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Seeking opinions on fixed blades

us Offline Farmer X

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Seeking opinions on fixed blades
on: October 31, 2022, 09:44:30 PM
Having followed the recent EDC fixed blade challenge (thanks to Alan K. for hosting it!), I have become much more interested in fixed blades. I've seen a staggering variety available, but I only own one (kitchen cutlery excepted): a Morakniv Garberg. A couple of manufacturers in particular have my interest, but I've read some questionable reviews of said manufacturers' wares. Rather than basing my judgments on Internet randomness, I'm seeking opinions from y'awl.

It should be noted that I'm seeking feedback on the various manufacturers, specifically from those who have put their fixies through long-term and/or hard use. I can figure out what blade profiles, steels, lengths, carry methods, and etc. will work for me along my journey. And I'm resigned to accept that I'm likely to re-dye sheaths or have them made for me.

Another possibility is buying blade blanks and slapping new handles on them. I imagine their quality can vary widely, so I welcome feedback from those who have gone that route.

What say ye?
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us Offline nate j

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #1 on: November 01, 2022, 10:36:10 PM
I think some clarification might be helpful.

Perhaps let us know which manufacturers you are considering, and then folks could share their experiences and opinions?

Another approach might be to specify what blade length and other characteristics you want, and others could make suggestions from there.


us Offline toolguy

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #2 on: November 01, 2022, 10:44:25 PM
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."  **Edmund Burke**

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."    **Benjamin Franklin**


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #3 on: November 01, 2022, 11:06:09 PM
Good point. The two I alluded to in the initial post were TOPS and Condor. Esse has a few knives that appeal to me as well. After a browse through the SMKW catalog that's sitting on the living room table, I may have a few more ideas. Of course, I'd unhesitatingly buy a Buck or another Mora. I'm very leery of SOG and Cold Steel anymore.

I'm not too sure about blade length, but one characteristic that would be desirable is good chopping ability. Few, if any, knives in my collection would be good choppers.

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us Offline toolguy

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #4 on: November 01, 2022, 11:21:16 PM
I'm not much into "choppers" but having watched numerous episodes of "Forged In Fire" I've become more acquainted with this style of knife.

If you decide on a Buck,the 124 Frontiersman or even their Compadre Fro may work for you.



"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."  **Edmund Burke**

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us Offline Aloha

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #5 on: November 02, 2022, 12:12:31 AM
Fixed blades  :woohoo:.  One of my first loves.  I  am not one to chop with my knives tho my Becker BK2 would not break a sweat chopping.  I can recommend Becker, just pick the one that floats your boat and enjoy.

Before I go any further tho I have to say I cannot recommend a chopper other than the BK2 but I can recommend companies.   

Esee is another brand I would give two thumbs up to.  I have a smaller fixed blade ( Izula ) but they get high marks for their heat treat and their warranty is second to none.  They have quite a selection so I'm sure you can find something. 

I have a Ontario RAT 3 which has been a great knife.  Not one bit of fuss from this knife. 

Benchmade and Spyderco, these brands continue to impress me.  I have a couple of fixed blades from each company and I am more than happy with them.  Quality is top shelf on each of them.  They are very different knives but for what they are intended for they perform wonderfully. 

Bark River.  Lots of variety with this company.  I have a couple that are superb in quality and same for performance.  They can be a bit thick stock and I'm sure I could use one ( Bush Seax ) as a chopper I dont. 

 

 
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline Old Boy

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #6 on: November 02, 2022, 01:36:11 AM
Just sharing what I did when I chose my knife. Buck knives, KA-BAR, and ESEE are outstanding. So are some other companies out there.  Too much to consider.

But maybe revisit your first thought and pick out the knife you want? Because that helped narrow things down for me.

For example for me I wanted a field ready steel, full tang, good warranty, nothing past 5 inches, and proven reputation (they test their knives in the jungle is what I heard). I ended up with the ESEE 4 in 1095.

Nothing against other companies, but ESEE fit my criteria perfectly. Though I heard Becker goes head to head with ESEE.

If you want to go a bit fancy I’ve talked to Becker/ESEE fans who’ve tried out Bradford knives and never looked back.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #7 on: November 02, 2022, 03:08:31 AM
If you decide on a Buck,the 124 Frontiersman or even their Compadre Fro may work for you.
Though it's probably a little much for EDC, I do like the Compadre Fro.

