whats a good small fixed blade?

I suggest the Nemesis Knives Arch Ally. It is a great little knife. if you can get a Charles May knife or Gene Ingram, on the sale forums, do so. I have a knife on order with each of them, and my Ingram knife won't be ready until 2008.I would also sugggest something from Tom Krein.
http://www.nemesis-knives.com/arch.html
 
How small? I like my 210 for a small fixed blade

210-profile.jpg


twill-210.jpg


I carry it this way, its out of the way untill I need it.

210-side.jpg
 
The 210 is one of the small fixed in my carry rotation , either it or a Rinaldi Matrix ride in horizontal carry to the right of my belt buckle , just slightly off center.

The BM 210 is a handy lil slicer. And it matches my Rinaldi Matrix Nicely :) Simonich Crowfoot is a nice small fixed blade as well.

DSCF0971.jpg


Matrix%20BM210.jpg


Matrix%20and%20BM210.jpg
 
I think you'll like the RAT-3. They aren't fancy but are nice user knives. You won't mind scratching them up at all. The sheath is a bit bulky but holds the knife well.

I've got a couple of them and am in the process of "gussying up" one of them by removing the blade coating, polishing up the blade and making some replacement scales from either cocobolo, ziricote or bocote.
 
The reason I like all the Bark River fixed blade knives is that they are traditional designs made with modern materials and exceptional craftmanship. I would recommend one of them without hesitation.
 
Check out Northwoods Knives. They have some nice small fixed blades with D2 steel and traditional styles.
 
I am up to 3 RAT-3s now and I think they are about perfect for an EDC fixed blade. The sheath holds the knife extremely well but the sheath is also slightly bulky. I carry it using the clip IWB everyday and have one rigged with the tek-lok for hiking use. I am really wanting a 1095 model just to see how they compare. I have used it in the kitchen, cleaning fish, and if my .45 ever was to malfunction it would be my back up weapon. I did thin the edge a little bit on the one I carry daily but other than that they are good to go right out of the box. I have carried one now going on something like 2 years daily and I have never thought it was uncomfortable. My clipped folder rotates but I always carry my RAT-3 and my SAK farmer.
 
There are a lot of great suggestions in this thread.

For production knives, I'd recommend the Entrek EN1 as one that hasn't yet been mentioned.
.
The Entrek is rarely mentioned on BF for some reason, but it is a terrific knife. Just got one a couple of days ago after doing a lot of looking.

It looks and feels like a newly turned out handmade knife.
Razor sharp, full tang thick 440C blade, and a great Kydex sheath.
Super quality fit, build, and finish. Grinds are excellent.
Very useful blade shape as well. And made in the USA.
This knife reminds me a lot of Barry Dawson's customs, if that helps at all.

I was looking for a small production fixed blade, and this is it. I'm hugely impressed.

http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/vie..._link=1&track=02313afcaf-1d7d4&pt=bidpay&sp=1


In production knives there's also the Benchmade Snody Fixed Resistor which is worth checking out.

And I also highly recommend Eddie White's (ShadowKnives) Model IX handmade.
Simply designed, beautifully turned out cutter.

(The Ontario RAT3 is a great value, but the handle is just too small for me.)
 
John T Wylie Jr said:
The 210 is one of the small fixed in my carry rotation , either it or a Rinaldi Matrix ride in horizontal carry to the right of my belt buckle , just slightly off center.

The BM 210 is a handy lil slicer. And it matches my Rinaldi Matrix Nicely :) Simonich Crowfoot is a nice small fixed blade as well.

DSCF0971.jpg


Matrix%20BM210.jpg


Matrix%20and%20BM210.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice collection there! :cool:
 
might also take a look at bob ham on ebay-makes some great looking knives at a way good price
 
Another production fixed blade which is truly a bargain is
the Beretta Loveless Hunter (BE-178).

Beautifully made - in Seki City Japan - with an AUS 8, 3-13/16" blade and aggressively textured Zytel handle.
(Also available with a wood handle but that version is way more expensive and uses the exact same blade.)

Bob Loveless design and Seki City quality for about fifty bucks.
 
The RAT3 I own is the version with Ram's horn handle and comes with a very solid and well made dark chocolate brown sheath. Good cutter and no corrosion problems, handle MIGHT be a bit small if you have massive yeti hands but since you asked after a small fixed blade then it will be fine.Not THAT small though!

Another choice could be Bark River Classic Lite Hunter which comes in at least 12 different handles. Compact, efficient and has a useful guard but strong.Their WOODLANDER could be another excellent option as it is smaller but still credible. Barkies are some of the best made production knives you can get.
 
What about the Blackhawk Kalista? Small, good in any grip and many ways to carry. Thinking about getting one in the near future.

15KL_0BIG.JPG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top