Poking around this forum is a very dangerous thing to do. I always seem to find something else to get <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Was looking at getting a small fixed blade to add to my EDC. Narrowed it down to 3.

1.Benchmade Activator
2.Gene Ingram SLK Pocket knife in S30V .155 thinkness
3.Bark River Knife and Tool Mikro-Canadian

Any favorites????

Now I just read about the new Ritter knife!!!!!! X-mas does come twice a year.

I admit prejudice because I designed the Mikro - here's a couple of my favorites -





However, if you're considering custom, here's one Charlie May and I collaborated on, the FireAnT -



Here's a link to Charlie's website for more info: http://charlesmayknives.blademakers.com/

M

I like the shape of that FireAnT.

I've eyed both the Bark River and Benchmade knives you mentioned, but so far haven't been tempted enough to buy.

I DO, however, own several Gene Ingram knives, the SLK being one of my favorite models for EDC.

Gene's workmanship is utterly first rate, and his prices are way low. In other words, I think the SLK offers the best value of all the knives you listed.

In addition, the SLK is one of those "just right" designs for EDC. The size and shape are perfect, and Gene makes a great pocket sheath.

Bear

You're lucky. I just last weekend bought my first good fixed blade which arrived by post this morning. I would have waited if I'd known Doug was planning one.

The one I got, after many hours reading the forums, was a Fällkniven WM1 Sport. I wanted something simple but strong, with clean lines that would be easy to keep clean, and wouldn't look too threatening. Now that I have it I am realising I should have asked for a longer blade. This one is as long as the mini-RSK (about 2 3/4") but as thick as the full RSK. It seems like a good, well-made knife. I suspect I'll end up buying the new Ritter as well.

I have a number of Gene Ingram's knives including the SLK. I set my SLK up in a neck pouch but it would be very good as a pocket fixed blade too. Every one of my Ingram's has been a pleasure to own...super guy to work with, nice choices in handle materials and superb craftsmanship on both the blades and the sheaths.

I have one of his new ones....his EDC, which has a very similar profile to the SLK but just a bit longer overall. Mine is for belt carry but I could easily do this as pocket carry too. This in green jigged bone and D2.



The Charles May looks very good too, much like the SLK profile.

For the prices Gene charges I would definately go custom.

do you have a link for the Ingram knives?
thanks

Ingram Knives

Pete

Schwert,

Charlie May's quality and materials are right there on par with Gene's. Both are fantastic craftsmen and true gents to deal with - a great pair to call "Friend"...

M

It seems that the Benchmade Activator isn't a fan favorite. Any particular reason? Thanks for the Chales May link Sgt. I was curious if him and Mr. Ingram work out of the same studio's? Their work looks very similar (At least from the pics). On the Mikro's convex grind I heard it takes a different sharpening method, is this true? Does the A2 stand up to corrosion well? I live near the ocean and a couple of my blades that are not stainless develope rust in 2 days of storage (you should see me truck, poor girl) How thick is the Mikro blade? I appreciate the help on this forum. I believe another user has a sig. saying that "I'm to poor to buy something twice" I fully agree. I will always take a sentence of real world experience over a multi-page brochure any day. Thanks again. Stay safe.

I have the Benchmade and I love it, it is small, light, comfortable to use, the S30V stays sharp, and looks great. However it may not be good as an outdoor knife because the blade doesn't have much of a flat belly, so it isn't very well suited to carving tasks and it doesn't have the sharp point a lot of people like. The blade shape is however a very good skinner shape and it does very well with normal edc tasks (opening boxes, mail, slicing out articles, ect)

If you like Benchmades there is a new Snody neck knife soon to be out that is excellent. Just wait a little while until it is released.

JAF,

The Mikro in A2 @ .150" blade thickness holds up reasonably well to corrosion, but I know what you're talking about. I fish the VA tidewaters as much as finances will allow me to travel. Hence, we offer the Mikro II in Sandvik 12C27 @ .125" blade thickness. BRKT's proprietary heat treatment drives 12C27 to very respectable edge holding characteristics. Both blades are convexed, but sharpening is certainly not difficult, it's actually very easy to do. Here's a link to a decent convex sharpening tutorial...

http://home.nycap.rr.com/sosak/convex.htm

M

I looked at the Benchmade Activator yesterday, when I was in Blade Show. I HAD thought about buying one a few weeks back, but when I was actually feeling it, the blade was WAY too thick for a short length. At least, for me <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I bought a Sebenza, another Massey blade (4" length 52100 blade with sheep horn handle), and a John Fitch 5" (sort of) damascus bowie..., and I don't any of them were as thick as the Benchmade Activator <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />