3/10/17 UPDATE: And the winnder is... Starter Fixed Blade?? Buck/Gerber/Mora/Other?

I wouldn't get the BG. If a gerber is what you want the Strong Arm is the better option and is less, well, embarrassing. The SOG Seal Pup Elite was also mentioned. I'd look at that one as well. That said, if the intent is survival, I've never really understood putting a low price tag on that.....
 
Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming...will check a few of the others out.

The Mora is a good knife, no doubt, and definitely on the 'short list.' The whistle could be added no problem, and while shoddy looking, I have seen people simply drill a hole through the end of the grip for a lanyard.:rolleyes: Of course, no functional pommel, but a that's not a super deal breaker.

ESEE Stainless is a nice knife, for about double the $$ I'm looking to spend. Not a huge fan of the Strong Arm...it's OK, but leaves a lot of blanks.

I don't want to go down the 'you can't put a price on survival' can of worms for the obvious reasons:rolleyes:. If I were made of money, sure, I'd just order up a 2-3 custom made fixed blades from a top maker or INFI for about a grand. These are intended to be STARTER knives. There is no intent to send the users off into the Amazon or SERE school to fend for themselves. I want a basic intro (read economical) fixed blade for them to be able to basically just cut stuff and play around with, learn a couple basic skills. The intent is they'd be accompanying yours truly, and I'd most likely have either my Nexus Sportaco or NMSFNO with me, so the 'high end/heavy duty' fixed blade aspect covered.

All going well, there will be perhaps a RMD or similar in their futures if they actually like knocking about in the woods.

I have time to shop, this doesn't have to be done by the end of the week or anything, so I'll be keeping an eye out for deals.

But from a mature, unbiased, non-hater view, the Pro and the Selkirk both cover a lot of ground for under $70 for what I'm after. The Mora, particularly the Garberg, is a serious contender as well. If I could find a deal to snag a couple around $60 each, I'd probably go that route.

YMMV,
BOSS
 
Another decent no frills option is the Finnish made Enzo necker 70:

Scandi ground 12c27 blade, which is great in both stainless and toughness qualities, decent edge holding and yet relatively still easy to field sharpen:
2.5" blade is more then enough for basic tasks, esp. for smaller people, and micarta handles with lanyard hole.
 
CRKT has an interesting option, the TSR, which is new for 2017. It looks similar to a mora profile and it has some added items inside the handle. It doesn't have the whistle but it does have a lanyard. Pre-order on knifecenter is $58. I think it checks all the boxes but the whistle. Not the best steel with 8cr13MoV but the stuff certainly is usable steel. The sheath looks like it would add a lot of versatility to carry options for the price.

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CR...lade-grn-handles-grn-sheath-mini-survival-kit
 
Some of the Schrade knives that are not going to be made by the new ownership are being discounted now. Pretty good value at reduced prices.

SOG Seal Pup Elite (plain edge) should probably be on your consideration list. It isn't a bad all around knife.
 
hiwa said:
Gerber Strongarm is a good knife ( not brightly colored though ; only coyote and black)
The 420HC holds a good edge and easy to sharpen ; doesn't rust easily.
The grip is really good with the overmold , and the sheath system has a few mounting options and retention is good. Should be around 50-60 bucks..
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I have to agree with hiwa, I ordered that knife because it was only $50, and I don't think getting some orange hockey tape for the handle would be to hard.. If you get a firesteel from Firesteel.com and a small pouch you can carry a small survival kit on the lashing points of the sheath. That entire system if you get the black knife should only cost you:

50 for the knife
10 or less for the firesteel
and around 5-20 bucks for an accessory pouch. That brings your cost to approximently somwhere between $65 and $80. If you choose to add the orange hockey tape than add a few extra dollars.

Best of luck!

-TR
 
Hmm, the Steel Will 2XX-line is looking interesting...doesn't have some things like the bright colors, whistle, etc., but if thebase knife quality/utility is good enough to offset those small missing features that could be incorporated at nominal cost (ie, bright lanyard with whistle), might be worth looking into.