I can recommend companies.   
Exactly what I was hoping for! :salute:

I have to assume that your BK-2 is the one linked below:

https://www.kabar.com/products/BK2

Sure looks like a stout little beast. Esee has a few models that appeal to me. The RAT-3 may awlso be a good choice, though I have little need for a combo edge. I'll have to look a little more at Bark River.

Maybe revisit your first thought and pick out the knife you want?
Aye, there's the rub: I'd want way too many of them. Narrowing it down to just one wouldn't be easy! :D

Your decision-making process was a good one. I awlso value a full tang and a good warranty (the latter being the reason I'm leery of Cold Steel and SOG anymore). I'm not sure what you mean by "field-ready steel," though. Five or six inches would probably be my limit for a fixie I'd carry regularly.

I know I'm veering off in a different direction here, but with Esee being so highly recommended, there could be a Pinch or a Candiru in my future (assuming I could find a way to carry it without running afoul of my state's knife laws).

Thanks to awl for the recommendations! :cheers:
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us Offline Old Boy

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #8 on: November 02, 2022, 03:34:07 AM
Sorry, field ready for me is easy to sharpen. I grew up in the Philippines. Most knives and bolos there were made mostly from car leaf springs.

No such thing as super steel back and I didn’t have much options in terms of a sharpening system. So usually a smooth river rock would do.

Of course to each his own but after living through so many natural disaster events, political upheavals, and so on I’ve learned that simplest is best for me.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #9 on: November 02, 2022, 06:43:43 AM
I hear you. The science behind the new "super steels" is interesting, and I have nothing against anyone who spends big money on such and puts it through its paces. But I'll wait until the exotic becomes pedestrian. Proven components are much better for a user knife as far as I'm concerned.
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au Offline Echotech

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #10 on: November 02, 2022, 09:06:50 AM
I got a schrade sharpfinger during the recent fixie challenge, Chinese made and inexpensive but what utility for the price and definitely edc’able imo

 :cheers:


no Offline aicolainen

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #11 on: November 02, 2022, 09:19:18 AM
I’m still not quite sure what you want, as you say you’re looking for an EDC fixie with chopping ability. That’s not the same knife in my world. But I shouldn’t let that stop me from throwing a few more suggestions into the mix.

There’s a lot of carbon steel in the suggestions so far. That can be great, but consider how you’ll be carrying it and what you’ll use it for.
I carry stainless 9 out of 10 times. Even coated 3V will rust in front of my eyes in no time… so there’s that.

The Fällkniven F1 is a nice mid sized knife. It’s not a chopper, but the convex grind splits wood nicely when battoning. Comes in VG10 and 3G

For a true EDC sized Fällkniven you could try the WM1. It’s my most used fixed blade, nothing even comes close. For EDC you’d probably want to make another sheath for it though.

Spyderco’s Perrin fixed blades are very capable EDC fixed blades. The 3.5” Street Beat is probably the sweet spot for most, but for more concealability (and resistance to the elements) you could pick up a Subway Bowie, or if you’re all about that chop - Street Bowie is your friend.

Honorable mention; Spyderco Waterway. The design is not your typical EDC or woodsman knife, as it’s more targeted towards fishing, but it’s designed to be an allround tool that can handle everything from food prep, processing firewood to processing fish. The LC200N steel is pretty much impervious to the elements, it has a toughness that approaches that of traditional carbon steel and sharpens very well.

Those are all I have enough experience with to recommend. I have other common models in that size category as well, but I’ve just not found them appealing enough to stand up to the competition. Examples of these are Bradford Guardian 3 M390, CS Pendelton mini hunter 3V and Benchmade Hidden Canyon S30V.

There are some others that appeal to me, that I wan’t to try, like LT Wright. I’m pretty sure those are solid options, but no personal experience yet.

Good luck!


