Each has different benefits, but fixed blade knives are straight-up simple to use with no faffing around. The G in VG10 Supersteel stands for “gold,” as in the gold standard level of stainless steel found in this blade. The molded sheath is made from high – quality material. It is a nice, clean matte black finish that makes for a great look. Written by Andrew Hamilton and Updated by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 5/18/2020. We find that if you also oil the blade properly, you’ll add years to its lifespan. 3.5 inch Blade 6.75 inch Overall 3.43 oz Weight N690 Stainless Steel G-10 (CF or G-Wood) Handle Leather Sheath Included. As such, you might need the sharpener sooner rather than later. Smith & Wesson SWHRT3BF 7.5in High Carbon S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with 3.5in False Edge Blade and TPR Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC 4.5 out of 5 stars 437 $18.45 $ 18 . Knives in general are divided into two categories – folding and fixed blade. The curved nature of the blade edge makes for the longest possible cutting surface. … So, if you live in a climate like this or you need a knife for an expedition, you might want to invest in a corrosion-resistant blade. Aesthetically, it has a cool design too. If it is a partial tang, the blade will only extend a portion of the way through the handle. This is the only knife I take with me when I go camping, and I�ve never felt like I need anything else. While this handle is not flashy, it is functional. The Ka-Bar USMC fixed blade bowie is one of the most widely used knives in history with regular issue to soldiers still taking place to this day. This can be a blend of rubberized components, metal, wood, or other materials. It’s composed of a mix of cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium, meaning it’s sure to last years of use and will be good value for money. Alan Folts' Minimalist series of fixed blade neck knives are available in several blade styles. Well, if you use the knife and a rock to hammer through a tree, the blade should be able to withstand this pressure. If you previously owned the Gerber Infantry, this knife feels like the refinement of that already successful formula. The tang of a knife is the unsharpened, unexposed portion of the blade that extends down the handle. The sleek is a great sized knife but also fits very nicely into the Every Day Carry category. Still have some questions? We know our blades, and are happy to share that knowledge in our guides. The LT Wright Patriot should without a doubt be on this list as is was designed and built as an EDC fixed blade. Hunting is one of the main functions of these knife models. It’s even still made with the original leather handle design. Other than fixed vs folding, blade type also includes the type of steel being used. We focus on the following features when buying a fixed blade knife: First, let’s look at why a fixed blade is a good option: Before diving into the various types of fixed blade knives, let’s discuss the difference between fixed and folding knives. Serration makes for increased utility and cutting uses while maximizing combat potential. From handle to tip, every part of the knife is important. Keep it dry and clean, and you’re all set. It is also corrosion resistant, creating a durable blade. The most important thing to nail down is what you need it for – this will help you narrow down the features you’ll need in a blade. Good luck trying to baton with a folding knife� It didn�t work out so well for us on our camping adventure. ... At 3/16 of an inch thick, the Survival Rescue Knife provides the sturdiest possible point and edge configuration, without sacrificing sharpness. We recommend taking the time to have all of your questions answered before committing to a purchase – that way, you’ll end up with a knife you’re sure to love. This is essential for high impact tasks, like chopping wood. Keep your knife clean and dry and it should stay fresh. Blade HQ uses cookies to provide you a better user Do you want a blade to trim or open packages? Fixed knives aren’t always ideal for precision work. If you�re camping, hunting, or tend to abuse your blades, you MUST have a fixed blade in your collection. The Bradford Guardian 3 is constructed with a N690 Stainless Steel blade – a common, wear-resistant steel found in many durable knives. It can withstand extreme weather and even underwater conditions. This compact fixed blade is built with a full-flat ground blade and an ergonomic G-10 handle. You know we have to make our high school English teacher proud. The 3" Mini Scandi Survival is one of TOPS Knives’ most successful fixed blade designs for everyday carry. While you might think a knife that can do it all is the right choice, you might want a function-specific knife. This knife’s 1095 Cro-van Steel may make you think of 1095 steel, but these are two different constructions. Its zytel sheath construction creates little friction when