work fixed blade

Ive been doing landscaping professionally for 20 years. 15 year in my own business. Ive learned that a good landscaping knife is one you can sharpen easily. Dirt and anything dirty will dull even the best steel. Cutting sod will blunt any knife in a matter of seconds, use a sod cutter.

I use a two knife setup. One fixed blade and on folder.

The folder has a somewhat thin blade made of a middle of the road steel. Depending which knife I pick for the day it could be s30v, d2,etc. Spyderco manix 2, Esee Avispa etc.

The fixed blade is usually 1095 blade steel. I want my fixed blade to be tough and sharpen easily especially if I need to do a quick touch up when im working. Lately my fixed blade carry had been a dpx Hest. This is the knife that gets dirty. Cutting open containers to remove bushes, cutting burlap of root balls etc.
 
I've lately come into a Mora Eldris (a gift from my brother), and I have been pretty happy with it. It's one of those size ain't everything things. It looks a might small to be useful for much, but it pockets very well for a fixed blade and leaves plenty of room for a small or medium sized folder. And it is very handy for usual knife stuff that you might want a fixed blade for. Its short blade offers a lot of control, it is discreet to carry (though it doesn't have a way to carry on a belt - I think there is an additional kit for that) and is eminently useful despite its size. In fact, when your job requires you to lug around a bunch of primary tools, having a small, easy to carry, light weight fixed blade is priceless. For that role specifically I really like the Eldris. It may not be for everyone, but I was pleasantly surprised with it.
 
IMG_0245.JPG IMG_0246.JPG Thanks for commens on the Eldris, was wondering how one has been used in the field. To me the blade looked too small or awkward to be useful at first, but there is something about it that says give me a try. Got a pocket JK Kephart that I wanted to try and use the same way, just a good cutting edge for tasks but not really made for the kitchen.
 
i just want to say that this isnt extreme landscaping, alls were doing is planting plants, laying sod, cutting the strings off bales, and only going to be doing this for a few weeks, next job im either going to be with framers or painters/drywallers
 
Another vote for Mora...ergonomic (other than the old style wood handles), easy to sharpen, and cheap enough to no be worried about your knife...
 
cbach8tw said:
View attachment 1103182 View attachment 1103183 Thanks for commens on the Eldris, was wondering how one has been used in the field. To me the blade looked too small or awkward to be useful at first, but there is something about it that says give me a try. Got a pocket JK Kephart that I wanted to try and use the same way, just a good cutting edge for tasks but not really made for the kitchen.
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That's a nice one! I think we tend to get carried away with the idea that a fixed blade should be this big honking thing that would make Crocodile Dundee proud. I climb ladders all day with wire, dykes, punch tools, crimpers and a few other items. I used to carry a Kershaw Leek with me for its one handedness, but I have been exploring other options. I think I've settled on the Eldris for now.
baldegale said:
i just want to say that this isnt extreme landscaping, alls were doing is planting plants, laying sod, cutting the strings off bales, and only going to be doing this for a few weeks, next job im either going to be with framers or painters/drywallers
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I won't tell you this is the right knife for you, but for the price it may be worth finding out. Beats spending $100 or more to buy something that doesn't work for you. Just my $0.02...
 
baldegale said:
i just want to say that this isnt extreme landscaping, alls were doing is planting plants, laying sod, cutting the strings off bales, and only going to be doing this for a few weeks, next job im either going to be with framers or painters/drywallers
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Most of the advice given will be transferable to the other jobs as well except for certain advice/recommendations centering around specific tasks. What makes a good work knife is actually pretty close to being universal as well as certain traits just lend itself well for when you have to rely on a knife as a tool in a work setting.
 
cbach8tw said:
View attachment 1103182 View attachment 1103183 Thanks for commens on the Eldris, was wondering how one has been used in the field. To me the blade looked too small or awkward to be useful at first, but there is something about it that says give me a try. Got a pocket JK Kephart that I wanted to try and use the same way, just a good cutting edge for tasks but not really made for the kitchen.
Click to expand...
Looks like a tiny Kephart!

Zieg
 
What I like about the Mora Robust, besides its complete indestructibility, are its hand protection and secure grip even with gloves. I would go with the carbon version for ease of sharpening and edge retention, but I never fear a little rust from time to time.

It's true about sod cutting dulling a blade. And polyester twine is brutal, too. But the carbon Moras touch up very quickly. Inexpensive does not have to equal cheap.

Zieg
 
baldegale said:
hey! so completed first day of the job today, started with landscaping. i carried my PM2 and it worked well but i quickly realized the convenience of a fixed would be really really nice. ive already been recommended the CPK EDC line, Izula ii, and the bradford guardian. heres what i want: 3.5” or under
preferably under $250
can be put on a belt comfortably with a sheath
and ease of use with gloves
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You can get something custom too. While this knife may or may not be what you want (it does match your criteria), he has other designs worth looking at:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/new-edc-fixed-blade-jp-bladesmithing.1645606/
 
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