[Special_K]

Hi everyone! :neener:

I'm looking for a good 3" blade, fixed blade knife. It should also come with a good holster for lack of better terms. Not looking to spend more than about 75$ on it.

[The Tourist]

Get a Buck 102. It's a tad longer, but you won't be able to wear it out.

[hignhappy00]

a Buck 102 is goo..d.:)

[ArfinGreebly]

While I agree with the above suggestions (the Buck 102 is splendid, I have one with a rosewood handle), I would also like to direct your attention to Ragnar's Forge (www.ragweedforge.com) for a selection of high-quality Scandinavian blades.

The Norwegian knives (Helle, Brusletto, Haugrud) are top notch.

There are some Finnish Lapp knives on there as well.

You should be able to find an excellent knife in whatever length you wish for a price you like.

The Helle Dovre, for example is right at $75 and only 1/8" shy of 3 inches.
With leather sheath.
http://www.ragweedforge.com/dovre.jpg

Look around his site. I think you'll like what you find there.

[CWL]

Yup, a Scandi knife.

Ragnar at www.ragweedforge.com not only does he have a good selection at decent prices, but he also ships fast & cheap.

I'm partial to Helle, Karesuando and Roselli although Ahti are supposed to be good as well.

You can also try a couple of Mora knives for ~$11 but the sheaths are cheap plastic.

[ArfinGreebly]

but the sheaths are cheap plastic

Yes, but he also sells leather sheaths if you want one with a particular knife.

[hso]

What applications?

[Special_K]

To be honest I'm looking for a general use knife/ self-defense. I'm a college student and I'm not a big fan of folding knives because well, you have to fold them to use them. I have an overly large smith and Wesson blade but the thing is huge. I guess I'm looking for a knife with more handle than blade so that when I use it for general purposes it isn't scary, but is still more than large enough for defense.


BTW I just got this for a cooking knife: http://www.pamperedchef.com/our_products/catalog/product.jsp?productId=16937&categoryCode=CE

and if I could find a knife with that kind of style minus the whole cutlery thing that would be great!

[Exmasonite]

hmmm... if you hunt around, you might find a deal on the Bark River Little Creek seen here (http://www.knifecountryusa.com/store/product/111563.111592/bark-river-knives-151mbc-little-creek-fixed-blade-knife-with-black-canvas-micarta-handles.html). I realize it's a little over your price range...

couple real "bargain" knives to keep in mind:
CRKT Carson F4 (http://www.knivesplus.com/CR-F402-CRKT.HTML)
this knife is discontinued but can still be found around evil bay, etc. don't let low price fool you... this is a great little knife, super deal.

CRKT Falcon (http://www.knivesplus.com/CR-2232-CRKT.HTML)
another super deal on a discontinued knife. saw a few new ones in the local gander mountain for $30. not sure if they're in production or just clearing out old stock.

lastly, i don't know if 3" is the legal max but the ontario rat-3 (3.3" blade) is a very sweet knife.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

How about something like this:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=AZF4

Anza knives seem pretty no frills, but they do meet your criteria( ~3" blade, fixed, <$75, comes with a sheath), and from what little I've been able to find in the way of reviews(mostly on bladeforums.com), people seem to like them for what they are.

[Stainz]

The Buck Gen 5 Skinner, #005GYS, came out earlier this year - great day-hiker companion. Comfortable in my hand - good carver, although the non-centered point isn't optimum for 'drilling'. It's 3" 420HC (Paul Bos heat treated) blade comes shaving sharp with a long edge, stays sharp, and is easily 'touched up'. The nylon sheath mounts horizontally on a belt, or vertically on a backpack strap. Nice package for $55-$60 + s/h - I got mine from evil-bay a while back.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0498.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/Stainz_2007/IMG_0496_edited-1.jpg

There is an 'upgrade' model, similar to the 005LE of last year (A $300 collector's goodie.), called the 005RWS - with 154CM steel, brass fg, and a lined rosewood handle - with a leather sheath, which has slowed it's arrival in the market. Expect $85-$90 + s/h mail order. The knives are US-made.

Stainz

[sm]

Plus adding more money for the Sheath.