withdrawing, so you can unsheath easily in a tense situation. The knife came quickly from BHQ. The phenolic handle may look familiar and this is because it is the same construction as cookware handles; and will last as long as them, too. Slap on some aftermarket scales, wrap it in paracord, or carry it as is. The Bradford Guardian 3 is also one of the best fixed blade knives for EDC for its 3.5 inch blade with a full tang, which is easily concealed in a belt. and Twitter. Proudly Crafted for Life® with highly evolved ergonomics to minimize fatigue and increase cutting power. Survival knives need to stand up in a number of extreme conditions, but not all blades can do this. I really enjoy the Trigonaut. Big savings. It makes great sense to get one of those rather than a multi-use. It has a razor sharp 3-inch blade. This can be a tad frustrating when you need to sharpen on the go or while out in the field. This means the steel is hardened to reduce wear and tear over time. The Gerber StrongArm is an affordable blade that you will want to keep at your side. As the name indicates, a fixed blade does not retract into a fold. Essentially, anyone needing a low-cost, multi-function blade has no reason not to grab the Cold Steel SRK. Get the right tool for the job, and you�ll spend more time having fun and less time hating your life. Fixed blade knives typically have one or more of the following uses: So, check what a specific knife is best for before taking it home. The heavy texture allows for a secure grip that can absorb shock. Originally bought this blade to take out on field exercises while on active duty, but it has quickly become a constant companion in all sorts of adventures. The 420 HC steel of the Buck 119 makes a reappearance in the Gerber StrongArm. Stainless steel is easier to sharpen, but will need to be sharpened more often. In 1942, Buck began making knives for the U.S. Government in response to World War II. The Gerber Ripstop II folding knife features a closed length of 4.4 inches with a 3-inch blade and has a weight of 3 ounces. If you love ESEE as much as we do, be sure to check out our Best ESEE Knives article. Whether you need to cut meat or you work in a warehouse, this EDC knife has you covered. This is a Survival Rescue Knife and we hear a lot of positive feedback on it from tactical law enforcement and military personnel. We recommend the Bradford Guardian3 with the smooth 3.5 inch blade for an EDC fixed blade option. This grade tends to perform well in humid or salty conditions and resist corrosion. If you plan on being on-the-go a lot, you might want a portable sharpener you can take out in the field or camping with you. The Blackhawk! If you�re a soldier or just want to own the most rugged and overbuilt fixed blade, the Gerber StrongArm has everything going for it. Like all the minimalists I own the handle fits perfectly. Unlike a folding knife, you cannot tuck away this blade. The shape of the blade is another factor for edge maintenance. The weight is focused toward the end to help deliver a solid chop. All you have to do is choose one of these suggestions, and you’ve got yourself a high-quality fixed blade knife for any purpose. The Ka-Bar Dozier Hunter 3 inch blade is and excellent edc knife.Its a lockback design with aus 8 steel , very light weight at 2oz and comes with tip up carry. Check out our American Made fixed blades Knife Banter video below for more knife goodness. Most knives will come with a manufacturer sheath, most likely made from nylon. Here is a variety of neck knives, karambit knives and minimal fixed blades that will be excellent for EDC use. Steel type is a factor in corrosion-resistant blades. At 3/16 of an inch thick, the Survival Rescue Knife provides the sturdiest possible point and edge configuration, without sacrificing sharpness. This tactical start has led to a legacy of quality and craftsmanship found here in the Buck 119. 6 inch Blade 10.5 inch Overall 7.5 oz Weight 420 HC Steel Phenolic or DymaLux Handle. From a hog hunt, to cutting someone free from their seat belt after an accident, to opening an envelope, this’ll have your back. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! It’s a tough choice, but we hope our reviews gave you some food for thought. A premium blade with a convex ground blade, made from stainless steel. The top is reinforced for penetration and strength, which is also great for precision work. They are designed to withstand pressure in a way folding knives are not. If you ever had a Praetorian in your hands you know they are heavy-duty knives. It�s one thing to design and manufacture cool knives. It is not a flashy knife, but is a smart, functional one that will get the job done. High carbon blades will hold the edge better and retain durability. 