Which knife best fits this description?

V

Vigilan

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Oct 3, 2013
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Newbie to the forums and I need help picking a knife. I was leaning toward the Ka-bar D2, and that is the price point I would like to be close to, but the price is the least important factor in this decision.

I want a knife that I can carry for long periods of time, that will keep an edge. This knife will be my PEW, my go to knife, on my hip for 10 years of hard self-sufficient labor with little or no access to a shop or other grinding tools. I will have access to specialty knives for things like gutting, chopping wood, but I also want my knife to be capable in these areas as a backup. In some cases this may be the only tool I have access to, and I would like something that will perform.

Spec's I am looking for in order of importance:

5" to 8" blade length
Fixed Blade
Sharpened false edge
Serrated edge, not on primary edge

The things I don't like about the Ka-Bar D2, Serration is on primary edge, the false edge of the clip point is not sharpened (if I purchased this knife I would sharpen the false edge myself on a bench grinder). I don't mind that it takes a long time to sharpen, good things take time. What are your opinions?
 
That sounds like something from TOPS knives. They have several that match that description. Most won't come with the false edge sharpened for possible legal reasons or cost.
 
A carbon steel blade could do that, something in the ESEE line. Just sharpen a false edge on it yourself, if it's a bit convex, it makes it a better chopper swinging from a pinch grip at the butt. Nonetheless, there's not much a sharpened false edge does other than be a partial dagger, which by definition has the purpose of stabbing. Can't see much work there getting done.

Same for serrations. Can they be useful, yes, in limited circumstances. Off the main edge helps, I have a CRKT Hammond Seal Tac which has them on the back. Not much got cut with them, I quit buying serrated blades because a properly ground one will do the job on most materials. About the only thing serrated blades cut better is rope or webbing. When I rappelled, I carried an old fully serrated Endura.

If there are going to be other tools at hand, then it brings up the question why the knife would need the features. You can certainly get what you want, having used the Hammond I felt it was more show than a working field knife. Since then I've drifted thru other fixed blades to the point the ESEE Laser Strike looks complicated. The biggest reason is that a knife is just that, I see making it do other things beyond it's intent as taking away from the purpose, not adding to it.

Avoid bench grinders if at all possible, they are only fit for lawn mower blades. The typical stone is far too aggressive, they heat the blade quickly and remove the temper. It's a tool for experienced bladesmiths, not beginners, and you'd be better served by a good set of sharpening stones in a kit like a Lansky or DMT. There are many axes and hatchets ruined by grinders and the flea markets are full of them.
 
Good info there tirod3, I'll take your response by paragraph.

The sharpened false edge is for stabbing, particularly large game, and combat purposes. If I need to finish an elk that is thrashing with an arrow in it's side I may only get one good shot at stabbing it, and I want the penetration to be as easy as possible.

The serration is for exactly what you describe. If I lose a ambush saddle strap while topping a tree or bowhunting, and I am in a precarious position I may only get one good shot at cutting rope, as you say serration makes that easier. Serration is not necessary but might be useful. I would much prefer this serration to be off the main edge, even at the expense of not having a serrated edge at all.

As for other tools, you are correct, I always try to choose the correct tool for the correct job. This is not always possible, for example I carry a Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet, I would much prefer to use this hatchet to chop wood than my PEW, but if I lose my pack, get robbed, stranded, injured, or another unexpected setback occurs, I still may need fire to survive the night.

As for the bench grinder, I have some experience using this to sharpen all kinds of edges (axe, lawnmower, shears), but I stone sharpen my knives. Stone sharpening the Ka-Bar D2 false edge from its factory state would be a hell of a chore I think. However I didn't consider that I might lose the temper, perhaps the best option is to have someone else sharpen that edge.

Maddogg74, the TOPS Knives are very interesting to me, good recommendation there sir!
 
Vigilan said:
I want a knife that I can carry for long periods of time, that will keep an edge. This knife will be my PEW, my go to knife, on my hip for 10 years of hard self-sufficient labor with little or no access to a shop or other grinding tools. I will have access to specialty knives for things like gutting, chopping wood, but I also want my knife to be capable in these areas as a backup. In some cases this may be the only tool I have access to, and I would like something that will perform.

Spec's I am looking for in order of importance:

5" to 8" blade length
Fixed Blade
Sharpened false edge
Serrated edge, not on primary edge
Click to expand...

The first knife that comes to my mind is the SOG Pentagon:

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The steel takes a fine edge and is easy to maintain. However, this isn't the design I'd want for skinning game and it's rather long for slipping under webbing next to my body to cut free of a harness. Nevertheless, I think it meets your specifications.

HOWEVER (again), if cost and time aren't at issue, why not commission the design you want from a custom knife-maker? Plenty around the forums HERE
 
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Actually I'm leaning toward the TOPS Hawke's Hellion, has the most versatile false edge; sharp at the point, saw, flat edge for hammer use as wedge, the leading edge may be a little harder to sharpen but not so bad.

Good advice all around guys, thank you! Great forum you folks have here!
 
How about the Ontario SP-6, has a sharpened false edge, around 8in blade length, but no serrations.

temporary_zps622ca101.jpg
 
Take a good look at all of tops knives before making a decision. I feel that there are other models on there that might better suit your needs.
TOPS may seem expensive, but their fit and finish is really good, and they are 100% USA made.
 
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Also, you might want to consider having a knifemaker customize your knife.
I remember reading that there is at least one knife dealer that will put serrations on knife for a small fee. Maybe someone else mention this.
 
LesserBeing said:
Also, you might want to consider having a knifemaker customize your knife.
I remember reading that there is at least one knife dealer that will put serrations on knife for a small fee. Maybe someone else mention this.
Click to expand...
I think you might be talking about Tom Veff serrations.




To the OP ...the ESEE 6 that I was talking about can be found here:

Combo edge: http://www.knifeworks.com/eseeknivesesee-6fixed65combobladesharpenedclippointcoyotesheath.aspx

Plain edge: http://www.knifeworks.com/eseeknivesesee-6fixed65plainbladesharpenedclippointcoyotesheath.aspx
 
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