View Full Version : fixed blade challenge for ya...
I have been scouring the web for days without hitting on the knife that screams out "BUY ME, I AM PERFECT FOR YOU!", so I'd like to enlist the help of the knife loonies here on WB.
I'm looking for a fixed blade, quality steel, ~3inch blade, relatively lightweight (>4oz including sheath), half serrated, half straight blade, for under $40. It would also give it a real boost if it was made in the USA, or at least if the steel was. This may just be too much to ask, but I'm encouraged by finding blades that are ALMOST what I want, such as these:
http://www.knifeworks.com/crktcrawfordtriumphneckknifeplainedgekydexsheath.a spx
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/KABK11/ka-bar-becker-necker-neck-knife-with
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-Acheron-Zombie-Killing-Fixed--9089
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/SWHRT4N/smith-
One other really important feature to me is the ability to mount the sheath/knife on my belt. I've found that a lot of the descriptions of the knife don't give a detailed over view of the sheath specs, which leaves me wondering.
This knife will be carried on my AT thru-hike, but I am not interested in having a discussion on why I should use a razor blade instead. Just wanna see if there is a standout fixed blade w/i my range, and if not - I'll consider some folders. Thanks a bunch ya'll,
Rowan
I also prefer fixed blades, though I also like opinel's cause they are cheap and purdy.
Not sure I like those type of handles but never tried them. What's the appeal? Just curious.
I like these, but not sure which one. Need to try them...
http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/outdoor.html
#2 probably, in carbon steel.
Snowleopard
02-21-2012, 13:02
Have you considered Swedish Mora knives? They made of high quality steels and are light and cheap ($10 to $15). Some models have partial serrations (e.g., #11392). If you can live without serrations, the classic Mora #1 is 2.75 oz with belt sheath and $10 + $6 shipping.
http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html
go to smoky mountian knife works. Last time I was in TN I stopped there and got a couple KA-BARs. Id be very suprised if they didnt have what you're looking for.
http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/main_front.jsp
I just got that Acheron knife by KaBar. I discussed it a bit in this thread and there are pics further down of what I did with it. I still need to get out and test it.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?81121-Fun-amp-Light-Project-Knife
Mr. Clean
02-23-2012, 06:40
I need to ask a question. Why do people want a knife with the serated blade? I own a couple with the partially serated blade, and I don't care for them. To me, it interferes with the function of the blade. What uses do you guys have for it?
I ust got a Buck KnivesŪ Jim Shockey Signature Series Fannin Knife (http://www.whiteblaze.net/product/Buck-Knives174-Jim-Shockey-Signature-Series-Fannin-Knife/715767.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch%2F%3FN%3D1000002909 %26Ne%3D1000002909%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dkni ves%26Ntx%3Dmode%252Bmatchallpartial%26WTz_l%3DHea der%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26WTz_st%3DSearchRefinements%26form _state%3DsearchForm%26search%3Dknives%26searchType ByFilter%3DAllProducts%26x%3D14%26y%3D12&Ntt=knives). I really like it. It is on sale at Cabelas for about $23.
If you want a 'rescue' knife then the serrated edge is good for cutting things like lines on a boat, seatbelt webbing, small diameter branches--a fine edge just slides off these things but the rough edge takes a bite and rips through these fibers more easily. The edge is harder to maintain though and for daily use in camp a fine edge may be a better choice.
Drybones
02-23-2012, 10:19
I own many fixed blade knives, the best of which I made, but what I ended up using for hiking is a Kershaw RJ Martin Design clip knife. It clips in my pocket, light weight, and I always know where it is, not so with the fixed blade I started out with. Not expensive but has decent steel for what it's used for. I agree with a prior comment about serration, not usefull.
I need to ask a question. Why do people want a knife with the serated blade? I own a couple with the partially serated blade, and I don't care for them. To me, it interferes with the function of the blade. What uses do you guys have for it?
Generally serrated blades are more suited to rough cutting tasks and slicing through fibrous material like rope and cord. If you've got a sharp plain edge knife you can still cut those things with it though. I've never been a fan of partially serrated blades, especially on small blades. On a larger fixed blade it can be useful but for a small 3" blade I find it better to go either full plain edge or full serrated edge.
Serrations are necessary for a man to look really tough. ;).
Grizhicks
02-23-2012, 13:26
I know it's a little more money than you want to spend, but have you looked at the Izula by ESEE (knife only is 2 oz). I've had mine since early November and wear as a neck kinfe every day; don't even notice it.
I am very fond of your #2 above for a variety of reasons. Some mentioned here:
1. Overall length, not too short for a handled one piece blade.
2. Blade width and handle width.
3. Handle layout
4. Continuous straight edge blade
5. Plastic hard sheath that can be tied to a pack, person in unlimited fashions
You can do better in price, but not for all that knife offers in my opinion.
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/KABK11/ka-bar-becker-necker-neck-knife-with
Cheers!
