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Honestly, you're right. It's a never-ending endeavor. However, after years of experience and trying new things, eventually, you can narrow your options down to what works for you. It's all about trial and error 👍
Amen! I’m not a knife guy, as they say, but been carrying a Buck 110 either in a sheath or pocket since 1977. It does it all, open boxes, carve a pointed stick or butter my biscuit at the dinner table. Also got me out of a couple physical alterations in younger days. Just one knife. That’s it.
Blade addict, here. I carry an Esee Izula in s35vn or a 3-D Bradford Guardian 3 in m390 with the Bradford taco style kydex sheath. I use Ulti-clip slim 3.3 for both. I have a lot of others, too, but I can't stop carrying my two favorites. Cheers!
@@btuthill9653 The Izula. The leather sheath for the Guardian is nice, but too bulky and annoying to get the knife out. The kydex sheath and Ulti-clip together are another $55.00. That's on top of the $156 cost of the knife itself. They're both great performers, but bang-for-buck goes to the Izula in s35vn.
My go-to is my White River M1 Backpacker Pro in Magnacut. I was planning to grab the standard version and the day I went to purchase was the day they offered that steel, felt like I hit a jackpot
I love my M1 I took a little bit of paracord and ran it through the bottom 2 holes on the kydex sheath to make a loop I pass it through a belt loop and just the the knife dangle in my front pocket. All you have to do is feel for the cord and it will come right out of the pocket
Personally, I’ve already bought into the idea of carrying a small fixed blade as a part of my EDC. Each day out of the house, I carry a Condor Compact Kephart Fixed Blade Knife with me. At 3.5 ounces with a carbon steel 2.6” drop point blade and overall length of 5.5 inches this knife is very useful for essential camp tasks. Comes with a custom leather sheath with belt clip. It is small, lightweight, functional and sharp.
@@gregkis No sir. I do not sell Condor knives. I am just a very satisfied customer who carries and uses a Condor Compact Kephart fixed blade everyday. This is a small, but very useable knife. Lightweight and carries easily on the belt on in the pocket in the handcrafted leather sheath. I have much more expensive fixed blade knives that do not perform as well as this one for everyday uses. It is not a bushcraft knife. It is not a good hunting knife. But it is an excellent everyday carry knife. JMO.
I also own and appreciate Condor Compact Kephart. I liked it before I ordered it and it's better, more simple in person than I thought it would be. S' good. I want to try Mora Eldris
Definitely a blade addict. I really prefer to carry a fixed blade, but of course size and sheaths tend to hinder that. Thanks for sharing and keep on doing that thing you do.
Found the cold steel Pendleton mini hunter in 3V fills my want of a smaller fixed blade for pocket carry. Removed the belt hanger from the sheath, it seemed a ridiculous mount for a smaller fixed blade, and added a pocket/belt clip to the sheath. Now the purchase is a bit small (I have XL hand), but the rubberized grip makes the little finger hang over less of an issue. The 3V gave me a great steel on a pocket carry fixed blade, and best of all I got it on a midwayusa sale price of $55. Keep up the great work.
@@hardlygrooving4221 don't want to dance on your pricing, but midwayusa has a huge cold steel sale on right now, and the 3V mini Pendleton hunter is $49.99.... but you can't ship that to France!
I grew up in a small farm town and we all carried a knife all the time for whatever task came up. We felt naked without a knife on us. My current EDC is a Benchmade Super Freek. It's a bigger pocket knife that can handle a lot of tasks. I also carry one of three smaller fixed blades. The smallest one is the WhiteRiver Backpacker Pro in S30V steel. Great little fixed blade that takes a really fine edge. Next is a small custom Kephart knife that I made for myself out of an old Nicholson file. 3" blade and 4" handle with a high saber grind. Super utility knife that can do everything I need a knife to do. I think the steel is W2. It's as tough as D2 but gets as sharp as O1. Lastly is a Bradford Guardian 3.5 in Magnacut that is solely used for personal protection. It's the perfect size for this and the shape allows for stabbing or slicing. It just depends on where I'm going and plan on doing as to which fixed blade gets carried in my front pocket.
