View Full Version : Need a good fixed blade.
I am in the market for a good fixed blade knife. My edc folder is a ZT 0350, but as of late ive been carrying a ZT 0550 I dont know why, maybe the same reason I carry a full size 1911. its comforting to know its there.
Anyway would like a fixed blade just dont know which one, also would like some input on a custom parang.
SeriousStudent
08-24-13, 15:40
What will be its intended use, and what's your budget?
all around camp knife/bush knife. $200.00 or so really lile russel knives just not the price.
Look at Blind Horse Knives. I ve been more than satisfied with my bushcrafter.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
thanks. i will have a look. i have heard good tbings about them.
JackFanToM
08-24-13, 20:52
how big you wanna go? ESEE 5 is nice...big tank of a knife
I have a Lionsteel M3...best fit and finish I have ever seen...smaller than ESEE 4 by a wee bit, better handle by far.
My sharpened crowbar type knife is a custom made by Gingrich tactical. I had it made to my specifications for about $200, add an amazing sheath by grizzly outdoors, and it's hard to beat....
.270 thick piece of 5160 spring steel full flat grind with a convex edge
As a pure bushcraft it is too big, the lionsteel is better for that, but as a camp knife, or a knife to replace an axe as well as a knife it is perfect.
I find knives very specific...my zt 350 is too heavy and bulky for EDC at work (I wear suits everyday) but my Kershaw knockout is similar sized and nearly half the weight...perfect for EDC
Not too terribly expensive but decent purposeful knives are Becker via KA-BAR Knives, Inc. These are Made in the U.S.A. by the way. Anyways, hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!
MajorLonghorn
08-25-13, 00:37
I have an ESEE Izula II, 3, 6, and a Junglas. They're awesome. I also have a Swamp Rat Ratmandu, but while it's bad ass, it might be more knife than you need. SOG, Ka-Bar, Buck, and Blind Horse are brands I've used, and depending on the application, brands you can trust. If I had to pick one brand, however, I'd pick ESEE, based on their selection and warranty.
bluejackets92fs
08-25-13, 01:57
ZT makes some great fixed blades but may be a little too big for edc use.
Plumber237
08-25-13, 04:05
Another vote for ESEE, plus for $200 you can buy 2 or 3 different sizes to try out (depending on which models)...IMHO the ESEE 4 is the best value for a do all workhorse knife and it only runs around $85.
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/38CK/SRK(SURVIVAL_RESCUE_KNIFE).aspx
I don't really see why this wouldn't work perfectly.
I have several fixed blade knives, but seem to gravitate towards this one much of the time.
Bark River Bravo-1. They are made in a few different steels, but mine are in A2.
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/Goemon1973/collezione%2005%202010/013.jpg (http://media.photobucket.com/user/Goemon1973/media/collezione%2005%202010/013.jpg.html)
ESEE 4 or 5 would be my suggestion. My 3mil is a great knife.
Have a look at Grayman knives.
As of September 1st, in Texas, automatics knives will be legal as long as the blade doesn't exceed 5 1/2".
Yes, they're folders but an auto (o.k. switchblade...) can be mighty fine.
The Benchmade Infidel (insanely expensive) Out The Front are high on the coolness factor, but a fixed blade is even faster...
auto_luver
08-25-13, 16:20
for the best bang for the buck- Ontario Spec Plus SP1 Marine Combat
looked at the grayman knives and I like them just not a fan of single bevel knives. If you have to skin anything with it you would see what i mean.
titsonritz
08-25-13, 18:09
An ESEE 3 for a carry/fighting knife and/or an ESEE 5 for a camp/survival knife. The $200 neighborhood will score both.
The ESEE fixed blades are nice, but if you want to save some dough, check out the Ontario RAT-3 / RAT-5 / RAT-7. Designed by the same guy (Jeff Randall):
http://ontarioknife.com/outdoor-camping-survival/ontario-rat-knives.html
Tooth & Nail
08-25-13, 20:23
Busse knives are well regarded fixed blade knives for hard use applications, but they're hard to come by and most are over your stated budget. However, there are two Busse subsidiaries that offer similar hard use functionality at a lower price point. They are Swamp Rat Knife Works (http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/) and Scrap Yard Knife Works (http://www.scrapyardknives.com/). Might be worth a look.
Esee/Rat, pick length for occasion. For the price, its hard to find better steel.
swamprat and scrapyard site are under repair?
