Maybe the Ka-Bar BK2 ? It's a bit heftier, but it's pretty close to meeting your criteria. I like mine, and they seem to be almost universally well spoken of.
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/KAB...BK2/KA-BAR-BK2-Becker-Companion-Fixed-525-inch-Carbon-Steel-Blade-Hunting-Knife

 

You could look at the ESEE Laser Strike for a few bucks more.
The Ontario Blackbird is a pretty nice knife though & worth what I paid for it:

It's certainly not the greatest knife there is but it's not bad at all.
You just need to take internet reviews for what they're worth...which isn't much in a lot of cases.
Of course if you've already made up your mind that you don't like it,you won't like it.
If the blade thickness concerns you then you probably won't be happy with it.

People certainly have their opinions on carbon vs SS blades.
The Blackbird uses 154CM SS & mine has held up very well.
I'm not sure what you mean by the canvas showing through on the handles.
They look about the same as most any micarta handles when they're new.
After you actually use them they look different,just like most any other micarta handles.

Of course your Vanguard is nothing to laugh at if it works for you.

Cliff

 

The Blackbird might deserve a second look before you dismiss it so quickly. Not long ago I bought a Kephart from Condor T&K and liked the design far more than ever thought imaginable. The blade shape is quite versatile and the Blackbird is Ontario's heftier version of a Kephart. Granted, the Condor model is carbon while the Blackbird is not. Yet I think a Blackbird will be a great outdoors knife. Honestly, I just ordered it and have been waiting for the Blackbird to get here. Yet if the knife works like the Kephart, it's not likely to disappoint.

 

I have done deep research on this knife and decided my next purchase will be the Blackbird SK5. I've been on the opposite side of the fence on big thick knives. I'm looking for a thin blade, 5" in length, steel is of no matter. The Blackbird is made of 154CM a USA made steel (Crucible Particle Metallurgy CPM) at .130" thickness, and the sheath is made by Hedgehog leather, another USA company. Ontario Knife Company is American owned so it's an all USA Made product...the SK5 is on my wish list.

DomC

 

A few things.........

I've been looking at reviews of this knife. People act like it's just the greatest but I've yet to understand why.

I own it, have used it alot. And you are right, it isn't the greatest, but it suits my needs very well. A stainless steel, fine grain metal, light back up knife.

I really like the shape of the blade except that it's ~1/8" thick (like a Mora) compared to some similar knives that are ~3/16" or ~1/4" thick. Of course, full tang is nice.

It's not 1/8, it's somewhere in between 3/16 and 1/8.

I'd prefer a good high carbon steel instead of a stainless or nearly stainless.

You prefer High Carbon. Get high carbon, it will be stronger, and you will be happier

The handle looks pretty cheesy to me with the canvas (?) showing through.

The canvas showing through is for grip, and yes it is really a much better traction than something like a BarkRiver(most anyways?)

Now don't laugh but I like my Buck Vanguard better than I think I would like the Ontario Blackbird and I got my Vanguard for about 1/3rd the price of what the Blackbird would cost me and, IIRC, the blade is about 50% thicker.

That buck........ The steel is worse, the geometry isn't the same, the traction is worse, and I believe that blade is a rat tail tang. It's just not comparable. Seems like it serves a different purpose.

They say you get what you pay for but I say that sometimes you don't get what you pay for. I think this is an example of that.

This is in no way shape or form an example of that. This knife runs about $110 total, and is every bit worth the value. But you listed down the line all the Pro's as Con's. You just don't like that kinda knife. I would agree with you in full that this is not the knife for you. You look at it and see crap, I see this as a knife that is on the upper end of middle class knives.


Hope you didn't see this as trolling, just trying to be helpful. Hope you find the knife for you

 

Hope you didn't see this as trolling, just trying to be helpful. Hope you find the knife for you

No trolling detected at all. Thanks for the help.

 

I have the Blackbird (for a couple of years ?). I have never used it. I realized after I purchased it, that I do not like stainless steel blades. I have a few other knives, but my favorite one is the Buck Punk.

 

Very nice...China? And I see it is conveniently carried in Walmart.

 

Starting to have that BF feel to it around here.

 

I went with this one - Brusletto Vassfaret. It should arrive in a couple of days.

https://www.ragweedforge.com/vassfarett.jpg

 

I really like the Becker BK-2 for the money it is a very good blade. It is also very easy to mod a little if you like, the grips are a point I changed on mine.

 

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2011/08/review-ontario-blackbird-sk-5-survival-knife <= review

http://www.hedgehogleatherworks.com/product-p/h-at.htm <= leather sheath

http://ontarioknife.com/catalog/new-products.html?categorylayout=0 <= ontario knife

 

I ordered the Brusletto Vassfaret late Friday afternoon and it arrived today (Monday). I'm out in the boonies and things usually take an extra 1 to 2 days to arrive. I don't know how he did it but that was super fast.

The knife is amazing. It's very stout and compact. Built like a little tank!

In its sheath it securely slides into the longer narrow pocket on the leg of my carpenter's jeans just as I had hoped. It will be great to have on the farm, in the woods, and other locations.

I had been looking for a knife like this in high carbon steel but the stainless steel is plenty good enough for me.

This is definitely a winner!

https://www.ragweedforge.com/vassfarett.jpg

 

I agree about the thinner blade. I like ESEE stuff, but there is no reason a blade needs to be so thick. For everyday camp chores, a thinner blade is better - and my WWII Kabar MK I has held up just fine, thanks. I'm going to look into the Blackbird now.

 

Take a look at the Esee 3. Hell of a slicer, and best general camp knife as far as I'm concerned.

 

I have the Blackbird SK-5 and love it. Not every great knife is for everyone.

You have to find what best fits your preferences, skills, and needs. The Becker BK2 is another choice that is much more beefy if that better suits you.