Recommend me a small fixed blade

[Jabe1]

I’m looking for a user, not just a collectible. I’m a contractor and I want to try a fixed blade instead of the Blur I’ve been carrying for 10 years or so. I think a cross draw or horizontal carry would be best verticals or danglers just get caught on stuff. Don’t want something “tactical”, Blade length 2-3 inches, but I’m open to suggestions.
I have a BK14 but I think the blade is a bit too deep, and I can’t find a sheath I like that doesn’t cost twice the knife’s worth.
Looking to spend max $150.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mk-211]

Powerhouse, Becker BK-2. I think the BK-82 is the Magnacut version.



ESEE 3

 

[edgelion]

Put your criteria into the search menu of any of the big online knife shops and sort by popularity, and you'll see the first batch of results dominated by those little Esee Izulas. I can't speak to it, but they sell a lot of them for probably good reason.

 

[ShaiHulud]

Esee xancudo

 

[Elgatodeacero]

Morakniv Eldris, Carothers EDC (outside your budget), Gerber Principle or an ESEE RB3.



If you want something custom then Cypress Creek makes the Backpacker, which is a very nice knife.

 

[Jabe1]

That Carothers looks sweet. I have a few Moras, great for a glovebox knife etc, but too long, and not worth a different sheath.

 

[DMG]

How about the Hogue Extrak? Or a little bigger, the Extrak XL. I like my xl in Magnacut

 

[norcalAF]

David Mary can make you a custom knife tailored for your intents. He might have a wait, but his stuff is fire and very reasonable!

 

[Linus Knives]

I've got some handmade fixed blades you might be interested in...

Post in thread '3 Small EDC knives REPOST WITH REDUCED PRICES!'

May 31, 2025

Hello,awesome blades.Are there any left?
Thanks,Ben

R u interested in one of these? Reach out to me because I want to take down my email and # because of all the scammers

• Linus Knives

 

[SharpBits]

Definitely give our resident makers a look. The already mentioned David Mary and Linus Knives are two. bike4fun919 OpbunchKnives , Blasted Hill Knives , Daado , BogdanS all have models that are great and affordable. Other makers have models that will work, but start climbing out of your stated budget.

 

[jjg6319]

Bradford Guardian

 

[edgelion]

Which resident makers have a ~3" fixie in stock for under $150?

Edit: i should follow links, then ask dumb questions...

 

[David Mary]

I MagnaCut at that size and price

 

[thebrain]

I also suggest the ESEE Xancudo , slimmer than the bk14 and not tactical looking. The factory sheaths ESEE makes are great for users and easily and cheaply replaced and they don't dull the knife like most non kydex moulded sheaths do.

 

[David Mary]

This is an “Ultralight Necker” I’m finishing up for Friday’s postal run, for example. I have them in a few blade shapes. The MagnaCut ones are $135 base price at the time of this post. That includes natural wood scales, Boltaron sheath and shipping. Blade length is just over 3”. They come with a paracord fob for extra grip but in my opinion they don’t really need it. Handle can be like this or smooth etc.

 

[Jabe1]

Thanks, looking into the makers you’ve mentioned.

 

[norcalAF]

Thanks, looking into the makers you’ve mentioned.

Here's a very small sample of what David Mary can do

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

Which resident makers have a ~3" fixie in stock for under $150?

Edit: i should follow links, then ask dumb questions...

Tony Mont makes some nice simple affordable edc's.

 

[JWright214]

I’ll recommend some that I own, have owned, or have at least some experience with.

ESEE:
Izula (I’d go with stainless version in s35vn)
Xancudo (underrated knife altogether)
Pacaya (I like it some don’t)

White River Model 1 (s35vn or magnacut)

Bradford Guardian 3, 3.2, 3.5 (lots of steels)

Hogue Extrak (M4 or Magnacut) (underrated)

LT Wright:
Patriot
Frontier First
Frontier Valley
*Ive had various steels from LT in O1, A2, & 3V. I like their A2 the best followed by their O1.

Like others recommended, check out our makers here on the forums. There is a lot of nice stuff being made with geometry and heat treatments you don’t get with production knives.

 

[MolokaiRider]

A bit longer than you suggested but the Cold Steel Master Hunter is a great blade, and the sheath can be lashed in different configurations.