I have been using the CRKT Neck knife for two years now I was really impressed even though it’s cheap. It’s on my neck all the time with me. We have a big Homestead and I find that I use it quite often better quality than I thought for a $26 knife.
The Ursus Cub is one of my top edc fixed blades personally. I switched out the handle scales for some Carrol’s Customs scales which completely covers the tangs. I also rock out an Armatus sheath. Those two are highly suggested
My favorite 2 small edc fixed blades are the 2 watchman knives off Amazon. 14c28n and whoever makes them takes pride in their work. Every part of them is done up just perfect. I like the sheaths and belt clasps even which is rare for me.
I often pocket carry an LT Wright Frontier Valley in A2 with Delta Sheath's pocket sheath for the BRK Mini Gunny. Really affordable for a durable in pocket setup.
Picked up a Kizer Deckhand earlier this year. Tossed an ulticlip on it and couldn't find anywhere reasonable to put it until I tried my front pocket. Fits like a glove, easy to deploy, safer to stash. Real game changer.
If the Mora Basic says 'carbon' on the blade it's a 511. If it says 'Stainless' on the blade its a 546. The smaller Eldris (and Eldris light duty) only comes in stainless. I don't EDC a fixed blade but just a very simple SAK and a mini multitool. I don't live or work on a farm but I'm a survival instructor. So when I go out into the bush, backpacking, hiking, etc. I add a small fixed blade camp knife and full size multitool to my outdoor EDC. The reason for it is it's stronger and easier to clean (as you mentioned). I don't carry them on my belt but they go in my daypack. In these last 2 years I spend 5 months backpacking rural Thailand, living and cooking with families. I've spend time in Colombia also the same way. All I brought extra was a Mora Basic 546 or Hultafors RFR and that's all you need. Of course stainless because you don't want to have to babysit your knife.
Self defense is already covered in a front pocket. Effectively, with multiple "blunt" edge projectiles🙂 I have been considering a fixed edge for a replacement to a folder. Great video ! Thank you.
The TOPS Backpackers Bowie has been my EDC for a couple years now. The shorter handle doesn’t poke me in the ribs, and it allows me to EDC a 4” fixed blade easily. Really underrated.
Creely Mako in magnacut with it's leather pocket sheath, best edc I've ever used. So comfortable in the hand and like a feather in the pocket. Not for bushcraft but can do 95% of the duties on a small ranch. And just about anything from Tkell makes great pocket fixies.
Its cool to see Kershaw coming out with sweet designs lately. I like that fixie and the magnacut crossbar. Oh! A few years ago i won one of your GAWs and i hope you know that i cherish the blue kershaw dividend you sent. You added a note that really picked up my spirit during a tough time. I didn't get to say thank you at the time so I hope it isn't too late 🍺❤
Recently switched to a fixed blade as an edc after having a benchmade folder fail on me and cut me to the bone. Second time in 12 years and I probably won’t go back to a folder. Would like to get your take on the Esee xancudo and the cr2.5 as I’ve been rotating between both.
Thank you for the video! Been carrying small fixed blades a long time. My go to length is around 5 inches 3 finger grip. Great size for pocket carry. Currently been using a QSP canary.
i’ve been waiting for so long for the joker avispa to make its appearance on this channel. i love that knife, i take camping, fishing and even to work. excellent little knife for not that much money. also i cut the lanyard and made a knot at the end as sort of an extension to the handle and it’s perfect
@@danjones7 well it is noticeable sometimes, but honestly i didn’t mind it much. i’ve used it from gutting trout to chopping vegetables. the only time i’ve really seen the downside of it was when i wanted to slice some tomatoes that were pretty big. but other than that i find myself grabbing that knife almost every time
@@danjones7 no complaints there either. but i do have the habit of stropping the knife after a camping trip even if nothing changes in terms of sharpness
I mostly pocket carry my Overland Sport, and for the most part it works. But for my L-XL hands, I like it when a blade handle fills out my hands, so every now and then I carry my ESEE 3 in an Armatus taco sheath and, I have to say, it's an underrated solution for edc-ing a fixed blade. The flat micarta scales help it disappear in my pocket, yet I have a somewhat bigger knife now. Try it. It's great! Great video! Blade addict out.
