First Fixed Blade

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DAP90

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I’m not much of a knife guy. A Spyderco Persistence and an ESEE Rat 2 are my two best folding knives. Honestly, I carry a folding box cutter that takes replaceable razor blades more than anything else.

Anyway, I don’t have any fixed blade knives and I’ve decided to remedy that. Does anyone have any opinions on the CRKT 2861 Hunt'N Fisch knife? I really like the size and the horizontal mounted sheath.

The ESEE Izula 2 has also caught my eye. Which do you like between the two? Any other suggestions?

Before you ask, it’s going to be a camping, hunting, fishing and because I want one knife.

Thanks.
 
The Izula II is one of a number of similar knives by companies like the Busse group (Busse, Swamp Rat, Scrap Yard Knife Works). There are few bad choices in the group, though you might be able to get better steel for a lower price.
 
I purchased an Izula 2 recently and absolutely love it. It has already been on several hike with me and has been carried every day. It is comfortable to hold, has great steel, and cuts way out of proportion to its size.

You may also want to grab a look at the Becker BK14 and BK24. They use the same blade from the BK11, but it's the Izula handle. The 14 uses the well proven 1095 carbon steel, and the 24 uses D2 steel.

I gave them a very very serious look. Ultimately, I liked the longer handle of the Izula 2 compared to the Izula, and they use the Izula handle on the Beckers. Had they used the Izula 2 handle (Izula 2 hadn't yet come out when they made the BK14/24), there's a good chance I'd be packing one today instead of the ESEE.

Either way, you get a major thumbs up from me on the Izula 2.
 
Here's two suggestions for your consideration. The first is the next size up from the ESEE 2 that you already have -the 3 series in a variety of configurations..... The next is "little brother" of the old favorite Kabar knife... here I'm talking about the Navy Mark 1 which is a great utility design that's an absolute classic and will be at the top of my list if I ever consider a fixed blade sheath knife... Here's one example (there are better choices but this is that classic pattern...).
http://www.knifeworks.com/bokerplusmarkinavyknifestackedleatherhandleplainedge.aspx#.VdxYrbO6EZU
Here's a Kabar version.... on E-Bay currently
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-2221-4-5-...9&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=6&sd=181670596753&rt=nc
 
Last edited:
Of your 2 choices, the first is 8crmov, the other 1095, Im partial to 1095, may take more maintenance, but properly sharpened and cared for you cant beat 1095.

just my ,02 fanboy opinion. YMMV
 
The first is the next size up from the ESEE 2 that you already have -the 3 series in a variety of configurations.....
Click to expand...

I actually just got my paws on an ESEE-3 yesterday for the first time. Loved the feel of it. I think it's next on my list.
 
CRKT produces some really innovative designs in really mediocre steel at a price point everyone can afford. I own some CRKT knives; but if ESEE was an option, I'd choose that every time over CRKT.

1095 being carbon steel, it does require more maintenance and attention; but it is going to be noticeably better steel (and I mean noticeable to the average guy - not just noticeable to guy who has memorized different heat treating info for S30V vs. S35VN)
 
hso said:
CRKT 2861 Hunt'N Fisch knife, good design, mediocre steel compared to others in the same price range.
Click to expand...

Oh well – too bad. It's a good looking knife and sheath.

It would appear the Izula 1 and 2 and the BK 14 and 24 models are pretty popular and about where I want to spend. They’re also about the size I was aiming for.

bikerdoc said:
Im partial to 1095, may take more maintenance, but properly sharpened and cared for you cant beat 1095.
Click to expand...

Two steel choices (1095 and D2) and two blade shapes. I didn’t know the difference so I started reading comparisons on the two. I’m leaning towards the 1095. There’s a lot of fans of D2 out there apparently but I don’t have much experience sharpening and it sounds like the D2 is a pain in that regard.

Are the blade shapes between the Izula and BK14 functionally the same or is there some difference in usage where one might have an advantage over the other?
 
Just a little more cutting edge with the BKT and there are people that like the grind more.
 
My bk14 bought 4 years ago new had an edge that seemed like it wanted to be a saw blade in that it seemed like it missed the buffer/stropping station when finished. Also, about this knife, I feel the belly and thickness are too much for a knife this size. But then again I guess I didn't want a 12" survival knife smashed into 6 inches. Go to a shop, find the blades you're interested in, put them in your hands, imagine and do the cutting strokes you envision.....like paring an apple with a fat bellied blade. Spend time in your decision making, your thoughts will change with time.
 
I haven’t found a BK14 locally but I did find an Izula 1 and 2. I thought the Izula 1 handle was too thin, bare as it was. Maybe it would be better with the cord wrap I’ve seen pictures of.

The Izula 2 was better. Still a great overall size but much easier to hold onto.

I see they do offer similar handles for the Izula 1 but once you add in that cost you might as well get the 2.

I really like the looks of some of the Battle Horse Knives; especially the Frontier Valley and Small Work Horse. They cost a bit more than the Izula’s though.
 
Hey DAP, every knife has its own collection of compromises. Figure out all of your purposes before selection. "See" the job before seeing the tool. Kinda like guns for me, decide on the cartridge first then the gun.
 
Figure out all of your purposes before selection.
Click to expand...

I love hiking and camping. I hunt small game and birds and would like to start deer hunting. I just started bow fishing. I’m not really looking for a fighting knife and for sure I won’t carry a big knife; it’s just not my style. I’m aiming for a blade length of 3.5” or less that is useful for those things at a reasonable price.

I am having a bit of sticker shock over what a good knife costs. So I’m breaking in slowly with a couple of (hopefully ok) folders and a fixed blade. We’ll see where it goes from there.
 
BG%20Active%20Duty_zpsktcgky9y.jpg
battle grade active duty 137.99 + ship comes with the hands down best warranty on the planet earth.
If I needed a new knife I would be ordering one.
 
knife.jpg

And for 100 dollars less the Buck woodsman is a
great 1st knife. I have a vintage and a new one. One of my favorites for small game especially. Amazon has them for around 37 bucks.
 
I misspoke on an earlier post negatively commenting on the edge of a BK14. It's a BK11. Many have made negative comments about that handle preferring the BK14 and the Izula handle type. I like wrapping my pinky under that silly bottle opener thing actually.

My immediate last post lists the Kershaw fixed blades. For half the price of an Izula don't overlook them.
 
It was a Becker forum member that cut and swapped the handles of the BK Necker and the Izula so Ethan approached Mr. Randal and a new knife was added to the BK line.
 
Becker and TOPS are two of my favorite fixed blade companies.

TOPS has so many models that its easy to find one that suits you and your needs.

The Becker knives are all pretty amazing. The D'Eskabar is my favorite.

Hogue and Boker also have quality fixed blades at a reasonable price.

-Matt S.
 
lobo9er said:
battle grade active duty 137.99 + ship comes with the hands down best warranty on the planet earth.
If I needed a new knife I would be ordering one.
Click to expand...
Does that include a sheath? Last I looked at anything from the busse group, you had to buy a sheath separate. Something to consider on a budget.
 
Thats right from the BUSSE wesbsite. No doesn't include a sheath... but includes the BUSSE warranty, better than a sheath. If you break this knife because you use it to get your chainsaw bar freed from being pinched by a oak tree or what ever ridiculous scenario you can think of BUSSE will be more than happy to fix it or send you a new one. This pic is even shooting related lol perfect for this forum and forum rules :)


Busse%20Warranty%20Ad_zpsrvkzumyv.jpg
 
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