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Gumbo
03-15-2018, 12:58 PM
I've been carrying a Spyderco Endura with the wave for about 5 years now and have been very happy with it. However, the other day when cutting some straps off bundles of lumber my knife closed on me and almost did some damage to the leading finger. I realize this is mostly user error because my knife was duller than I care to admit and I accidentally slightly pressed the lock while using a sub-par grip. This also made me realize it was time to tighten the little screws for the blade and lock.

Regardless, this got me thinking about picking up a fixed blade to replace the endura. I looked through the CCW Straight knives thread and the vast majority of those are either strictly for fighting (clinch pick) or way out of my price range to get abused in day to day cutting tasks. With that in mind, I started looking around and stumbled upon the ESEE-3 or the Izula II and decided something along these lines might be a good starting point. My concern is actually carrying a fixed blade of which I don't have any practice doing in public. I don't thing it necessarily needs to be concealed, but I don't want to just hang it on my belt like I would if I were camping, etc. My first thought is to get a sheath to carry horizontally on my belt, but that's a guess at this point.

Any advice or suggestions are welcomed. Also, I'm not sold on the ESEE knifes, but they are pretty much the first brand I came across that looked like it would be functional and reasonably cost effective

Irelander
03-15-2018, 01:12 PM
I like your thinking. IMO you can't go wrong with ESEE for a hard use knife.

If I had an Izula II again, I'd have Dark Star Gear make me a vertical sheath with their excellent clip.

9mm_shooter
03-15-2018, 01:25 PM
For that budget, I'd suggest you take a look at TOPS Knives. They are a bargain. 1095 steel.

For the money, there's the Lioness Rockies Edition. It's on sale $100. https://www.topsknives.com/knives/edc/lioness-rockies-edition
This one is my second favorite, the Scandi Trekker $145: https://www.topsknives.com/knives/edc/scandi-trekker
All around favorite $150: https://www.topsknives.com/skinat
All of the above have a sheath that can be rotated to carry blade up, sideways or downwards.

dontshakepandas
03-15-2018, 01:46 PM
I have an ESEE-3 and an Izula II and like both of them.

For me the ESEE-3 is too long to wear horizontally. The Izula II can work, but it doesn't conceal very well for me. If I was worried about concealing it I'd go with the original Izula and do a cord wrap.

mtnbkr
03-15-2018, 01:51 PM
The Izula is a good choice. I have a Becker BK14, which is a hybrid of the Izula and another Becker knife (partnership with Esee). It was considerably cheaper than the Izula. I cordwrapped mine and carry it in a 710 Sheaths kydex taco sheath. The entire package is thin enough to carry in my pocket, but it also does well IWB with an appropriate belt clip.

It's my Urban Fixed Blade EDC as well as my "I'm going for a hike, but not hunting" fixed blade knife.

Chris

MK11
03-15-2018, 02:18 PM
Finding the right sheath may be more of a challenge than finding the right blade. As mentioned, either the Izula I or II are great general purpose EDCs. You can get ESEE factory sheaths for either horizontal or vertical carry and they're functional but I found the big honking tek-lok on the horizontal sheath too big for concealment and the vertical sheath just wasn't comfortable. I really like Blade Rigs for a concealment sheath and there's some other good ones mentioned in this thread as well.

Long story short, budget for a good sheath as well as the knife.

delkancott
03-15-2018, 03:17 PM
As someone who's spent too much on knives, I always go back to an ESEE Izula II. The handle is much better than the original Izula and ESEE stock sheaths are actually really good. That said, I carry mine in an EDC Kydex custom sheath with a small teklok at 3 o'clock canted. I did carry it horizontal at 12, but that was before AIWB. I don't think you can go wrong for the price. There is also the ESEE CR2.5 that a lot of people are raving about, but it's a big smaller and I have no experience with it. Regarding the ESEE 3, as mentioned its too long for horizontal carry. It's much better suited to a belt or rig knife.

BillSWPA
03-15-2018, 04:15 PM
Finding a good knife is easy. Finding a good way to carry it is not as easy. A belt sheath will work under a jacket, sweater, or untucked shirt. A sheath that attaches to a Chris Fry/Raven Pocket Shield works well in a front pocket of dress slacks. A sheath that hangs upside down from an inside pocket works well with a suit or sport jacket.



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DI1
03-15-2018, 05:31 PM
I would suggest this:

https://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-woodland-special-black-canvas-micarta-matte/

El Cid
03-15-2018, 07:33 PM
I use my folder for mundane cutting tasks. The fixed blade is just for self defense. Some of the small fixed CRKT’s are decent. You could also get a Spyderco P’kal fixed for around $90.

theJanitor
03-15-2018, 07:36 PM
I'd ensure that the knife has enough protection to keep your hand from slipping forward. maybe out of the range, but i'm looking at this for myself:

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/RMJSPARROW/rmj-tactical-sparrow-fixed-33-d2-blade-black-g10-handles-kydex-sheath

LittleLebowski
03-15-2018, 08:27 PM
For that budget, I'd suggest you take a look at TOPS Knives. They are a bargain. 1095 steel.