1.3 ozs of easy to keep clean, rope cutting, cheese slicing, BLADE - - http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-Handy-Little-4-Inch/dp/B0001UZMOI/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1330088721&sr=1-4
Here is a site with a wide variety of high-quality full tang fixed blade knives. My favoraite is the Seal Pup II.
http://sogknives.com/store/fixed.html
no direction home
02-24-2012, 10:07
In my opinion Columbia river knife and tool has some of the best quality, affordable and lightest knives available. This one might suit you, doesn't have a serrated edge but the reviews say it cuts rope just fine.
http://www.crkt.com/Folts-Minimalist-Tanto-Razor-Edge-Knife <--buy on amazon, it's cheaper there
This is another good one but is just slightly over your budget
http://www.crkt.com/Bear-Claw-Blunt-Tip-GlassFilledNylonSheath-Serrated-Edge <-- I don't think this one is available on amazon but you can check
Hope this helped
I need to ask a question. Why do people want a knife with the serated blade? I own a couple with the partially serated blade, and I don't care for them. To me, it interferes with the function of the blade. What uses do you guys have for it?
serrations are a gimmack that has stuck. the simple fact that they cannot be sharpened by the end user guarantees that MOST "professional" users of a knife will not use one. I consider serrations to be "built in breakage" to guarantee return customers.
with that said, any company that sales a serrated knife without offering lifetime sharpening service is IMO ripping you off.
of course in most cases people, and especially professionals cannot afford to be without their knives while they are being sharpened. so of course it never happens, and a progressively duller knife is used.
finally a wellmade non-serrated knife will cut rope and cardboard quite well. two of the most difficult and dulling cuts. and can be resharpened to do it perpetually, while a serrated knife might make the same cuts or even a few more, and then will be unable to be sharpened in the field leaving the user with no way to cut at all:(
so there is my two cents. aviod serrations when you can
V/r HT1
+1 for the mora. I cant say enough good things about it.
Wise Old Owl
02-24-2012, 11:12
No 2 carbon steel
1.3 ozs of easy to keep clean, rope cutting, cheese slicing, BLADE - - http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Chen-Handy-Little-4-Inch/dp/B0001UZMOI/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1330088721&sr=1-4
No offense Juma, but the above knife is the only one I would highly recommend NOT purchasing do primarily to the sheath.
There is nothing holding that sheath to the knife which means it may or may not slip off, especially when pulling from gear that may snug part of the knife or the sheath. Because the sheath does not operate at all with a guide rail (or similar) you can certainly damage the sheath, or yourself. If the sheath comes off the knife even a half inch, you won't wind to dig for this in your pack! The amount of potential dangers with this sort of knife does not go well with backpacking.
The other knives above which have plastic or hard carbon fiber sheaths have some unique properties that you do want when purchasing a fixed blade for field / backpacking use.
1. The blade snaps into position and can't simply fall out without direct back pressure in a very specific direction. These styles will NOT somehow easily separate even if mixed among moving gear.
2. The sheath itself is virtually indestructible. On the trail, you couldn't cut through one of these sheaths with the knife it comes with.
3. Most of those hard sheaths may be tied down to a point on or in the pack, clothing, etc. so finding it isn't difficult.
My .02
~ Cheers!
No offense Juma, but the above knife is the only one I would highly recommend NOT purchasing do primarily to the sheath.
There is nothing holding that sheath to the knife which means it may or may not slip off, especially when pulling from gear that may snug part of the knife or the sheath. Because the sheath does not operate at all with a guide rail (or similar) you can certainly damage the sheath, or yourself. If the sheath comes off the knife even a half inch, you won't wind to dig for this in your pack! The amount of potential dangers with this sort of knife does not go well with backpacking.
The other knives above which have plastic or hard carbon fiber sheaths have some unique properties that you do want when purchasing a fixed blade for field / backpacking use.
1. The blade snaps into position and can't simply fall out without direct back pressure in a very specific direction. These styles will NOT somehow easily separate even if mixed among moving gear.
2. The sheath itself is virtually indestructible. On the trail, you couldn't cut through one of these sheaths with the knife it comes with.
3. Most of those hard sheaths may be tied down to a point on or in the pack, clothing, etc. so finding it isn't difficult.
My .02
~ Cheers!
No offense taken and none intended. It don't slip. you must give it a serious tug to get it out for action. it is sharp, it cleans up easy, people will stand back when you take it out. I only had one serious episode with mine - an attack by a bull rabbit. I slit his throat. He died screaming out the hole. i had a little cognitive dissonance but got over it after a shower. joyce chen is a REAL badass!
serrations are a gimmack that has stuck. the simple fact that they cannot be sharpened by the end user guarantees that MOST "professional" users of a knife will not use one. I consider serrations to be "built in breakage" to guarantee return customers.
They can be sharpened by the end user. There's a large variety of diamond whetstone rods made for the sole purpose of sharpening serrated knives.
I agree with you in avoiding them unless you know you'll specifically need serrations but to say people can't sharpen their serrated knives themselves is quite untrue.
Another vote for the Mora. I like the Clipper carbon steel version if you can find 'em.
