$40 survival knife???

H

happyhunter

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Aug 16, 2005
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My 10 year old son wants a survival type knife. He has about $40 to spend. He was looking at a Buck 119 Special. I am not too familiar with Buck knives. How will that hold up to fire starting and shelter making? Can you recommend a knife in the $40 range?

Thanks!!!
 
A Benchmade 10510 gamer fixed blade is nice also, for $30 dollars it has 440c stainless blade and its perfect for starters. But if you really want toughness, carbon blade is the way to go and you can't beat a Becker for its price.
 
The Buck 119 would make a fine knife, I think I would prefer however a BK10 or a BK7.
 
That's got to be some big 10 year old to get his hand around the handle of a Becker! :D

Nimravus Nut, I think you picked a good one in the Gamer. Stainless isn't a bad way to start. It's a good size. It's a slicer, not a sharpened crowbar.

There are a few good carbon steel blade out there, though. To start with the simplest possible, how about a Cold Steel Bushman, especially the smaller model?

For a more capable survival tool, look at the SOG Revolver, a fixed blade that switches off with a saw.
 
I'd also suggest the Bushman. The hollow handle is very cool, and can allow you to use it as a spearhead or to store smaller items. It's also very sharp, tough, and inexpensive.
 
I really like the Cold Steel SRK (survival rescue knife) but it is going to run about $55 plus shipping at a dicount warehouse on the net or you can get a factory second from Cold Steel for $49 plus shipping. I've bought several of the seconds from CS over the years and they are great for users so don't let the second logo fool you. Too bad he only has around $40 because it is a great knife.

Of course for the money the Buck isn't bad though but the steel is bottom end only at least it does have Bucks heat treatment.

Honestly something shorter than both of these knives may be better suited for a ten year old. Something in a tip heavy convexed grind that would still chop well because of the blade thickness and forward heft but be easier to control as well as sit down with it on his belt like a Bark River Micro or Mini Canadian. Actually these are hunting knives but there are many reports of how these knives wear a few hats so they could easily fit into the survival/hunter/camping categories. There have been a few used on the forums lately for around what your son has to spend. I'm not sure what they run new though. I did find this price with a quick search so maybe with some effort one can be found pretty close to what you have to spend. These are great little knives IMO.

http://hillbillysales.zoovy.com/product/BA133CMD?META=froogle-BA133CMD

STR
 
Mora fixed and opinel folder for less than $40. There are a lot of good blades out there, but these offer some serious bang for the buck. I like ragweedforge.com, he has a good selection and other interesting stuff. :thumbup:
 
Camillus/Becker BK-10 Crewman.
Benchmade 10510 Gamer Fecas.
Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter.
Buck Nighthawk.
Grohmann #1.

Any of these are good choices in the $50 price range.
 
The Buck 119 is a nice knife - I think any boy would be thrilled to have one. The Buck Pathfinder and Buck Woodsman are the same style of knife, but perhaps better sized for a ten year old. The Buck Special is just over $40; the other Pathfinder and Woodsman are just under $40.

Definitely browse Ragweed Forge - they have a huge selection of Scandanavian-style fixed blade knives, many under $40. At least one brand has smaller-sized knives with full guards designed especially for young people.

Happy shopping,
Bob
 
Try a short Ka-Bar with a leather handle. The blade is carbon steel, which means it will rust. However, teach your son to properly care for a knife and that will not be a problem. If you search around, the short Ka-Bar can be found for $40-$50. It is a great investment, as the knife is very well made, and the carbon steel takes a great edge. The leather handle will fit well in your son's hand, and not cause discomfort after long use.

1251_large.jpg


Above is a picture of the short Ka-Bar

If you cannot find a Ka-Bar, try a pilot survival knife by Camillus. This knife is similar to the Ka-Bar, but has a thicker guard, and a toothed spine for notching. It is also a carbon steel blade. It costs about $35-$45.

5733b.jpg


Above is an image of the Camillus pilot survival knife

The Buck 119 Special is well-built and has a great sheath, but the blade steel is not of the best quality. I agree with most of the knives mentioned by others, with one exception: do not buy a Benchmade 10510 Gamer. This knife has a very thin, uncomfortable handle that would be painful to use for long. It also may be too wide for your son's hand, and the sheath is poorly constructed.

These are just some suggestions that I make based on personal experience. I hope you find a sturdy blade for your son.

TheSurvivalist
 
You might also take a look at the Benchmade Rant, not typically thought of as a "survival" knife, but pretty stout.
 
I recomend the bk10. I have just purchased it and used it on a couple logs outside, and its still sharp. The coating is really great to. I bought mine for 55 bucks thats with shipping. I got it at theknifeconnection.com great costumer service, and fast shipping. I also have the ontario specs plus sp8 pretty good. got it on ebay for 50 including shipping. sak ruck sack 23 bucks with shipping on ebay
 
Ed Ricketts said:
Mora fixed and opinel folder for less than $40. There are a lot of good blades out there, but these offer some serious bang for the buck. I like ragweedforge.com, he has a good selection and other interesting stuff. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Nothing but the truth in that statement!

The wood handle mora is used by a heck of alot of bushcraft intructors. Team it up with a small 12 inch machete and you have a combo that will do survival duty anyplace on earth.
 
The CS Bushman is a great starter knife. It works well, sharpens easily, and if something happens to it, you're not out much money.
 
I'll also vote for the COld Steel recommendations, both the Bushman, in either size, or the SRK. You can get the SRK at http://www.cheaperthandirt.com for $45 plus shipping. It's listed under the "Knives" section, in the "Cold Steel" subdirectory, as the " 6" Plain Blade Survival Rescue Fixed Knife". I have one and it's an excellent knife, especially as a quality introductory blade.

The Buck 119 is a decent knife (although, I prefer carbon steel and thicker blades, myself), but the paper Micarta handle may be rather slick for your son... may not, but might be. I'd suggest researching the various choices you've been given here on the forums and ask your son's input, too. He just may have a particular idea about what he wants :) Happy hunting, for both of you!
 
For a 10 year old? I would suggest a decent SAK. The term "survival knife" is pretty relative. Most knives termed this are usually not very high quality. I worked in survival equipment in the AF for 8 years active duty (before becoming disabled). A survival knife is only as useful as in the hands it is in, that is the person with the knowledge. A good SAK makes a fine survival knife. Not expensive, but very useful and light. Contrary to popular opinion a big knife does not consitute a good survival knife. Some of the knives we had in survival kits were as small as the old colonial issue stockmans (under 3 inches). A SAK with a saw makes a great survival knife, very "utilitarian".

Heres a link to some SAK's at smoky:

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...inox&Mode=Text&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=V592701

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...rinox&Mode=Text&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=V5900R

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...rinox&Mode=Text&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=V53261

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...rinox&Mode=Text&Brand=&PriceStart=&SKU=V54525
 
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