Recommendations For Good Semi-Custom Fixed Blade Knife Brands

M

mhutch

Joined
Mar 1, 2015
Messages
88
Good morning all,
I guess I ought to give a short introduction first as this is my first post. I don't think I'd consider myself much of a knife or tool collector but I do like playing around and experimenting with different knives, axes, saws, etc. I love learning about the advantages/disadvantages of different steels, blade shapes, grinds, sharpening techniques, etc. All of my knives, axes, etc. are users and all of my experimentation is with real life use, and sometimes abuse, in mind. I spend a lot of time outdoors doing everything from primitive bushcraft to car camping.

With that in mind, I'm in the market for a good semi-custom fixed blade for general outdoor use, mostly bushcraft and hunting. Long story short, for years I was a huge fan of Bark River and that was about the only fixed blade I would buy but recently after learning about some of the issues that a lot of customers have had with the company (sorry if I'm opening a can of worms with that) I've decided to start looking elsewhere. I still have an original Bravo 1 and Highland Special, and those have been my go-to knives for years. Basically I'm looking for knife brands that are similar in style, design, and quality but obviously without the spotty business practices. I've been doing a lot of reading and so far the brands that are in the running are LT Wright, Battle Horse, Koster, and Fiddleback Forge. They all look great, have all the features I like (good carbon steels, micarta or hardwood handles, etc.) and are in my price range.

What I haven't done yet is heard from many users on any of these companies, so I was hoping people here would chime in on their experiences and any other brands I ought to look at.

Thanks
 
mhutch said:
Good morning all,
I guess I ought to give a short introduction first as this is my first post. the brands that are in the running are LT Wright, Battle Horse, Koster, and Fiddleback Forge. They all look great, have all the features I like (good carbon steels, micarta or hardwood handles, etc.) and are in my price range.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. I like fixed blades...but never use them. I enjoy the fine woods and blade-steels, damascus patterns and the general "art-work" that goes into a fine-looking product. I do carry a folder EDC, but my fixed never get out of the cardboard box in my house.
You have mentioned some good brands there. LT Wright and Battle Horse used to run Blind Horse Knives together but split up. BHK is often sought after, although all three brands are good quality and low priced. Fiddleback Forge is a great knife brand...I've never owned one, but they are very well-known and respected. Can often find a sales-link on "Fiddleback Friday" in the Exchange, where some are offered.
Sounds like your price range is not terribly high, so won't get off on BUSSE or some of these more pricey brands that draw many fans.

I would suggest that you visit this website to see some really fine fixed blades offered by our great makers on this forum..
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

Here is another link for customs, as sold by "previous owners" rather than the original makers...Many are still brand new...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/748-For-Sale-Custom-Knives-(Individual)

...and yes, I even have a sales thread here, as am trying to pay for a new (rather expensive) custom folder that I just received... so my collection has to go...
All I do is look at these gorgeous new fixed blades occasionally. They all sit in a cardboard box; never carried or used or out of my home. I carry a folder for my casual EDC and do not venture off of the pavement. :)
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...d-custom-fixed-blades?p=14506481#post14506481

You should have fun on our forum, regardless of your taste in knives or experience. We have lots of fine folks here.
Don aka sonnydaze
 
WELCOME! The first two brands that immediately come to my mind are Bark River and L.T. Wright. I've had nothing but excellent customer service with both companies over the years. I'm sure they drop the ball on occasion (after all, they are human), but overall I don't think you have anything to worry about with those two companies.
 
link2derek said:
WELCOME! The first two brands that immediately come to my mind are Bark River and L.T. Wright. I've had nothing but excellent customer service with both companies over the years. I'm sure they drop the ball on occasion (after all, they are human), but overall I don't think you have anything to worry about with those two companies.
Click to expand...

I admit, I have only had good experiences with Bark River. They've treated me very well and have been fair so my concern with them is not so much a personal one, more so an issue of who my money goes to. I've kept up on issues with them, many of which have been posted on this forum, for the past couple years and I just don't feel good about supporting a business that seems to have a trend of screwing people over almost regularly. I'm aware of the issues from as far back as Mr. Stewart's involvement with Blackjack knives and at this point, even if some of the rumors and issues aren't true, there have been enough complaints that are seemingly well-founded for me to be weary.
 