I've been carrying a small fixed blade for years now, started when I had a folder close on my hand (i am wrong handed and liner locks and frame locks don't work because its too easy for your index finger to depress the lock). the Ka bar becker neck knife in a sharpshooter pocket sheath is my go to, I put a wood handle on the knife and it is comfy as hell in the hand. I also keep a Mora in the car for instances where I might need a little more (never have) Mostly larger than 2 or three inches is uncomfortable to carry. imo.
I have become a big fan of a small fixed blade. I started with a cheapo crkt. With a sheath in the right position, its so convenient to use the knife, and put it away with one hand. No messing around with a locking mechanism on a folder.
If you like more Scout carry or weak/strong side horizontal belt carry, the Kizer Harpoon / Kizer Harpoon Mini are both amazing. Full size is a little big for me for EDC unless I am really going to be using my knife a ton (or camping). Mini is perfect for EDC but the sheath needs a way to attach out of the box.
You were wild for even whispering that the Izula is bad yeeeeeesh. I agree the sheath is bad though, the injected plastic they use for the Izula and ESEE 3 are terrible. Original Izula in the front pocket is still amazing. Don't need a full ergonomic grip for EDC. In the bush ya sure. Also no one in their right mind is going to EDC a Mora haha. The Vosteed Mink might be my favourite Chinese knife though, tried to get one awhile back. No idea why any knife company does pancake kydex, should always be taco. Would love to hear an argument against that.
I've carried the Cold Steel Braveheart neck knife a few times. Its a decent knife. But a tad to long. Plus there are always going to be people who are freaked out by any kind of sheath knife. Big or small. My new pocket knife for EDC, is the Cold Steel Voyager Drop Point, with 4 inch, or medium sized blade. It has the triad lock so I'm not worried about the knife closing on my hand. And the handle is big enough to feel good when carrying. I have three Cold Steel neck knives now, and frankly I have to be in the right mood to carry them. My Voyager Drop Point, is in my pocket every day. Stay sharp and stay safe.
When I think of "pocket fixed blade" I think of neck knife category with handles and a pocket sheath and more in the pocket scalpel category. I'm thinking of my AG Russell Woodswalker, Victorinox Birdbeak Fruit Knife, Fred Perrin Neck Bowie (awesome sleeper especially with handle scales). If I need bigger then I just jump to 4" to 5" belt carry.
I always carry a small fixed blade and a folder. I carried a BK16 for 10yrs or more until it didnt resemble a BK16 anymore. Now i keep a Esse 4 tactical with serrations for the past 3yrs and i rotate my folders. I prefer 1095 after all these yrs and i like when my knife becomes part of muscle memory. Esse has such a good warranty when i feel ive used it to death ill just send it in for another for nothing. I dont need super steels.
Very nice small blade video! I would like to mention a fixed blade with an EDC friendly 7cm blade from CRKT that I carry around with me as a professional cook: The CRKT "Biwa". Comes either with a leather sheath or a kydex neck/belt sheath. You can slip it in any pocket or pouch with the sheath, due to its featherweight small dimensions, and nobody yelps out in fright when you purpose it in a public setting. It's almost invisible.
One of the areas of fixed blades knives that has received some really good attention over the past couple of years has been the 'EDC' fixed blade. Lots of great choices now available with good carry options. Personally not a fan of carrying a fixed blade on body but almost always carry a small fixed blade in my EDC bags. The Ruike F815 Hornet is my favourite but I also have a couple of small Enzo/Brisa knives that I really like. Sometimes you just need the sturdiness of a fixed blade. Sharp blades all.
@JustinCase-em6ql I tried buttoning with it. Got stuck most of the time, but it was still fun to do. I'm looking at grabbing a TOPS SAW 2 to add to the rotation with the delta
Absolutely love the small fixed blade knives would totally rock that mini Demko knife very similar to the cold steel super edge just wish they were made with better steel and handle material.
Blade addict! Agree with you about the Izula. I think it was one of the first small fixed of that size but I rarely carry it anymore. But I have given up on small fixed. They just don’t offer as much for me as Cold Steel’s AD series.