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #12 on: November 03, 2022, 03:26:10 AM
Not the same in my world either.  There may be some form of compromise though, such as the combos that were carried in the Nessmuk Challenge.  https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,83571.0.html
Carry a pocket knife, fixed blade knife and a heavy duty chopping and hacking tool such as an axe, hatchet, tomahawk or machete.  In the challenge I carried a machete a multitool and a pocket sized fixed blade knife.
EDC and chopper don't really mean the same thing unless you're camping or bushcrafting and can carry a larger knife such as a KaBar Becker BK-9, or a TOPs Tahoma Field Knife.  In survival circles they have a concept called "The One Tool Option" which puts forth the premise of what could you get by with if you could have only one, and both of the above mentioned knives have rated highly as a contender for the one tool.  There's some good vids on YouTube if you search for One Tool Option.
My feeling is that a large knife is difficult and exhausting to the point of being dangerous when trying to use it for small knife jobs, and small knives are also not made for big knife jobs, but if I could only have one I agree with Cody Lundin that I'd rather go smaller.  I also believe that large knives are not a substitute for a machete because machetes are generally thin and intended for slicing through rather than chopping into their target.  Thick bladed knives, therefore, aren't meant for the same tasks.  However, a large knife with a thick blade can be a substitute for a hatchet.  Most of the "one tool" guys practise their fieldcraft in deciduous forests up north rather than in jungles or swamps, so I can see a big knife being useful to them where they might otherwise choose a hatchet.  My compromise is a heavier machete for slicing through medium hard wood as thick as my large diameter wrist.  For true hardwoods I'd actually prefer a saw because I think it is safer than chopping. My $.02 worth and it didn't even cost you that much.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #13 on: November 03, 2022, 05:17:06 AM
A Sharpfinger (or its Uncle Henry equivalent) is on my rather long shopping list.

For a while, I carried stainless exclusively. (Having spent time in the Navy, I've seen firsthand what salty air can to to carbon steel.) I've since found that carbon steel holds up better than I thought it would in an area with humid summers. Giving my carbon steel trads a quick inspection couldn't hurt anything.

Now I'm reconsidering the chopper role. Researching the axes out there will be a whole 'nother deal. I'm very much aware of the value of a saw, and I'd like to add a larger, dedicated folding saw to my arsenal. I'll check out the "one tool option," too. ..but for now, I'm glad I don't have to make such considerations. Will awlso have a look at the Nessmuk challenge Alan linked to.

I still think there's an Esee Candiru in my future. Of the various fixies I've looked at so far, it seems to be the most practical for me to carry. (Concealability is not a desirable property for me, unless and until the state law on concealment is rewritten or repealed or I move to a state that doesn't make it a headache.)

Thanks to Echotech, aicolainen, and Alan for the suggestions! :salute:
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us Offline Old Boy

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #14 on: November 03, 2022, 05:32:04 AM
If you go for an ESEE, be prepared to spend on accessories like a sheath and scales as you may decide to upgrade as most folks are not too happy with the standard sheath and scales.

Knifeconnection does allow you to build your knife. Kinda fun. Beware though. Browsing through their knifes will expand your list. Excellent knives in there. Myself always wanted a Winkler.


us Offline Aloha

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #15 on: November 03, 2022, 03:17:25 PM
 :oops:  Typed out a response yet it all disappeared. 

Ok here we go.  I live in a coastal town.  We've also had some pretty humid summer over the last several years.  I love my Carbon knives and I do check in on them from time to time.  I never store any Carbon in leather just to be on the safe side. 

I have 1095, 1075, W1/2, O1, A2, 420HC, S30V, 154CM, H1, Laminated, CPM3V and a few others.  Without a doubt the H1 is one I never worry about.  Its one heck of a steel.  I'd love to try LC200N as well.  For worry free steel I'd rate these highly. 

I picked up the Becker BK2 for a good price so I had to get it.  It is the one you linked to.  Esee has the #5 if you want to go with them. 

While I have no direct experience on warranties I have read some terrific experiences from others. 

Esee seems to have one heck of a warranty.  You can read what it is on their site.  I also believe the vast amount of folks talking up their heat treat.  Their 1095 is coated so only the edge is exposed.  They also came out with a knife in S35V not long ago. 

I have a Izula from Esee but I do rate it high.  I would not hesitate to buy an Esee. 

Bark River.  The knives I have from them are all top notch.  The blade stock is thick on all of them.  My favorite is my Bushcrafter in CPM3V.  I would not and have not hesitated with this knife.  I've done some light wacking of limbs on my apple tree.  I have a Seax from them as well in A2.  Its beastly and have also done some limb removal with it.  The other is their take on the Canadian belt knife.  I'd rate BRK high. 

Becker-Ka bar.  I have only heard great things.  I only have the BK2.  At 1lb its not an edc but it could be a great one tool option.  I like my little hatchets better and my folding saw.  Becker has some terrific options in smaller fixed blades knives.  One in particular I really like is the BK62.  Do a search on comis for his incredible one. 