BOSS
 
BOSS1 said:
I don't want to go down the 'you can't put a price on survival' can of worms for the obvious reasons:rolleyes:. If I were made of money, sure, I'd just order up a 2-3 custom made fixed blades from a top maker or INFI for about a grand. These are intended to be STARTER knives. There is no intent to send the users off into the Amazon or SERE school to fend for themselves. I want a basic intro (read economical) fixed blade for them to be able to basically just cut stuff and play around with, learn a couple basic skills. The intent is they'd be accompanying yours truly, and I'd most likely have either my Nexus Sportaco or NMSFNO with me, so the 'high end/heavy duty' fixed blade aspect covered....

But from a mature, unbiased, non-hater view, the Pro and the Selkirk both cover a lot of ground for under $70 for what I'm after. The Mora, particularly the Garberg, is a serious contender as well. If I could find a deal to snag a couple around $60 each, I'd probably go that route.

YMMV,
BOSS
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity...

Are you teaching an adult survival class?
Instructing Boy Scouts?
Just teaching your own kids, while out camping over the course of a few weekends?

To me, it reads as if you are paying for these yourself, out of your own pocket.


I can't speak to most of the knives listed, but I do own a BG Ultimate (1st Gen, not the Pro), and have no complaints so far. The blade has held up quite well to general camp use, and keeps a decent edge. I've used the fire steel on numerous occasions, and as long as I've done MY part, it's always started a fire. Whistle works (it's a whistle, it either does or doesn't... LOL). The only thing I haven't worked hard on it is the pommel... but then again, I'm not doing hard-core survival, and the camper has a hammer inside. I don't abuse mine, but I also don't baby it, and it's treated me well.

The pro is a slightly better steel, is now full-tang, and has a pull through sharpener (easier to use for a novice), so it should be a good step up from my BG.

I'm not saying it's the greatest knife ever invented. But for what it is, and what it sounds like your using it for, it should be up to task for a novice. And while BladeForims may laugh at the BG name and the bright colors, if these are for the 12-17 year old set, who know nothing about knives, those features might be a bonus to them.
 
jaseman said:
Just out of curiosity...

Are you teaching an adult survival class?
Instructing Boy Scouts?
Just teaching your own kids, while out camping over the course of a few weekends?

To me, it reads as if you are paying for these yourself, out of your own pocket.


I can't speak to most of the knives listed, but I do own a BG Ultimate (1st Gen, not the Pro), and have no complaints so far. The blade has held up quite well to general camp use, and keeps a decent edge. I've used the fire steel on numerous occasions, and as long as I've done MY part, it's always started a fire. Whistle works (it's a whistle, it either does or doesn't... LOL). The only thing I haven't worked hard on it is the pommel... but then again, I'm not doing hard-core survival, and the camper has a hammer inside. I don't abuse mine, but I also don't baby it, and it's treated me well.

The pro is a slightly better steel, is now full-tang, and has a pull through sharpener (easier to use for a novice), so it should be a good step up from my BG.

I'm not saying it's the greatest knife ever invented. But for what it is, and what it sounds like your using it for, it should be up to task for a novice. And while BladeForims may laugh at the BG name and the bright colors, if these are for the 12-17 year old set, who know nothing about knives, those features might be a bonus to them.
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These will be out-of-pocket purchases for family use.

I tend to agree with you...BG seems to be a polarizing figure...'nuff said. I for one do not scoff off an item simply because its part of the BG line (tho some items are better than others). It's always interesting when people doing damaging/destructive things are surprised when it results in damage or destruction to an item, especially a lower end/economical item. Gotta remember that, other than the names 'Buck,' or 'Rambo,' vast majority of people know every little about knives. And many have hearts that would skip a beat at the thought of spending what many have have on one blade, let alone a collection. Busse? Hinderer? CRK? Forget it. Those are the sub 1% knife owners.

I do think the Pro represents a significant jump up in quality/performance that is worth the cost difference over the standard knife (tho other's have similar experiences to yours). For all the things parameters I've put out there, to include the smaller things like the lanyard, pommel, etc. thus far, while there have certainly been some solid suggestions, no one has been able to point me to a knife that checks as many of my boxes as the BG Pro does. And as I initially said, I want it to be part of a basic 'grab and go' package...to help offset the 'Umm, I forgot the lighter at home/in the car...' situations.