For the money, there's the Lioness Rockies Edition. It's on sale $100. https://www.topsknives.com/knives/edc/lioness-rockies-edition
This one is my second favorite, the Scandi Trekker $145: https://www.topsknives.com/knives/edc/scandi-trekker
All around favorite $150: https://www.topsknives.com/skinatq
All of the above have a sheath that can be rotated to carry blade up, sideways or downwards.

I really like those.

vaspence
03-15-2018, 08:28 PM
The stainless Izula with orange g10 grips in a Dark Star horizontal sheath does well for me as a fixed blade work knife. I also have the Izula II, BK&T 11, BR Woodsman and a Candiru amongst others. I only prefer the Izula over the II as I have it
in stainless and am in the water a lot from May to October. If someone would make either in H1 I'd be a happy guy.

BobLoblaw
03-15-2018, 09:02 PM
Have you thought about getting a waved folder with a lock that is less likely to be opened unintentionally?

orionz06
03-15-2018, 10:33 PM
The Bradford Guardians (https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Bradford-Fixed--2313)have been on my radar for some time... Haven't pulled the trigger but have threatened.

backtrail540
03-16-2018, 02:06 AM
The Bradford Guardians (https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Bradford-Fixed--2313)have been on my radar for some time... Haven't pulled the trigger but have threatened.

Same here. They hit all the right buttons for me but i always ebbs up with other things. I'm going to have to change that shortly and try one.

Duelist
03-16-2018, 03:46 AM
Framelock or liner lock won't do that to you. Neither will the fixed. Maintain your gear, though. If you like Spyderco, they have fixed blades in your budget. For that matter, I know some custom makers who will make you an awesome knife for $150.

martin_j001
03-16-2018, 04:07 AM
I don't think Esee has been mentioned yet. :p The Izula and Izula II are great knives. I can keep an Izula II with G10 handles in a DSG sheath worn at 11:30 just barely concealed, my overhanging gut helping to hold the shirt off it just enough...so for some the additional handle length may be in issue using that carry method. The Candiru may also be worth considering. While it's smaller, I could see it serving utilitarian tasks that don't require a full size grip to be useful.

I've been tempted to try the new Esee 2.5 that delkancott mentioned, as well as the Bradford that orionz06 mentioned, but I have seen reviews from some that they don't like the handle length. I'd love to get my hands on a CPK EDC to try out, as most seem to really like it...but its well out of the price range you mention, and still seem like they're hard to come across.

orionz06
03-16-2018, 06:33 AM
I have seen reviews from some that they don't like the handle length.

The slightly shorter handle is what makes it appealing to me. By all accounts it appears to be enough for what my use would be.

BillSWPA
03-16-2018, 06:36 AM
Framelock or liner lock won't do that to you. Neither will the fixed. Maintain your gear, though. If you like Spyderco, they have fixed blades in your budget. For that matter, I know some custom makers who will make you an awesome knife for $150.

I have had liner locks fail on expensive knives. Frame locks are difficult for me to open one-handed because I end up putting pressure on the lock bar. Rocker bar locks work well for me, and while I understand that the OP had an issue with one, I would have to consider it very unlikely. A Benchmade Axis lock or Spyderco ball bearing lock also works well.



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martin_j001
03-16-2018, 07:50 AM
The slightly shorter handle is what makes it appealing to me. By all accounts it appears to be enough for what my use would be.

Yeah, when I looked at them I was in the market for a small utility type knife, where a larger handle tends to work better for those type of tasks. Much like the difference between Izula and Izula II...one conceals a little better, one works better as a utility knife (at least IMO).

Rich@CCC
03-16-2018, 08:48 AM
Take a look at Battle Horse Knives. I have several of their blades and they are all well made and affordable.

My favorite is the Broken Trail:
24479

Dan's Frontier looks to be a perfect fit for you, but I think you can order a Broken Trail, or any other knife they have made. The Frontier just happens to be in stock right now.

https://www.battlehorseknives.com/Frontierfirst.html

Their Kydex sheaths are OK, but you'll probably want to have Tom or Tony or me:rolleyes: make something for you that does exactly what you want.

Irelander
03-16-2018, 09:43 AM
Having a dozen of these around is not a bad idea.

CRKT Minimalist - Drop Point
https://www.amazon.com/CRKT-Minimalist-Bowie-Neck-Knife/dp/B01BAJIOAW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521211224&sr=8-1&keywords=crkt%2Bminimalist&th=1

mtnbkr
03-16-2018, 09:49 AM
Take a look at Battle Horse Knives. I have several of their blades and they are all well made and affordable.

Dan's Frontier looks to be a perfect fit for you, but I think you can order a Broken Trail, or any other knife they have made. The Frontier just happens to be in stock right now.

https://www.battlehorseknives.com/Frontierfirst.html

Their Kydex sheaths are OK, but you'll probably want to have Tom or Tony or me:rolleyes: make something for you that does exactly what you want.