10/10 Thanks BHQ and ESEE.". In addition, it also, it features a drop point blade design made from 5Cr15MoV (which is a Chinese, high carbon, stainless steel) with an unknown Rockwell Hardness combined with a partially serrated edge, a hollow grind and, a satin finish. After all, you want to feel secure as you wield the blade. Unlike folding knives, the fixed blade is designed with zero moving parts, making the blade extremely strong and durable. The Kraton handle comes from the Kraton Corporation, a company known for producing high-quality elastomers and polymers. It would make a great gift for a first-time blade owner or a son going on his first hunt. Despite nearing a foot in total length, the ESEE-6 remains balanced and lightweight. 4.8 inch Blade 9.8 Inch Overall 7.2 oz Weight 420 HC Steel Blade Ceramic Blade Coating Versatile Sheath Included Full Tang. Acidic foods like tomatoes can also damage blades. Steel type is characterized by three factors: hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. ... Top 10 EDC(Every Day Carry)Fixed Blades - Duration: 26:22. Categories. �This knife is an incredible value. This Fire Ant Izula is high-vis and made from coated 1095 steel, a steel known for toughness, durability, and field sharpenability. Choosing a knife for self-defense goes beyond aesthetic, design, or hype. It will not cover expected wear and tear due to extended use or improper handling. Check out our awesome Gerber StrongArm Review where we put it through the wringer and give it a Knife Life Score. The attention to aesthetics does not compromise blade integrity, though – it is extremely rugged and durable and will maintain its edge for an extended period, helping you perform any EDC task. It now feels really nice and I think I found myself a new EDC fixed blade. Remember durability as a buying guide factor? The thermoplastic handle is made from various synthetic materials. That blade is 3 ⅓” in length – average for EDC knives – and fashioned from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel that sharpens up easily and does an excellent job of retaining that edge. We like the versatile sheath that can be stored in a number of ways. My best pick is CRKT Folts minimalist bowie. Facebook, It has a rounded pommel that is comfortable to grip. Very well balanced. It can become handy in close quarters if survival turns to combat. The Hell Gap isn’t only one of our top choices for a fixed-blade knife, it’s one of the 10 best outdoor products to come out in 2019.At 7.8 inches with a 3.8-inch drop-point, full-tang blade, it’s the perfect length, maintaining just the right amount of edge and belly for any campsite task, from cutting cord to slicing veggies. Its sheath has a drop-leg attachment or it can strap onto your belt. TOPS Everyday Carry Knives are easy to carry every day, even in urban environments. �This has mainly been in my pocket around the house. Check product listings for current pricing. This knife comes from Hoyt Buck, a long-time knife maker in the USA who made his first knife in 1902. When it�s time to get outdoors, you need to have a fixed blade on your hip. Since most fixed blade knives are meant for survivalist functions, you will mainly find full tang knives here. Deciding what you need to use the fixed blade for will help you decide the best blade length for you. I LOVE the grinds on the blade itself and the shape is super cool. Corrosion resistance deserves its own section, so we’ll get more into that later. We cannot stress how important corrosion resistance is in a good blade. Most are some form of stainless steel or high carbon. EDC Gear & … We hope these reviews help you decide on your next fixed blade knife purchase. We highlight more of the most popular models. Strong enough to take anything you throw at it, and at the price you never feel bad at putting it through the wringer. This is a unique-looking knife with a fixed blade and comfortable handle that’s built for combat. You can’t go wrong with a fixed blade. The steel type design and manufacture will play a role in the ability to retain sharpness. You won’t be able to use it to cut down a grown tree, but you can cut and split saplings with most of these knives. The blade should remain intact even if it hits a rock or other hard surface. Basically, this is a nifty, crafty knife for all sorts of purposes that won’t break the bank. The best way to find the right handle is to test it out and confirm you like the way it grips. As such, this creates a top-of-the-line blade that has a hefty reputation to live up to. It’s a full tang knife that is designed to flat against the body or a plate carrier. Most will have some type of warranty. The full tang blade made from VG10 supersteel is one of the most durable steels on the market. The Cold Steel SRK is the blade you want in these situations. Its name describes what you get: a compact survival knife featuring a blade that draws from traditional Scandanavian outdoors and working knives for its shape (and edge geometry). SK5 steel is forgiving but very tough, although it will need frequent touch-ups. The serrated blade edge makes this a different option in the fixed blade market. One drawback