For the last few years my focus on knife collecting has definitely veered towards small fixed blades, in part to backfill the large hole in my collection and in part because they're great to use. As you said, it can be hard to find a decent length in the handles when the blade gets shorter.
I’m currently carrying a TOPS El Pionero in 1095, or a DPX H.E.A.T. Hiker in 1095. Both incredibly compact and comfortable to carry, sometimes I carry both! I prefer carbon steel by far for its ease of sharpening, keenness of edge and flexibility. It’s cheaper usually too. The DPX HEAT was $125.00 in S30v I believe, and in 1095 it cost $75.00, this was in winter so it might be more expensive now. There’s so many options for a fixed blade EDC these days, and you really don’t need to buy the most expensive fancy ones with the highest edge holding possible with. Cold Steel has the 4” Razor-Tek in 4116 Stainless for around $45.00. I know, 4116 isn’t the best steel, but it’s perfectly functional and if you know how to sharpen a knife or have the ability to get it sharpened you’ll be fine. I use a diamond sharpener and a homemade strop with green chrome compound. Gets shaving sharp. The ESEE Sencillo in A2 is amazingly comfortable and A2 is great steel and super tough. It’s at the high end of my budget nowadays however. Yeah Boker has some great knives at great prices, Bear & Son has the Constant neck knife in Damascus steel around $115 and their Damascus steel is great, I carried one of their Damascus knives for years and miss that wickedly sharp edge.
I just picked up the Efengroe 121 3” blade I’ve trying out as new type of EDC carry it’s cool a very different as I’ve only carried a pocket knife for 50 plus yrs newer experience and I’m liking it 😎🇺🇸🤙🏼
Depends on the size. I'm more an Indoorsman, than an Outdoorsman, and I think something around 3" made out of cool steel (like a Spyderco Mule) could be cool. I even have two. I have a couple Mora's too that are incredible value knives.
I've been trying a lot of knives and I've back where I've started 20yrs or so: if not smal Victorinox Huntsman in my pocket, then Mora 2/0 on my neck. That's more than I need on a daily task. Oh and don't forget that Benchmade Bugout is the best folding knife to the day!
Great video! I’ve got a Mora Eldris for hiking but the jury’s still out on it. It’s light, but very thick. It’s too bulky to be a neck knife. I can put a belt loop on it, but it’s almost the size of a belt knife anyway. I feel like it’s more of a bag knife. But that’s not really what I want a knife to be!
Bladeaddict! I have been edging a small fixed blade for awhile now, not because I need to but because I love blades,lol. I carry a folder in my right front pocket, a small fixes blades in the waistband on my back right, a small flaslight in my left pocket and a pouch with my multitool and othe things on my back left side. I like to have things on me al the time, I feel named without them even if I don't use them all the time. Like to be prepared.
I have a folding knife collection but I mostly carry a swiss army knife and now along with that I got this small fixed blade that has a pocket clip on the sheathe called a Griffin X series.
I collect American made fix blades, and as far as my every day carry it’s the RMJ Tactical up close and personal. I live in Tennessee, though, and I have no problems carrying a larger belt knife. 0:29 Folding knives are already broken.
I think you’d be impressed with the Spyderco Street Beat. I’ve had mine for several years. Good for hiking/camping and also small enough for EDC. VG-10 and a decent price.
