I need a knife

[rickboone1]

I've decided to get a belt knife, fixed blade.

I'm deciding between the Grohmann Knives RS3 or whatever that is called and an ESEE Izula. I know, get both. Well, that can't happen.

I like the Grohmann as it comes with all I need to carry on my belt for a decent price. BUT....it seems it'll be a bit too bulky. I'd look odd walking around with this sword on my side. If I could see a photo with one attached to a person I could get a better idea, but this is my assumption. However, it seems to be a great blade.


The Izula. Great knife, great price point. But, I want to get it wrapped in paracord and get a sheath adapter to go on my belt. By now, I'm spending more than the Grohmann and I can't wrap paracord for crap. However, I love the slimness of this knife and feel it won't be bulky with carry like the Grohmann may.

Thoughts? Ideas of where to purchase what I'm after?


I'm also looking at the Mora Clipper. much cheaper. Great reviews. Thoughts?

 

[Yuritau]

If it helps you decide, Grohmann has some of the R3SD on their clearance page in the 50% off Seconds section. ( http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/clearance.html )

I bought a folder in their seconds sale and I can tell you the scratch that's on handle is barely perceptible, easily worth getting 50% off.

EDIT: Worth mentioning.. all prices on that Grohmann page are in Canadian dollars.

 

[Acmemfg]

I guess one thing to consider is how you plan on using your knife. "Paracord" wrapped handles to me smack of something bought at the flea market and carried by a Jr. High Bear Grylls wannabe. Serious knives have properly designed scales or handles which allow its owner to comfortably use the knife for the tasks it was intended for. Granted, if you are not going to use the blade for much else than opening a box or 2, cutting twine, or cleaning your fingernails, any configuration of handle will suffice. However for a job which requires a firm yet comfortable grip for an extended time (dressing game, camp chores [preparing kindling, sharpening tree limbs for tent stakes,etc.]) I'm thinking you will be better off with a knife that has a better sense of ergonomics than a piece of cord wrapped around a chunk of steel. Remember...this is all my opinion only.

PS..right now the Canadian dollar and US dollar are pretty much equal in exchange rate.

 

[MrMurphy]

There's cheap knives, and real knives.

Some of the most expensive knives in the world for serious use come 550-cord wrapped, because it gives a good grip, has other uses, and can be easily replaced if the cord gets soaked (in blood, oil, hydraulic fluid, etc).

While i tend to prefer G-10, i've known quite a few special operations types who go with the 550 wrap. ESEE won't treat you wrong, it'd be my choice without knowing further what you intend to use it for.

Also check out Grayman knives. He makes some serious hard use equipment without costing a fortune.

 

[rickboone1]

Well, I am comparing it to the clearance Grohmann knives. That'll be what I get. Looking at paracord wrap on an ESEE as a cheaper option. It seems they're both great choices, and really it boils down to which one will wear most comfortably on my belt.

Anyone have any photos of the Grohmann on their belt?

 

[PFP_Dad]

I prefer the look of the ESEE, though I agree with needing some real scales for it. If a knife is too big it'll sit at home or in a glove box. What about using the canvas scales designed for it?

 

[jumper]

That DH Russell boat/belt knife was the standard army issue in the Airborne Regiment. That knife can take a licking and a whole slew of paratroopers used and abused them over the years. I still have mine from the early '70s and it works like a charm. It's my only fixed blade belt knife and I really like it.

 

[rickboone1]

That DH Russell boat/belt knife was the standard army issue in the Airborne Regiment. That knife can take a licking and a whole slew of paratroopers used and abused them over the years. I still have mine from the early '70s and it works like a charm. It's my only fixed blade belt knife and I really like it.

Do you find it a bit too large looking to wear every day on your belt?


Anyone have any thoughts on Mora?

 

[jumper]

I don't think it is an EDC knife. I belt mine when I camp or hike but that is about it. With the selection of great folders around I'm not sure I could be convinced to have a fixed blade as an EDC. The tenacious in my pocket or the Buck 110 on my belt is just easier. YMMV

 

[Miles]

Best way to choose a knife is to put one in your hand and see how it feels to you. Nobody can tell you what you'll like.

There are a million options and a billion opinions. If you can find a brick and mortar shop that you can walk into and do your own evaluation then you'll settle the matter once and for all. Keep in mind that like nearly anything, there are plenty of folks who would likely buy your unwanted gear on the BST either here at B&B or on Bladeforums or eBay or elsewhere. Good luck with the hunt!

 

[rickboone1]

I don't think it is an EDC knife. I belt mine when I camp or hike but that is about it. With the selection of great folders around I'm not sure I could be convinced to have a fixed blade as an EDC. The tenacious in my pocket or the Buck 110 on my belt is just easier. YMMV

I'm thinking of something easier to grab and use. A fixed on the belt is easy to get to and no fuss. A folder I have to reach inside of my pocket, bring it out, open it, then use it. Plus, I hate stuff in my pockets.

 

[PFP_Dad]

What does your daily use for a knife entail? Are you talking box opener, cord cutter, self defense or a combination of the above? The reason I ask is because an appropriate size would be dictated by what you use it for. If you're running into stores frequently they may find a large fixed blade to be a weapon (also depending on what state you're in).