Spyderco and Benchmade.  Both companies have quite a selection in a variety of steels.  I've never had any issues with my Spyderco Jumpmaster 2 or BM Contego.  Both are used extensively. 

I'd suggest Silkyboy folding saw.  Bahco also has a big following of loyalist.  I have a couple small hatchets for my chopping work.  One is a carpenters hatchet that I really like.  Love the hammer end which is pretty useful.  For splitting larger logs for my fire pit/fireplace I use wedges.  I do the same when camping.       
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #16 on: November 04, 2022, 01:58:11 AM
Most folks are not too happy with the standard sheath and scales.
Oddly, Esee's sheaths seem to best suit my needs. It looks like I could clip certain Esse sheaths onto a pocket and carry openly (and legally).

I will have to check out Knife Connection.

:oops:  Typed out a response yet it all disappeared.
I've had that happen before. Luckily you were able to salvage what you typed.

Steels are an area that may require some additional exploration. Up to now, most any steel has worked for me. Then again, my usage isn't anything close to extreme.

Bark River sure does make some fine-looking knives. They look so good I'd be hesitant to beat on them. Thus far, I've awlso not been a fan of their sheaths. The handle sticking so far above the belt would annoy me and present difficulty with carrying openly, especially on models with shorter blades.

I'll see if I can fins comis' BK62. So far, though, Esee is looking like a good choice for me.

A folding saw is much more likely to be purchased than a fixie...simply because I have some branches that are threatening the power line that feeds my house.

Thanks again for the continuing feedback! :cheers:
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us Offline Aloha

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #17 on: November 04, 2022, 04:58:07 PM
If I were in the market for a folding saw I'd go with Silky 170mm curved.  I cannot recall who made mine but its a great little saw.  I've cut my apple tree and avocado tree as well as other trees.  I don't have much chopping needs but I do have a large axe I was gifted.  As mentioned I love my little hatchets.  My carpenters particularly is my favorite.  I can easily make wedges and use the hammer to pound them into larger logs to split them.

I'd agree Bark River makes some very nice looking knives and I'd guess many are not put to work  :dunno:.  All three of mine are used and loved.  I'd consider them heirloom pieces of my collection. 

These are the Esee knives that I've looked at recently and am drawn to, Xancudo in S35VN.  Ashley Game Knife.  Esee3 in S35VN.  Esee RB3.

I have the Izula and while I can buy handles for it I chose not to.  Its a small knife but big on performance. 

While I like larger fixed blades I really like thinner blade stock and smaller knives over all.  In terms of blade thickness for an every day knife 1/8 is not too thin for me. 3/32 is good and 5/32 is about as thick as I really "need".  Outdoor knives are a bit different.  1/4 is probably never needed.  My Bark River Bushcrafter is 5/32 which is a sweet spot for my needs/wants.  That and the blade to handle is just about perfect for me.  The Bushcrafter is 3 7/8 blade with OAL of 8 5/8. 

I'm ok with a 3 finger fixed blades since I wont be exerting a lot of force with them. The key point tho is grip.  A great example is CRKT Minimalist.  What a terrific handle and such a small knife.  I can suggest this little fixed if your hands aren't HUGE.  Great little neck knife that can also be worn on the belt or elsewhere.  Great sheath too IMO.   
     
Esse Quam Videri


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #18 on: November 05, 2022, 05:59:56 AM
I can see a very thick blade being less than desirable for EDC. My Garberg may not have seen much carry time, but its blade length and thickness allow it to carry quite nicely.

I'll have a look at the Esees you mentioned. A couple of other members have provided positive feedback on TOPS, who awlso have a few models that interest me.

Thanks again for the continuing great information! :cheers:
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ni-ulster Offline Jud65

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #19 on: November 07, 2022, 10:41:22 AM
Check out the Twisted Assisted Gambler on Kickstarter- if nothing else it seems like a touch of serendipity given the timing…

Full disclosure: I’ve backed this wee knife myself and really want to see it hit the target so while  I don’t want to seem like I’m promoting a product for selfish reasons,  there doesn’t seem to be a way round it. You have been warned.
We take what is offered...
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us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #20 on: June 29, 2023, 07:13:34 AM
Well! A lot has happened over the course of eight months. The biggest thing (where my fixed blade journey is concerned, anyway) was getting my hands on an Izula II. Again, prodigious thanks to LoopCutter for sending it my way! :hatsoff: While I love that little knife, I'm still exploring other options.