FrozenBeanz
08-26-13, 20:23
I have several fixed blade knives, but seem to gravitate towards this one much of the time.
Bark River Bravo-1. They are made in a few different steels, but mine are in A2.
I agree the Bravo 1 is anexcellent choice.
I'd also look at Bark River's Canadian Special - that's my favorite :-)
I agree the Bravo 1 is anexcellent choice.
I'd also look at Bark River's Canadian Special - that's my favorite :-)
The Bark River Gunny (scaled down Bravo 1) is also an excellent choice. The size and profile is nearly perfect for an all around fixed blade IMHO. In addition, the convex grind is easily sharpened and tough.
all around camp knife/bush knife. $200.00 or so really lile russel knives just not the price.
I admittedly have a thing for Fallkniven knives, laminated VG10 steel with thermorun handle is a tough and durable knife that works well and cuts like a light saber.
for a good overall knife I would suggest the S1 - 6.7 oz., 5" blade, .2"mm thick, 9.7" overall - http://www.fallkniven.com/en/shop/details/439/24/fixed-blades/survival-knives/s1z
http://www.knifecollectors.org/gallery/image.raw?type=orig&id=99
it can be pretty pricey but I found one at Tactical Wholesalers for $138 in Satin finish with Zytel sheath...
looked at the bark river knives, really like the looks of the gunny and the 9 1/2 bolo.
Tooth & Nail
08-27-13, 17:31
swamprat and scrapyard site are under repair?
They are. Busse Combat as well. They are re-doing their web sites and it seems to be taking a little longer then they anticipated. They should be up soon, but I don't know when exactly.
anybody own one of the bark river bolo's?
anybody own one of the bark river bolo's?
I have not handled any of the bolos, but I have first hand experience with several Bark River models ( Gunny, North Star, Scout), and their customer service. All are exemplary in my experience, and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one of their products.
Tooth & Nail
08-30-13, 20:44
The Swamp Rat and Scrap Yard sites are back up.
Tough to beat an ESEE knife for most any general purposes. Not as sexy as other knives that cost twice as much but I know I can beat the hell out of an ESEE and not worry.
i've been rocking a DPx NSW knife for a few months now and really like it, i have a Rustick knifes 4" utility coming.
big fan of:
chris reeves
winkler II knives
Strider
Ban Tang knives
Spartan Blades
George knives
Landi Knives
Rinaldi Knives
All are great choices
Everyone's got their preferences for a specified task they're embarking on. Here's two (2) 10 inch bladed samples I have:
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae360/chc_hmc/BO10.jpg
Man you have to give a lot of detail or you'll get a different answer from each person. I live close to a big knife shop and like to check out knives before I buy them, but if you can't do that, a website like www.bladehq.com is the next best thing. Just click fixed blade and you'll have a couple thousand I would think =). A company I have really started liking is FOX from Italy. I love the N690Co steel and have a bunch of them with no problems. Here are the brands of fixed blades at BladeHQ as far as production:
• 5.11 Tactical (Fixed)
• Bark River (Fixed)
• Bear OPS (Fixed)
• Benchmade (Fixed)
• Blackhawk (Fixed)
• Boker (Fixed)
• Bone Collector (Fixed)
• Brous Blades (Fixed)
• Browning (Fixed)
• Buck (Fixed)
• Camillus (Fixed)
• Case Knives (Fixed)
• Chris Reeve (Fixed)
• Cold Steel (Fixed)
• Condor (Fixed)
• CRKT (Fixed)
• Down Under (Fixed)
• DPx Gear (Fixed)
• Entrek (Fixed)
• ESEE (Fixed)
• Fallkniven (Fixed)
• Fred Perrin (Fixed)
• Gerber (Fixed)
• H&K (Fixed)
• Hogue (Fixed)
• Ka-Bar (Fixed)
• Kanetsune Seki Japan (Fixed)
• Kershaw (Fixed)
• Knife Research (Fixed)
• Lion Steel Knives (Fixed)
• Lone Wolf (Fixed)
• Mcusta (Fixed)
• Meyerco (Fixed)
• Microtech (Fixed)
• Olamic Cutlery (Fixed)
• Ontario (Fixed)
• Paragon (Fixed)
• Protech (Fixed)
• Schrade (Fixed)
• Scorpion Knives (Fixed)
• Smith & Wesson (Fixed)
• SOG (Fixed)
• Spartan Blades (Fixed)
• Spyderco (Fixed)
• Strider (Fixed)
• TOPS (Fixed)
• Viper (Fixed)
• Zero Tolerance (Fixed)
Here are a couple pics I have of just some Case Trappers, and maybe a few others. As far as fixed blades i have a lot of Case, Buck, Remington....really have to look as a have a lot more folders. Well over 1,000 NIB and I will beat any price you can find online. Take care.
