Recommendations for fixed blade fighting knife for carriers

[ORhutner]

Esee as mentioned by a few folks make one of the better bang for the buck fixed blade knives out there: https://www.eseeknives.com/

In the price range you are looking at, you would be better served with something from Bark River Knives: https://barkriverknives.com/

While I have experience with the first two I recommended, two other well respected brands to look at are: Becker https://www.kabar.com/products/thumbnail.jsp?shop=ethan-becker and Tops Knives https://www.topsknives.com/

 

[Knobgoblin]

Esee as mentioned by a few folks make one of the better bang for the buck fixed blade knives out there: https://www.eseeknives.com/

In the price range you are looking at, you would be better served with something from Bark River Knives: https://barkriverknives.com/

While I have experience with the first two I recommended, two other well respected brands to look at are: Becker https://www.kabar.com/products/thumbnail.jsp?shop=ethan-becker and Tops Knives https://www.topsknives.com/

I have a few Beckers. Definitely solid knives, but gawd are they heavy. Ounces equal pounds equal pain.

 

[po18guy]

First would be extensive training in knife fighting. Lacking that, pick a cheap knife, as the winner will take it.

 

[BillyJean]

Might as well go hard:

 

[GWS]

What makes a "fighting" knife different than any other knife?

Just my 2 cents but the term fighting knife is polite for killing knife. They tend to be daggers but a karambit would fall into the "fighting" category as well A "fighting" knife would have a slimmer blade profile for stabbing etc. but it really isn't great as a tool. I wouldn't try prying open a crate with a Gerber Mk 2


Whereas the stouter blade of an ATAK could make short work of a crate then go on to more violent work


I like the ATAK 2 but you can substitute a Ka-Bar, or a Busse etc Obviously these can and have been effectively and victoriously used in a fight or two, but they are IMO far more useful than a specialized "fighting" knife like the MK2 or a Fairbairn-Sykes daggers.
So maybe fighting knife means not good for much else. That said, the Randall Model 1 is Named "Fighting knife" as well and I would defer to Bo Randall's wisdom on this, though I think the Model 1 is more useful than just for fighting. YMMV.

 

[GWS]

First would be extensive training in knife fighting. Lacking that, pick a cheap knife, as the winner will take it.

Harsh, but true.

 

[Tarawa86]

People always ask me why I carry a knife. Quite frankly, it's because I got sick of people screaming, crying, and calling the cops when I would open a box using the front sight post of my pistol. Talk about annoying...

 

[Knobgoblin]

A pronounced guard is really a good idea for a stabbing blade.
This is what happens when the knife stops, but your hand keeps going.
Damn near lost the feeling in the lady's night finger.

 

[Ura-Ki]

View attachment 1192142

A pronounced guard is really a good idea for a stabbing blade.
This is what happens when the knife stops, but your hand keeps going.
Damn near lost the feeling in the lady's night finger.

Ribbed for your pleasure?

 

[Knobgoblin]

Ribbed for your pleasure?

Lol.
I might have to get some superficial stitches and see how that shakes.

 

[1775usmc]

First would be extensive training in knife fighting. Lacking that, pick a cheap knife, as the winner will take it.

If the winner takes it does it really matter at that point how expensive it was? More than likely the carrier of said knife is either bleeding out or laying dead in pool of their own blood. Money doesn't matter once you take a dirt nap. Haha.

 

[Ura-Ki]

Lol.
I might have to get some superficial stitches and see how that shakes.

Gives a whole new meaning to the Ol' Five Finger Knuckle Shuffle!

 

[po18guy]

If the winner takes it does it really matter at that point how expensive it was? More than likely the carrier of said knife is either bleeding out or laying dead in pool of their own blood. Money doesn't matter once you take a dirt nap. Haha.

And thus...

 

[GWS]

If the winner takes it does it really matter at that point how expensive it was? More than likely the carrier of said knife is either bleeding out or laying dead in pool of their own blood. Money doesn't matter once you take a dirt nap. Haha.

Nah That's more like your final joke on your killer. "Oh man! I won this life or death fight and all I got was this crappy Frost Cutlery knife..."

 

[Dr Prepper]

Esse 3,4,5,6 depending on how much weight you want to lug around.


I would favor a utility type knife over a pure fighting knife if I already had a pistol and rifle on me!

True.. I already have a Ranger-9 I think it is for all out bug out. but to also answer others questions/comments yeah I always want to cover as many bases as possible and that def. includes SHTF use. was checking out the Hogue knives today as well. they have some fairly enticing grinds. i might be able to score one at a discount.

 

[Dr Prepper]

Just my 2 cents but the term fighting knife is polite for killing knife. They tend to be daggers but a karambit would fall into the "fighting" category as well A "fighting" knife would have a slimmer blade profile for stabbing etc. but it really isn't great as a tool. I wouldn't try prying open a crate with a Gerber Mk 2
View attachment 1192106

Whereas the stouter blade of an ATAK could make short work of a crate then go on to more violent work
View attachment 1192107

I like the ATAK 2 but you can substitute a Ka-Bar, or a Busse etc Obviously these can and have been effectively and victoriously used in a fight or two, but they are IMO far more useful than a specialized "fighting" knife like the MK2 or a Fairbairn-Sykes daggers.
So maybe fighting knife means not good for much else. That said, the Randall Model 1 is Named "Fighting knife" as well and I would defer to Bo Randall's wisdom on this, though I think the Model 1 is more useful than just for fighting. YMMV.

View attachment 1192129

wise words sensi.

 

[Dr Prepper]

Harsh, but true.

or you could do like me and for go the logical route and hope for the best, (semi) prep for the worst, and hope to god it doesnt come to that, as others have metioned its a backup to a backup. nothing gets your noodle cooking like when your life is on the line and your paying attention to every detail all of a sudden becasue all of sudden cold harsh life or death scenarios are thrust upon you. you either learn fast or die. usually the latter.

 

[Dr Prepper]

View attachment 1192142

A pronounced guard is really a good idea for a stabbing blade.
This is what happens when the knife stops, but your hand keeps going.
Damn near lost the feeling in the lady's night finger.

ooff i feel ya. i punched through security glass window... sideways. my one knuckle was basically hamburger. i had a small shard of glass in the top of my finger for years right between the joins where the skin was thin. eventually it finally worked its way out like a pimple. i could always feel it in there if i pressed on it slightly. my buddies mom was a OR nurse so i just haphazardly threw a ton of ointment on it made a splint to hold it for a while and didnt go to the hospital. i hate hospitals! my dad and my brother have both cut off the same finger of the same hand though so I'm paranoid about that.

man, i hated being young and dumb, now I'm just dumb. I'm much more at ease with myself.

Ive seen way too many of this type of stuff up close and personal. still better a sharp knife than a dull one, or a motorbike chain in my brothers case

 

[dangerranger60]

My two favorites are the ESEE 4

ESEE-4 3D HANDLE

Same great ESEE-4 blade with contoured 3D handles. These models fit the standard ESEE-4 sheathing. Please see item number for handle description.

www.eseeknives.com

And a Benchmade Nimravus

140BK Nimravus

<p>Our all-time best-selling combat fixed blade. MOLLE® compatible. Made in USA.</p>

www.benchmade.com

Both were gifts from my kids, Both are great utility blades, both are considered fighting knives.
Of the blades I have bought for myself My favorite is a Buck Vanguard with a rosewood grip. Again it is a great utility knife. DR

 

[Member 52301]

I like the ESEE-3

I do not own an Esse 3 knife but that is a very nice knife.

Cate