How to Shop For a Fixed Blade!

[@jonathans2281]

Overthinking it is the best part!

[@EDCandLace]

It's what makes it the most fun!

[@Live2Win230]

Realistically I know what ever knife I buy is gonna be absolutely fine for whatever task I need but it’s still hard to pick from so many options

[@Digit4life]

This has to be one of the best jobs anyone could ever have

[@pole_barn_builder]

Cant go wrong with an Esee blade. 3,4,5 or 6. Good multi-purpose blade for a great price. Just firgure the size you need. Like he said, dont over think it.

[@caseylewis2835]

This is a highly comprehensive and intelligent video. Well done! Carry on!

[@1stmate-yn7ht]

Nice video, but sorry to see that the humble Mora Companion was omitted. I’ve got ~200 knives, most of them fixed blades, but when I need a sharp tool for working around the homestead, the Mora is the one I grab. Scandi, easy to sharpen, good grip, solid sheath, & I haven’t broken one yet.

[@BladeHQ]

You can't go wrong with the Mora. I was going to use one, but I opted for the Condor Bushlore so I could talk about wood handles. Mora knives are amazing! -George

[@NG_Ark]

Back to your roots. Love it. 🤘🏻

[@timtitus2532]

Some good advice for Fixed-blade knives.

[@guy3nder529]

One saying I find really annoying is that "a big knife can do whatever a small knife can", because I often find myself using my knife in cramped spaces, sometimes doing some pretty gentle work. Whoever coined that does not work the trades.

[@samslade5498]

I buy from you because of the sorting features.

[@ppmnox]

This is a great video. The direct, succinct information is the perfect antidote to fluff filled puff pieces. Thanks!

[@danielleclark-zack864]

"No Respecter of Flesh" Would be a hell of a name for a Barber Shop Quartet. Js.

[@Xfaction1111]

I ask myself 3 Hows How; am I going to use this How; am I going to carry this How; am I going to sharpen this

[@d3ltaohniner261]

Good criteria to follow. 👍

[@JOSH-rl6iw]

I LOVE FIXED BLADES!

[@mrmorrisjh]

And they love you back

[@DylanLey]

Great guide! Really liking these new knife knowledge videos!

[@NextorNezbit-mv1jx]

Lol! "out skinning mice, hunting with a pellet gum".

[@Mike-id8gu]

...😂 I choked on that line myself. Who skins mice? 🤷

[@myjourneyEDC]

Awesome knives I love fixed blades

[@justincastillo7576]

Wow the only knife in that log I was interested in wasn't even mentioned, and for being one of the top knives of 2023, I want to know why the bradford guardian was the only knife that wasn't talked about

[@BladeHQ]

That's my bad. I was going to mention it when talking about why you might want a smaller knife, but camera pressure and the bright red of the Izula made me pass it. But it's a great knife, and you should definitely get one! -George

[@mousec2600]

Same for me. The 3.2 is a really great little knife. He also never mentioned Carbon Fiber handles, which mine features, or MagnaCut steel. I was disappointed. The sheath Guardian provide was trash, but I had one made that's truly phenomenal. It carries horizontally on my belt perfectly. Couldn't be happier.

[@stolman2197]

My main motivation to learn leather working was wanting sheaths that worked for me as a southpaw

[@markholder4944]

T.Kell makes my favorite best fixed blades.

[@randysmith9636]

Excellent video brother, thank you.

[@griffredux9966]

Well done video! One thing I might have touched on was full tang blades vs partial. Unless that really isn't a big deal? I have both styles but would like to hear your thoughts as well

[@MrParticular-pu7qh]

Dammmmmmmmm You just taken that to the next level❤

[@chrisreuther4546]

Excellent review! Great notes!

[@WheatCitySole]

Bradford Guardian 3.5 is the go to

[@mousec2600]

The 3.2 is a crackerjack, as well. He had it in the line up, and never touched or mentioned it.

[@jlogue751]

Always good stuff!

[@2thehat]

Was kinda expecting one of these to be an LT Wright blade, they make so many good outdoors knives.

[@hectorrizo]

I loved your video. Thank you so much!!

[@bilbsk.2510]

Awesome thank you

[@medic58]

Awesome information thank you.

