Help me pick a knife.

[M. Sage]

Hmm, I actually have a Seal Pup knife already. I'll have to get it out and use it more often.

Also have an LMF II. Not what I'm looking for, that knife isn't a "personal" knife, it's a camp axe alternative. Lighter and easier to pack than a hatchet, does the same stuff. I'm mostly looking for something to fill the void between my SOG Trident locker and the LMF II chopper.

Good suggestions in the thread! Really thinking about one of those ESEE knives, they're not as pricey as I thought they would be.

@Stumpy: Which Benchmande? Looking for specific suggestions.

It's less than 5.5", but wouldn't it be considered a "bowie" knife?

I say if you want to carry a decent knife in TX, you should get your CHL even if you don't want to carry a gun. Just carry a little mini .22 revolver along with your hand sword

Haha, no. I see a knife as a weapon of last resort, I use my pocket knife all the time, though. I just would like to have something sturdier as an option.

 

[navyguy]

Since we've been talking about knives, I looked around at Knife Works web site, and I really like this one, and will probably buy one when my "fun-funds" get regenerated.

Benchmade 512 Rant Fixed Blade, 440C Steel Clip-Point, Plain Edge

 

[TXRanchMedic]

Have you considered the Mora knives? They're inexpensive and reliable.

 

[cabledad]

The next knife I buy will be a McCroskey knife out of Oklahoma I read the website and did't believe that a knife would come out of the package so sharp,cut the print off a walmart cash register ticket.Last through deer season with out resharpening.I thought this is just sales manship (BS). Then one of the hog hunters said its all true that the knives are as good as there website said.When I get a chance I am going up there and get my hands on one.About $200 custom made to fit your hand.Chuck

 

[M. Sage]

Have you considered the Mora knives? They're inexpensive and reliable.
View attachment 10314

I've heard about them and that they make good all-around knives, but forgot about them. One of those should fit the bill! Where do I get a decent one? I ordered three or four a few years ago, but they were cheap stamped steel blades that I don't trust (damn you, Frosts!).

 

[M. Sage]

Since we've been talking about knives, I looked around at Knife Works web site, and I really like this one, and will probably buy one when my "fun-funds" get regenerated.

Benchmade 512 Rant Fixed Blade, 440C Steel Clip-Point, Plain Edge

OK, I really like this one. It actually reminds me a lot of the mora knife suggestion from TXRanchMedic. If I get that one, it'll probably be with the drop point on it. Nice suggestion!

 

[Jon Payne]

I would suggest the RAT-3.

 

[TXRanchMedic]

I've heard about them and that they make good all-around knives, but forgot about them. One of those should fit the bill! Where do I get a decent one? I ordered three or four a few years ago, but they were cheap stamped steel blades that I don't trust (damn you, Frosts!).

Mora Knives

Smokey Mountain Knife Works is cheaper than traditionalwoodworker by a few bucks. Mine were red handled which were way cheaper than the unfinished ones that SMKW also offers. Mine are not Frost. They're marked "E.Jonsson Mora Sweden" on both blades. They even make ones with half and full guards which are both on my Christmas list.

 

[M. Sage]

Mora Knives

Smokey Mountain Knife Works is cheaper than traditionalwoodworker by a few bucks. Mine were red handled which were way cheaper than the unfinished ones that SMKW also offers. Mine are not Frost. They're marked "E.Jonsson Mora Sweden" on both blades. They even make ones with half and full guards which are both on my Christmas list.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...el-Blade-Made-in-Sweden/productinfo/100-2581/

Hmm, this is the exact same knife I got, but mine is stamped with the Frosts logo and "MORA SWEDEN" above "KOLSTAL * HIGH CARBON" on the blade. Same exact blade profile, sheath and handle molding. Totally identical on those last two points for sure (even the parting lines on the sheath are exactly the same). I'll have to see how sturdy one is, I think I still have two of them floating around the house. They take an edge like a mofo (I got the living crap cut out of me when I had to take one of these away from my ex one night - don't ask), but I'm not sure how well a stamped sheet metal blade is going to hold an edge or how sturdy it'll prove.

Guess I have to go find out, huh?

At this point, though, I really think I'm going to go with an ESEE, but I might go with a 4 instead of a 3.

 

[Bithabus]

Those ESEE knives look cool but they use an improper steel and compensate by making their blades way too thick.

 

[Acesn8's]

Why not a Schrade Sharpfinger? free shipping on Amazon.com

Schrade Sharpfinger Review | BladeReviews.com

 

[M. Sage]

Those ESEE knives look cool but they use an improper steel and compensate by making their blades way too thick.

What exactly is bad about 1095?

 

[Bithabus]

What exactly is bad about 1095?

Brittle at high hardness. At this level of brittleness, you could go to a stainless steel. They make a knife I like with a 5.5 inch blade but at that length they had to go to 1/4 inch thickness, which is ridiculous.

 

[M. Sage]

Alright, I think I decided. I'll just take my SEAL Pup Elite along. Why buy new when you've got something that will fit the bill, right?

I almost forgot I had that knife in the closet.

 

[Bithabus]

Alright, I think I decided. I'll just take my SEAL Pup Elite along. Why buy new when you've got something that will fit the bill, right?

I almost forgot I had that knife in the closet.

That is a good decision. No reason to waste money.

 

[jr urbina]

I like the offerings from ESEE and Tops. I think my next fixed blade purchase will be this one;

 

[DirtyD]

Brittle at high hardness. At this level of brittleness, you could go to a stainless steel. They make a knife I like with a 5.5 inch blade but at that length they had to go to 1/4 inch thickness, which is ridiculous.

So brittle that to prove a point I put my RAT3 (ESEE 3) in a bench vise and flexed the blade to 60 degrees and it returned to true... (sarcasm dripping). There is a video on the web of a similar test as well....

 

[navyguy]

So brittle that to prove a point I put my RAT3 (ESEE 3) in a bench vise and flexed the blade to 60 degrees and it returned to true... (sarcasm dripping). There is a video on the web of a similar test as well....

I've not tried that, but I like a thick blade. A working knife should be able to chop/hack. You need some weight to do that. Although it's not so heavy it will pull you pants down. If I was caught out in the wilderness with an ESEE, I wouldn't fret about the capabilities of the knife. Maybe my survival skills, but I think the knife would hold up pretty well. And we all know there are plenty of other brands, Fallknvien et al that can do that service, and we all have our favorites.

 

[Bithabus]

So brittle that to prove a point I put my RAT3 (ESEE 3) in a bench vise and flexed the blade to 60 degrees and it returned to true... (sarcasm dripping). There is a video on the web of a similar test as well....

That I'd like to see.

 

[M. Sage]

Brittle at high hardness. At this level of brittleness, you could go to a stainless steel. They make a knife I like with a 5.5 inch blade but at that length they had to go to 1/4 inch thickness, which is ridiculous.

I hadn't looked at the Rockwell C... 57 is pretty hard for a 10 series, you're right.

I have no idea what it's hardened to, but my Gerber LMF II is a pretty damn tough knife and it's 1095. I've split more than a few seasoned oak logs for the fireplace... But that's a backpack knife (since it's our group's hatchet.)