Or the HighQ, MG, or 711 carbon here:
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Categories?category=Knives%3AMORA+of+SWEDEN&s=1
rocketsocks
02-24-2012, 18:27
The best knife is the one you make yourself.You can buy a blank from many places or take an old file throw it in a hot fire to remove the temper and grind it,add a handle and you have got a knife you would be proud to pass down through the family.and it will take an edge like no other if you use good carbon steel.Cheers
......Or perhaps consider a nice throwing knife?
http://www.knife-depot.com/throwing-knives/
Pathfinder1
02-24-2012, 20:49
[QUOTE=slims;They can be sharpened by the end user. There's a large variety of diamond whetstone rods made for the sole purpose of sharpening serrated knives.
I agree with you in avoiding them unless you know you'll specifically need serrations but to say people can't sharpen their serrated knives themselves is quite untrue.
Hi...
The indented portions don't even have to be sharpened...!! It is the pointed part of the serrations that do the (rope, etc.) cutting. Just sharpen them as you would the unserrated portion of the blade.
tophatxj
02-25-2012, 21:13
I know it's a little more money than you want to spend, but have you looked at the Izula by ESEE (knife only is 2 oz). I've had mine since early November and wear as a neck kinfe every day; don't even notice it.
Yeah esee makes great knives.
I have an esee 4. A little bigger than the izula. :p
They can be sharpened by the end user. There's a large variety of diamond whetstone rods made for the sole purpose of sharpening serrated knives. .
I've seen them, they are expensive,, very time consuming to use, often work on a limited number of knives correctly... i.e the angles and radius of the sharpening tools are designed for one specific blade, of they are of a "generic " design that does not work best with most knives. Buy a good quality non-serrated blade, a good tristone, and a strope, you will never need anythign else
IN short KISS
I agree with you in avoiding them unless you know you'll specifically need serrations but to say people can't sharpen their serrated knives themselves is quite untrue.
is there any Great use for a serrated knife then slicing bread?
It's nice that you agree and dont agree with me:D best of both worlds
I am digging my Kabar Acheron knife so much that I got one for my gf's dad who's also into hiking. He'll be pleased with it when its all wrapped up with paracord and the extra safety features I added to mine.
I use a BudK Ultimate Survivor knife. It's a good survival knife, with a multipurpose sheath. The pummel screws off with a compass on it and some bandages inside of it, and the sheath has a whetstone and slingshot built into it, with a bootlace on one of it's bindings. Inside it there's a small metal bit with some basic survival stuff in it, which is pretty useful but not much to write home about. The blade is about 8 inches or so on mine, with a sawback near the crossguard. I've been able to lop off small branches with it, and I cut myself out of some bramble with this and my folder a few days ago. Overall it's a good blade.
is there any Great use for a serrated knife then slicing bread?
If there is I have yet to discover it. My go-to folding knife is a plain edge Spyderco Delica. It pretty much goes everywhere with me and I've never found myself in a situation using it and thinking, "I should have bought the partially serrated version". But then again I don't slice bread with it so that might be why. :D
Thinking about maybe getting myself one of those Esee Izulas....they seem to be super rugged
Whack-a-mole
03-02-2012, 13:22
Cold Steel Mini Tac Tanto. Weighs about 3oz, secure kydex sheath, 3" blade. I'm just old school SF, so mine is mounted upside down on my pack strap. It goes under some webbing, so all that is visible is the little handle sticking out. The good part is it is very hidden but easy to get too. I feel better having a knife handy, but don't need to look like Rambo walking through the woods. Very happy with this little knife. They also make a couple other blade styles in the mini tac series, so you can get what works best for you.
jimmyjam
03-02-2012, 13:32
+1 on the kabar Acheron. I wrapped mine with parachord and the whole thing in the sheath only weighs 1.4 oz.
+1 on the kabar Acheron. I wrapped mine with parachord and the whole thing in the sheath only weighs 1.4 oz.
I was batoning with mine the other day and it worked well. I ordered a Becker BK11 and plan on using that since its thicker. I think it can take a beating better.
I stripped and polished my Acheron. Looks pretty cool!
Surplusman
03-05-2012, 05:45
Have you considered Swedish Mora knives? They made of high quality steels and are light and cheap ($10 to $15). Some models have partial serrations (e.g., #11392). If you can live without serrations, the classic Mora #1 is 2.75 oz with belt sheath and $10 + $6 shipping.
http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html
I've used a Mora knife at home and backpacking for a few years now and I love it! As said above, they are made of high quality steels and are nice and cheap. No need for some overpriced Johnny Rambo blade. Even a KA-Bar is too much, in my opinion. It's the AT you'e hiking on, not the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/3/5/3/3/6/2012-03-05_14-57-56_336_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=50364)
......Or perhaps consider a nice throwing knife?
http://www.knife-depot.com/throwing-knives/
Oh YES Spokes, you rock!
These below would be ideal for the trail.
You could easily cut cheese or get that extra dirt from under your finger nails.
I wonder if the sheath would be too heavy though? May have to go without a sheath for these and just toss them into the pack and go!
http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-344136.html