Picking the Perfect EDC Fixed Blade

M

Mross506

Joined
Oct 7, 2021
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I'm a long time knife carrier. Grew up on the farm, served in Iraq, currently work as an industrial electrician. All my life my knife has been a tool to be treated well and respected but a tool to be used none the less. There are no safe queens in my world. For a long time I carried CRKT folders (like everyone I knew coming out of the GWOT in the mid-2000s.!) and loved the knives but found myself buying new every 6 months. A couple years ago I moved into the world of carrying better quality folding knives like Bugouts, PM2 & PM3, ZT, Elementum etc. My nitch was found with practical, light weight knives.

I have been wanting to move into the fixed blade world but find myself struggling to find the right knife and afraid to drop $200 only to get a knife that is not a good fit for me. I have found them so far either too big or too small or not slicy enough. I work as a manager in the maintenance department so the knife needs to be something that doesn't stand out really bad or is concealed. However, the point of carrying is not for a defensive weapon, it is a tool so I need to be able to access it really easily. I have bought an Izula 2 but don't like how small the blade is vs how long the handle is. I have a few real small knives like a Minamilist but they are too small and un-usable for anything but trimming fingernails.

My budget is around $200. I want it to be around the size of a Bugout and look really nice. I've looked at the Bradfords and every other mid-range knife out their but am too gun shy to spend the $200. What do you all carry?

Here is my list of priorities:
-Lightweight (I am already carrying a small multitool and Olight Baton S2R)
-Blade around 3"
-Comfortable handle (Prefer thin handles/scales but not bare steel)
-Professional looking/non-intimidating

I am not carrying this on hiking trips. This is an EDC knife that I will use to open boxes, trim finger nails, scrape gunk, cut hose or cake, skin XYZ, and in general save the world.
 
I’ve got a White River Knives Caper (it’s an M1 Backpacker with Micarta handle slabs). Feels good in the hand real light, came with a great sheath and it’s S35VN.


Model 1
 
First, you might have better luck on the general discussion forum.
Second, I carry a Becker BK-11 quite a bit, among other things. Its not big, its handy, and there are plenty of options for sheaths and handles...You can get a nice set up for around $100.....
eqf4TsS.jpg

More traditional style, you can find something like this 3 1/4" puukko from Pauli Kankaanpaa for under $200.
7LtOIAA.jpg
 
Ontario RAT 3?
Buck 113? (Custom Shop options include an S30V blade, and a variety of scale options including several woods, Elk, and Water Buffalo)
Case Leather Mini Finn? (stacked leather handle and a leather sheath. 3.13" True Sharp stainless blade)
 
Arathol said:
First, you might have better luck on the general discussion forum.
Second, I carry a Becker BK-11 quite a bit, among other things. Its not big, its handy, and there are plenty of options for sheaths and handles...You can get a nice set up for around $100.....
eqf4TsS.jpg

More traditional style, you can find something like this 3 1/4" puukko from Pauli Kankaanpaa for under $200.
7LtOIAA.jpg
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Good point moving to the General discussion forum. I'll do that. I like some traditionals but don't think I would make one my EDC knife.
 
Mross506 said:
Good point moving to the General discussion forum. I'll do that. I like some traditionals but don't think I would make one my EDC knife.
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I'll move this to General Knife Discussion. It'll be a better fit there. Good luck finding something that works for you!
 
You mention the Bradford 3 and that is what I use as edc fixed. Mine is aebl with g10 handles and was $100. Fits in pockets nicely. Very robust small knife. Feels nice in hand. It's the only fixed I have that pocket carries, but can also go on belt which I don't use it for. If belt carry I go with one of my bigger fixed.
 
Nature Boy said:
Lots of sweet knives being posted regularly in the Maker’s Market, if you’re down for something not massed produced. Several impressive knives that meet your budget lately!

For Sale: Fixed Blades

www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
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What he said.
I've carried the same fixed blade for most the past 3 years. (Though, admittedly, I occasionally carry others simply because I like to)
From your description, however, it sounds like a Mora would suit your needs for a lot less money.
 
Some good ideas here.
A couple others that might appeal:
Condor Tool & Knife Mini Bushlore, or Fallkniven Tiaga.
Or check out David Mary's subforum here, he can make you exactly what you want and he does slicey not prybar
 
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Try the Civivi Elementum fixed blade. Made in China, but made quite nicely. I like White River knives as well, my EDC is a White River Sendero Classic. Above your stated budget, but they do S35VN very well. The M1 would be my recommendation for your needs.
 
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I'd say a L.T. Wright patriot or frontier first. They're pretty small and I have bigger mitts, but I absolutely love em. They fit the hand well and the blade shapes are very utilitarian. Blackhorse has a frontier first as well and that's actually my favorite out of the bunch that I have...
 
Since you mentioned wanting a slicey fixed blade version of a Bugout, check out the Benchmade Altitude. Handle shape is completely different, of course, but the blade shape is quite similar.
 
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