Hello Everyone,

I'm doing some spring cleaning and have come to the conclusion that I really only need one fixed blade knife. I have never actually used any of these. I just wanted to have a good fixed blade in case I ever needed it.

Question:
Which fixed blade would you choose to be your one and only?

Choices:
Cold Steel SRK
ESEE 4
Gerber Strongarm

 

I went with Esee 4, I've owned multiple Esee in the past and their warranty combined with Rowen being their maker is tops in the mainstream factory knife world. At least from what I've seen.

If the Esee was made with the Gerber handle it would be perfect.
I really like ESEE's blade profiles and steel but their grips leave a lot to be desired. I know TKC makes better scales but that's another $50 on top of an already pricey knife and still doesn't really fix the problem.

Esee 4, due to aftermarket and ease of mounting it aside from on a belt. Saying that, I have one, and honestly I am soured on blades with a finger choil. I prefer the handle to end where it should, have some level of finger guard, and the blade to start where it should.

I voted for the ESEE 4, but only for its reputation as a quality knife. I like the size and shape of the Cold Steel SRK. It looks a lot like my Fallkniven S1 which would be my choice if I paired my knives down to 1.

What steel do you have on the SRK? If it's 3V then I'd definitely go with that. Otherwise the ESEE.

quote:

Originally posted by Voshterkoff:
Esee 4, due to aftermarket and ease of mounting it aside from on a belt. Saying that, I have one, and honestly I am soured on blades with a finger choil. I prefer the handle to end where it should, have some level of finger guard, and the blade to start where it should.

This, 100%. This is going to seem silly, but if it didn’t have the choil, it wouldn’t need the choil. Let me “choke up” on the blade with the handle, safely. I’ve started using my Cold Steel Master Hunter more than my ESEE 3 for this reason, though I prefer the 3’s blade and sheath system. For this reason, in the OP’s scenario, I’d consider the SRK over the ESEE 4.

quote:

Originally posted by WKirk:
What steel do you have on the SRK? If it's 3V then I'd definitely go with that. Otherwise the ESEE.

SK-5.

I have an older US made SRK and a s35v stainless esee 4. I don’t have a Gerber but it is made in USA. But I do have plenty of fixed blades but I use my esee 4 a lot. Voted esee.

That would be hard choice for me since I have a weekday and weekend answer for that.

Weekdays I have a White River Backpacker Pro that has mostly replace my Izula. A box opener and cutter that gets the most usage time of any knives for me.
I need something that can fit in my pocket.

Then there is the outdoors and yard work version that is an Esee 6 or Gerber pilot knife, depending on my cutting needs that day.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
That would be hard choice for me since I have a weekday and weekend answer for that.

Weekdays I have a White River Backpacker Pro that has mostly replace my Izula. A box opener and cutter that gets the most usage time of any knives for me.

My choice is the White River Sendero for any hiking or woods travel.
I have other fixed blades for EDC.

Hard to vote without the scale and blade materials.

I like cold steel in general. But, if you are selling two of the three you have, I would keep the best steel and the most delightful scales.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
I voted for the ESEE 4, but only for its reputation as a quality knife. I like the size and shape of the Cold Steel SRK. It looks a lot like my Fallkniven S1 which would be my choice if I paired my knives down to 1.

The Fallkniven S1 has always been my Grail knife. Maybe this Christmas.

I would have to choose the Gerber Strongarm

It is made in the USA, a variety of styles, decent blade steel and decent sheath.
It also reminds me of a Becker Campanion FDE or Short Drop Point.

I saw a ton of soldiers have them in Afghanistan and Fort Irwin NTC and they used them more like sharpened crowbars than knives. They held up extremely well.

98% of soldiers are not knife afficienatos, so they use and abuse them with no care in the world. The Gerber held up extremely well.

I like ESEE knifes, but with certain handles. I tried a #4 numerous times but it didn't fit my hand. I have a #3 which I ordered with the longer handle.

I have a Cold Steel Recon Tanto that I bought 24 years ago and never used.

I keep saying if I deploy again, I will get this knife or that knife but in all reality I will probably get either a KBAR/Becker or the Gerber to complement my ESEE 3

In all reality I really do need more of a sharpened crowbar.

All three of those are great knives, as are most of the others mentioned in this thread. I voted with my wallet for the ESEE-4 w/ CPM S35VN a couple of years ago.