I am looking for a very sturdy 4" (8.5" OAL 3/16 thick) EDC fixed blade. Not necessarily stainless. I am not sure what SRKW or Busse offers in this range?
Also I have not seen anyone comment or share any experience w/ Fehrman compared to Bussekin. I am potentially interested in the Peace keeper Any info and suggestions appreciated
Thanks

I have several to recommend. The Swamp Rat HRLM, Scrap Yard Yard Keeper, RAT Cutlery RC-4, Bark River Bravo-1, Ontario TAK-1, or Mora Army model.

I would also say the RAT Cutlery RC-4 or a Ranger Knive RD4.

scrapyard has the ss4 or yardkeeper, and swamprat has alot of knives that will fit that range. (as well as busse)
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

YKCG or ss4(if you can find it).

mora.

+1 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The same suggestions I would have are above. Welcome to the Yard Dean.

Welcome to the Yard Dean.

The 4" blade Fehrman Peace Maker in 3/16" thick CPM-3V steel is an outstanding little knife and I really like mine a lot BUT- the CG Yard Keeper in SR77 Is the one I use much more often. It is tough and easy to sharpen and cost 1/2 the cost of the Fehrman Peace Maker (even on the secondary market). The Fehrman holds its edge longer but the edge will chip with hard use and is much (for me) harder to sharpen (especially in the field). The SW Howling Rat is a wonderful knife but the current secondary market prices put it close to the Fehrman in cost. The 4" Busse blades in INFI are more expensive than the Fehrman but they are INFI steel and in my opinion are superior to anything out there but the cost you pay for the extra performance has to be considered. Also the newer 12C27 steel has impressed me on some of the new knives coming from BRKT and mora. These blades are tough and easy to sharpen as well. The mora type blades in this steel are very good performers in the field and are very reasonably priced. Most of these have a bit thinner blade than the CGYK or Busse family blades and I personally have found that for hard use in the field I prefer the 3/16" thicker Busse family blades OVERALL. All of the Busse family knives/steels are easier to sharpen in the field than CPM 3v.

Bottom line (in my opinion) if you are going to use the knife a lot in the field, and you want a great and proven 4" blade for $100 or less, get a Yard Keeper CG. If money is no object, - Busse or Swamp Rat.

Welcome, Dean.

SYKCO: Yard Keeper CG, or SS4

Swamp Rat: HRLM, or Swamp Warden

Busse Combat: Active Duty, Meaner Street or Game Warden

Rat Cutlery RC-4 and Bark River Bravo-1. Good quality, good warranty, and good people running the company.