to this knife is that its stainless steel construction cannot withstand wet and snowy conditions. If you plan to use your knife in adverse weather conditions, search for blades with 410 stainless steel. The Ka-bar USMC has earned its reputation as a legendary combat knife. Overall, you want a sheath that is durable and will allow for quick withdrawal without friction. The length of the blade and its durable carbon steel construction makes this knife great for tactical, camping, and EDC use. You cannot go wrong with the Ka-Bar 1217. The Bow River comes complete with a high-quality leather sheath for secure belt carry. There are two handle options – phenolic or DymaLux. There are also multiple types of sharpeners to choose from. It makes sense that one of the most important features is the ability to retain the edge and stay sharp. We know a good Ka-bar blade will be sharp enough to shave the hair off the back of your hand. It is a little bit on the shorter side, so keep this in mind if you need ample room for gripping. The Bradford Guardian 3 is also one of the best fixed blade knives for EDC for its 3.5 inch blade with a full tang, which is easily concealed in a belt. The world-class Fallkniven A1 11-inch Fixed Blade Knife is an all-purpose survival knife. The only downside might be dropping it in the dark. Hands down, this is one of my favorite fixed blade knives from one of my favorite knife companies, and to top it off ESEE knives are made in the USA. The best fixed blade knives for EDC, tactical use, and more. It�s strong, sharp, and it carries awesome because of its well thought out sheath. The blade is ground and finished quite nicely. This highly versatile knife is a must-have with its durable, epoxy coated blade. Handles can be constructed from a variety of materials, as you’ve seen in our reviews. Micarta is made of organic materials like cloth or paper that has been pressed and dried in resin. Includes a neck carry cord and glass-reinforced nylon sheath. Spyderco fixed blade knives offer the same Reliable High-Performance™ you've come to expect from our ground-breaking folding knives. Our recommendation is to make sure you keep it sheathed to prevent snagging, or just opt for the CF handle. It’s ultra lightweight, so you won’t feel any burden when carrying around this tool – you can just about your day. The knife came hair popping sharp and I'm sure will perform well. Non-folding knives from KnifeCenter Fixed blade (non folding) knives are designed for dozens of applications and include hunting knives, survival knives, combat knives, boot knives, dive knives, throwing knives and more. The handle is a composition of copolymer of ethylene and propylene known as ethylene-propylene rubber. Knives with expert craftsmanship and high-quality construction materials will most likely have a lifetime warranty. It�s up to you if you add this piece to your display case or put it to work. If you’re set on the G-Wood version, you can also smooth it to resolve the snagging issue. 3.8 inch Blade 8 ¼ inch Overall 5.3 oz Weight Laminated CoS Stainless Steel VG10 Supersteel Blade Thermorun Handle Zytel Sheath Included Full Tang. Looking for your next Tactical and Every Day Carry (EDC) knife purchase? Below are a few frequently asked questions to help clear up lingering questions as you decide on the right knife for you. Shop our large selection of every day carry fixed blade knives and save big! The SRK�s handle sports a single quillion finger guard and a deeply checkered Kray-Ex grip. This versatile tool can be used for hunting, fishing, camping, survival, or everyday carry. Because it is one solid piece of metal, you don’t have to worry that the blade with break off or get snagged in anything. Whether you need to cut meat or you work in a warehouse, this EDC knife has you covered. Classic choice.�. This type of handle construction is known for creating a solid grip, so the ESEE-6 rests easily in the hand. These are typically not guaranteed against corrosion, especially in humid climates. For a strong knife that stands the test of time, the Ka-bar USMC is the choice for you. Introduced in the 1940s, the Ka-Bar USMC marked a move away from dagger-like trench knives and a move towards more utilitarian designs. Its reliability and compact size make it perfect for pretty much any EDC need. You will have to sharpen the blade at some point, but it should not be a constant chore. If it is good enough for heavy use equipment like farm tools, it will stand up well as a knife steel – which it sure does. It’s got everything you need in a long-lasting knife. From a carpentry studio to a jungle, this knife is the perfect all-rounder. Boker Plus Trigonaut. That�s pretty simple stuff. Hence, it is figured out that one of the best EDC fixed blades. Hardness is the capacity to resist bending and the edge holding ability. The Buck 119 uses 420 HC Steel that operates as a budget-friendly blade choice in many popular knives. We’re here to help! Yes, you can use certain models to cut through wood or plant materials. It offers a tremendously strong clip point that�s fine enough for delicate work, yet possesses enough belly for efficient cutting, slashing and skinning strokes. The blade is a clip design, which means the crescent tip is thinner than the rest of the blade and provides a sharp point. It also has a suitable dimension with an available form for your hunting process. Made from SK-5 steel, which is 0.80% carbon and a maximum of 0.90% manganese, this tough steel blade holds its edge. Carrying an EDC fixed blade knife is the way to go if you're looking for simple performance and fewer moving parts. The steel of the Ka-bar USMC is formed from a different composition of chromium, nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum. It’s much slimmer design helps to make it a lot simpler to carry and is still a high-performance item. Hard-use tasks like hunting and wood cutting are better served with a fixed blade. Aesthetically, we like how the sheath matches the all-black knife for a monochromatic look. After we break down the specs and details of each knife, catch a review from one of our genius customers. Need more fixed blade knives? 0 Reply. The knife felt small in my extra-large size hands, but a paracord wrap really helped a lot. We�re going to break down the top 7 fixed blades with options from ESEE, Ka-Bar, Spyderco, and more. If you’re a fellow knife enthusiast looking for a solid edge and durable product, you know where to come. Handles are beautiful. 7 inch Blade 11.875 inch Overall 11.2 oz Weight 1095 Cro-van Steel Kraton Handle Leather Sheath Included. If you need to get to the precise point, reach for the Buck 119 fixed blade knife. Simply pull it from its sheath and get to work with cutting, chopping, or slashing. 5.9 inch Blade 10.9 inch Overall 6 oz Weight 1085 Carbon Steel Thermoplastic Handle Injected Molded Nylon Sheath Serrated Blade Edge Black Epoxy Coating on the Blade. It also has a nice aesthetic with the stonewashed blade and green handle, making it an attractive addition to a collection. On that same note, the blade should be able to withstand heavy use. Some knives are designed with just one function in mind while others can handle multiple functions. "You should give into the knife urges already. 6 inch Blade 10 ¾ inch Overall 8.2 oz Weight Sk-5 with Black Tuff-Ex Finish Kraton Handle Secure-Ex Sheath Included Sleek Black Coating. Need to cut through forest in a storm, or spear fish to survive? This thing was startlingly bright out of the package. The handle is as essential as the blade, because if you cannot wield with confidence, you can quickly find yourself making mistakes on the other end of the knife. Fixed blades are more durable than folding knives. Toughness is the ability to bend without breaking. The blade should have some give, but not enough to shatter – any high-quality blade will be shatter resistant, so be sure to invest. Kershaw Decibel Pocketknife; 3 Inch 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade, Titanium Carbo-Nitride Coate… This is in the top 10 "bang for your buck" list. It has a 58-60HRC hardness, and a vicissitude of stone wash and sanding along the blade’s surface. The Globetrotter is a bit on the longer side of the EDC fixed blade but it’s well-designed, well-constructed, and fairly compact. This makes for a great aide for precision engraving and controlled cutting. The slight inward angle of the blade has no issues tearing through clothing and flesh. Other cool features include a curved handle, so you always know which direction the blade is – even in the dark. This Ka-bar model does just that. Spyderco collaborated with popular custom knife-maker Phil Wilson, who put all his hunting and fishing expertise into this design. The full tang handle uses durable Ultramid scales. �Incredible blade. It's a sturdy and reliable knife that will last even the most abusive tasks. If you need something compact with no frills, but will get done what you need it to, this little EDC knife is a great call. You'll be hard pressed to find any brand that offers the same value for the money as Morakniv, and this is no exception. The price is a steal at 20.00 made in Taiwan A full tang knife is reliable, robust, and steadfast. With some sharpening, it can be used for stripping wires, cutting paracord, slicing fabric, and loads more. This is a scientific way of saying a durable, grippy rubber that works well as a knife handle. It won Most Innovative Import Design at Blade Show. This rule of thumb is helpful when deciding between the two options. The blade thickness is .190 in., so it may survive getting shot at. Shop Today! Some of the larger blades are a great fit for your bug out bag, your vehicle, or WWIII. It is a four inch, small fixed blade EDC knife. Determining the intended use and evaluating each brand will bring you one step closer to finding your match. For now, it is how well the steel can resist discoloration