Still, I am one that respects budgets, and still feel one should be aware of what a tad more money, will allow them get for monies spent.
Not trying to push a sale, again, "what am I getting for my money?" and then let me, us, anyone make that decision.

Do you have a gift giving day coming up?
I would consider letting folks know you would like some money , or heck, let them get a knife for you.
Beats getting sock and underwear...

A number of our own makes knives, and just one example is Valkman.
I like his small skinner:

http://www.dlknives.com/Small_Skinners.php

Around THR are pictures of these with the sheath.

Broke college students are people too...you are worth something nice, and if a tad more money can be spent, look into this, or some other offerings our THR members do.

That "support your own" bit.

[Special_K]

I actually really like that SM. Thats about what I'm looking for, the CRKT knifes are about right too but I may end up waiting for a little bit to see if I Can pick one up, thanks!

[sm]

Special_K,

WE (THR) has others that do knives as well.
My take is again, what are you getting for monies spent, and by knowing what a few more dollars will get one, is nice to know.

Heck, one might see they have to wait, and save up, to get what they really ant, still that means instead of buying stuff they don't want, save up to get a nicer quality for the money.

We have all bought stuff, and wished later we had not spent say $50 on a couple of things, and instead saved those $50 purchases and paid $100, or $150 or more for better quality for monies spent.
Even pride of ownership, or whatever reason.

Now this $20 knife is another option, going the other direction.
Even if you do get a nicer knife for more money, this $20 option is useful, and I have used one.
Mine got lost during recent tornadoes and being used by others...

A. G. Russell Woodswalker
http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_type/straight/a_g_russell_woodswalker_in_leather_hip_pocket_sheath.html

This is handy knife, many folks use this in the kitchen, general purpose , even hunting and fishing.
Quite a few of these are in emergency kits, with other simple supplies if something comes up.

I personally like the back pocket sheath, it is handy, and great for both ladies and gents.

I do not know your knife laws and restrictions, still...Broke college student and here is a neat $20 knife, even one if you do have a nicer one.

Packing /Unpacking while moving, taking a hike on some buddies property, a backyard BBQ, small game hunting, or just out with some gal having a picnic of Spam , apples and cheese and just de-stressing from studies.

Just my take...

[hso]

The TOPS Street Scalpel is an option if you don't mind the hand being bigger than the blade.

[CZ.22]

I was gonna suggest the Woodswalker, as well.
Or one of various Moras.
Valkman's small skinner is nice, but a little bit expensive.
Check your local laws.

[SpookyPistolero]

Get yourself an RC3. It's made to do just what you're looking for. The price is only slightly outside your range. But if it's too much, you can always find a RAT-3 (similar design, different manufacturer).

http://www.ratcutlery.com/three-colors.jpg
http://www.ratcutlery.com/rc-3.htm
http://www.knivesshipfree.com/RAT-Cutlery/c27/p882/RAT-Cutlery-RC-3p,-Linen-Micarta-Handle,-Black-Blade,-Plain-Edge--1095-Steel/product_info.html?osCsid=a931e2c7c5b8bd9cd6e0db6893767608

[sm]

<Rod Serling voice>

Special_K is not aware his life is about to change by simply asking a Internet Forum about a 3" fixed blade to fit his budget...he has entered the Twilight Zone ...stayed tuned...

</voice>

[sixgunner455]

/\ :D

[ashtxsniper]

Sog Field Pup
Ontario Rat 3
Ka-Bar impact D2 spear point
Fallkniven F1
New Becker Necker should be out later this year
Bark River makes a few. Some of these are closer to 4-4.5".

[Valkman]

Thanks for the plug Steve!

Special K, I happen to have a Small Skinner for sale. PM me if you're interested and I'll work a deal. :)

[mp510]

The Becker BK-11 (Becker Necker) would be a great option for you. Unfortunately, due to the Camillus closure, they cost a bit more now than they used to, and they are up near your max now. Kabar is supposed to pick up the Becker line in the not too distant future,. When the Camillus were new, they cost $30-35.

If the RC-3 is out of your budget, look into the Ontario RAT-3 in 1095. Same design, not necesarily as good as the Randall, but a functional knife none the less.

[Special_K]

I can't even believe the amount of help you guys are giving!

