Good all around fixed blade?

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Dwight K Shrute

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Jul 4, 2020
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Hey guys! I just joined. I have been collecting pocket knives for a couple months now. I love it. Addicted is an understatement... I was hoping to get some recommendations for a good edc fixed blade that will withstand rust pretty well for saltwater fishing. I was think the esee 3 in s35vn? I want something more compact but can still handle camping trips, fishing and general edc from time to time. Guide me blade masters! Thank you
edit: I’m willing to clean and maintain all my knives so if there is something that isn’t rust “proof” like the Spyderco salt series but will be fine if I wash it off after a few hours I’m open to it. Also I would go with a Salt knife but none of the salt FB’s stand out to me as decent edc knives. I’m open to any advice and suggestions though! Thanks again.
 
They say Infi is more resistant than the sr101. I carry a stripped Ratmandu that's in sr101 steel. I keep it clean and coated in Neverdull, renwax or mineral, it hasn't rusted or oxidized. I live in FL with high humidity and sweat a lot on it.
 
Ok great. I checked out there website and most of their knives are fairly large except for the swamp rat. It’s also the most affordable (I’m poor so money is a factor here should have mentioned). Any thoughts on the swamp rat? Also when I edc this knife I will be planning to conceal it so that’s also important to mention.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums interim manager of Dunder Muffin.

What is your budget? The ESEE runs $125 I see. Is that the top end of your budget?

Nothing wrong with a ESEE 3 in S35VN. I'm no expert fisherman but the blade shape of the ESEE 3 isn't ideal for fishing. I might pair up the ESEE 3 with a stainless steel Mora for fishing tasks. The shape and thinness of a Mora blade would be ideal for fishing and only adds less then 3 oz. When you aren't fishing, leave the Mora at home. ESEE has a great rep on this forum although I have no experience with their S35VN.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Pro-S-Knife-Blue-3-Satin--28084

A few other options ...

Not sure how leather (even treated) handles salt water. I like kydex sheaths myself.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-200-Puukko-Fixed-Blade--87838
https://www.bladehq.com/item--LionSteel-M4-Fixed-Blade-Knife--37403
 
Bradford Knives are affordable and are offered in different sizes and steels. They come up for sell here in the fixed blades for sale forum. The prices reflect the condition of the knife.
 
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I'd try a Spyderco Jumpmaster in H1 or one of them cheap Victorinox knives (serrated or straight).
I just took a Victorinox out with me on a two day charter and did not feel under gunned. The best part is if you lose it or damage it just buy another one. Or two. Or ten.

Forgot to mention
If you are an avid/rabid fisherman/boater, I would consider looking at Myerchin or Boye. Boye if you're really serious!
 
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The ESEE 3 is great. I have no experience with their S35VN, but their 1095 is absolutely spectacular. I wouldn't call it a great knife for prepping a fish though...Mora makes great fillet knives that are like under 20 bucks, so second the recommendation for a Mora. I bought one like five lightyears ago and it's still going strong. Plus if it goes in the drink the loss won't drive you to drink.
 
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If you are on a budget, try the Dexter-Russell Green River 4 1/2” fish knife. Thw 1095 steel will take and hold an edge well enough. Wipe it on your pants leg from time to time throughout the day and give the blade a drop of oil and dry it off at the end of the day. Pair it with a sheath for a 5” Kabar and you will have a nice belt rig for under $25. Or make a minimalist slip by cutting up a yogurt tub and holding it together witn Gorilla Tape.
 
gazz98 said:
Welcome to Bladeforums interim manager of Dunder Muffin.

What is your budget? The ESEE runs $125 I see. Is that the top end of your budget?

Nothing wrong with a ESEE 3 in S35VN. I'm no expert fisherman but the blade shape of the ESEE 3 isn't ideal for fishing. I might pair up the ESEE 3 with a stainless steel Mora for fishing tasks. The shape and thinness of a Mora blade would be ideal for fishing and only adds less then 3 oz. When you aren't fishing, leave the Mora at home. ESEE has a great rep on this forum although I have no experience with their S35VN.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Pro-S-Knife-Blue-3-Satin--28084

A few other options ...

Not sure how leather (even treated) handles salt water. I like kydex sheaths myself.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-200-Puukko-Fixed-Blade--87838
https://www.bladehq.com/item--LionSteel-M4-Fixed-Blade-Knife--37403
Click to expand...
gazz98 said:
I read your last response. Maybe ..

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Steep-Country-Orange--24206
Looks like the biggest complaint is the sheath isn't great. But $40 less then the ESEE.

Buck does 420HC right and sheath is decent. Add a Mora for fish duty and your under $65ish for the pair.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Small-Selkirk-Fixed-Blade--66594
Click to expand...
How would you like to be Assistant TO THE regional manager? It doesn’t come with a pay raise.
Thank you for the suggestions. The esee isn’t the right blade shape for processing fish. However I have other knives I use for processing similar to the mora. I fish from the surf and when I catch a keeper I bring it home and process it there. So I just need something that I can cut up chunks of mackerel or herring with for bait as well as cut line and other fishing tasks. I Won’t need it to filet any fish or anything. I guess I’m looking for more of a good concealable EDC fixed blade that can handle some camping tasks and won’t completely rust to hell if I take it out fishing and get it wet and dirty. Kind of an all arounder I suppose. I got some great suggestions from you and other guys so now I just have to do my own research and figure out which one fits my needs the best.
 
I'll second the Water Way suggestion. Take a look at the link in my sig for a review I did of it.

If you want something a little smaller and less expensive, give the Ruike Hornet F815 a look. 14c28n is no slouch in edge retention and is pretty rust resistant. Sheath is great, clip needs some modding IMO. A little smaller than an Esee 3 but similar in cutting edge. Still though, I'd go with the Water Way, or something else from the salt line if saltwater fishing in the surf is involved.

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craytab craytab Do you have any idea of the steel stock thickness on the Ruike Hornet F815? The knife appeals to me. I generally do not like skeletonized knives but with the G-10 handle, I think it would work for me. How does it cut? Slice?
 
I’ll recommend a Spyderco Mule. I’ve found it’s a really, really good size for EDC. I love mine. There’s a large variety of steels to choose from, though the one pitfall is they can be tough to find, especially if you’re looking for a particular steel. You can look them up on the Spyderco Website. It’s worth the read.

There is an upcoming model that uses their new stainless Spy27 for $50, which sounds like it’d be a good match for you. It’s blade only, but there are sheaths and scales out there for them.

A picture for reference -
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Another option is a Mora. It’s tough to beat the Mora Companion.
 
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