[@nOtHiSiSpAtRiCk715]

"this plastic is more like gun grip, and less like fisher price toy" very well said my friend

[@DevinAkin]

Absolutely excellent video! Thanks!

[@NZComfort]

I know the saying, “Let the mission drive the gear…” but I have a problem Broski and I want them all!!!

[@looseballs1966]

then get them all that's how I feed my addiction.

[@Steve-j5t]

Broski?

[@looseballs1966]

@@Steve-j5t ????

[@JulioMo]

They aren't Pokemon, but catch'em all.

[@masterrai5921]

Said it how it is 🤘🏽

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

As someone who had folders fail and leave stitches, so I use fixed for everything.

[@lostcat9lives322]

Definitely

[@iamsaconley]

another thought to consider- are you right or left handed? a left handed sheath can be hard to find with a stock knife. I realize that lefties are a fairly small group, but perhaps knife manufacturers could offer a left handed sheath at a five or ten dollar price increase to the msrp to cover the extra effort to produce one.

[@d3ltaohniner261]

One handy thing about kydex or other synthetic polymer sheaths, often they're ambidextrous either as is, or the hardware can be swapped over for left handed use.

[@unfi6798]

Great pitch.!

[@lostlune]

i would trust my life to a seven dollar mora. anyone who tells you any different is selling something.

[@arc3944]

As someone who has never used a morakniv. I will say that I will trust my life to my knife that came in a set of 4 for 40 dollars (I one time stuck it in a tree to help get a ball out while I stood on it). So I agree with the sentiment that cheap price does not equal cheap quality.

[@joelharo7817]

I mean I feel ya, there's definitely appeal in a functional but affordable product. But I'm more of the mind that a couple hundred bucks isn't a lot for a tool in general. As a homesteader myself I like my tools to not just be competent but to excel. You could absolutely bet your life on a mora or even just a nice buck knife for around 50$ But I'd bet my life and everyone else's on my Tops Camp Creek too. Keep that mora and keep using it, because it was so affordable after all. But don't hesitate to try a premium knife if it suits your hand. The steel and grip materials do make a huge difference and it might surprise you. Once you have some truly excellent knives you'll actually respect the mora even more because of how cheap it was, it's a miracle it can hang with the big dogs. For a more mid range knife that still has those more efficient design philosophies, like a mora. you might look at a BPS savage, it's only 43 bucks and a LOT OF knife.

[@arc3944]

@@joelharo7817 I fully agree with this sentiment and that is why during my upcoming trip to the Americas I will be on the lookout for a tops knife (I am particularly fond of the Apache dawn and the Mohawk hunter they seem to be perfect for my needs and have pleasant designs)

[@xrv404]

Mora..You should appreciate your life more than that

[@joelharo7817]

@@arc3944 I carry either a tops camp creek and camp creek fire edition, every single day of my life. I swear by tops.

[@Grizzly__13]

I have an Esee Izula. I love the knife, but I hate how hard it is to get the knife out of the sheath.

[@jayhanson-hs5vg]

anything from k bar or tops is good

[@cesarvarela5438]

Anybody know if these guys ship to Puerto Rico cuz I’ve been trying to buy an esee 4 from them and it says they don’t ship to international addresses but Puerto Rico is a US territory and they say in their shipping information that yes in fact they ship to us territories

[@brunorojas3992]

They do. I sent my mom a knife.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Nice Promo for Buck knives! But, you haven't even touched on MY biggest question concerning knife selection: why can I only have one knife? I cannot think of a single scenario where I would not have had prior planning activity in selecting gear for whatever activity it was that landed me in a survival crunch, from which I now need to extricate myself. My planning would include tool selection, and therefore totally exclude the necessity for ONLY one knife. After all no-one in his right mind deliberately chooses to set out into a potentially life-threatening survival situation without planning properly for it! The closest I can get to is where one goes hiking and gets lost and/or injured en route. Even then, with good planning and preparation (especially gear) ending up with only one inappropriate knife choice can be avoided. Hiking trails are by definition quite busy places and help is generally a probability, especially when your plans are known and expected by all concerned, eg family, park rangers, local authorities, etc. Good communications are also more available these days. If one is going out and the circumstances include doing extensive heavy work then one can put together a "heavy carry" tool selection. If it's rather a weekender, or much les demanding situation, a "light carry" selection could very well suffice. Another consideration is whether the circumstances involve some sort of transport being available (truck, car, quad bike, horse, etc) then quite different considerations apply, as weight might not be as much of a factor. So, basically what I'm saying, is that one can select quite a few knives, each good for its intended purpose and have them available. Cheers mate!