I have an early incarnation of the Frontier First back when they were the previous company (the two founders split and formed two new companies). Mine uses steel from an old sawmill blade. It's a bit soft, but looks nice. It lives in a neck holster and is my oldest daughter's field knife (back when she would go out into the woods with me). The only thing I don't like about their knives is the handles tend to be rather chunky. They feel good in the hand, but would impact concealment.

My FF has big beautiful chunks of green micarta for handle scales.

Chris

backtrail540
03-16-2018, 05:28 PM
The Bradford Guardians (https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Bradford-Fixed--2313)have been on my radar for some time... Haven't pulled the trigger but have threatened.

Also i see they are doing 20% off green scaled knives today

orionz06
03-16-2018, 05:30 PM
Also i see they are doing 20% off green scaled knives today

For the record I hate you for this.


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backtrail540
03-16-2018, 05:35 PM
For the record I hate you for this.


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Now you'll have something to make a sheath off when i get around to getting one. It's purely selfish intent on my part.

JPedersen
03-18-2018, 08:49 AM
The Bradford Guardians (https://www.bladehq.com/cat--Bradford-Fixed--2313)have been on my radar for some time... Haven't pulled the trigger but have threatened.

I have handled them at Blade Show a couple years in a row. They always look really sharp and are made well but for me there was something about the ergos that did not line up. Let me reiterate - really cool design and craftsmanship was A+ on the specimens I saw at Blade Show.


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Earlymonk
03-18-2018, 01:58 PM
There's a reason lots of folks are recommending the Izula. It's a fantastic value and VERY capable for its size (at bottom below).


Take a look at Battle Horse Knives. I have several of their blades and they are all well made and affordable. My favorite is the Broken Trail...


I'm a big BHK fan as well. The only drawback is that they frequently discontinue models; for instance, I don't think they're offering the Broken Trail any more. I have their "Essiac" (top below, also discontinued) which is built like a tank: 5/32" thick O1 Tool Steel, 9" overall, 3 3/4" blade, Scandi grind. Overkill for EDC, but always on my belt in the woods.

Good luck and let us know what you wind up with.

24554

Rich@CCC
03-18-2018, 07:10 PM
There's a reason lots of folks are recommending the Izula. It's a fantastic value and VERY capable for its size (at bottom below).



I'm a big BHK fan as well. The only drawback is that they frequently discontinue models; for instance, I don't think they're offering the Broken Trail any more. I have their "Essiac" (top below, also discontinued) which is built like a tank: 5/32" thick O1 Tool Steel, 9" overall, 3 3/4" blade, Scandi grind. Overkill for EDC, but always on my belt in the woods.

Good luck and let us know what you wind up with.

24554

I've been told by the "owner" at BHK that if they have done a production run on a blade, they can do one offs upon request. There may be an up charge, I don't know as I have never pursued it.

SLUZENE
03-25-2018, 02:32 AM
I think the Eskabar, ESEE or Something from Bark River is frequently mentioned.

I have an Eskbabar I really like, but do not EDC the knife for now. If so, it would likely be on a pocket shield. My EDC is usually a factory waved delica (for a place like Canada) or a Benchmade AXIS lock knife with a DIY wave. Unfortunatley, I am not a huge fan of the two AXIS lock bechmades I own. The 810 / Contego is too long/deep for many of my pants pockets and it's actually a knife I'd never want to use constantly day in and day out due to it's extremely aggressive handle. The Griptillian is not as secure in my hand due it's profile. Maybe I'll extend the pants pocket depth on the pants I have to fit the Benchmade 810. I remove the thumbstud, attach a metal wave I make myself and then locktite the thumbstud back on. They wave out more easily than any Emerson, Emerson Kershaw or Spyderco i've seen.

The experimentation continues!

Cecil Burch
03-26-2018, 11:53 AM
Go down about halfway on this page to the classic puukko:

https://www.ragweedforge.com/FinnishKnifeCatalog.html


This has been my workhorse knife for years (probably close to 20 by this point). Perfect shaped blade for most task, and the handle is not large but surprisingly hand-filling. the only knife I use as much is a Mora #510, but that is beater knife and not a EDC blade.

UNK
03-28-2018, 12:07 PM
A.G. Russell has quite a few knives some well under your max price that would fill the EDC fixed blade role nicely. https://agrussell.com/

Norville
03-28-2018, 05:56 PM
I think Tops just introduced a smaller version of the Al Mar SERE. That may be worth a look.

JTQ
03-31-2018, 08:50 AM
Regardless, this got me thinking about picking up a fixed blade to replace the endura. I looked through the CCW Straight knives thread and the vast majority of those are either strictly for fighting (clinch pick) or way out of my price range to get abused in day to day cutting tasks.

I haven't use one, but given the OP's need for just a simple tool for work type cutting tasks, would something like the COP Tool be useful for that task?

https://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-Tactical-Cop-Tool-by-Boker/productinfo/WTK%2DBK%2DCOPTOOL/