Finally getting around to ordering a fixed blade for camping and day hiking. The 4hm looks really nice, but the 6hm looks a bit more useful overall, because of the added weight/chopping ability. But a friend told me that the 6hm might be too spooky to others that I hike with, and would just be overkill. I was thinking to get the 6hm, and then get the 3hm later on to go with it, but I am still very conflicted. The 4hm seems like a really nice size as well. This would be my first fixed blade, and I know many people are very loyal to the 4 or the 6. Opinions? thanks
both are great, but if you've never had a fixed blade before, it's easier to learn fine motor skills with the 4HM.
Agreed. The 4hm has some heft still, dont be fooled by the specs. That said.. the 6 is not a "scary tactical survival" blade.. its a work horse and rides pretty discrete depending how you carry. Id go for a hm6 with an izula 1 or 2
Don't worry what other people think is overkill. But I vote the 4hm for a first time fixed blade. Then a Junglas2.
I would recommend taking a look at the ESEE 4 in stainless steel. A lot of people like 1095 but they take some maintenance oiling/sharpening whereas the stainless model is always just easy to use and tuck away until next time...
Any 1095 - 4" Esee... Original, HM or PR4. I'd bet you'd carry the 4" on your hip more comfortably than the 6".
For hiking I find the 4HM perfect. You can always get the 3HM and 6HM later and will have the perfect trio.
You won't regret either. But since you said first fixed blade, I say go big. You probably have folding knife that would accomplish most tasks that a 4 inch blade is designed for. Only another knife guy is going to notice the difference between a 4 and 6 hanging off your pack or belt while out hiking. I like the Candiru for hiking - LOL. No extra weight.
Knives are always a trade off. Big knives do big stuff better. Small knives do small stuff better. If you choose a knife for what you will be doing 10% of the time. You will Be unhappy 90% of the time. If you choose a knife for what you will be doing 90% You will be happy 90% of the time. If you are going to be chopping a lot, the 6 makes good sense. If you are going to be slicing peppers and onions and spreading peanut butter, the 4 may be better suited to your needs. The HM6 is a big knife, pictured here with HM3, and 2.5 WIth beer bottle for scale, Side by side, It will definitely work for food prep. Just not with the finesse of the smaller blades,