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Fixed Blade Challenge October

BPRoberts · 422 · 25295

us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #360 on: October 27, 2025, 02:57:38 AM
Day 24

This unusual knife is a hori hori (Japanese digging knife), the Nisaku Yamagatana.  This modern version features DSR-1K6 stainless steel @ 58 HRC, with plastic handle and sheath.

In keeping with its purpose, the wide blade is concave on one side (not edge) and convex on the other, like a garden trowel.  Both edges are sharp (which could technically get it classified as a dagger, I suppose), with one being PE and the other SE.  They meet at a sharp but sturdy point.

There is quite a bit of sheath rattle, but the sheath nonetheless holds the knife securely thanks to a bump on the handle that fits into a hole on the sheath, as well as a retention strap.

Very reasonably priced IMO at around $20 as of this writing.



us Offline Sos24

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #361 on: October 27, 2025, 04:11:39 AM
Very interesting shop nate


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #362 on: October 27, 2025, 04:51:21 AM
Is that a G-Shock?
It sure is amigo!  My first one and I'm really liking it.  Though the picture makes it look white, it's actually a light grey with green accents.  I'm really digging it.  :tu:





Already feeling a lot better.
Glad you're feeling better.  I had mouth surgery many years ago but it took me several days for a full recovery.  No fun.  :-[
May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #363 on: October 27, 2025, 04:52:57 AM
Day 26

Had to cut open some rope to repair a chair hammock as the main line had finally broken.


May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Offline TexasAKM

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #364 on: October 27, 2025, 05:38:10 AM
Day 26

I opened some Wiley Wallaby!

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us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #365 on: October 27, 2025, 08:41:28 PM
The Schrade USA 152. From the scrimshaw series...
I do like the scrimshaw, but I'd probably be too worried about the decoration wearing off.

Comparison of Essential and Esee Izula
I seem to remember you saying that the Essential is MagnaCut. If so, have you tried sparking a ferro rod with it?

I think if this was in my regular camp rotation I'd probably redo the handle with paracord like I did on the other Paklite.
:iagree: Those "half-scales" fly in the face of my all-or-nothing mentality.

Both edges are sharp (which could technically get it classified as a dagger, I suppose)...
Yes, it would almost certainly be considered a "per se 'dangerous weapon'" in Michigan. Which is a shame, as it's quite an interesting (and affordable) tool.

My first one and I'm really liking it.
I haven't had an ana-digi G-Shock, but someday I might get one. I'll head over to Shockbase soon and try to determine what model yours is.

I opened some Wiley Wallaby!
:drool:

Day 27

As promised, here are the other things that came with my Izula II. Top row: cord-lock (which I'm not fond of), snap hook, and magnesium stick/ferro rod combo (untested as of this post). Second from top row: whistle (two parts; not very loud, but then again, I didn't want to get too crazy with it) and split rings. Underneath those items is a length of paracord. At bottom are the two survival tips cards. And finally, an instructional leaflet is at right. Those few items could probably help out quite a bit in the wilderness, though I feel they should be supplemented.

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Going through the leaflet inspired me to try a new carry method.

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There is quite a bit of movement when using this method, as is to be expected, but it isn't obnoxious is you place the rig correctly. I definitely recommend placing the carabiner on a belt loop that's against your hip. Three points of motion make for a very easy draw, but you'll need both hands to return the knife to its sheath. I have no worries that the knife will fall out of its sheath, as it's very secure.

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As an added bonus, the clip plate holes are freed up for carry of other things. I briefly had the fire-starter there, but its length meant that it worked better in the large hole near the blade.

