Traditional Fixed Blade Recommendations

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Vivi

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I'm going to be looking for some new fixed blades in the next month or two. I've got my folder selection where I want it, minus a few traditional slipjoints I'll pick up at some point. I'd like to pick up a few more fixed blades, then I'll be good on knives for a while. I've got a kabar type knife from Ontario, a small Colt with wooden handle slabs and stainless blade and a mora. Likely to be receiving some more mora's in a trade shortly.

I don't like a lot of the modern styled fixed blades. I'm more attracted to old hickory butcher knife types, stag and bone handled frontier style knives and just anything that is classy really. I don't dig black blades, tantos, blood grooves and things of that nature. Just a solid, comfortable working knife that can take years of use in strides.

What are some favorite models of you folks here?
 
Sounds like you could be interested in the DH Russell knives from Grohmann. Knives of Alaska also has a model or 2 in those designs.
 
Bark River Knife & Tool.
The current definitive "old school" fixed blade maker. Period.
 
Agree with Bark River and Ghrohmann, very nice knives.

Also, especially if you're on a tight budget, any of the Anza knives can be made to your specs regarding handle materials, size, etc.

How 'bout the Scandanavian style knives? Very traditional with natural handle materials. Helle, Karesuando, and Marttini come to mind.

Buck offers some of their fixed-blade lineup with natural wood handles. A Buck 119 in Cocobolo, for instance.

And there's an endless list of custom makers. Eagle-eye the For Sale By Maker section and be ready to pounce. There are often some real steals there.

-Bob
 
Bob W said:
Agree with Bark River and Ghrohmann, very nice knives.

Buck offers some of their fixed-blade lineup with natural wood handles. A Buck 119 in Cocobolo, for instance.

-Bob
Click to expand...
I actually thought of a Ghrohmann. I have the #1 and #3 fixed blade knives. Small easy to work with and fits in your hands really well. I bought them when I went up to Canada and had to stop by thier factory / store.

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/outdoor.html


The Buck 119 is a great knife, but it has a blood groove. They have a Vanguard that I really like. I have one with a wood handle and one in stag. It is short, but stout.

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/prodlist.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=vanguard&Search.x=13&Search.y=11
 
Check out Bark River. I have a Rogue and and have a Teddy Hunter on the way to me. Both knives are derived from older designs and available in a variety of handle materials. They're very reasonable in price also so you should be able to find a knife that you like. Chances are good that you'll find something that's a must have. Check out www.dlttradingcompany.com
 
How much can you spend?

I highly recommend Bob Dozier's knives. They are very simple, hard-working tools. Great ergos, sharp as all get-out, fantastic sheaths. They are a bargain at around 200 bucks, but 200 bucks is not super cheap either. IMO (and I am not alone), Doziers are some of the best users of any style. Period.

If you like traditional knives, you may want to consider a USMC Ka-Bar or a Buck 119. They are classics, worth owning just because they are so archtypal.

Also look at Legler Knives and David Winston knives. Both not much above 100 bucks.

I hear Bark River is great. I want one. But they have already been mentioned and I have yet to use one (just handled them).
 
I concur with Bob W's suggestion of the Scandinavian-style knives. The large handles with natural materials make them really comfortable to use for long periods of time. Plus, they are very affordable (see http://ragweedforge.com, for example).
 
I have lots of suggestions for you, although many great ones have already been mentioned thus far. Bark River and Bob Dozier knives are two of my very favorites and I own more than several of each and can say with total confidence that you would be very pleased to own either of any one of a dozen models they feature..

But you haven't told us what your specific uses/chores would be that you have in mind for the tools you are seeking,, ie: hunting, skinning, capering, camping, hiking, kitchen, utility, etc., etc.. If we have that information we could narrow down the line up. Also your proposed budget is essential information as well?

BTW,, If you are looking for pictures and descriptions of many varied fixed blades to get more ideas and a lot of good information go to this recent thread and it will undoubtedly assist you..

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413854
 
It's going to be used for outdoors work. Possibly skinning, definately woodworking and some kitchen tasks. Basically, if y ou were going to go live in the wilderness for a month and had the money to spend on one fixed blade under 150$, what would it be?
 
I just bought this knife:


Check out his web site. Looks like what you are after w/ reasonable prices.

http://www.mlknives.com/KnifeHome.html

I have been using this knife for some tasks you mentioned, and is a pleasure to use. Holds an edge well and is very easy to sharpen. Good luck!
 
Those Rosellis look very nice. Are they ground like the mora's, with just one large bevel? I love that grind for the keen edge and the way it moves through binding materials.
 
Gene Ingram & Fred Rowe both make great fixed blades.
Good luck
Mitch
 
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