J
Here's the link to where I get my knives
www.surviveknives.com
I'm planning on buying a ZT 121. Its a 4 inch blade heavy duty and its not too big for edc. Your obviously a fan of ZT have you looked at this one? I have found them for under 200 and sometimes on sale for around 165.
SavageBrew84
09-05-13, 13:43
Wideglide, I don't think you'll find an 0121 for cheaper than this.
http://kershawguy.com/products-page/featured-items/zt0121-strider-fixed-blade-wkydex-sheath/
Savage. have you bought anything off this site befor?
SavageBrew84
09-05-13, 17:17
I haven't personally bought anything from him but I wouldn't hesitate to buy directly from his site or his eBay store (although his prices are slightly higher on eBay). I was going to purchase an 0560 from him until I came across a deal I didn't want to pass up. Check out his feedback if you are worried, I don't think 6600 people can be wrong ;)
Thanks for the help. I do love ZT knives.
Gutshot John
09-05-13, 19:57
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff324/Goemon1973/collezione%2005%202010/013.jpg[/IMG] (http://media.photobucket.com/user/Goemon1973/media/collezione%2005%202010/013.jpg.html)
That's a beautiful blade.
Wideglide, I don't think you'll find an 0121 for cheaper than this.
http://kershawguy.com/products-page/featured-items/zt0121-strider-fixed-blade-wkydex-sheath/
Holy shit thanks, I have heard of this guy and that he is good to go. I wasn't sure if his knives were factory seconds hadn't for some reason seen his site. I'm going to have get one.
Got mine today from the Kershawguy! Bought it Saturday and it arrived today. Great knife. Great service.
MajorLonghorn
09-05-13, 23:16
Holy shit thanks, I have heard of this guy and that he is good to go. I wasn't sure if his knives were factory seconds hadn't for some reason seen his site. I'm going to have get one.
I've purchased from Dave at Kershaw Guy. He contributes to bladeforums.com regularly and is well respected in those circles. In fact, if you join bladeforums.com he might give you a discount.
For the money, I like this one: Cold Steel SRK but with Carbon V steel
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/38CK/SRK(SURVIVAL_RESCUE_KNIFE).aspx
and for a little over double the money of the one above, this one : Bravo 1.5 Field Green Canvas - Matte (but with the swedge grind blade).
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-72001783265187_2267_92678970
a swedge grind blade below on a Bravo 1
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server3200/k2pame/products/46563/images/29640/Bravo_16__76873.1374886470.290.220.jpg
For the money, I like this one: Cold Steel SRK but with Carbon V steel
http://www.coldsteel.com/Product/38CK/SRK(SURVIVAL_RESCUE_KNIFE).aspx
and for a little over double the money of the one above, I this one : Bravo 1.5 Field Green Canvas - Matte (but with the swedge grind blade).
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-72001783265187_2267_92678970
a swedge grind blade below on a Bravo 1
http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server3200/k2pame/products/46563/images/29640/Bravo_16__76873.1374886470.290.220.jpg
well that SRK is a conundrum. because if you could find one in Carbon V, it would be double the price. and the current price isn't bad but Aus8 steel isn't up to what that knife is designed for...
in the $120 range though, you could get one in San Mai Steel - htthttp://www2.knifecenter.com/item/CS38CSM/Cold-Steel-SRK-Survival-Rescue-Knife-6-inch-VG-1-San-Mai-III-Blade-Kraton-Handlep://
or some people prefer the ESEE 6. here you can get it with custom handle for about the same price...
http://www.the-knife-connection.com/eskn6sebl.html
and add - http://www.the-knife-connection.com/esee-5---6-series-custom-sporting-field-handle-kits.html
Whiskey_Bravo
09-13-13, 14:43
Bark River Bravo-1 - Great knife and crazy sharp.
Esse - I have a couple of these of varying length, all great knives.