Thanks so much but so far I may end up going with the small skinner.

I'm not so much a fan of large blades, but I think much like the scalpel I use in my Biology labs sometimes a long handle with a small blade is very handy!

However the RC-3 Series looks very appealing also. Guess I Will have to save a little $$ and make a decision. :)

[soccergod04]

Spooky, I was going to suggest the RC as soon as I saw the thread title! But it is slightly more than the intended funds.

[Kingcreek]

If you're poking around Ragnar's site anyway, take a look at the Rosselli "carpenter's knife". Don't let the lack of a guard scare you as the oversized handle is very ergonomic and user friendly.
Nice leather sheath, handforged from excellent steel, and light in weight too. I carry and use mine frequently and nobody gets nervous if they see it on my hip at the bank teller's counter.
$100 will buy you one of several good fixed blade knives with quality steel. the knives with about 3" of blade and a good handle are my favorites for all around usability.

[OldCowHand]

SOG's Mini-Pentagon is just over 3" and has no moving parts :) . As an added bonus, one edge is serrated and the other plain, so you have both available as needed.

[CZ.22]

SOG's Mini-Pentagon is just over 3" and has no moving parts . As an added bonus, one edge is serrated and the other plain, so you have both available as needed.
That would qualify it as a dagger, triggering potential legal issues.

[coylh]

The Bear Claw (https://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=2500/638.0) is small, cheap, light, comes with a versatile sheath, and has an anti-slip finger hole.

https://www.shopatron.com/img/product_images/638/3c631ef5352f8ba3890172121ed5774d.jpg

[zerosignal]

If the Randall RC-3 is a bit too much for you, you might want to check out the Orion K2 Kaper: http://www.orionknives.com/k2caper.html

This is a damn nice knife for the money, though the blade is a half inch longer than you asked for. CPM 154 with G10 handles in many colors for only $70.

Tactical Knives magazine reviewed it a couple issues back and gave it a stellar rating.

[Dave Markowitz]

I like SpookyPistolero's recommendation. I have an Ontario RAT-3 (3.5" blade) in 1095 carbon steel with a plain edge. The sheath can be setup with a clip or with a Tek-Lok fastener for a belt or other piece of gear.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c340/davemarkowitz/Cutlery/rat3.jpg

Make sure you check your local laws on carrying a concealed knife. Doing so if frequently illegal, even in otherwise enlightened states.

[snow]

I would agree with RC-3. I have one and it is great. If this is out of your price range the AG Russell woods walker is nice, you could also look at the grohmann boat knives. The woods walker and boat knife say utility or hunting tool all the way (non scary). If you would like you could also try a cold steel pendelton hunter or the mini pendelton. I have provide links to said knives below.
http://www.ronbalicki.com/cs_36.htm
http://www.knivesdirect.com/details.php?Model=R3S
http://www.agrussell.com/product.asp?pn=AGPRS
http://www.twowolvesoutdoor.com/RC3.htm

[alaskanativeson]

I have to echo the sentiments about the RAT Cutlery RC-3. Knifeworks.com (http://www.knifeworks.com/ratcutlerymodel3.aspx) has them for about $90.00, Knives Ship Free (http://www.knivesshipfree.com/RAT-Cutlery-RC-3/c27_596/index.html) has them for a little more.

I can't recommend the look-alike Ontario Knives RAT 3 for a couple of reasons: First, the handles on the RAT-3 from Ontario are smaller to the point of being uncomfortable. In addition to this, Ontario is being dishonest with the knife's designers, RAT Cutlery. I try not to do business with companies who act without honor.

Knives of Alaska (http://www.knivesofalaska.com/catalog/prod_display.aspx?from=Fixed+Blade+Knives&cat=Alpha+Wolf) has a great little knife called the Alpha Wolf that I'd highly recommend. The blade is made of D2 steel and it's tough as hell. The Sure-Grip handle is comfortable and well designed. KOA has them listed at $76, I have no doubt that you could find them cheaper. Here's a link to Ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/KNIVES-OF-ALASKA-ALPHA-WOLF-NEW-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ110341571875QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item110341571875&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1199%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50) for one listed at $66 which includes shipping.