparable in size to the Esee, but far more comfortable (comparing stock to stock, of course).
I'm very happy with the handle size of my Enzo Trapper; but the blade is just under 4", so I'm not sure if it would be a consideration.
I just picked up a Gray Wolf Knives M7; and was pleasantly surprised at the size/comfort of the handle. (They're made to order; but current wait is around 3 weeks)
The Dozier professional guide's knife in D2. (There are a few other Dozier models that might interest you; but I'm not sure pointing you to share they're available is allowed (email me, if interested).
KaBar BK16
Bark River Bravo 1 or 1.5. (I have a BR Gunny, but the handle is too small, IMO)

The list goes on...
 
I had been carrying it mostly with a pocket sheath! Very comfortable and concealed for me. I will take a look at those clips though.
 
Did a quick search on Bark River and it came back with some results pointing towards some issues where the blade edge tended to roll/chip on what I would consider very light tasks and Bark River apparently refused to fix some of them.
Is that all BS, did they fix their issues or what?
Not bashing the company at all, I have no experience with them. It was a prominent result when I searched for Bark River product reviews.
 
A Survive GSO 4.1 might work for you .


...............................................
HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS !
 
Depending on what you want to spend, Tom Krein makes some nice sturdy fixed blade edcs. I have a PSK that's as tough as they come.
 
If your hand is too big for an ESEE 4 then "mid-size" to you might be a Becker BK7 or BK9, and those are plenty tough. Actually some people would consider the Becker BK2 to be mid-size and it is very tough.

Blackjack, Becker, Bark River, ESEE, Kabar should all be pretty tough, as long as you buy the carbon steel versions.
 
Did a quick search on Bark River and it came back with some results pointing towards some issues where the blade edge tended to roll/chip on what I would consider very light tasks and Bark River apparently refused to fix some of them.
Is that all BS, did they fix their issues or what?
Not bashing the company at all, I have no experience with them. It was a prominent result when I searched for Bark River product reviews.

Sounds like BS to me. I have had lots of experience with BRKT knives (stainless and carbon, but mostly A-2), and I have never experienced that. The only issue I ever had was on a Mini Northstar where the handle scales didn't quite fit flush and weren't symmetrical. I made a phone call, sent it back to Mike, and he put new scales on it (nicer than the originals, too) and sent it right back (less than 2-week turn-around, IIRC). That's my experience... A+!
 
Thank you jbass. Bk-16 ordered. It was pretty cheap, so a no brainer. I still want to look into the Bark River Knives though...The bravo 1 seems to be calling my name!
 
Also I love the BK-7 and BK-9, and I dream of carrying my Team Gemini around. I just dont think the sheeple will much approve :)
 
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