If you don't mind going full custom for a few dollars more, Andrew Demko (of Tri-Ad fame) makes a great 4.25'' fixed blade in 3V and more recently 4V.
 
Since I didn't see a dollar sign price range, I'll just say Busse or any of their sub-companies (Scrapyard & Swamp Rat Knives).
 
Tim Steingass, although a custom maker, keeps his prices very much in the fair range, imho, perhaps that would be a viable option for you?
 
Check out the knife maker section plenty of stuff there. I've only purchased from a few, and there are a couple whose work regularly leaves me drooling. Look for Steingass, Bailey, bacustomknives, Childress.
I don't like everything that comes out of the Swamp; but the models I do like from SwampRat KnifeWorks, I really like. Depending which way your budget and tastes run from there, you could check Scrap Yard and Busse.
On the simpler side of things, there's Becker knives - nothing semi custom about them from the start; but they're a good platform for doing what YOU want with a knife. Many of us strip them down, sometimes make blade modifications, change handle scales, etc. And Ethan Becker is sort of like everybody's outdoorsy uncle.
 
In addition to the custom makers who sell here on the forums, already mentioned, I suggest checking out:
Great Eastern Cutlery and their fixed blades
Higher-end Scandinavian brands such as Helle, Karesuando, and the upper-level Marttiini
I wouldn't consider them custom or semi-custom, but if you like D2, I'm a fan of the Light Hunters from Queen
Anza. They'll even custom make a knife for you with your choice of handle material and design.
Hattori
Northwoods Knives, the old production, made nice fixed blades that remind me of Bark River. Have to hit the auction site for these though.
I don't know how mass-produced they are, but the quality and durability of RosArms knives is top-notch.
 
I have two Battle Horse knives and can highly recommend them. I plan on getting more.

Here are my PLSK1 and my Fieldcrafter.

 
I'd say that Fallkniven would be a custom quality knife in a production model. The northern lights series are beautiful and all models I've had have been phenomenal. All their knives are well made and solid performers.
Good luck with the search for your ideal knife/knives
 
You might want to take a look at Survive Knives ! Here is a photo of some of their line up . From top down there is the GSO 6 , GSO 5.1 (with the finger choil) , GSO 5 and the GSO 4.1 . They also make a GSO 10 , a 6" with a choil called the GSO 7/7 and the GSO 3.5 . Very tough knives made to be used .

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I'm not sure if you are interested in stainless steel knives based on the original post, but I thought I would mention Spartan Knives. I was impressed with their customer service, and they make knives for hard use. I am very happy with my Difensa (pictured). They are pretty spendy, but it sounds like that isn't too much of a concern for you. I only bought the knife a few weeks ago, so I have not had much opportunity to put it through its paces yet.

https://spartanbladesusa.com/

IMG_7570 (800x533).jpg

I also want to mention Gravelle Knives, even though I've not had an opportunity to handle one, because I have been impressed with what I've seen. Gravelle offers a lot of options on some really good looking knives, at very reasonable prices (in my opinion). If I hadn't had my heart set on the Difensa I think I probably would have bought a Gravelle (and would have spent about half as much).

http://gravelleknives.com/
 
Second for Gravelle Knives. I've got 2 on order. Very easy to communicate with and awesome knives in a variety of steels. Also comes with a sheath.
 
If you're looking for great quality and also are concerned about who you're giving your money to, I highly recommend Fiddleback. Andy Roy's reputation speaks for its self, and he has a extremely dedicated group of customers because of it.
 
Hi! And welcome to your new home away from home :)
If you have concerns about where/to who, you are spending your hard earned dollars...
I would suggest looking into nearby knifemakers. What you spend will go right back into the local economy.
I live in Colorado, and just picked up two differentially tempered beauties from a maker in Arvada, and haven't hardly been able to put them down. :o
 
My absolute favorite fixed blade so far is a Survive! GSO 3.5 w/ Godspeed tactical "taco" sheath w/ Teklok. My fav. Big knife is a Daniel Fairly Camp knife. But I'd buy one of the 3.5" knives Gravelle has listed on his site in a heartbeat. They look absolutely perfect. G10/S35VN & not a ridiculous thick blade stock ...and the price is definitely right.
 
Some of the best semi-custom knives are made by Bark River. I compare them to Randalls that people often call "semi-custom".
 
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