I too also wonder why Blaze Orange other other hi-viz colors aren't more popular. Outside of real deal mil/LEO's, it really doesn't offer much benefit to have black/brown/green/earth colored knives. Why would you make a critical piece of gear hard to find when dropped? Doesn't make a ton of sense.

And, yes, as these are, as I've said, 'starter' knives...I want less teeth grinding on my end when I hear 'Umm, I left it back at the X,Y,Z...or 'Umm, I lost my knife...' Lot easier to swallow at $60 than $125+.

The BG Pro is still the front runner, but the Steel Will Druids sure seem to offer a lot of appeal. A blaze orange lanyard with some glow beads and a whistle would make for a pretty fine little rig.

BOSS
 
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My youngest son wanted a BG knife a couple years back. It was the Bear Grylls Compact Fixed Blade. He knew the knife wasn't the best one on the shelf at the time, but he wanted it.

It's adequate. The bright orange is easy to spot. It sharpens up okay and holds an edge. He pretty much uses it like I would, as a beater/toy. If he ties it onto the end of a stick and throws it at fish in the riverbed, no great loss.

Some time after that he picked up a little Bear Grylls survival kit. It's a bright orange zipper pouch with some stuff in it. A whistle, some cord, a fire starter, some other trinkets. He didn't spend much on it, and it was his money, so no harm no foul.

If he was heading out into the Olympics for an extended traverse, he wouldn't leave the house with the stuff as he has far better gear to choose from. But for banging around out here in the brush with his buddies, it's serviceable and inexpensive.

This setup would definitely be doable with youngsters learning their way outside the backyard, to start building a skill set. They'll get a sense of what they want next anyways.
 
I've actually grown quite fond of my BG. Like stated, it makes a great beater that, if it gets lost or destroyed, isn't gonna cost a mortgage payment to replace. And non-knife-nuts could care less what name is on it.

I totally agree with the blaze-orange comment. I'm not an operator trying to stay invisible, or keeping the roving zombie hordes from spotting me in the shadows. In fact, the color has helped me locate the knife on more than one occasion. Once when my nephew lost it looking for marshmallow sticks, once when I dropped it in the snow, and once when my wife misplaced it one evening cleaning up around camp. I've put blaze orange tape, cord, or paint on a bunch of camp tools for just this reason, so a knife is no different.

For the money, and your purposes, I say you can't go wrong with the BG Pro. It's like buying Craftsman, Husky, or Stanley tools. Sure, you're not getting Snap-on or Matco quality, but you're also not getting Harbor Freight either.
 
What about an Esee Izula with the survival kit? Comes with Firesteel, sheath, ring, whistle, etc. Costs just under $75 and has no questions asked warranty.

Yes, it is small (I didn't see a size criteria), but you can do a lot with that little guy AND it is solid for EDC as well... I think there is a thread with pics floating around somewhere about a guy field dressing a moose with his? The one that sold me was the Youtube vid of a guy using his to whittle a 2x4 down to nothing in seconds... You should check it out.
 
chris0827 said:
What about an Esee Izula with the survival kit? Comes with Firesteel, sheath, ring, whistle, etc. Costs just under $75 and has no questions asked warranty.

Yes, it is small (I didn't see a size criteria), but you can do a lot with that little guy AND it is solid for EDC as well... I think there is a thread with pics floating around somewhere about a guy field dressing a moose with his? The one that sold me was the Youtube vid of a guy using his to whittle a 2x4 down to nothing in seconds... You should check it out.
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Neat idea, Chris.

You could get the Izula with kit for $66 at USA Made Blade, and wrap the handles with blaze orange paracord.

If somebody manages to break one, the warranty is as good as gold.
 