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USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #366 on: October 27, 2025, 08:51:00 PM
Day 25

Make:  Gerber

Model:  Unknown

Steel:  Unknown

This cute little knife was a freebie when I ordered something else.  The knife itself doesn’t seem awful; unfortunately the craptastic sheath will keep me from ever carrying it.



us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #367 on: October 27, 2025, 09:03:30 PM
Gerber Dibs.  Don't know anybody that likes Gerber sheaths, unfortunately.


us Offline nate j

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us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #369 on: October 27, 2025, 09:13:43 PM
Day 26

This is the Benchmade Anonimus, featuring CPM Cru-Wear steel at 63-65 HRC and G10 slabs.

Benchmade takes advantage of the extreme toughness of this steel to make the blade thinner than typical for bushcraft/fieldcraft/survival knives.  This results in a lighter weight (under 6 ounces) than might be expected of a 5” blade, and the whole knife feels well-balanced, comfortable, and quick in hand.

It comes with an excellent sheath, easily passing the shake test with no secondary retention and zero rattle.  The firesteel loop and belt loop are both attached by screws, so easily removed if desired.  Because of this, it could be reconfigured for LH carry.

Overall, a really solid knife and I feel bad I don’t carry it more.


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #370 on: October 27, 2025, 09:26:48 PM
Day 27

Today's carry is a DPX H.E.S.T. (for Hostile Environment Survival Tool) which I used to cut down a palm frond.  Belt carry is problematic with these because of the sharp pry bit at the end of the handle.  If you try to belt carry this without having it in a full flap sheath that sharp little appendage will rip your shirt and the back of any couch or chair you try to sit in to shreds, and it is the reason I don't carry this knife very often.  I keep thinking I should grind it off because, frankly, I've never found myself needing to pry open a wooden crate in the middle of a jungle before and it doesn't seem likely that I will.  Other than that, the H.E.S.T. has one of the most comfortable handles that I've encountered in my EDC fixie search. It really fits well in the hand as Robert Young Pelton, its designer, took everything into consideration based on his years of experience in the field.


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #371 on: October 28, 2025, 01:08:04 AM
I wish more companies would do "multitool" fixed blades. Aitor makes knife/wrench/opener/prybar that I wish I'd seen earlier in the challenge, but there's not a lot around. I can see how that big ol' end could be a pain in the butt (possibly literally).

Day 25

Case Finn. It's a hell of a slicer, but that scrawny blade on a beefy handle awlways makes me laugh.


us Offline Pacu

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #372 on: October 28, 2025, 01:37:53 AM
Day 26

Esse 4 in 1095 .

Used today to open some 9v batteries . I always renew my smoke detectors/ Carbon Monoxide detectors around the fall back hours change this coming weekend.

:like:    :MTO:




us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #373 on: October 28, 2025, 01:55:01 AM


us Offline Sos24

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #374 on: October 28, 2025, 03:44:00 AM
I wish more companies would do "multitool" fixed blades. Aitor makes knife/wrench/opener/prybar that I wish I'd seen earlier in the challenge, but there's not a lot around. I can see how that big ol' end could be a pain in the butt (possibly literally).
Aitor, you say?  I might have to check it out.

I do like the scrimshaw, but I'd probably be too worried about the decoration wearing off.
I seem to remember you saying that the Essential is MagnaCut. If so, have you tried sparking a ferro rod with it?

The wearing off is an issue over time and with handling

I hadn’t yet tried to use the Magnacut Essential as a striker, so good idea.  From my experience, the spine angle has more of an impact than steel type when used with ferro rod.

Day 27
The Essential lit my alcohol stove for coffee.  The spine edge worked easily as the striker.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #375 on: October 28, 2025, 04:06:59 AM
Day 27

My pumpkin carving tools:  a large, strong, one-piece metal serving spoon; Victorinox 4” paring knife; Frosts Mora 6” boning knife



us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #376 on: October 28, 2025, 07:17:08 PM
Day 28

Brissa Crafter.  :cheers:


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #377 on: October 28, 2025, 10:16:24 PM
The knife itself doesn’t seem awful; unfortunately the craptastic sheath will keep me from ever carrying it.
I think that's an accurate assessment. A new sheath would work wonders for that knife.

