What do you want in a fixed blade EDC/Survival knife?

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DrossCustoms

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May 13, 2015
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I am an amateur knife maker that has begun to forge my own knifes and I am looking for a challenge. I have made quite a few knives so far, and I am considering beginning to make some knives to sell, but I do not know what people prefer in a fixed blade. so please' what do you look for in your ideal fixed blade EDC/Survival knife? if you can't describe in words by all means post pictures of some of your favorite fixed blades and what you like about them. I do not want to make exact copies of these knives but knowing what make them good might help me to find my niche in the knife market. Thanks in advance for any input.

7VNZ5pj.jpg


These are some of the designs that I have drawn up so far. they are very basic and mostly to show the style of handle that I personally like.
 
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The forum title can be confusing, but the fixed blades here are old timely traditional only.

Eric

And welcome!
 
Here is my current "survival" knife, in three variations, that I carry for 'everyday' hiking and backpacking as well as for work, motorcycling, and bicycling.

AGR%20Hunter%20Scalpel%20orange%20comp_zpsp9gciu6s.jpg


If replacing this with a better or just different knife, the features I would look for are:
Bright color. Decent steel, probably stainless with rockwell hardness near 60. Lanyard carry. Very secure sheath. Total length of 4" - 7". Drop point or utility-style blade.

Hope this helps.
 
Modern materials on this, but based on what little I know, it seems to be designed after the Kephart knife. Five inch spear point blade. Versatile and strong.

 
snippy said:
The forum title can be confusing, but the fixed blades here are old timely traditional only.

Eric

And welcome!
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Right. You'd probably be better off introducing yourself and asking your questions in the Custom & Handmade Knives subforum.

Good luck! :)
 
bld522 said:
Right. You'd probably be better off introducing yourself and asking your questions in the Custom & Handmade Knives subforum.

Good luck! :)
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it was one of the few areas i could find for fixed blades and I would much rather ask potential customers rather than those making knives as well.
 
OK. But as snippy said, the fixed blades here are old time traditionals only. My concern is that you may not reach your intended audience in this subforum. Guess you'll have to see how it plays out.
 
During my post Camp Mackall days I might give you specs for the ultimate MacGyver knife... Nowadays I just want a EDC fixed blade with stacked leather handle and a cap lifter in the spine. :p
 
it doesn't appear that is a good place to reach my intended audience but hopefully i still get some good feeback even if it has some "old-time traditional" influence.
 
DrossCustoms said:
it doesn't appear that is a good place to reach my intended audience but hopefully i still get some good feeback even if it has some "old-time traditional" influence.
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You can report your own post with the "!" triangle button and ask a moderator to move it. Perhaps the outdoor sub-forum or even the General forum. :thumbup:
 
Bob W said:
You can report your own post with the "!" triangle button and ask a moderator to move it. Perhaps the outdoor sub-forum or even the General forum. :thumbup:
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If there was a dedicated fixed blade sub-forum then I would. Since all i am asking is what kind of qualities folks like in a fixed blade I believe this is still an appropriate area.
 
To me EDC and Survival blades are two totally different types. For edc I would want something around 3 inches and FFG, mainly for food cutting, boxes, etc. Survival, I want at least 5 inches plus for wood cutting, etc.
 
EDC for me would keep it
<5"
Light weight
Thin(ner) profile


The rest is give or take, here or there, but if its going to be considered edc, for me those are musts.
 
My favorite from the drawings is the center left. A bit of straight edge, a nice belly, and a pointed tip.
The top right is nice as well.
 
Another vote for center-left, which definitely most closely resembles most of my fixed blades. Generally speaking, a drop point with flat grind is my preference for the widest range of tasks, although it's by no means the only thing I use. Definitely don't overlook handle ergonomics.
 
I designed this one back in 2009. After years of hard use, I still think it is just about perfect. 6 inch A2 steel blade, thick micarta handle.
Of your designs though, I'd pick the middle left, drop point.
 
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Middle row left to right, drop,point and straight back, FFG, look like the best designs to me.
 
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