[@brodericki4281]

great chat good content

[@calebelkins6321]

More content like this, Bladehq.

[@janitorhoseph9449]

I carry 2 small kershaw pocket knives. And 2 large fixed fulltang blades. Ones swisstech and the other is Ozark trail.

[@toiletpaper5770]

At the same time??

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Some top contender features come to my mind: Kydex G10 CPM Magnacut 4 inches or longer Durable pummel

[@Driving-home_alone]

So now you should make a video on how we can shop for the Kizer Smolt right now.

[@billh.1940]

His shirt says it all. Buck. Easy.

[@LonnieHutchinson90]

Nice video!

[@danrussell9357]

Liked the video but would request content for Hogue Extrak and Benchmade Altitude hunting-type fixed blades.

[@BladeHQ]

It sounds like we need to do a hunting knives video! Those are both excellent blades, and that could be my perfect excuse to take them out for a spin. -George

[@danrussell9357]

@@BladeHQ I EDC the Extrak with a Kydex sheath. Hogue has a newer larger version with Magnacut because M4 can rust.

[@Odigs6547]

What is the smallest Bradford guardian fixed blade? I wanna think its the 3, but im not sure if its that or the 3.2.

[@josephvincent4629]

I'm waiting on my t kell raider. Check out his blades

[@AshleyGiftin]

Any opinion on the offgrid ALPHA DOG ?

[@jdemeter4357]

If you are so deep in the woods and don't have cell service, the worst thing is to wait for someone to drive by. If you can see a McDonald's sign you probably could see a car or two and be ok

[@davidbradshaw6787]

That Hogue Extract is a big omission here. Super light weight for hiking or all the other stuff. Great kydex sheath, good steel and grippy handle.

[@btuthill9653]

I am interested in the xtract how does it feel in the hand? Would it be good for hunting?

[@plausible.deaniability]

you got that hoodie on raw? haha nice video ty for the breakdown

[@BladeHQ]

Thanks man, I love that hoodie. I got it at the Buck storefront in Post Falls Idaho! -George

[@jdemeter4357]

My thought is buy once cry once, meaning if you are confident in the purchase and not crying about how much you spent or wish it had different materials . You should up grade your thought process

[@donyates749]

Insulated harden steel, able to hit the spline with a hammer into whatever, able to push through car door without breaking or rolling edge. Full tang, able to pull out of anything. Any suggestions, thank for sharing

[@donyates749]

Also locking sheath no strap molly or strengthen holes

[@felipefrio9091]

My main knives... mora 510, gerber strongarm, fox lycosa (sheepsfoot), boker kalashnikov... I own a crkt obake, its okay...

[@d3ltaohniner261]

I carry the CRKT Obake on paracord as a neck knife, great application for it. I wouldn't push the blade steel too far as an EDC workhorse, more of a just in case defensive option. Have another one I lash to my belt horizontally as a weak hand option in an ice pick draw.

[@ramonjrusa]

Great commentary on fixed blades. I'm new to the channel. I have some questions, where would machetes fit in? Is it worth owning one? I haven't dug deep into your videos if you have one... thank you

[@John5.56]

Machetes are excellent but it depends on the region and agriculture. If you need to clear bushes, vegetation branches etc a machete is the tool. Machetes are super popular around the world where people don’t own tractors or lawnmowers etc.