DPx HEFT 4 - I just got this one in today. I couldn't pass up the special that Stickman shared on Facebook. Got it for $99 plus a signed graphic novel by Robert Pelton.
I have a few Kabars as well that I don't mess with much anymore but not bad knives considering how cheap they are.
Bark River Bravo-1 - Great knife and crazy sharp.
Esse - I have a couple of these of varying length, all great knives.
DPx HEFT 4 - I just got this one in today. I couldn't pass up the special that Stickman shared on Facebook. Got it for $99 plus a signed graphic novel by Robert Pelton.
I have a few Kabars as well that I don't mess with much anymore but not bad knives considering how cheap they are.
is that special for the HEFT still on? I looked at the link Stick posted and didn't see it... :(
You really can't go wrong with any of the ESEE or Becker knives. My personal favorites are the ESEE 4 for an overall camp knife and the Becker BK14 for an edc knife. There's a video floating around of a guy cutting through a thin metal tool box lid with a BK 11.
If you can stretch you budget a little further, you might consider a Bob Dozier Arkansas Toothpick. I started looking around for a EDC fixed blade, and comfortable way/system to carry. I found Mr. Dozier's Arkansas Toothpick to work very well. Horizontal kydex sheath on my weak side:
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/clastac/stove006_zpsa20f5f37.jpg
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/clastac/stove005_zps5c93d5a3.jpg
Cheers,
GB
Ive looked at Mr. Dozier's Knives. I really like the looks of his k36 bushcraft knife.
Free Agent
09-21-13, 11:40
Yes, you have to add the signed Roll Hard graphic novel and either the HEST II assault or HEFT 4 assault to your cart and it will apply the discount. I got mine about a week ago and its amazing. They shipped pretty quickly. Mine came out to $114.95 shipped. Heres the link:
http://www.dpxgear.com/shop.html?cat=45
is that special for the HEFT still on? I looked at the link Stick posted and didn't see it... :(
I didn't read through all the replies, I have quite a few different fixed blades. SOG, Kabar, custom, etc. I tend to gravitate more towards my Gerber LMFII
I got it for about 70$ from LA Police gear and think it was money well spent
oodalooper
10-02-13, 16:26
I'm looking for a decent fixed blade knife for my plate carrier. Has anyone owned a Gerber LMF?
JBecker 72
10-02-13, 16:47
Wideglide, I don't think you'll find an 0121 for cheaper than this.
http://kershawguy.com/products-page/featured-items/zt0121-strider-fixed-blade-wkydex-sheath/
Thanks for this post. I've bought from him before and he is top notch. I got an 0350 and an 0303 from him already. Been looking for a good fixed blade, and ZT has really proven to me they can make a great knife.
I'm looking for a decent fixed blade knife for my plate carrier. Has anyone owned a Gerber LMF?
I look at knives carried on fighting gear as weapons rather than tools. the LMF is a big heavy knife and way too big for PC. look for something flatter/thinner in the handle so it won't stick out so much. the Esee 3 MIL with sharpened top edge would be ideal but there are others in this same profile. Gerber Guardian is another...
Has anyone delt with knifesupply.com
the site shows bark river gunny's a lot cheaper than anyone else.
Bought some stuff from KS. It went just fine.
Yes, you have to add the signed Roll Hard graphic novel and either the HEST II assault or HEFT 4 assault to your cart and it will apply the discount. I got mine about a week ago and its amazing. They shipped pretty quickly. Mine came out to $114.95 shipped. Heres the link:
http://www.dpxgear.com/shop.html?cat=45
thanks for this, I ordered one and it arrived a few days ago. it's pretty nice but the reviewer in the video is right - the sheath sucks - need to contact Al Welke for one of his fantastic Kydex sheaths...
the thing I like most about this knife is the handle and the finish tooling. the scales and screws fit the handle with machine precision. it's very well made... the blade pattern seems functional but did not perform on wood as well as any of my Fallkniven or Mora knives nor did it arrive as sharp as I like but a little work with a very fine honing stone while watching TV brought it shaving sharp.
with as many knives as I have, I'm having trouble finding a purpose for it. it is labeled as an "assault" knife so I'll focus on those uses rather than as a bushcraft blade. the 1/4" bit driver is a neat feature to have and the hollow handle scales allow room for a small assortment of bits and some foam to keep them from rattling. the screws holding the scales are slotted allen heads so to keep from marking these up, I tried an allen wrench rather than a flat blade or a penny and it works well...
