What is your take on small fixed blades???

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Dave Behrens

Dave Behrens

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When I say small, I mean sub 6" in overall length. Here are some examples of a few I am working on currently. I used to be all about large fixed blades in the 8"+ category, and while I still love them as use them regularly, for common everday tasks a small blade really comes in handy. The more I make and use fixed blades, the less I turn to folders, I still carry an Endura FFG, and a small 2 blade slip I made, but a fixed is just more trustworthy IMO.

So how do you guys feel about small fixed blades such as the ones in the photo?

Love'em, Hate'em...Indifferent'em:p???
 
As a "slipjoint" kinda guy...I love a small fixed blade. Something like breaking down cardboard boxes...a slippie is iffy for that from a safety standpoint, a big ol' fixed blade chopper is overkill...so a small fixed blade is perfect. And the small ones are thinner and make better slicers. Which makes them great for "food" stuff.

I love 'em. AG Russell Woodswalker? Love it.
 
So how do you guys feel about small fixed blades such as the ones in the photo?
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I love small blades. Fixed or folding.

My Izula I and BRKT PSK are, hands down, my favorite EDC knives.
 
For utility I'm using a BHK boattail these days, its about perfect around the house and garden and jobsite. its small and stout, and the profile is strong. prying up a staple is a no brainer. I like sub 4" for my needs, but an Izula is too small for me. Your blades (shown) have a lot of belly IMO, but the bottom one looks most appealing for versitility. Maybe also investigate flipping one of your curves into a wharnie, just to have some range and somethin else fun for different applications.
 
I like them to a point. However, if I was carrying a fixed blade, it would be slightly larger becuase I like the extra reach. That is my personal preference. whoever, say, a 9 inch OAL spearpoint in canvas micarta would go well with a kiridashi in cord wrap. just my opinion.
 
I like small fixed blades (3-4") for hunting deer and hogs. They make field dressing, caping, and other fine details much easier than a large bladed knife. Fixed blades are always easy to clean, too, and no worry about the blade closing on your finger or having to open it one handed. I carry a 4" or so Fallkniven F2, which makes a great field dressing and boning knife.
 
I love small (and large) fixed blades. I EDC one of my Izulas and I forget it's even there.
 
Unfortunately, I'm starting to like them. And it's unfortunate because I don't have many, so that means more knives for an already strained knife budget. But I like my Krein Pocket Bowie and Kershaw Skinning knife, and I have a tan Izula coming for Christmas. The Brous Silent Soldier seems expensive (for now), but there are a couple other around-6" fixed blades that have caught my eye.
 
Sub 6 OAL is a bit shor for me. I like to have a full grip on the knife. The Izula 2 is by far my favorite blade at the moment.
 
Count me in ! I have 2 Izula's , one that I para-corded the handle and it's my EDC . Can't ever close on your fingers and many times tougher than any folder in it's price rage . I like the middle knife in your photo .
 
not a big fan of small fixed blades. im more of big blade kinda guy, i prefer to have something i know i can accomplish larger tasks with. but that being said i think it is good to have a small knife to carry around as an edc and when you go camping i have my esee 4 along with me as well as my larger knife. but i dont believe that there should be a fixed blade with blade shorter than 3in. i just dont think that it is necessary to have a fixed blade at that point, even 4 in is pushing it. why have a small fixed blade that is shorter than my pocket knife, doesnt really make sence to me. but thats my personal thought. open to other opinions.
 
I think 7 inch is the sweet spot for a small fixed blade. 7 inches provides you with 3 to 4 inches of useable blade depending on the knife design. I'm quite keen on small fixed blades myself. 6 inch seems too small in my opinion. 8 inches is about the max length I'd even consider, but that's a project for a maker at another time. My own design that I had a custom maker build me is exactly 7 inches overall with 3.75 inch of blade. I can still get a 4 finger grip on the handle.

As to your designs, I'd say the top kiridashi and the bottom "nesmuk" style knife would be most comfortable to use. The finger grooves on the other designs seem way too sharp, which would limit finger placement, especially on the second from bottom.
 
harkamus said:
I think 7 inch is the sweet spot for a small fixed blade. 7 inches provides you with 3 to 4 inches of useable blade depending on the knife design. I'm quite keen on small fixed blades myself. 6 inch seems too small in my opinion. 8 inches is about the max length I'd even consider, but that's a project for a maker at another time. My own design that I had a custom maker build me is exactly 7 inches overall with 3.75 inch of blade. I can still get a 4 finger grip on the handle.

As to your designs, I'd say the top kiridashi and the bottom "nesmuk" style knife would be most comfortable to use. The finger grooves on the other designs seem way too sharp, which would limit finger placement, especially on the second from bottom.
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Yep the bottom one is by far the most comfortable. The finger grooves on the others will be rounded off in the finishing process. I mostly just posted these for a size comparison:D.
 
I love a small, pocket-sized fixed blade as a companion to a multitool. Of the ones in your pick, I'd favor #2 and #3 from the top. For me a small edc fixed blade needs to be very pointy for piercing packaging and fine tasks.
 
My own design that I had a custom maker build me is exactly 7 inches overall with 3.75 inch of blade. I can still get a 4 finger grip on the handle.
Click to expand...

How about some pictures, sir?
 
I love small fixed blades and edc one just about everyday. I prefer small belt knives to neck knives though. My current favorite is the BRKT mini fox river
 
I love to make fixed blades of this size. Here's one of my latest kiridashi:

2011-11-16_14-26-05_825.jpg
 
Charlie Mike said:
I love to make fixed blades of this size. Here's one of my latest kiridashi:

2011-11-16_14-26-05_825.jpg
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Yea, I do as well. I used to only be concerned with the BIGGEST AND BADDEST. But I have recently come to appreciate very much so the little guys, and they are so fun to make whether forging or stock removal. Cool little knife by the way, I'd call it the Scratch.
 
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