I carried the Izula II around my neck. I'm not sure if I'll put it back in that role or set up for belt carry. (That would require attaching a piece of webbing or leather to the plastic sheath, or a whole new leather sheath made to my specs.) Of course, having another fixie option is awlways good. Even better is having a good idea of what I'm looking for...

  • Not too heavy (it would be a neck carry; figure a maximum of three ounces)
  • A blade not over three inches (for legal reasons, unless the law changes or I move)
  • Absolutely not double-edged (again, legal reasons)
  • It would be used for general utility tasks, but a tactical design is fine, too
  • Target price: not to exceed ~$100
  • Preferably made in the States, but nothing Chinese

I'm going with neck carry because it's a little easier for me to have a knife completely out in the open when it's about my neck. Again, that's a legal concern, unless the laws change or I move. The latter seems much more likely. :facepalm:

So, with those requirements in mind, what might y'awl recommend?
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us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #21 on: June 29, 2023, 09:14:52 AM
Ka-Bar Remora or Becker Necker or Ka-Bar ESEE Eskabar
Bradford G Necker
White river ATK or M1
Buck Paklite skinner 140
ESEE Izula in S35VN
Gerber Ghost Strike

Here are just a few that came to mind that are made in USA and most are under $100.  The only one I have is the Buck 140 and if you're willing to double the price by buying a Kydex sheath for it you can use it as a neck knife.  I bought my Kydex on E-Bay.  Since you wear this outside of your shirt, sweating on it is not an issue so stainless isn't all that important.  The Buck 140 and the Gerber Ghost Strike are discontinued but can always be found used.


* Buck PakLite skinner 2.jpg (Filesize: 120.44 KB)


spam Offline comis

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #22 on: June 29, 2023, 07:34:15 PM
Sorry to be this late to the post, based on the last post, I think there are a few viable options for a good 'neck knife':


Here are some of the 'neck knives' I owed, and a quick comparison pix.  The top 3 are probably my fav out of this bunch.  I usually carry mine horizontal across the belt, or inside my oversized cargo pocket, instead of on the neck.
 
From the pix, top to bottom(just my 2 cents worth)

1.  TM Hunt Skelemagua.  Really like this knife, fully grip and decent geometry.

2.  BK24.  I didn't like this one all that much to begin with, until I find the Knife Connection optional handle for the knife and it came alive.  That extra 1" of handle makes all the difference in use.

3.  Brisa Bobtail 80.  This is my favorite 'small' knife, nice kydex sheath, decent steel and geometry, very easy to carry whichever way I choose.
Depending on your hand size, this maybe a tight 4 finger or 3.5 fingers grip.  The unique swell handle really does lock the knife into the palm and with a nice lanyard, this should work quite well. 

Brisa also makes a scandi version for this, but I wholeheartedly suggest to get the FFG.  The scandi is too obtuse on this knife and thickening a neck knife does nothing to me (I expect my neck knife only meant for quick, light cutting)

4.  Izula II.  I am luke warm about this, I think this knife is meant to be a skeleton knife with cord wrap.  But the sheath does make it easy for neck carry.

5.  Mora Rookie.  Cool little knife, easy to mod into a Wharnie.

6.  Brisa Enzo 70 Necker.  Not bad, but Bobtail 80 is way better.  I think I would like this one more, if it weren't in a scandi grind and thick spine.

7.  ESEE Candiru.  Never like this knife, too thick and the handle way too small.


Others:
I am a big fan of Mora, and one really underrated beauty is the Wood craving 3" knife or Wood Carving basic. (not shown in this pix).  Even just at 3", the geometry does allow some really powerful cut and it's also great for any daily chores.  Unless I could carry the neck knife over the clothes(which I almost never do), if I were to carry neck knife, I do prefer to carry these Mora handle-up, like a Puukko, under the shirt.


