What do Fixedblades Lack?

Alan Folts

Alan Folts

Joined
Oct 4, 1998
Messages
427
I have been thinking more and more about the everyday carry of a small fixed blade versus that of a folder. Ever since I made a small compact skinner for my brother in law for christmas and I couldnt put it down. It was just pure unadulterated utility...

So my question to you is what would you design into a fixed blade for everyday utilitarian use? Keep in mind my full time job is as a maintainence superintendant and I need to keep it at a modest size and be able to somewhat conceil the blade in order to as not offend the sheeple among us...

So other than one sharp end and one dull end what would you put into your ideal everyday fixed blade?

Thanks, Alan Folts
 
I thind today's FB's lack decent sheaths. Dozier's & Livesay's kydex is great, but kydex lacks the 'warmth' & 'tradition' of leather. My problems with the current (production) leather are the retaining straps. They are either 'handle belts' or straps that go over the guard and attach to the body of the sheath. Both are awkward in use. I would like to see more 'thumb-break' sheaths like on my gerber Mk1's...
Just my 2¢

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Can it core a apple?
 
A pivot pin !, and they don't have a good solid lock either. Sorry couldn't help it
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Seriously, they lack the convenience of being carried in your pocket. I would like to carry a small fixed blade daily, but I also carry a multi tool and theres no way I'm going to try and do without it.And I can't put it in my pocket because that would ruin all my jeans pretty quickly.Theres only so much room on my belt, and it would be awkward to have more than one sheath on it. But I can carry a folder easily because it clips in my back pocket and I hardly know its there. Other than tht I'd say fixed blades out do folders in almost all categories.
I guess you could take all the cave people into consideration too. You know all those people who use blunt objects like rocks and keys to try and open things.I'd like to see the key that can saw through nylon rope! anyway with few exceptions, I think a folder is going to get less stares than a fixed blade for the simple reason of how its carried. In a pocket or belt pouch a folder hardly gets noticed, some people think it looks like a pager. But a fixed blade in a sheath is going to stick out like a sore thumb. I wouldn't really care, but it would get annoying if people start asking what you need that for all the time and the usual cave people questions.Just my opinion.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Sorry, I just read through and realized I hadn't really answered your question.
I would go for a 3.5-4 inch blade. I like clip points and drop points, but thats up to you. I'd make it out of D2 or maybe one of the higher performance stainless steels. Something thats scary sharp and easy to maintain. The handle should be at least 4 inches long to be comfortably used. I would want it to have a finger gaurd ( called an integral gaurd? )in the front. No bolster or gaurd, to keep the weight down.No finger notches just smooth curve with a little swell towards the back to keep your hand from sliding back.Make it full tang for strength.It could be skeletonized under the handle slabs to reduce weight too.Maybe make the slabs out of iron wood or pakkawood to make it look less threatening to the cave people.
For a sheath, I would want leather. It should attach to your belt just above the butt of the handle so it doesn't hang down to far. If the knife rides any higher it will poke you in the side all the time. Maybe a loop that buttons around the the handle just behind the finger gaurd to keep it in the sheath.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
Alan,

Short 3" Talonite fixed blade with a drop point in a nice leather swinger sheath would fix my needs.
smile.gif


Kydex is nice, durable, and all weather proof, BUT I still like leather like the other guys. Illegal to carry FB here so can the ITWB stuff.
frown.gif





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Ray 'md2020'
 
I would start at the sheath.
Have it set up for both horizontal belt carry and for neck carry.
Make a leather cover to match the belt so that it does not stick out like a sore thumb.

The knife
No longer than 7 1/2 inches.
It should have a drop/modified spear point.
Single edged.
Make it out of an easy to sharpen steel like D2.
Don't make it too wide or thick. 3/4 wide and 3/8 thickness. This could vary.

Just my humble opinion.
wink.gif


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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon
 
I think Sean Perkins is on to the right idea with some of his knives. They look a little small (I don't have one, so I can't really comment), but the idea of a heavy-leather, in-pocket sheath is pretty good. Maybe also look at the AG Russell Woodswalker, for another interesting sheath (hip-pocket). I really like small fixed blades for their convenience and strength, as opposed to folders. Look at the REKAT neck knives, for example, to see a well-done, inconspicous, useful fixed blade.
 
You should check out the REKAT Hobbit Fang.
Some would say it's mainly for defense, but it is low key and works well as a utility blade. Ditto with the REKAT Utility, of course. The only thing that could be added to make these perfect "all-use" type knives would be to lengthen the handles a tad.

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So, what IS the speed of dark?

[This message has been edited by misque (edited 31 December 1999).]
 
Fix blades need a steel that stays SHARP! D2 bar none. And ground thin. The blade spine where it meets the scales need parallel file work to provide a nice secure surface for the thumb. An ample finger groove/ choil for proper indexing and to minimze the hand from sliding forward. A thong hole please. And one of my peeves is that the scales need a TEXTURED surface!! Too many nicely made fixed blades with either G10 or micarta having a ridiculous polished or smooth finish! Useless IME for a hard working knife! Bead blast, checkering, or grooves or a combo please! And yes, a good quality kydex belt sheath, horizontal preferrably to house the 7.5/8" OAL length.