[@BladeHQ]

@John5.56 is right, it depends on where you are. This much I can tell you - machetes are more comparable to axes than knives in use. The question isn't "knife or machete," rather "knife AND either machete or axe." For that question, there's a reason machetes are so popular all over tropical climates. They don't handle logs or big felling jobs very well, but for vines, branches, or anything wrist-thickness or smaller, machetes are much easier to use. That's a lot of rainforest life, not so much tundra life. Machetes is a big topic, and maybe we'll break it down in greater detail in a video one day. Thanks for watching, hope this helps! -George

[@robertm9848]

​@BladeHQ George, I agree with you. I would also add that if you do have a need for a machete definitely go for one in $100-$200 price point. I started out with cheaper ones and they dull out extremely fast and aren't great for anything bigger than the diameter of a pencil.

[@d3ltaohniner261]

​@robertm9848 I lucked out getting 2 CRKT Halfachance machetes on clearance at a Walmart years ago. Beat the living hell out of 1 of them clearing brush when I lived in the boonies, nicked the blade on errant nails and stones, sharpened them out and have just kept beating it, it's taken it like a champ. Keep it in my truck for emergencies and strap it to my pack when I go back out into the boonies.

[@tymccutchen]

Overthinking and doing deligent research on a knife can save your life. Choose wisely. My go two knives. And i have many. Becker bk-9, Gerber strongarm, cold steel srk, mora bushcraft. My choice. ✝️🇺🇲👍🏻

[@gvines]

Nice! I have the same ones. I also like muela magnum

[@dayannahkali]

Good luck building your shelter with this 440 hollow shit ! The guandian 3, the M4 would have been better suited, or maybe the esse 4 has bore belly for skinning, but 1095 won’t keep its edge as well. Me I have a small BM hidden canyon huter S90V for small tasks and skinning and a MH ESSEE 6 for batoning. You always need a small knife that stays sharp. You won’t use your big knife that much, if you want to build something, you better take a saw, a hatchet, some wood tools, a mallet…

[@pompeylad1977]

Great video, really enjoyed that, George is brilliant 👍🏻 🔪

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Just buy a 4 max awesome knife monster of a knife

[@btuthill9653]

Would the esee 3 be a good hunting knife?

[@shino8854]

Don't over think it.... Get Two Moras and call it quits.

[@redfoxfpe4599]

That's a nice hoodie! Where can we get one?😮

[@BladeHQ]

I got mine at the Buck Knives storefront in Post Falls, Idaho. While you're up there, go for a tour of the factory! It's free, and AWESOME. -George

[@iruwild]

I just blend my scandi and full flat grind into convex

[@BeardsBaconTech]

I’m looking for a small blade for every day use but has a really good sheath and pocket clip one that’s around $100 or less what would you recommend?

[@BladeHQ]

If you want a sheath right out of the box, your options are somewhat limited, but here's some recommendations: CRKT Razel Fixed Blade Petrified Fish Bison Kansept Korvid S CIVIVI Varius Cold Steel Counter TAC II But if you're willing to pick up an UltiClip or one of those fancy Discreet Carry clips, the world opens up to you. Just about anything with a Kydex or hard plastic sheath becomes pocket carry compatible. All of the following knives, combined with an UltiClip, cost less than $100. I own many of them, and love them all! ESEE Izula Cold Steel Kyoto Ferrum Forge Lackey Ruike Hornet Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake and so many more... Happy shopping! -George

[@BeardsBaconTech]

@@BladeHQ do you know the website where I can get the pocket clip and which one of these fix blades with the pocket clip work with

[@wrenchspinner101]

Bring back lay-away! Sizzle isn’t the same

[@billvan5219]

Parroting meets partial awareness 😂

[@Say0n]

what knife is the forth from left to right?

[@mousec2600]

It's a Guardian 3.2, and it's fantastic.

[@Frd4Lf]

Does anyone know any good custom knife makers?

[@brunorojas3992]

Does blade hq have a filter for pivot types like i prefer washers over ball bearings. Ball bearings are nice but i want something less mainteny. Also what about a filter for tangs, like full , partial , skeletonized. Etc..

[@pliashmuldba]

I hear you, but walk away with the big knife

[@jlastre]

I’m just wondering what type of person skins mice? I mean are they “goooood eatin’ “? Or is their fur valuable?

[@ryankerins361]

hungry people in the woods who are too far away from civilization to buy food. that's who.

[@jlastre]

@@ryankerins361 a rat maybe but a mouse it’s ridiculous. I’ve dissected mice. There’s nothing there.

