What's your favorite traditional fixed blade knife...

Every time I start a response, I think of a different knife...
My favorite fixed blade is easy...I just don't think it flies as "traditional"
 
If I ignore the sentimental favorites and those I carried during military service and those carried for camping, scouting etc., I can do this. My most used (and hands down favorite) deer hunting, fixed blade knife is the Buck 118 Personal. A standard production knife, I like the old 440C and old grind best, I own several of them, but this two-line from the late 1960’s is my favorite. OH
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After seeing some other Buck knives in this thread, it reminded me of another of mine.

I've always liked the classic looks of the Buck 119. The 119's blade grind, with the fuller, is iconic. I used to have one of the standard production 119s - it was among several knives stolen from my house in a burglary, years ago. But I later acquired this one - a Master Series 119 in BG-42 steel. So, I still have it to take out and admire, from time to time. Ergonomically, it's one of the most comfortable in the hand, which is something Buck has excelled at over the years.

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Bought this 36 years ago in Germany. Not sure why, but it's my favorite. Square edged handle, while uncomfortable, offers a secure purchase. I never scrape scales from fish and it's too thick and short to filet them. But it sure holds a keen edge and opens envelopes and breaks dowm boxes with ease.

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The fixed blade I use the most and is a favorite is a CASE Desk Knife Wharncliffe in 154CM
And although I have many fixed blades, GEC, Morakniv, Brusletto, Colonial, ESSE, Becker, Ka-bar, Randall and Ruana ...
This trio of Sheffield knives from the 1800's are my favorite favorites ... maybe because they're the only really old fixed blades I have
Regardless, after decades older than a 100yrs, they are still sharp and ready to work

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In no particular order, of those I've owned:
Western L66
Mora Number 1
CS Finn Bear
Ontario 499 "Jet Pilot Survival Knife"
Old Hickory 3.5 inch paring knife, and Sheath Knife at one time or another have all been/currently are a favorite.

That I haven't owned (and likely never will) the short list is:
Buck 103
The Nessmuk pattern
Old Hickory/Russell Green River Buffalo Skinner.

Honerable Mentions include more of the old timey Old Hickory and Russell Green River, Buck 877*, 640(?) Meritor*, and 119*, and CS "G.I. Tanto"*, tho the G.I. Tanto blade needs reprofiled to a spearpoint to be useful, and the daRn dulls the knife "Secure-Ex" sheath needs to go.
(* owned)

If you are incluing machetes as a "fixed blade", I am also rather fond of my CS "Heavy Machete" and Royal Kurkri Machete

To pick just one? Not gonna happen.

Some are better at some (but not all) tasks than the others.
For exampe, the Puukko's are better at peeling critters and cleaning fish than something with a guard, IMHO.

(I don't have access to all my fixed blades or machette, so no picture ... Besides, most everyone knows what they look like, anyway.)
 
hhmoore said:
I would think the blade coating would be a disqualifier here. The trail/solution handle is a perfect fit for me - so comfortable👍
As long as we're taking chances, this is my favorite, and most carried, fixed blade...(apologies in advance if it is deemed non-traditional)
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Nothing wrong with that!
 
These two are probably my favorite definitely traditional fixed blades...
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Unfortunately, I never carry them because of my dislike for keeper straps. I did speak with somebody about a sheath for the Buck; but I've long since given up on him.
I'll be reaching out, momentarily, to a member about a sheath for the Hess...
 
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AntDog said:
That’s one thing I’m running into. What makes a fixed blade “traditional”? Shape? Handle material? Brand?

Traditional? You tell me.

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Maybe you just need to be using it in a traditional fashion 🤷‍♂️

Fixed blades are considered traditional if used for cutting regular things, game processing, shaving, ending saloon fights, cutting rope, peeling potatoes, working outside, searing bullet wounds shut, etc..

Modern knives have those super steels that can do everything! I.e.: prying things up - like man holes, cutting off car doors, stabbing through the ceramic plates and kevlar vests of terrorists, using as screwdrivers, digging out bunkers, fighting off zombies, disarming bombs,, deflecting lasers... you know - modern things.

And don't even get me started on future fixed blades!!!

Yours looks like it can handle most of those traditional things well enough to me 😉
(Am I wrong?)
 
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Frailer said:
I am a huge fan of Tom Krein’s work. At present my favorite is this one, which I got from Tom to celebrate the occasion of my retirement last month.

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When I first glanced at that gorgeous sheath for your excellent Tom Krein, I thought HEY, similar to my custom made pocket sheath for my GEC H73 !!!
Bulky in the pocket, but dang near heirloom quality.

Enjoy your retirement sir !!! :)

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