@Jacob2 … ok, so is Damascus really not practical? Or is it just going to be more expensive or harder to find,?
Trying to weigh one thing against another… performance in what aspect?
@Zee
Damascus is actually a process, you use two different types of steel, layer them, heat them, then beat the snot out of them until you have them mixed together making interesting patterns. (Yup! These are the umm, technical, yes technical terms)
The better the steel, the harder it is to make, and the more expensive. This is why the best Damascus blades are custom and sell for upwards of four figures.
If you know a reputable blade smith willing to customize a damascus knife for you then that would be your best bet on getting one like that. As far as taking care of, I’m not sure how easy they are to sharpen.
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@Zee, shhh, don’t quote me but there’s a discussion where Dawn is giving away $1000 for a gun. If you buy a really expensive knife, maybe she won’t notice it wasn’t for a gun 
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Pretty sure I just sent @Zee into a knife coma. Spammed her inbox with different knives. 
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See this is why I love you guys, always ready to help me spend my money.
Wisely.
All of it.
Unless I’m spending @Dawn’s money 
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What’s the new “like” limit? I think @Zee is about to hit it.
I really didn’t expect her to “like” every link I sent with a knife on it…
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Hold the phone! How did I get roped into this??
That post was IF we were to give you $1000, NOT I’m going to give you $1000. 
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I don’t know why you aren’t jumping in with both feet, it’s on sale right now! 
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@Zee I have Josh Weston from Forged in Fire making me a knife now. He’s also making one for the K9 charity I solicit funds and donations for.
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Ooooo… nice!
I tend to avoid modern buck knives and opt usually for a Ka-bar for larger bladed knives. But my favorite shorter-blade fixed blade knife is the Buck 632 Mesa.
Amazon has one from a third party seller, $75 as of time of posting. Walmart is where I got mine, probably at least a little cheaper, and you could see it in person. I was so surprised by its quality that after losing one, I bought another, no hesitation.
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Not to steal @Zee’s discussion but wondering what the experts think of these Cold Steel fixed blades on sale at KnifeCenter? 3.75 inch blade, Japanese AUS 8A Stainless Steel, handle looks like it is made for secure gripping. Choice of Tanto, Skinner, or Bowie styled blades.
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Cold Steel makes some decent products and some really good ones. All I can say is try it out.
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@Spence, thanks for the reply. In my on line searching I’ve come across that Japanese AUS 8A steel is some where in the mid range of quality steel. I was thinking for $30 it might be worth a shot.
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As a knife maker, consider your application. Useful mostly for utility but versatile enough for defense. Comfortable and good to grip. I would not recommend anything with a finger ring (like a karambit) unless you are proficient in use. A simple design that can be concealed easily, but still be practical for every day use.
This is simple design that I’m making for a customer for every day use. The blade is 4.5".
THIS IS NOT A SELF PROMOTING MESSAGE
Since it’s for the very purpose you are thinking about, it might help in your decision making! Have fun @Zee
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@Matt_W, thank you that’s practical advice… link is not working for me, can you update it?
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@Matt_W That looks beautifully balanced
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