What are some of the companies that make the best fixed blades?

A

AfterDark

Joined
Apr 9, 2007
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I am relatively new to fixed blades, I only have one black KaBar. I definitely know a lot more about folders than fixed blades. My flagship folder is the Emerson cqc 12. I also plan to purchase a flat grind chinook soon too. I have been checking out busse combat, swamp rat, and strider fixed blade knives.
Are there other companies out there that offer quality fixed blades? I am trying to buy the best of the best. It will be a gift to myself for christmas. :cool: Please give me some suggestions on quality manufacturers, and I will browse their available knives. Thanks.
 
other than those you mention,

chris reeve, bob dozier, greg lightfoot, tom krein, bill siegle, to name a few.
 
SOG,Knives of Alaska,Benchmade. Maybe the best for the Money, Ontario.
 
If you want something for Christmas, you'll have to go with a production blade, unless you get lucky on the Exchange. Most custom makers have a lead time of several months.

You need to think about what you want it for though. Is it a self-defence knife or a general purpose utility knife for camping/hunting, etc?

If the former, I would suggest something that is on the small side - 4 inch blade maximum. The sheath should come with a tek-lok if possible, or be set up for IWB carry. The blade style could be anything from a tanto to a spearpoint, or a D/E dagger for that matter. Check out the work of Ken Brock, who specialises in this type of blade, for ideas.

The utility knife could be quite a bit larger, and would probably have a more conventional drop point configuration.

Production wise, I would recommend something like Busse Combat Leaner Meaner Street, which is up for either task. You can also get the sheath made to your specs. This package should cost you around $300.

If you lurk on the Exchange, and check out everything that pops up there, you'll find something good sooner or later, I guarantee it.
 
Bark River makes some nice quality fixed blades. Sounds like you might like the Bravo-1
 
Well,i don´t know what "best of the best" means..

First look was at the hype manufacturers. Can´t see the intended purpose for the knife, what makes it a bit difficult to recommend one. IMHO

But, any company has its flagship. I think Benchmades fixed blade flagship still is the Nimravus with G10 scales (damned they changed over to aluminium).

Fallkniven A1 or F1.

If it is not for special purpose, look that way.

Strider? I don´t like Strider but if it must be that, look for the small ones. Best composition of overall properties exept price.

Take a look at the www.kizlyar.de knives from russia.

Whats wrong with Ka-bar? Great knives great price. I have the Heavy Bowie and love it.

But, the Nimravus is the most cool fixed blade. Thin, you wouldn´t call it a strong blade. But it is strong. It cuts very well, can be carried in jeans back pockets (if allowed where you live) the grip is a knife knuts wet dream and it is balanced greatly.
 
There is no best, only what anyne feels is best for their use.

I can tell you that in order to get a consistent quality product with cnsistent quality heat treat, you have to go over $100 in value, generally. There are exceptions of quality for less than this and there are exceptions for crap at more than this.

High quality production blades and custom blades have a high consistency in heat treat and material and construction.

you cannot go wrong with any of the custom makers on this site, and you cannot go wrong with super high end productions
 
+1 on Bark River--they have a huge range of fixed blades, from little pocket-carry knives to bushcraft, camp, hunting, EDC. :thumbup:
 
I like Bark River and their convex grinds.
Benchmade, Ontario, and Buck make nice blades.

The rest I don;t own, but I know from handling them that many are high-quality blades.
 
thanks for all the replies thus far. I really like the benchmade nimravus that blop suggested. I also like the one of the swamp rats for sale too. The strider knives are really nice but I'm not sure if they are worth the price. I am also checking out the microtech fixed blades too. Would swamp rat knives be classified as a custom? Thanks again.
 
Underated one Entrek USA (i only know one other guy on these forums besides my self that own a knife from this company) they make awesome fixed blades ive got a Merc and its top notch the prices are medium (100-300/400) but if you know where to shop u can get em at a great price including shipping. I got my Merc which is a $300 knife for 196.43 with shipping
 
AfterDark said:
thanks for all the replies thus far. I really like the benchmade nimravus that blop suggested. I also like the one of the swamp rats for sale too. The strider knives are really nice but I'm not sure if they are worth the price. I am also checking out the microtech fixed blades too. Would swamp rat knives be classified as a custom? Thanks again.
Click to expand...

if u wanna see a strider BT get destroyed vs a CS GI tanto(a 20 dollar made in china knife) get destroyed here

strider: http://knifetests.com/page7.html
GI tanto:http://knifetests.com/page28.html

the host site with the rest of the videos: http://knifetests.com/

check em all out they are all very interesting (and at times gut wrenching! :barf: )
 
AfterDark said:
I am relatively new to fixed blades, I only have one black KaBar. I definitely know a lot more about folders than fixed blades. My flagship folder is the Emerson cqc 12. I also plan to purchase a flat grind chinook soon too. I have been checking out busse combat, swamp rat, and strider fixed blade knives.
Are there other companies out there that offer quality fixed blades? I am trying to buy the best of the best. It will be a gift to myself for christmas. :cool: Please give me some suggestions on quality manufacturers, and I will browse their available knives. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I suggest Busse group knifes specifically Scrap Yard knifes.

Here is noss's test on one....What more can you ask of a knife...really

http://www.knifetests.com/scrapyardscrapper6test.html
 
Other than the companies that you mentioned, I would add:
Chris Reeves, Ranger Knives, Bark River and Ferhman.
 
fdd19 said:
if u wanna see a strider BT get destroyed vs a CS GI tanto(a 20 dollar made in china knife) get destroyed here

strider: http://knifetests.com/page7.html
GI tanto:http://knifetests.com/page28.html

the host site with the rest of the videos: http://knifetests.com/

check em all out they are all very interesting (and at times gut wrenching! :barf: )
Click to expand...

Wow do you post the same comment in every post... See http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=509654

1) seems even his broken test rated them the same (4 blade rating), in what world is that destroyed?

2) you called someone out(in the thread I linked above) as a fan boy. I called you out there and will do so again here... You seem like the fanboy, we all know CS and Strider go together like matches and gasoline.

3) The so called "test" only tests one aspect of a knives (toughness). They leave a lot to be desired. You can read my replies on pg. 3 of the linked thread if you forgotten the reasons why.
 
One Nimravai......
BM-Nimravus-01.jpg
 
++++ for Bark River. The more I am around them, the more I like them. I reach for one over any other knife I have.
 
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