I'm not familiar with the steel used so I'll wait till it gets more use before I make judgements on that but I might reprofile the edge a couple degrees and finish up with a convex edge. more later...
That's a beautiful blade.
Thanks, the Bravo-1 is my go to knife, so I have two of them. I'm really into fixed blades so also have examples from ESEE (3, 4, 5), Swamprat RMD, BRKT Gunny, Fallkniven F1, etc.
There are a lot of great knives out there. I recently saw some from Blind Horse at a gun show that caught my eye.
oodalooper
10-09-13, 18:44
What about a Seal Pup
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I really like ESEE, Ka-Bar's Ethan Becker designed knives, and Fallkniven. All great choices IMHO.
Levi
Check out the Ridgeback from Bill Coye. He makes all custom stuff, but Boker is doing a production version of it. Hard to beat at $60, with a sheath and belt clip... Bladehq has em. I just got mine and love it.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/27/ry2y9ase.jpg
Check out the Ridgeback from Bill Coye. He makes all custom stuff, but Boker is doing a production version of it. Hard to beat at $60, with a sheath and belt clip... Bladehq has em. I just got mine and love it.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/27/ry2y9ase.jpg
I really like the blade shape of this knife. What are some details such as blade length, type of steal etc. What is the large square thing in the case? I hope that is not the belt clip its huge.
The description is on blade HQ. Standard materials from Boker
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I really like the blade shape of this knife. What are some details such as blade length, type of steal etc. What is the large square thing in the case? I hope that is not the belt clip its huge.
This is a screenshot from bladehq re specs in the production knife. That is indeed the pocket clip, and Mr Coye announced via Instagram some custom replacement additions available soon from his website. coyeknives.com
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/28/sy6ubu2u.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/28/ebuquryb.jpg
I have always liked the Cold Steel SRK in Carbon V. For my needs, besides its excellent steel it is close to the perfect size and weight. You can usually get a like new or mint one off ebay for $115 or less pretty easy.
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/Biggy8/a9855ebc-6e52-4640-8e18-17739b46da08_zpsfa08fed1.jpg (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/Biggy8/media/a9855ebc-6e52-4640-8e18-17739b46da08_zpsfa08fed1.jpg.html)
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/Biggy8/Picture026_zps49a444fa.jpg (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/Biggy8/media/Picture026_zps49a444fa.jpg.html)
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss72/Biggy8/a719d671-ee3e-403f-a2bd-72b44ca20a0d_zps8e364f38.jpg (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/Biggy8/media/a719d671-ee3e-403f-a2bd-72b44ca20a0d_zps8e364f38.jpg.html)
JackFanToM
10-27-13, 22:04
For a medium sized fixed blade - 3-5" blade - I highly recommend the lionsteel m3. The fit and finish on this thing is 2nd to none. Made from excellent steel (Niolox - similar to D2), has a drop point with an enormous belly, full flat grind (the belly and grind make this an excellent slicer), micarta handle. The only thing I think they could improve on is the sheath, but then you can always get a custom sheath.
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/null_zps2d86c851.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/null_zps2d86c851.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/null_zpsf47c7886.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/null_zpsf47c7886.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/null_zps0b19730b.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/null_zps0b19730b.jpg.html)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww320/jackfantom/null_zpsd17c95ab.jpg (http://s731.photobucket.com/user/jackfantom/media/null_zpsd17c95ab.jpg.html)
If you want a classic style fixed blade, and you are willing to pay a master to make your knife I suggest this blade, or one of the other options:
My wife bought me this knife as a birthday gift and a gesture of faith when I "cut my ties" with a company I was working for that was getting more and more dangerous for a new father...
Anyway the knife is amazing, and as the craftsmanship is impeccable:
Canal Street Cutlery (http://www.canalstreetcutlery.com/81cahudrpo.html)
LowSpeed_HighDrag
10-28-13, 01:32
I prefer a "bushcrafting" knife for woods carry. I carry a custom ML Knives Kephart in his leather drop sheath. Great knife! Aged carbon steel, tiger maple brass pin scales, and a big bellied spear point under a 3/16" spine. It does everything I need it to do without acting like an axe/hatchet like many other big "survival" knives do. Plus, it looks amazing.
Matt Lesniewski of ML Knives made me this while I was deployed in 2011/12:
http://mlknivesblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/kephart-custom-knife-set-and-custom.html
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