What's a good fixed blade?

O

Olson24

Joined
Feb 25, 2015
Messages
17
I'm asking this question because I have a lot of folding knifes in my collection but only a few fixed blades. I wanted some opinions on a good must have fixed blade to add to my collection(or toolbox) I want something tough (obviously) but one of a kind at the same time.. Maybe I'm being a bit picky?? But I am not a fan of the huge Bowie knives I'm looking for something between 4 to 8". Also I want to add that I have a budget of under 100$ (says the wife) but if it's an extremely MUST have well, you know;)
Thanks!
Ps- not a fan of 440 stainless in a fixed blade
 
Falkniven F1 ... About $120 new but you'll see them around here for less.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1425256696.353343.jpg
 
Olson24 said:
I'm asking this question because I have a lot of folding knifes in my collection but only a few fixed blades. I wanted some opinions on a good must have fixed blade to add to my collection(or toolbox) I want something tough (obviously) but one of a kind at the same time.. Maybe I'm being a bit picky?? But I am not a fan of the huge Bowie knives I'm looking for something between 4 to 8". Also I want to add that I have a budget of under 100$ (says the wife) but if it's an extremely MUST have well, you know;)
Thanks!
Ps- not a fan of 440 stainless in a fixed blade
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What types of cutting do you expect it to perform? Chopping? Utility? Skinning?
 
Take a look at the ESEE line of knives. I am sure they will have a model that will fit your needs. Their warranty is the best in the business.
The ESEE 3,4 and Laser Strike can all be found for $100.00 or less.
 
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knarfeng said:
What types of cutting do you expect it to perform? Chopping? Utility? Skinning?
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More for skinning but chopping ability would be a plus! When I dress a rabbit I need the detail of a knife but also some durability to chop through a couple joints to seperate it.
I also wanted to add that weight is not an issue don't matter much to me if it's heavy as hell or light as a feather I just want to to get the job done.
 
You aren't likely to get a one of a kind knife for under $100...
My first recommendation has been made - BK16. You can strip the coating & change the handle scales later, if you want to "make it your own"
2nd recommendation - check out the Knifemakers section of the Exchange. There are a few makers that regularly post knives in the $100 range. (Duckchildress is one)
The Esee 4 is also a solid choice.

For your toolbox, get yourself a Mora for $10-15
 
cant go wrong with a traditional KA-BAR :)

may not be your style, but theres a reason theyve been standard issue for so long.
 
Olson24 said:
More for skinning but chopping ability would be a plus! When I dress a rabbit I need the detail of a knife but also some durability to chop through a couple joints to seperate it.
I also wanted to add that weight is not an issue don't matter much to me if it's heavy as hell or light as a feather I just want to to get the job done.
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If you were willing to go for a knife with a 3 1/2" blade, I see that Cold Steel Pendleton Hunters with VG-1 steel are around for considerably less than $100. VG-1 holds an edge as well as VG-10, 154CM, or ATS-34. It holds an edge considerably better than 440A or even 440C.

Knife Works is a BF dealer member:
http://www.knifeworks.com/coldsteelpendletonhuntervg-1stainlesssteel312inblade.aspx
 
Check out the ESEE line. If you can stretch the budget a bit further I would check out Bark River Knives as well.
 
A good, and classic, first large fixed would be a Ka-Bar USMC. Might be the Buck 110 of fixed blades.
 
Olson24 said:
I'm asking this question because I have a lot of folding knifes in my collection but only a few fixed blades. I wanted some opinions on a good must have fixed blade to add to my collection(or toolbox) I want something tough (obviously) but one of a kind at the same time.. Maybe I'm being a bit picky?? But I am not a fan of the huge Bowie knives I'm looking for something between 4 to 8". Also I want to add that I have a budget of under 100$ (says the wife) but if it's an extremely MUST have well, you know;)
Thanks!
Ps- not a fan of 440 stainless in a fixed blade
Click to expand...

tough, 4 to 8 inches. under 100 bucks and no 440C not into bowies.