Rant mode off. Thanks.
smile.gif


L8r,
Nakano
 
www.griffithknives.com is the answer to your fixed blade problems. His pieces are quality through and through and come with very nice kydex sheaths. Small signature. Great price too. Although he normally uses ATS-34 he is experimenting with talonite and would probably be open to suggestions. He does his own heat treat and cryo too. I am going to visit his shop next weekend, bet it costs me.
 
Hi Alan, look hard at the Greco Cub Companion: 3" length, 3/16 thick, A-2 steel, leather pouch sheath, micarta scales & best of all the price - $75.00! For a small, strong, fixed blade knife it's hard to beat. Check out www.hammerheadknives.com for a good selection of Greco knives.

Happy New Millenium! Doug
 
A puukko is the perfect pocketknife. Carry one about 8" (20cm) long overall or a little longer in your front pants pocket and the pommel will just stick out for easy access without panicking the natives. The wide mouth of a puukko sheath is easy to find for one-handed resheathing. I could rave on and on about wonderful puukkos are and I probably will, later -- in the meantime have a look at http://www.chaicutlery.com/


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-Cougar Allen :{)
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This post is not merely the author's opinions; it is the trrrrrruth. This post is intended to cause dissension and unrest and upset people, and ultimately drive them mad. Please do not misinterpret my intentions in posting this.
 
Nakano - You've almost described this one perfectly:

<A HREF="http://home.carolina.rr.com/senator/images/Jones_Neck_Knife_big.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
Jones_Neck_Knife_small.jpg
</A>

Click on the picture for a large image and you'll see just about everything you mentioned. It has your thong hole, finger groove, bead blasted and grooved handles, thumb serations on the spine, great Kydex work (they'll give you any configuration you want), thin flat grind (1/8" I believe). Mine is ATS-34, but if you drop forumites Philip and Barry Jones a line, they'll make one up for you in D-2. Mine's also 7" in OAL, but ask 'em to lengthen it a bit...

Doggone if this isn't a sweet little knife. It's one of those that just feels right in your hand. No single outstanding feature, but the total package is great! I can't recommend it (and the Jones brothers) highly enough.

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Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice

[This message has been edited by Senator (edited 01 January 2000).]
 
Come on, guys, hasn't anyone been listening to me!? The answer to your fixed blade pocket knife worries is here, and has been for quite some time. Who is the answer? <a href="http://www.perkinsknives.com">Sean Perkins</a>, of course. His fixed blades are tough (differentially hardened A-2), sharp as hell, and most will fit just fine in a regular pants pocket. I have three of his models and all are superb for everyday carry in front or back pockets. They also have leather sheaths that are well-made and tough as nails. Add to that the rugged attractiveness each knife is inherently blessed with, and you have the perfect solution to your wants. Sheesh...I feel like I've been preaching to a deaf choir!
wink.gif

As far as sheaths goes, lord knows I am a fan of synthetics, but for pocket carry they tend to be noisy, unless you have nothing else in your pocket to clank against them. The solution is to put a thin layer of leather on the outside, or wrap the sheath in cloth of some type. I have been more than happy with Sean's sheaths, though, which are cut wide and square on the bottom to they stay upright in your pocket.

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My Custom Kydex Sheath page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/frames.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
agocs_s@dd.palmer.edu
Madpoet (Mel Sorg, Jr.) Tribute page:
http://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/madpoet/main.html

 
I'm with Chiro 75! I have three of Sean Perkins knives and like each one. I always carry the Kerver either in my pocket or on my belt in a Kydex sheath (that Chiro 75 made).
The Kerver is one tough knife that you could even pry with or whatever you wouldn't want to do with other knives. And it is made from
A-2 steel which holds an excellent edge and is easily re-sharpened. Great little knives!
 
Bear in mind that in many areas it is illegal to carry a fixed blade knife concealed. That might be a concern in selected a fixed blade over a folder.



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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.4cs.net/~gollnick
 
Hey Kelly,

Thanks for the kind words.
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D2 is no problem. We will also lengthen the blade or handle if desired.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon
 
Alan,

I was thinkin' the same thing a couple months ago. And I have an idea to share, let me know if it has any merit. What if a small fixed blade, maybe a 3.5" blade had part of the handle swing away from the handle and cover the business edge of the blade. Then you could put it in your pocket like a folder, could even have a clip, and not worry about a sheath. would need to be slim and smooth, Stylin', so it don't offend, handle could be fairly small, three fingers, wouldn't need to be any longer than 6.5" - 7". Too long for pocket??? Like you said one end sharp one end dull. I abuse all my daily carry knives so the oppisite end of the point I would make a screw driver/pry bar, maybe I could keep a knife with a point on the end!!
I make some knives so this post got me thinkin' again. I'll have to make one now.
THANKS (I think)

John Yeackley

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http://www.toptexknives.com/yeackley.htm My contribution to the world of knife fanatics.




[This message has been edited by John Yeackley (edited 01 January 2000).]
 
I have a Cold Steel Mini California Drop Point, and it's a joy to carry. It meets most of the requirements discussed. 4 inch blade, 3/16 thick, strong point,and kraton grip. I call it my big little knife, because it looks small, but when it's in your hand it feels big.It's under 8 inches over-all, and has a decent leather sheath. It has two belt loops one even with the hilt, and the other even with the middle of the blade.
One summer in Alaska it was all we had to process fish with one day. It was really impressive cutting the heads off King Salmon! You can carry this knife and not know you have it on, it's super sharp and strong. Best of all there's no way the lock will fail and cut you!
 
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