That scrawny blade on a beefy handle awlways makes me laugh.
It made me laugh, too. Maybe this is a bit harsh, but it looks like a committee design project gone awry.

The Essential lit my alcohol stove for coffee.  The spine edge worked easily as the striker.
That's good to know. My ferro rod striking technique is likely in need of improvement.

Brissa Crafter.
Is that linen Micarta?

Day 28

No use for the Izula II today. I'm hoping tomorrow will be a different story.

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USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #378 on: October 28, 2025, 10:19:22 PM
I believe that is linen Micarta.


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #379 on: October 29, 2025, 12:37:54 AM
Day 28

Case Twin Finn set. When you're carrying the larger knife, these double stacked sets are great. You get a whole second knife (albeit a small one) with basically no space cost. On the other hand, most of them don't come with a solo sheath for the smaller knife, so you're stuck shelling out for extra. In this Case (hah!) the Mini Finn's sheath is an absolute monster compared to the knife itself. I've seen aftermarket kydex for it, but never picked one up. Maybe I'll try to take some scrap leather and make something for it myself.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #380 on: October 29, 2025, 01:50:15 AM
Day 28

KA-BAR D2 Extreme

Another one I must admit to buying without plans to actually carry and use…



us Offline Pacu

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #381 on: October 29, 2025, 02:52:30 AM
Day 27

Carried the Esse 4 today. Cut a 1 inch hose for a tractor PTO.






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us Offline Sos24

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #382 on: October 29, 2025, 04:12:30 AM
That's good to know. My ferro rod striking technique is likely in need of improvement.
Not all knife spines will work regardless of steel.  It has to do with if it provides a squared sharp edge.  Also, some ferro rods are easier to strike than others. 
Day 28

KA-BAR D2 Extreme

Another one I must admit to buying without plans to actually carry and use…
Some knives just call to you.  I’m sure it could come in handy in the zombie apocalypse


us Offline Sos24

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #383 on: October 29, 2025, 04:14:29 AM
Day 28
I opened up a gift the wife received in the mail from a friend, although she said she wouldn’t try them until my mouth was healed enough to try them with her.


us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #384 on: October 29, 2025, 04:19:20 AM
@Farmer X - Based on what I found online it looks to be a G-Shock model GA-110TS-8A3.


Day 27 -

Had to cut up some cardboard for recycling, then I had to hone the edge to bring it up to snuff.





May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Offline AzteCypher

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #385 on: October 29, 2025, 04:20:18 AM
Day 28

I.. I... did something... something bad...   :facepalm:

But it tasted oh so good.


May the best of your past, be the worst of your future.



us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #386 on: October 29, 2025, 04:21:38 AM
Not all knife spines will work regardless of steel.  It has to do with if it provides a squared sharp edge.
The Izula II seems to have that squared-off spine. I think the coating on mine is proving to be a hinderance for effective ferro rod striking.

Based on what I found online it looks to be a G-Shock model GA-110TS-8A3.
It sure is. And I'm just about certain to have a smurfload of cardboard to cut up tomorrow.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline TexasAKM

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #387 on: October 29, 2025, 04:56:20 AM
Day 27

I carried both of these today.

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us Offline nate j

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #388 on: October 29, 2025, 05:16:37 PM
The Izula II seems to have that squared-off spine. I think the coating on mine is proving to be a hinderance for effective ferro rod striking.
I would believe that.  Have you tried with the Garberg?


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Fixed Blade Challenge October
Reply #389 on: October 29, 2025, 10:41:13 PM
I would believe that.  Have you tried with the Garberg?
Yes. The Garberg, despite being stainless, is the best ferro rod striker I've yet found.

Day 29

Well, this wasn't the kind of use I anticipated. But I did cut a sheet of bubble wrap in half.

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My furniture has to wait till Monday, but the die-cast is a little safer.

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


 

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