Fixed blade wise, I neck carry the Qsp canary neck knife, on my edc sling I carry the White River knives "jackalope" and I have as my smallest knife the Gerber prybrid x clip (one with the pocket clip... And in my trunk I keep an old Schrade knife that's like 8 inch long or so, forgot the model name, for chopping and heavy duty batoning.... with the combination of these knives I always have something in the size that I need and don't own any traditional folders... But may pick up the Kaiser drop bear cuz I'm a big fan of a drop point and that style of knife, but honestly I would only probably use it when I'm in lightweight clothes and want something very light and I would possibly rotate between my Gerber pry bar utility knife and that folder if I had it but what's popped up on my radar lately is this new Walmart release of a Swiss Tech wurdig I think the name is, in aus-8, which looks like it would make a nice beater folder ($30 online)... either way I might get one of those two folders and the future but as of right now I'm strictly fix blade and utility blade knife type of person😂
Blade addict haha Awesome vid, lots of options and comparisons, small edc fixies are great. Cool to see this topic being covered with a longer style vid, good stuff, cheers👍👍
I use short fixed blade knives as my edc. My experience is that the 3-3.5 inch blade length is ideal. The handle and sheath are key. As far as striking a fire steal or bushcraft I just don’t care about that in this use case. I prefer a scandi grind because I want the extra material in the blade as prying, twisting, and other things that a metal bar can be used for come up as often as cutting does. Without those benefits I’d just carry a folder. As far as steal I don’t put as much thought into that as others do but I keep it in my pocket so I don’t want something that is going to rust easily.
I used a fixed blade for work (usually a Brad 3) and then a folder (a Spyderco) on the weekends or when I’m not outdoors. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Spyderco mule team, been thinking about getting one.
Just recently picked up the architect AK 3 and it is by far my favorite EDC fixed blade. The other knives I have that are comparable/competitive are the esee 3, esee Xancudo, and Becker bk 14 eskabar (izula 2). The AK 3 blows the others out of the water. Thinest blade stock in the bunch, best steel, and most comfortable handle. Second place is the Xancudo though.
Blade addict checking in here. I carry the Bradford guardian 3 in AEB-L steel. I ordered a sheath from oak city leather supply so I could pocket carry it. Such a great blade for edc.
Small advice. Whenever you cut through cardboard instead of keeping your knife perpendicular to the cardboard turn your knife 45° to the left or right and you will slice through more easily
I still really like the Schrade schf 16 (‘neck’ knife), that you reviewed years ago. Taylor brands!! Bring it back… with a belt sheath! It is a unique knife! PS - You can certainly raise the price a bit.
I may not be a true mini, but the Ontario Rat 3 works great. I can use it for light prying along with regular cutting, its thin enough to get into tighter places, but still tall enough to get a wider pry area of leverage
Super blade addict...I have a lot, lot of fixed blades. But, out of all my blades I carry a Lionsteel H2 horizontally on my belt. You won't see me without it. The leather sheath runs the whole knife so it does not sag on my belt but stays in place. Yet it is easy to deploy. The blade is 2.95 so it is legal to carry in Colorado where I live. You should look at the H1 and H2. I think you would like them.
ESEE Pacaya... get one, amazing little blade. Traded out the stock kydex belt loop for a spare ESEE 3 clip plate--it attaches just fine with rubber spacers between the clip plate and stock kydex sheath. The Pacaya has thin stock, a very fine edge, 3v steel, and throws sparks like a champ. It bumped my Izula 2 from my belt.
@@SummitScene I have the Izzy 2 (TKC handles) as well, and the neck on the Izzy 2 is thinner that the Pacaya. The Pacaya handles are thin, but pretty close to the fullness at the back end of the Izzy 2 handles, and stay full the entire length. I find the Pacaya more comfortable.
@@anthonykammas3276 Thanks for getting back to me with such a detailed description of the Pacaya handle. It really helps in my knife-buying decision making.
I am addicted! And very appreciate this video. I saw here the knife I didnt know about but fell in love with it instantly. The knife is Buck Alpha Hunter Pro. I found and enjoed Your previous video about this beauty and started to search the knife stores in Czechia (Europe). And luckily I found one piece on discount sale for 4251 CZK which means about 175 USD. The knife is ordered and paid for and I am looking forward to it. Thanks a lot for Your work and valuable advices. Stay sharp!
I have hundreds of knives, fixed blade and folders, and my most used knife is the Leatherman free k2. Has everything i need on it 99% of the time, and the only change i would make is to make the blade magnacut but it still holds up well for what i use it for
Blade addict. Great info. I've been EDCing the MKC/Fieldcraft Survival knife and I'm really loving the fixed blade carry. My Emerson folders are starting to feel left out lol
I've got a few compact fixed blades that I have made myself out of 80crv2. They're 62-63 hrc and is still pretty damn tough. I'll have to send you one when I get a new batch made.