Ok, Ok, everyone, I have the answer. The Enzo Trapper, can be purchased with a bushcraft sheath that holds a firestarter. Full tang construction with a variety of handle material and blade steels. You can get them for about $125, I know you said $75, so for that you can buy the Enzo trapper kit. It is between $75-$80 depending on the steel. The handles are roughed out, it comes with corby bolt s and a leather dangler sheath. Real easy to put together, glue the handle (if you want), screw it together, grind the screws down and do a finishing sand on the handles. I am not a super handy guy and it took me about 30 minutes and I only needed a metal hand file and sandpaper. Eric at DLT trading carries them. It is an awesome knife, compares well to my Survive 4.0

DjLgkHG.jpg

tilw7Xb.jpg

THKaIrD.jpg

zjqP2uS.jpg
 
onojoe said:
Ok, Ok, everyone, I have the answer. The Enzo Trapper, can be purchased with a bushcraft sheath that holds a firestarter. Full tang construction with a variety of handle material and blade steels. You can get them for about $125, I know you said $75, so for that you can buy the Enzo trapper kit. It is between $75-$80 depending on the steel. The handles are roughed out, it comes with corby bolt s and a leather dangler sheath. Real easy to put together, glue the handle (if you want), screw it together, grind the screws down and do a finishing sand on the handles. I am not a super handy guy and it took me about 30 minutes and I only needed a metal hand file and sandpaper. Eric at DLT trading carries them. It is an awesome knife, compares well to my Survive 4.0

DjLgkHG.jpg

tilw7Xb.jpg

THKaIrD.jpg

zjqP2uS.jpg
Click to expand...

That's definitely worth a look, thanks.

But that Steel Will Druid 200 is looking awful nice:

https://steelwillknives.com/our-knives/outdoor-series/druid-200.html

Boss
 
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onojoe said:
Ok, Ok, everyone, I have the answer. The Enzo Trapper, can be purchased with a bushcraft sheath that holds a firestarter. Full tang construction with a variety of handle material and blade steels. You can get them for about $125, I know you said $75, so for that you can buy the Enzo trapper kit. It is between $75-$80 depending on the steel. The handles are roughed out, it comes with corby bolt s and a leather dangler sheath. Real easy to put together, glue the handle (if you want), screw it together, grind the screws down and do a finishing sand on the handles. I am not a super handy guy and it took me about 30 minutes and I only needed a metal hand file and sandpaper. Eric at DLT trading carries them. It is an awesome knife, compares well to my Survive 4.0

DjLgkHG.jpg

tilw7Xb.jpg

THKaIrD.jpg

zjqP2uS.jpg
Click to expand...

Is that a micarta handle?
 
I think for what you said these knives are going to be used for, for learning knife skills, just cutting basic things, learning camp tasks, simple wood carving, etc - you're overthinking and putting too much emphasis on the full tang requirement.

Get the Bright flourescent colored Mora Light-My-Fire editions, add a $1 whistle, and be done. Even has a lanyard hold and a small lanyard already, 12C27 stainless is good steel, LMF firesteel in the pommel, easy to use for small hands, new knife-users, easy to sharpen, and less than $30 each.

light-my-fire-fireknife-mora-knife-with-a-lmf-9627-p.jpeg
 
BOSS1 said:
Greetings all,

I'm starting to snoop around for a couple of 'starter' fixed blades.

Parameters:

Economical: Sub $75 preferred. (trying to avoid the 'For just a little more $$ you can get X/Y/Z...remember, I need 2-3 of these)
Stainless preferred for ease of maintenance...doesn't have to be the latest/greatest whizbang uber super steel.
Full Tang
Part of 'system' out of the box- integrated fire steel/field sharpener/whistle if possible.
Functional Pommel
Brightly colored to ease in location
Solid traction grip
Functional Design
Commonality: 2-3 of the same knife
Easy to obtain - I don't want to have to search the classifieds for weeks/months...

The two that have kind of caught my eye are the Buck Selkirk and the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife...yes really. (If you're just going to flame on the Gerber, don't bother...really...please don't). The Mora Garberg is also being considered. There are some high value Schrades, but they're a little rougher around the edges than I'd like.

Yes, I'm aware that ESEE/Becker/Bark River/Swamprat/Enzo/etc.etc.etc. all make great knives...but pushing the $100 mark and beyond when you start getting into more components. Again, looking for a basic 'starter' that I can buy, pull out of the box, check the edge (touch up if necessary), put on the belt and go. If they want higher end down the road, we can look into it.

So what say you?

BOSS
Click to expand...

Get whatever knife you want, then a smith survival pocket pal. It has a sharpener, flashlight, whistle, fire steel, diamond rod, and compass.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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