Oh, btw, here is how I attach a small knife onto my belt, I got that from a youtuber.  It is simply a long strip of velcro screwed onto the kydex sheath, and I wrap the velcro around the belt a few times to secure it.  This method is pretty versatile, I could attach it onto a backpack strap or even my ankle if I want.  Not to mention I could still string it like a neck knife, if I want to.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2023, 08:17:16 PM by comis »


no Offline nakken

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #23 on: June 29, 2023, 09:12:11 PM
The steel and handles on that TM Hunt are absolutely beautiful, comis :drool:


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #24 on: June 30, 2023, 02:20:54 AM
Here are just a few that came to mind that are made in USA and most are under $100.
I hope I can snag one of the Buck 140s someday. More immediately, I was very close to pulling the trigger on a Bradford G-Necker, until...

Here are some of the 'neck knives' I owed, and a quick comparison pix.
The T.M. Hunt is beautiful, but probably a little too spendy for me. Brisas, on the other hand...well, I found this...

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ENBRI5802/brisa-necker-70-fixed-blade-knife-sandvik-12c27-plain-blade-ivory-linen-micarta-handles-black-kydex-sheath

Now I'm giving some thought to pulling the trigger on a Brisa. If only I had more money and/or more smurf to sell. :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
By the way, that belt carry rig is completely out of the question for me. If my shirt is untucked, then the knife is concealed, which is potential legal trouble. Better to carry about the neck.

Thank you to both Alan and comis for the suggestions! :cheers:
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us Offline nate j

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #25 on: June 30, 2023, 02:44:23 AM
Here are a few of mine:

Kabar BK&T Becker Necker

Enzo Brisa Necker

Bradford G-Necker

Buck Paklite 631


The 631 is really too big for a neck knife, but I think you might be well served by the 630 or 635 in that role.  They also come in standard versions (420HC) for under $50, or pro versions (S35VN) for a bit over the $100 mark.

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us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #26 on: June 30, 2023, 03:11:59 AM
The 631 is really too big for a neck knife, but I think you might be well served by the 630 or 635 in that role.
The 631 awlso runs way afoul of local laws, but the smaller Paklites are definitely on my radar.

And what finish does the Bradford have? Thanks for your feedback! :hatsoff:
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spam Offline comis

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #27 on: June 30, 2023, 03:55:56 AM
I hope I can snag one of the Buck 140s someday. More immediately, I was very close to pulling the trigger on a Bradford G-Necker, until...
The T.M. Hunt is beautiful, but probably a little too spendy for me. Brisas, on the other hand...well, I found this...

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ENBRI5802/brisa-necker-70-fixed-blade-knife-sandvik-12c27-plain-blade-ivory-linen-micarta-handles-black-kydex-sheath

Now I'm giving some thought to pulling the trigger on a Brisa. If only I had more money and/or more smurf to sell. :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
By the way, that belt carry rig is completely out of the question for me. If my shirt is untucked, then the knife is concealed, which is potential legal trouble. Better to carry about the neck.

Thank you to both Alan and comis for the suggestions! :cheers:

The Brisa Necker and Bobtail are two different knives(although they may look similar from afar).  One of the distinguished difference is the sheath, Bobtail clicks into its sheath quite positively, while Necker just slip into the half loosen kydex sheath by friction (in a neck knife position, it may fall out if shaken).  Maybe my version was from an older generation, hopefully they have improved by now.

I took a look at the Nate's suggestion on Paklite 630 or 635, they seems to check all the boxes. :tu:


us Offline nate j

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #28 on: June 30, 2023, 07:05:17 AM
And what finish does the Bradford have?

Mine has the Stonewash finish, though as you are probably aware there are several other options available.

It’s really a solid little knife.  Good useful blade shape (at least the drop point versions).  The handle is actually pretty comfortable for what it is (i.e. a small skeletonized all-metal handle).  The included kydex sheath is good quality also, and the tension on mine seems dialed in quite well (tight enough not to fall out, but not so tight that it’s a PITA to get in and out of the sheath).

One thing to consider is whether you would be OK with the weight; the knife alone weighs about 2.7 ounces, while knife and sheath together weigh just over 4 ounces.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Seeking opinions on fixed blades
Reply #29 on: June 30, 2023, 07:12:22 AM
The Brisa Necker and Bobtail are two different knives(although they may look similar from afar).  One of the distinguished difference is the sheath, Bobtail clicks into its sheath quite positively, while Necker just slip into the half loosen kydex sheath by friction (in a neck knife position, it may fall out if shaken).  Maybe my version was from an older generation, hopefully they have improved by now.

My Brisa Necker has the same issue with the sheath, and it failed the shake test.  I thought perhaps I just got a bum one, but it sounds like this might be a systemic problem.


 

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