Thanks for this, Aaron. I think you've got into pocket fixed blades to compensate for the loss of neck knives in your life. Sorry, had to troll a little. 🙃 Seiously though, I loved every minute of this romp, as I've been in love with small fixed blades for a while. I still recommend the Ruike Hornet, if you can find one.
I love a fixed blade for EDC, my most used EDC fixed blade is thc TRC South Pole, but the knife is on the bigger side. I like also the TRC Pohlheim, Classic Freedom Full Flat, Speed Demon, Microtech Socom Alpha Mini and Socom Alpha Mini Warcom, Lionsteel H1, M1, M4, Bastinelli Chopper, Fox Perser, Boker Vigtig vs Wild, Civivi Stormridge, Fallkniven F1 and R2 etc. Folders are also great, one of my favorites is the Maxace Orion or the Lionsteel Myto special edition K390 and the Kubey Hyperion.
It has a belt carry sheath made of kydex, but the TJ Schwarz Confidante is the best knife I own of any variety and with a blade length at 3.5 inches it’s good for pocket carry as well
BLADE ADDICT...some good options in there I picked up the Tops CAT after watching you video, works for to check those boxes, highly agree compact fixed blade very good EDC options, why limit pair it with a folder, or two, or three...yep addict, right tool for the job.
I edc the Cabela's Bushcraft belt knife!!! It's solidly built, has micarra scales and 5160 steel. Oh..... And it's American made!!! Comes with a kydex sheath as well!!! I paid $89.99!!!
My main blade is the joker ember belt carried and my smaller fixed blade is either the CRKT Biwa neck carried or the Boker Nessmi Pro in the pocket with an UltiClip. All budget all capable blades.
When I rock a fixed blade it's usually my Steppe, but sometimes my Izula II. One fix blade that I love, and think is the best value knife I know of is the SDOKEDC DC53 knife that's sold on Amazon. It's a $25 Chinese made copy of a ESEE CR 2.5 (own one of them as well) DC53 is supposed to be a Chinese steel similar to D2. The SDOKEDC is larger than the CR 2.5, but still very easy to carry, and the sheath alone is worth the $25 that the blade (which is awesome and very sharp out the box) costs. Plus you can get G10 for no extra cost. It has become one of my favorite small fixed blade knives. EDIT: I also carry my TOPS: MSK 2.5 sometimes. Still even when I carry a small kneck knife I still will carry another larger knife. My traditional, and typical daily is just a good old RAT1.
Personally a big fan of my Bradford Guardian 3 in N690. It comes with a nice scout leather sheath, but I got a kydex one from Armatus and the thing is a next-level edc. It's a little dinky for my big mitts, but my fingers don't really feel crowded. Just a damn fine little blade
Blade addict! I've been in the market for the small fixed blade for a while now, something compact and inexpensive. I have one of the smaller, but not pocketable BPS Knives and a 2-2.5 inch custom one made of ball bearing steel. But I still feel like I need something in the middle. I was looking at Izula, but while I love my ESEE Avispa, I do not really know if I like Izula. I'm leaning toward trying Mora Eldris, I like the idea of a double-beveled blade for a more versatile function, and also the sheath can be used to extend the handle. I also own Mora Basic in the same color limited edition you have shown in the video, probably the best limited color they did ever.
I’ve been carrying the White River Firecraft 3.5 for the past couple of weeks and really enjoy it. Prior to that I carried the Tops Fieldcraft 3.5 for a year on your recommendation.
Great video Aaron. Strong options for sure. I have a Montana mini-Speedgoat, the Ursus Cub, several Mora's, however I am a fan of the Izula. I own at least 4 of them. In my opinion and use, they are the perfect size capable of most tasks. They can be made very minimal in size and carry friendly, or can be slightly increased in size for most utility duties (minus chopping.) The Izula remains my EDC of choice. Blade addict. 👍
I know you would agree with me, but all you really need is a Mora for functionality. Tend to use it more than my Bark River’s for example. If you want glitz n glamour I get it, but the average person isn’t gonna want to beat the crap out of a $150 plus knife. Long time sub! CHEERS!
