So I’ve been lurking over the knife threads for some years, and have come up in the past with good options for EDC and quality pocket knives that I generally carry in my truck or backpacking through the woods, but as far as a decent fighting fixed blade, I’m horribly uniformed.
After getting out 10 years ago I bought a OKC USMC Ka-Bar Bayonet, which I knew was better then the Ka-bar brand, but sold it to a fellow vet in college because I paid over $200 for it and needed the money. I ended up with the Gerber Infantry fighting knife with the serrated blade, some years later which is heavy and clinks around in the plastic sheath, over all way too much knife. I’m now thinking of taking a scout course, or more “modern minute man” type basic infantry tactics course with a buddy of mine and want a dedicated fixed blade that I can use, but I can also use for skinning a deer, general purpose woods knife, the kicker is I want smaller, lighter, and better built. I would like to keep it around $150-$200 because I tend to loose or miss place such things if I’m not using them daily, or every once in a while find them with my brother in law or father in law like so many tools. I’m keen to hear suggestions.
All would be good GP belt knives but IMHO all of the 3 could have larger guards. Nothing like your hand slipping down the blade to ruin a good knife fight.
Andy
P.S. I am neither Infantry or a knife fighter. I understand a little about utility blades though.
Thanks everyone for this, I got the Spartan Blades Alala which is exactly what I wanted for small handy tactical/ hunting/ outdoor knife. I really like this thing, having said that I’m probably also going to pick up the Benchmade Nimravus, I did some research on this and it does seem like everyone’s favorite for a fighting knife, which I need to probably upgrade to.
Agreed on the point of design and quality construction. What you are paying for mostly in the +$200 lines is the steel. A lot more costly and a lot harder to work with. Is it “better”? That’s a personal thing. Steels like Magnacut and 3V definitely are superior than 1095 and 1066, the question is, is it good enough for what you are using it for or what you want out of it?
Bradford Guardian 5.5 - Magnacut steel .170" stoned washed blade - 5" cutting edge - nice grippy Camo micarta scales - 6.30 oz . I got it for $270. delivered. Could I have gotten a decent knife for less ? Sure, but I want what I want and you only go around once. LOL !!!
