Toughest Fixed Blade? Sub 3" blade and sub $50?

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Oct 29, 2014
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Hey all,

What would you recommend as the toughest fixed blade knife? I want to to be able to handle anything I throw at it. The only restrictions are a 3" max blade length and a $50 max price tag.

Thanks for any leads and God bless you!

Adam
 
< link removed - please do not link to non-supporting dealers. it is against the rules>

For reference, the link was for a Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter
 
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Condor has a few. I like the Mini Bushlore. 1075/1095 steel will be common at this price point. $35ish
CRKT Pangolin looks interesting. New design. $45ish.
Boker Plus Rambler. Bokers 440c isn't bad. $34ish.

If you can add another $10 to your budget, you can get an ESEE Izula.
 
At that price and size, I don't think you could do much better than an ESEE Izula. It is very tough. The basic model is less than $50: http://www.bladehq.com/?search=izula#/?_=1&sort.price_sort_asc=asc&page=1

I've had an Izula with handle scales installed and one that was just tightly wrapped with paracord, and I preferred the latter. It's also lighter that way.

If you do end up buying an Izula, I happen to have an extra clip attachment for the sheath that I could send your way. It's currently just collecting dust in a drawer.

ESEE has a "no questions asked" warranty on their tool steel knives, and they mean that literally: "If you break it, we will replace it."
 
Yup, ESEE carbon steel is a tough one to beat (pun intended).
And the fact they replace if broken, no questions asked, says a lot.

Izula's, basic knife+sheath, can be found for right around $50. I know knifeworks has them in a bunch of colors, priced around $46...
If you want something not so close to 3", truly smaller, checkout the ESEE Candiru.
 
Definitely agree with the izula. Just didnt see any under 50, but I was only looking at Blade HQ
 
In that price range, it's hard to beat the small Becker and ESEE offerings. Personally I prefer the Izula II, it gives me a bit more real estate for my XL sized hands, but with the g-10 scales TKC offer for the little Candiru, it became a very small but very useful knife for me..but unfortunately those do bump the little ESEE outta your price range. I know the ESEE scales are considerably cheaper, but I have next to no experience with them on these little knives. I do like the Becker micarta scales on my BK11, and they weren't pricey.
 
Yep.
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Just get an izula, no brainier. They can be had for $47 with a sheath and pocket clip new at knifeworks.

r8u51HR.png
 
Check out a Mora chisel-style knife, that might give you a tough, light, short, utterly replaceable knife.
 
Just get an izula, no brainier. They can be had for $47 with a sheath and pocket clip new at knifeworks.

Lemonlush is right, Knifeworks looks like the best option (they're also a very reputable dealer whom I've purchased from many times; also an "approved vendor" here at Blade Foru). The sheath with the clip attachment is excellent and carries very comfortably right on the waistband (no hassle dealing with belt loops etc.).

http://www.knifeworks.com/search.aspx?find=izula+with+clip
 
The Izula is a very good choice if you like more tactical stuff. But, if you like more traditional stuff, the Enzo Necker is about the same size as the Izula and actually has a bit thicker blade stock - really stout little fixed blade (and you can select either leather or Kydex sheath and several handle materials). Here's mine in Birch:

 
The Izula is a very good choice if you like more tactical stuff. But, if you like more traditional stuff, the Enzo Necker is about the same size as the Izula and actually has a bit thicker blade stock - really stout little fixed blade (and you can select either leather or Kydex sheath and several handle materials). Here's mine in Birch:


This! 12c27 is just about the toughest SS out there. You can't go wrong with this...
 
The Izula is a very good choice if you like more tactical stuff. But, if you like more traditional stuff, the Enzo Necker is about the same size as the Izula and actually has a bit thicker blade stock - really stout little fixed blade (and you can select either leather or Kydex sheath and several handle materials). Here's mine in Birch:


You got me, just ordered one of the flat ground blanks. I have some linen micarta slabs lying around, should be cool :thumbup:
 
Just get an izula, no brainier. They can be had for $47 with a sheath and pocket clip new at knifeworks.

r8u51HR.png

Ummm.... umm..... I'm sorry but... the purple one. Please tell me there's a good story behind that engraving.
 
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