Gentleman's Fixed Blade

[hmphargh]

I'm looking for a "gentleman's" fixed blade knife. There are many folders that fall into that category and plenty of gorgeous custom fixed blades that could easily be carried in an office setting, but I just can't decide on one.

I think the main issue may be that I don't know how I would carry it or what shape would be best. The primary use for the knife is envelopes, boxes, the occasional apple or orange, the nefarious bit of sausage, and other general purpose cutting tasks. Self defense is a consideration, but is honestly secondary to utility. The reason I want a fixed blade that fits these needs over a folder is that I don't have one, and I want one.

I've been mostly looking at bird and trout knives and basic small drop point knives. My primary concern is comfort carrying in pants with shallow pockets. I think a slim handle would be ideal, I would like to keep the blade around 3", a carry technique that is discrete enough to have in the office is good, and I travel a lot, so the more places the knife is legal, the better. Please suggest blades and carry methods that work well for you that may fit my needs.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Here's one example:

http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-woodswalker-in-leather-hip-pocket-sheath/p/AGPRS/

 

[hso]

Carrying a fixed blade concealed in the can be illegal where a folder may not.

Still, there are many handy small fixed blades out there and a small dangling folder that falls into the pocket is a common way to carry a small fixed blade.

I like the selection found on the already mentioned A.G. Russell website.

 

[md7]

Bark River Knife and Tool has a link on their website for edc fixed blades. They are quite nice, but pretty expensive.

Blind Horse, and JK knives may also have some smaller fixed blades for edc. They are also nice. And expensive.

That's kind of what I think of when I think of a gentlemens fixed blade.

ESEE Izula, and the Becker Necker are good fixed blades, and not as expensive as a semi custom or custom knives, but they may not meet the criteria as they are "tactical" looking.

What are you looking to spend?

 

[hmphargh]

I really like the looks of those Bark River Knife and Tool Knives, the Essential and the City Knife both look like they would be fairly handy. Do you have any idea how much they cost?

Blind horse knives are a definite possibility, I had not heard of them before, but the prices don't seem too bad.

I've also seen JK Knives and thought they looked good, but I've never found a knife that my eye has liked in a size that would work for this purpose.

I'd be willing to spend up to around $250 if I found something that really caught my eye.

 

[Piraticalbob]

I can vouch for Blind Horse Knives, I have one of their Drover models. They are well made and a great value. Another possibility are the small puukos made by Roselli of Finland. Their "Carpenter" or "Bear Claw" models in Ultra High Carbon steel are sub-$100 in price and quality knives, and small enough to not get you in trouble.

 

[Mp7]

Puukko knives.

Not intimidating, well made, nice sheaths. Versatile

 

[cpirtle]

I make the Crooked Spade for just the type of use you are describing. It's a stout little blade with a ball shaped grip that locks nicely into your hand and allows for several positions on the grip. The one shown on my web page was designed to carry in a cell phone style case, hidden in plain site. I can also do pocket sheath, back pocket wallet sheaths etc..

One of my favorite designs of all time is the Allen Blade Chipmonk in Talonite. I have carried that knife on and off for almost a decade and never grow tired of using it. Unfortunately Allen doesn't have a great rep in the business and I don't think he's even making knives anymore, but he did some great work. Not to mention Talonite is basically unobtanium any more.

Crooked Spade:

Chipmonk in various sheaths I've made for it:

 

[Vermonter]

Keep an eye on the Fixed Blades for sale over at BF http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

 

[md7]

hmphargh,

not sure on cost of those particular models.

most of their more popular models like the aurora, northstar, fox river, bravo 1, etc are upper 100.00 to mid 200.00

i'd suspect similar pricing on the edc lines.

 

[md7]

i want a fox river and a canadian special myself.

and you can do a google search for online dealers for brk&t knives

 

[Piraticalbob]

KnivesShipFree sells most of the Bark River line. I've done business with them before, and can recommend them. Most of the Bark River stuff is a bit pricey, toward the limit of what you've said you're willing to pay. Good quality knives, though, you're getting what you pay for.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Bark River knives are outstanding. The city knife model comes with a sweet pocket sheath/wallet. I think $150 for a polished micarta handle.

 

[HiWayMan]

Case desk knife is very nice and harmless looking.

http://www.casekniveshq.com/DisplayPatternPageFH.asp?PatternAutoID=201

 

[TimboKhan]

I have no idea if it would work for you, and I have never actually handled one, but something that perhaps you would enjoy and that is quite inexpensive is the Boker Gnome

It's little, but I think they look cool. Thats as much of an endorsement as I can give though.

 

[MashieNiblick]

hmphargh,

i like Kantesune for a gentlemen's knife

lots to choose from here. . . .

http://www.kanetsune.com/

most notably model KB-219 which may allow you have a custom handle and sheath made, but really there are many other models from this manufacturer that are readily available online.

- MN

 

[JN01]

Bob Dozier makes great knives: http://www.dozierknives.com/

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Mora makes some great one and they have some short ones too.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Deltaboy,
that's real nice, but been there, done that.
those handles are too low for this hombre.
gots to be flush, seamless with gentleman's blade.
thus, kanetsune, model kb-211 for i.

www.kanetsune.com

regards,
- MN

 

[MashieNiblick]

Hey, look at that.
I bought mine earlier this year and the blade was Damascus at that time. . . .

- MN

 

[JTW Jr.]

This one would fit the bill...

http://www.agrussell.com/boker-plus-gents-scalpel/p/BOhhhP240hhhG10/

 

[md7]

hmphargh,

so what'd you decide on?

 

[hmphargh]

Honestly, I haven't decided on anything yet, I've been looking a lot, but unfortunately work gets in the way of hobbies, and I've had to travel a lot recently. I'll definitely update you guys when (not if) I make a purchase. Unfortunately I'm going to be moving in a couple of weeks and work is going to keep me busy and away from home, so realistically it won't be until mid-July that I finally get time to think about it and make a decision.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Deltaboy,
that's real nice, but been there, done that.
those handles are too low for this hombre.
gots to be flush, seamless with gentleman's blade.
thus, kanetsune, model kb-211 for i.

www.kanetsune.com

regards,
- MN

This one is straight line.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.co...el-Blade-Made-in-Sweden/productinfo/113-3115/

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Ever look at Anza? Not bad pricing, made in the USA, lots of sizes and pretty enough to lay out on your desk.

http://www.knifecountryusa.com/store/manufacturer/77/1/anza-knives.html

Not a good pic but here's my "Gentlemens" Anza, got if for 40ish at a gun show.