and rust. This buyer’s guide is going to help you with that! Classic knife. If you have the budget for just one blade, this one’s your fine choice for regular EDC and good self-defense use. This means you need a sheath to cover the blade while moving around. It is still the first choice of many servicemen and women, with a reputation as the best tactical fixed blade knife. Trending: Dango M1 Maverick Ti. The SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) from Cold Steel is a versatile knife that can withstand the most extreme abuse. The warranty is likely to only cover manufacturing defects. All blades are sub 3 inch blades, and less then $90. You can use it to bring down an animal and while skinning it. You can't go wrong with the Izula. Keeps an edge well and is easy to touch up. Im looking for a around 4 inch (or a bit smaller blade preferably 3 inch) EDC fixed blade, im tired of messing up my folders or getting the hinges all clogged up. The Fallkniven F1 makes for a nifty survival tool, even when the blade is shorter than the others. Leather can form to your grip over time, creating a lifelong knife that fits perfectly to you. Some functions, like EDC, won’t require long blades. If you don’t like the included sheath, you can find your own. Check out the Gerber StrongArm. So while the blade itself is not huge it performs like a larger blade. The tactical knife is the go-to tool for just about any knife aficionado. 8 CRKT S.P.E.W. We have seen first-hand how a cheap blade can rust in no time, and during combat, you’ll need a knife that stays in good shape after weeks of use. As well, you don’t want a silver blade to reflect light and alert an enemy of your presence, or scare away prey. If you’re curious about the history behind this brand, the Buck 119 comes from a long-line of respected Buck craftsmanship, originating from World War II. Any survivalist knows they need a blade that can handle unforeseeable conditions, and this blade does just that. 2. This small but mighty blade will serve you well in tactical settings. It can certainly take a beating and the edge holds up very well due to the strong construction. If you want to head out into the field, camping in the middle of nowhere, or just need to get rid of pesky mail packaging, you’ll know the value of a good knife. 8. This makes for a small blade that packs a big punch. If the seven fixed blades above don't impress you much, check out our knife banter below. For more EDC information check out … This answer depends on the brand and model. If the Marine recommendation doesn’t sell you this knife, we don’t know what will. Theusmarines.com is reader-supported. Do you need something durable that can cut through hide or process wood? This could not be further from the truth. There’s no better EDC knife than a Buck blade. Whether you need to hit the woods or defend yourself, this knife will not disappoint. If you need a quick-draw option for self-defense, the Fallkniven F1 will give military-grade results. NutSac Modular Carry System. It normally thins out within the handle. Certain stainless steel grades will not stand up well in tough environmental situations. Today we will take a look at 3 of the best small EDC blades on the market. Its 1095 Cro-van steel blade is durable, tough, and strong. Ka – Bar BK – 22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife With HD Polyester Front Pocket Sheath (5.25 – inch) Happy hunting and may you find that one special knife of your dreams. Enter the Cold Steel SRK: the most bang for the buck knife designed for survival and rescue operations. The long blade and hilt provides ample room for leverage as you skin. Both knives are great so just choose whichever one makes more sense for your intended uses. The knife itself has a 3.2-inch blade and a stainless steel handle. Unless you’re worried about being attacked by a polar bear, this knife will only do you good in the woods. But, you will be hard-pressed to find warranty on lower-grade steel construction models. It’s the perfect blade to reach for if you need to quickly cut another hole in your belt or carve a piece of wood. These models differ in a few ways. Knife comes with a bunch of stickers and information from ESEE as well as a belt clip with hardware. Discussion in 'General Knife Discussion' started by combatready, Jul 14, 2006. At the Knife Center we offer an incredible variety and you can shop on this page by the purpose of the knife and narrow it down by brand, country of origin, price and more. The modified Wharncliffe blade is one of the major reasons. And lastly, support the Marines with the Ka-Bar 1217. Need one with a reinforced point for precision carving? You may be considering purchasing the knife now and the sharpener later. Fixed blade knives can serve a variety of purposes and functions. Tops Knives 3 inch fixed blades. There�s no lock to fail. Finding the best EDC fixed blade knife is more than looking for a fixed blade knife for survival or hunting.