Looking for small (3.5") fixed blade for horizontal carry on belt

crimsonfalcon07

crimsonfalcon07

Joined
Dec 27, 2010
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Hey folks. I'm looking for a small backup knife, low profile, suitable for horizontal carry on my belt. I'd like a sheath using either friction or built-in retention system so it doesn't fall out, but can be drawn fairly easily without any snaps or something like that. I'm currently using the CRKT A.G. Russell Sting, which, while it fits my purposes pretty well, just doesn't hold a very good edge (the "comes razor sharp" bit was SO not true). The nice thing about it is that it's pretty durable, and would probably throw pretty well. It's just not a good cutter, and that's pretty central for an EDC knife, in my opinion.

For legal reasons, it has to have a 3.5" blade or smaller, for starters. I'd prefer at least 3". It must also be low profile, so it's comfortable to sit, etc. I don't exactly want to forget I'm carrying it, but I do want it to be unobtrusive, so it doesn't present too much of a bulge under my shirt.

At the moment, I'm thinking the Cold Steel Counter-Tac II. For less than 50 dollars, it seems like it might serve my purposes pretty well, although I don't know how thin it is.

I'd prefer something at least as high quality--no Gerber or Buck, unless there's a compelling reason to choose one of those. I prefer plain edge blades. Can be double or single edge.

Thanks in advance for your advice!
 
I usually carry a knife I got from JonnyMac44 on my belt as a backup EDC fixed blade. He makes a whole line of great knives of various descriptions and they're intended to be used as an EDC fixed blade. In his own words:

JMK said:
As far as my inspiration, the first and foremost thing is that I realized years ago when I first started carrying fixed blades that it's not very practical to carry anything over 7 or 8 inches on your belt every day, especially in an urban or suburban setting. I quickly noticed that aside from the occasional camping or hiking trips that some of my favorite blades didn't get much use at all, and I started getting into smaller fixed blades like Tom Kreins, Dan Kosters, some Bark Rivers, etc. I could carry them comfortably every day and not make a big scene when pulling them out to complete a task while on the job or in public. When I first decided to get into making my own it was just a natural thing for me to want to make knives like the ones I carried every day which is why most knives I make that you see come in at 7 inches overall or less. Knives in that size range tend to get used a whole lot more than a big 11 inch fighter or bowie.
Click to expand...

Here's a link to his page with albums of his work: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JMK-Knives/154140064634500?ref=ts

And here's a picture of my knife:
264695_194407263941113_154140064634500_482561_4770682_n.jpg


It might take a month or two from putting in an order with Jonny to getting the knife but it's well worth the wait!
 
Spyderco Fred Perrin Street Beat. They are a tad pricey but I've held one and they are very nice.
 
Get a Mule direct from Spyderco M390 handles from Halpern Titanium, and a sheath from one the many sheath makers on the forum Great little knife, worth it's weight. Good Luck.
PumkinEDC003.jpg
 
What about one of the izulas or little beckers? Also the swamp rat warden, they can all be nice and discreet... They're all just a bit under 3" but pretty useful and convenient all the same :)
 
Hi, I have the izula 2 and the swamprat rodent solution. Both carry very well.
 
aznpos531 said:
I usually carry a knife I got from JonnyMac44 on my belt as a backup EDC fixed blade. He makes a whole line of great knives of various descriptions and they're intended to be used as an EDC fixed blade. In his own words:



Here's a link to his page with albums of his work: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JMK-Knives/154140064634500?ref=ts

And here's a picture of my knife:
264695_194407263941113_154140064634500_482561_4770682_n.jpg


It might take a month or two from putting in an order with Jonny to getting the knife but it's well worth the wait!
Click to expand...

Man, that's a really nice looking blade. What type of sheath do you have? Got a photo?

To the OP... Have you looked at the ESEE 3?
 
Justin King's Tasker would fit your needs. The cheaper alternative is the Esee 3. Until I got my Tasker it was my EDC.
TC
 
Hey everyone, thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll take a look. I've looked at Izulas and the ESEE 3, but the sheaths looked a little wide for horizontal carry. Could anyone show me a pic of their sheathed Izula or ESEE 3 next to a belt for reference, and perhaps a side view, so I can get an idea how thick they are? I presume I'd probably lash it on, since I didn't see much in the way of a horizontal fitting. That knife from JonnyMac44 looks pretty sweet, I'll look into that as well.
 
I'd have to second the Perrin Street Beat Bowie; fits the description of the type of knife you are looking for, is very well made, and the ergonomics and handling are first-rate.
Pricey, but you get what you pay for.
 
IMO, the Becker Eskabar is a good knife, but when I wear mine horizontaly on my side, it sticks out. Maybe on the back would be hidden, depends on where your pants and shirt hang.
Bark River neckers might be in your ballpark range, I'd even look at Fiddleback Forge EDC, Palmer, or Runt, although you'll have to get some kydex made.
 
Bob Dozier's horizontal sheaths are top of the line. Oh yeah, the knives are nice too......
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Hey everyone, thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll take a look. I've looked at Izulas and the ESEE 3, but the sheaths looked a little wide for horizontal carry. Could anyone show me a pic of their sheathed Izula or ESEE 3 next to a belt for reference, and perhaps a side view, so I can get an idea how thick they are? I presume I'd probably lash it on, since I didn't see much in the way of a horizontal fitting. That knife from JonnyMac44 looks pretty sweet, I'll look into that as well.
Click to expand...

If no one does it before I get home I can take a pic of the izula 2 and rodent solution sheaths.
 
With regards to the street beat, I handled one of those at the Spyderco Factory Outlet store. To be honest, that handle is just too fat for my tastes (yes, it's for a back-of-the-belt carry, so that the handle doesn't stick out). I'm also not sure I want to go for a skeletonized handle like on the IZULA. I like the thought of the ESEE 3, although it's double the price of the Counter Tac II.

Now to check the Bark River and Fiddleback Forge offerings. Which Bob Dozier were you talking about? Something custom?
 
+1 on the Doziers, knives and sheaths. Really great slicers, but specifically not prybars! If you like his "Gentleman's knife" shoot me a message.
 
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