7" OAL fixed blade about perfect for EDC ?

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
923
Hi all,

I'm still searching for that one "perfect" (yea, I know.....it doesn't exist) EDC/small Fixed blade knife. I'd like to keep as close as possible to a seven inch over all length knife.
I recently acquired a TOPS BTK (Bird Trout Knife) and I am VERY impressed with this STOUT lil' knife. The handle length is 3.75" and the blade is 3.00" long (making the BTK less than 7" OAL).
The blade thickness of 0.125" (1/8") is PLENTY thick in my book. The weight is 3.50 oz. I believe this will prove to be a sweet handy lil' Woods knife.

That being said....I'm seeking a small fixed blade with a different blade profile. The new TOPS Scandi Trekker looks like it might be a winner but....it is 7 5/8's long.

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=453

I'm not sure if that extra 5/8's of an inch makes a big difference or not. I also have a new Becker BK-14 which I believe will be a nice knife especially for the Woods but.....I'm seeking a blade that is not too wide (about 3/4" wide) unlike the BK-14. So.....at least a 3.50" handle and about seven inches OAL with about a 3/4" wide blade no more than 1/8" thick. I very much appreciate your thoughts/suggestion/and especially pictures of your favorite 7" OAL fixed blade knives.

HARDBALL
 
Have you looked at the Blackjack Model 155? Nice little knife that's uses like it's bigger than it actually is. I'd recommend getting some scales for it, but even some paracord will do the trick.
 
7" is about my max OAL for daily carry, too. My small FB for everyday carry is a BRKT Essential. It's a bit under 6.5" OAL but it's plenty of blade for my everyday stuff. The blade may be slightly thicker than your spec, bit the swedge at the top make it look thinner. I've had a bunch of other small FBs, but the Essentials have stuck around because they're so useful to me. Alan Davis makes some very nice <7" FBs that are easy to carry. He's in the custom forum here on BF.
 
Hi guys,

DB, I have NOT seen that lil' Blackjack. Very nice! Are there handles/slabs DESIGNED for this knife ? Thanks DB for that recommendation. I'm going to look further into this knife. Dale....I (for years) have wanted a BRKT Knife. I will check out the "Essential". Truthfully, a 6.5"'ish knife would be even better....IF....if the handle length is at least a true 3.5 inches. I current EDC a custom "Nick Rossi" knife which I love but.....I wish the handle were just a tad longer. It difficult to "have you Cake and eat it too". Something has to give......that is to say.....either handle length or blade length if trying to keep a knife to an OAL of 7". I will also check out Mr. Alan Davis. Thanks for the suggestions.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
A lot of makers on the knives for sale sub forum make knives to the specifications you're looking for, I suggest looking there to see if there's anything you like.
 
I like the Bark River Essential too as it is one of the smallest (OA 6.2") small fixers that doesn't feel like it you got short changed on the handle. I have the Blackjack 155 and it is very similar in size to the ESEE Izula and Bark River Bravo Necker which I prefer out of the 3. The ESEE Izula II, on the other hand, has a much better handle than the Izula and has an OA length of 6.75". The Spyderco Street Beat has one of longest blades (3.5") in the small fixer category and has an excellent handle and OA length just a bit over your target at 7 3/16".

Ditto on the Alan Davis customs. He makes great smaller fixed blades with comfortable handles and is a great guy to deal with.

Here is a photo of some production small fixers that might help with size comparisons. Top to botton are Izula, Izula II, Bravo Necker, Blackjack 155, Bravo Necker.
Smallknifecomp1_zps02fe6da1.jpg


Bark River Essential
P1010332_zps8b0bc185.jpg


Spyderco Street Beat
SpydercoStreetBeat1_zps43e12ea5.jpg
 
Thanks Brisket for posting those wonderful photos. Seeing as I already have a BECKER BK-14 (still have to buy handles/slabs) I'm thinking something with a bit different blade profile. However, I do like each and every knife you posted! Perhaps I should save my "Pennies" and have a custom Alan Davis made! God, my wife is going to kill me. I think I'd like a (smaller scale) version of the Grohmann #1 Canadian Belt knife for EDC. I have a beautiful Custom Brian Efros Canadian Knife for Woods use but, it's much too thick/heavy/stout as an EDC knife. Here's a picture (taken by Brian) of my very knife : https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd....065_682171328506918_6546590172150619674_n.jpg Damn nice SOLID knife!

HARDBALL
 
Hardball, I share your affinity for Canadian Belt knives. Check out the Bark River Lil' Canadian as it comes in right at 7" and is based on the Canadian Belt Knife design and you can get them in a wide variety of handle materials. Here is mine in the middle of the Canadian Special (8.625" OA) and the Mini Canadian (6" OA).

P1010247_zpsd99874f3.jpg
 
Brisket.....AWESOME! I have been looking at the Mini Canadian for a looong time! Such a handy, beautiful looking knife. tfields....this group/size knives are my favorite size fixed blade knives.
At the risk of sounding cliche (although it's true) it would be (in my case) this size knife on my person at any given time.....as well as....a (two layer) SAK such as a "Tinker, Farmer, Hiker" etc.

HARDBALL
 
Hardball, I frequently EDC a Mini Canadian along with a traditional folder. I find the Lil' Canadian is a bit big for times I spend in the office. Most of my EDC fixers are closer to 6" than 7" but your mileage may vary.
 
Hi Brisket,

Yes indeed.....it's the MINI Canadian that has caught my Eye. This is the EXACT reason (you mentioned) why I like smaller fixed blade knives closer to 6" to 7" OAL. Ulf, I suspect I will carry my BK 14 (part time) once I get some Handles/Slabs. It looks to be a robust lil' knife!

HARDBALL
 
Hi newdebate,

I was looking seriously at that TOPS MSK model 2.5 as it appears to be an excellent lil' knife. The only problem is.....(if you do the math) the handle is just too short for what I need. I do have several knives in this general size group that I like a lot. I own the TOPS BTK, an awesome vintage BR&Co. Scandi Bone handle knife, a BECKER BK-14 and my custom "Nick Rossi EDC". Also, I am waiting on a MORRIS PEE WEE XL : http://www.michaelmorrisknives.com/11.html

I like all my lil' knives but.....I'd really like to have one knife (a four finger knife) with just a tad longer handle (I have XXL hands) and perhaps a little bit more blade length. The problem of course is, it's difficult to have both a long'ish handle length and a long'ish blade length and still have an OAL of about seven inches as an "EDC" knife.

asdf.....I remember checking out the 210 several years ago. I had no idea it was discontinued. I guess I should of bought it when I had the chance.
Oooh well.

HARDBALL
 
Last edited:
Brisket.....that "Bark River Lil' CANADIAN" looks to be an awesome size knife! Man, I don't know how I missed/overlooked the "Lil Canadian" knife. I guess I was more interested at the time in the "Mini or Micro Canadian". Thanks again for the pictures.

HARDBALL
 
What about taking a TOPS Scandi Trekker and reshaping the tip like a Benchmade Contego? Might look decent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top