[@jimbrown9885]

I'd buy another Bushlore without a thought.

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

This episode was sponsored by Buck Knifes

[@winstonbush7121]

You wanna know what my quality control technique is? I don’t! Also Bark River

[@Landoftheignorant]

Can someone tell me the second-largest one in the thumbnail?

[@BladeHQ]

LionSteel T6, which is, in my opinion, the best survival knife at Blade HQ! -George

[@timlong3857]

Say persnickety again!

[@MR-kl2ul]

Take a friend and different knives

[@RobinYee-xc9vf]

I see .old, used and yesterday 's knives , are better too .( I do , had .. more than , in my memory.of great ...low cost and looks best ...always ...

[@ronaldwade1946]

So what would your edc POCKET fixed blade be? Less than $100. Can be with the addition of a clip and… GO!

[@PoetFisherman]

Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake has been a great little EDC fixed blade for me.

[@Greg_Koenig]

Katana

[@BladeHQ]

I like the CRKT Razel Fixed Blade, ESEE Izula, Petrified Fish Bison, and Spyderco Stok! -George

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

With an ulticlip a Ferrum Forge Lackey XL, comes in just over $100 and has been great.

[@Blades_n_Bass]

Asher knives little buddy. S90v, g10 handle, kydex sheath with pocket clip. $115. IMO, it's the perfect edc fixie

[@kyrrer]

Mentions 2/3 Scandinavian countries and one that isn't... 😤 ;)

[@Retrievinggold]

Laughs in ka bar. Won more wars than the 1911

[@Drew_The_Man]

World wars? 😇

[@btuthill9653]

Current iterations only have a rat tail not a full tang

[@johannvanromburgh3971]

Well, you always say, 2 is 1 and 1 is none. So just get 3... small, medium and large...

[@smokeymacpot76]

if your really wealthy , what you do is just buy 1 of everything :D

[@Vitaminsforyouu]

Usually when it gets wet it gets less grippy 🤣🤣🤣🤣 iykyk

[@henrikaaseb-sn8qq]

George, Finland is not in scandinavia. Its in the nordic. Norway, Sweden and Denmark is Scandinavia

[@BladeHQ]

Man, I need to study up on my geography. Thanks for keeping me honest! -George

[@michaelidarecis]

Looks like he watched my Fred videos...

[@AndrewBradley-kx4bb]

How to really shop for a knife=purchase a Chris Reeves , WINKLER, HALF FACE BLADE , TOOR, or a TRC! That is pretty much it, but there are a few exceptions.

[@EdieGladys-x2l]

Mills Viaduct

[@andrewkeeton3627]

If someone is watching this video because they honestly don’t know, get a mora

[@AllenCostello-kl8qs]

How bout those fake zero tolerence oo6 knives I yall sold one to Peter built knife guy 😢😢😢

[@santiago4120]

Humans have only been around a few hundred thousand years, not millions.

[@donhames5492]

Millions of years? Humans have only been around for about 200,000. A knife that can do the work of a million tools? Starting off with mistakes and exaggerations is not a good way to start a video.

[@HeadHickbilly]

You lost me when you went for the humanist view of world age in history. The Earth is about 6000 years old. Science math probability everything points to creation as bad as people want to try to deny God. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess soon.

[@4NdR3_K]

Do not play music or other noise in the background. It adds no value. The hard of hearing can’t watch the video. ☹️

[@sledgehammer5123]

How can you even hear the music if you are hard of hearing. I have excellent hearing and could hardly hear the music.

[@lurveleggoutdoors9930]

Finland is not a Scandinavian country. Norway on the other hand....😅

[@Sfhakrn]

Our ancestors did not stay alive for “millions” of years using just rocks and sticks. Even an academic would think that’s an absurd statement.

[@timlong3857]

Millions!

[@matthewhebbert9712]

Aren't you super fun at parties 🎉

[@Cheo.M]

There's always one of you in the comments

[@Sfhakrn]

@@Cheo.M sorry, it’s just offense to a lot of people’s religious beliefs. I’m sure I’m not the only Christian patron of BladeHQ.

[@Cheo.M]

@@Sfhakrn you're not but it doesn't offend me. What offends you about this?