I would say Becker BK15. Carbon Steel 1095 Cro Van. 5.5 inch blade good ergonomics.
 
jamaljahda said:
tough, 4 to 8 inches. under 100 bucks and no 440C not into bowies.

I would say Becker BK15. Carbon Steel 1095 Cro Van. 5.5 inch blade good ergonomics.
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He said, "no 440A" not "no 440C". Not the same thing.
It was unclear to me if he meant, "no stainless" or just "better edge retention than 440A"
 
I don't think dressing a rabbit is easy with any blade over 4 inches at most. And you wouldn't want something
with a blade thick enough to baton with. I wouldn't want to see the mess that used to be a rabbiit after you dressed
it with with an 8 inch bade knife. If you prefer stainless the CS pendeton hunter comes to mind.
 
The Cold Steel Master hunter is my standard under $100 answer. Excellent blade profile, handle and sheath. The current laminated VG1 steel is pretty darn good but they will soon be available in 3v at a steal for right at your budget price.
 
KenHash said:
I don't think dressing a rabbit is easy with any blade over 4 inches at most. And you wouldn't want something
with a blade thick enough to baton with. I wouldn't want to see the mess that used to be a rabbiit after you dressed
it with with an 8 inch bade knife. If you prefer stainless the CS pendeton hunter comes to mind.
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This is exactly what I was going to say.

Real life useful knives aren't nearly as exciting as lolsurvival knives. The best compromise I've found is Bark River's Bravo series, traditional materials and construction with a subtle tacticool style, available in sizes from pocket to ridiculous. If you want something even more tacticool, while still being very useful, Spartan Blades Nyx is a great slicer - the blade is pure belly (seriously it's a giant curve) - and the construction oozes quality.
 
jamaljahda said:
tough, 4 to 8 inches. under 100 bucks and no 440C not into bowies.

I would say Becker BK15. Carbon Steel 1095 Cro Van. 5.5 inch blade good ergonomics.
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Thank you for the correction. If stainless are in I would also like to mention one of my favorite knives in my collection.

Grohmann Boat knife 4" blade saber ground comfortable wood handle, the design keeps your hand of the blade yet does not hinder any cutting like a guard sometimes does and holds an edge reasonably well. Not absolutely sure of the steel all I know is High Carbon Stainless. I have used this knife for years in the kitchen, camping and around my grandfathers farm when he was alive cleaning goats, hogs and raccoons. It is a good knife. I have knives from all spectrums from tacticool to prybars with a edge but for a no nonsense knife in stainless steel that will do it all look no further. The canadian military used to issue this knife to its soldiers now I'm told they still do but use a chinese made copy instead of the real thing to cut cost. I am not sure of that but you can find the real thing easily for 65-85 dollars.
 
I think the chopping and skinning/field dressing a rabbit are at odds in terms of use relative to practical sizes. My suggestion is that you consider a Kabar Becker BK-15 or BK-16. Both are easy knives to handle and either will do just fine around a campsite or splitting some reasonably sized logs for kindling. Either of these knives will do everything you need to do except chop. I tend to want something pointy for small game, hence would favor the BK-15 for a general purpose knife that might be used hunting.

For rabbits, the classic bird & trout sized knives are what's commonly used. Personally, I always used a folder for that. Big knives just get in the way. Have a little custom made by Ed Wallace (not expensive) with elk antler (I believe) handles with a 3" blade in 154CM. Not big enough for big chores, but perfect for small game and fish. Feels good in the hand too. I could probably dig around and find at least 5 or 6 similar sized knives I have picked up. There are any number of small knives that would work really well for this.
 
I will have to go w/ recommending the Becker BK2 or the Esee 6 (on the exchange for a great price!)
 
Certainly if you are going to be field dressing small game, I would go with something small, and designed with the hunter in mind.

I think the Pendleton hunter that has been suggested would do nicely.

If it has to be able to chop, but you still want to be able to dress small game, maybe a BK-16 or 17 depending on your preference for a point style. Those might be pushing it though. They are just barely bigger than what I use on deer! The blade is also pretty thick for that intended use as well. But, they are excellent "all-rounders".
 
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