 

[rickboone1]

What does your daily use for a knife entail? Are you talking box opener, cord cutter, self defense or a combination of the above? The reason I ask is because an appropriate size would be dictated by what you use it for. If you're running into stores frequently they may find a large fixed blade to be a weapon (also depending on what state you're in).

Looking/ preferring something on the smaller side for these reasons. Main reason is getting in and out of truck and on/ off forklifts. I want it outside my pocket for ease of carry. Thinking like neck knife size but attach to belt. Thus, the attraction of the Izula. But, the price attraction of the Mora brand has me more.

 

[cb91710]

I agree completely on the issue of cord wrapping.
Paracord has it's uses, and there are a lot of creative ways to store paracord until it is needed.

As a set of scales? No. Once removed you're left with a blade with no scales, and they don't hold enough paracord for some uses.
As a gun sling? Okay... but again, once used, you now have no sling.
Bracelets? Pretty cool, enough cord for a trap... but they are typically around 6ft of cord, and being a bracelet, they are a snagging/entrapment hazard.
Belt? Ya.... I've seen some very creative paracord belts and they hold 100ft or more of paracord.
Will your pants stay up without a belt? That can be important in a survival situation.


I like the weaving idea of the belt, but I would wear it more like a bandolier, but personally, I just have a 100ft "bow" in the emergency pack behind the seat.

For ESEE knives, I've move up to an ESEE-3 at a minimum. The scales are kinda plain and not THAT ergonomic, but being micarta, they are easily shaped with a drum sander and a Dremel.
Personally, the emergency pack in the car has an ESEE-6, but my belt knife is an ESEE-5. The 5 is a bit thicker than the 6, and it has a "divot" in the scales that can be used as the upper bearing for a bow drill.

 

[cb91710]

What does your daily use for a knife entail? Are you talking box opener, cord cutter, self defense or a combination of the above? The reason I ask is because an appropriate size would be dictated by what you use it for. If you're running into stores frequently they may find a large fixed blade to be a weapon (also depending on what state you're in).

The state is the issue, in some cases local ordinances are more strict.

California is actually pretty good on knife laws.
We can not carry ANY fixed blade concealed, but there are no state restrictions on concealed carry of a folder, or open carry of a fixed blade.
Los Angeles City and unincorporated county are more strict, as I understand Texas is... no open carry of a fixed blade over 3".

 

[rickboone1]

I agree completely on the issue of cord wrapping.
Paracord has it's uses, and there are a lot of creative ways to store paracord until it is needed.

As a set of scales? No. Once removed you're left with a blade with no scales, and they don't hold enough paracord for some uses.
As a gun sling? Okay... but again, once used, you now have no sling.
Bracelets? Pretty cool, enough cord for a trap... but they are typically around 6ft of cord, and being a bracelet, they are a snagging/entrapment hazard.
Belt? Ya.... I've seen some very creative paracord belts and they hold 100ft or more of paracord.
Will your pants stay up without a belt? That can be important in a survival situation.


I like the weaving idea of the belt, but I would wear it more like a bandolier, but personally, I just have a 100ft "bow" in the emergency pack behind the seat.

For ESEE knives, I've move up to an ESEE-3 at a minimum. The scales are kinda plain and not THAT ergonomic, but being micarta, they are easily shaped with a drum sander and a Dremel.
Personally, the emergency pack in the car has an ESEE-6, but my belt knife is an ESEE-5. The 5 is a bit thicker than the 6, and it has a "divot" in the scales that can be used as the upper bearing for a bow drill.

dear lawd, i'm not prepping for aramageddon.

this is what i have. http://www.bladeops.com/Boker-Mini-Magnum-107-Drop-Point-Plain-Blade-p/bo107.htm

http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=37

http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=639

the other two links are what i'm looking at. trying to decide from one of these.

 

[cb91710]

LOL!

Personally, my everyday carry is a Cold Steel Recon-I tanto.
It's a decently large blade at 4", and with the pocket clip can be carried in or out of the pocket but quite easy to access and quick to open. Being a folder, it is much less likely to be viewed as a weapon and is far less intimidating than a sheath/belt knife.
As a traffic signal tech, I'm using mine all the time and it's just as convenient as the fixed blade I used to carry.

 

[duokun]

I have a Mora Bushcraft Force, and i have to say i am very impressed with it. good, sharp, comfortable to use. it stays in my camping pack and is the knife i loan out to friends who dont have a knife when we go camping. most often now it seems to go to my girlfriend, and may very well end up becoming hers outright because she likes it so much.

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Bushcraf...ZGC0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1338159145&sr=8-2

I also have a Condor Bushcraft knife which i prefer a bit just for aesthetics, as both are fine knives.

http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Bushcr...SO/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1338159145&sr=8-12


but then again it all depends on what you are looking for and what you will be using it for.

 

[PFP_Dad]

I carried one of these for a while; they're cheap enough to replace easily and small enough to look like a "work knife" vs a "small sword". Good construction and it worked through 2 deployments with no issues. Just about a 3.5" blade which is compliant with most state laws.

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-413...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1338163997&sr=1-7

 

[Acmemfg]

Well, I am comparing it to the clearance Grohmann knives. That'll be what I get. Looking at paracord wrap on an ESEE as a cheaper option. It seems they're both great choices, and really it boils down to which one will wear most comfortably on my belt.

Anyone have any photos of the Grohmann on their belt?

This is the Grohmann #R1S..the Original Belt knife being carried in the supplied scabbard. Light and unobtrusive.