5"-7" fixed recommendations

I

idevist8

Joined
Mar 27, 2008
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I've been looking around for a fixed blade, 5-7 inches to carry while camping, hiking, ect... I just need an all around knife that I can use a lot and that can help me out of a jam if I'm ever in one, (without breaking). I don't know a ton about knives, but I really like the more tactical inspired ones. A couple that have grabbed my attention just while looking around have been the Wilson Tactical Model 1 and 2, and also the CRK green beret 5.5 or the Pacific. I haven't been able to find too many reviews on Wilson Tactical knives, so if anyone has any, lets hear them. The best knife for the money is ideal, and I would like to stay under $400. So please give me some recommendations.

Thanks all!
 
The Swamp Rat Ratmandu, with a blade just over 5" is a favorite of mine in that size. Rumor is, some more will soon be released. Very tough 52100 steel. Best leave it coated as this steel rusts easily. I stripped this one, so I keep it coated with Tuf Cloth. The Ontario RAT-5 is another good one, but I am pesonally boycotting Ontario right now. I don't have one yet, but I read good things about the Fallkniven S1.
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The Scrap Yard Dumpster Mutts are very tough S7 steel with cushy Res C handles. Another batch of these will be released soon. The blades are 1/4" thick.
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Bill Siegle has some nice ones, CS SRK, Busse Satin Jack (if you can find one), Dozier Wilderness, Swamp Rat Camp Tramp. And some of the previously mentioned ones...
 
Bark river rogue bowie has very nice woodworking and chopping capability for its size and its also a good slicer for cutting meat and cooking.
It can outchop much larger and heavier knives and it is precize enough for finer woodcraft.

Jaro
 
Chris Reeve MkVI, there are few better made around and the price is right as well.

CR800.jpg
 
You have a lot of choices are available under 400$. Depends mostly of the price you want to pay and the style.

For more tactical, I would go with (in order of price): Ranger , Scrapyard, Swamp Rat and Busse.

For the moment, my wallet only allows me to own a Ranger RD6 and I love it...

Or you could get a WSK (wilderness and survival knife), you could get a TOPS Tracker or a Koster WSK for under 400$
 
While all mentions so far are very good knives, you might try something from a forum member to support them. Bill Siegle, Dan Koster, Brian Goode, and Phillip Patton all come to mind.
 
I'd say a Bark River Bravo-1 - a good compromise between a camp knife, all-around, and a tactical. Black, green, or natural canvas Micarta are pretty good. (Bravo-1 is knife on top. About $140 in Micarta....more or less))
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If the Bravo-1 isn;t tactical enough, and in addition to the other blades mentioned above, I'd recommend a Benchmade Nimravus (BM140. About $110).
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You can get a Chinese made Schrade Survival Extreme for seventeen dollars. Dont let the price fool you. Its a big heavy knife , hammer, nail puller, the sheath has pockets to carry a lighter or fire starter. Its a good deal. Its sharp and easy to hone. Lop off small branches with ease. A lot heavier than a USMC Kabar. Full tang blade. Ive read where it is 440 stainless but wont vouch on it.
 
ZT 0100--I don't own one, but intend to. MSRP just under $300, but available for about $235 if you check around. CPM 3V steel, very tough while still having pretty good edge-holding. DLC-coating--the best coating you can get to my knowledge, with sufficient hardness to resist scratching. Handles appear to be removable for cleaning (not sure about that). If so, that to me is a plus that is missing from many high-dollar knives.
 
Wow. Lots of excellent suggestions.

I'll put my vote in for Striders. They're rugged and stainless (S30V). It took time for me to warm up to the Strider BT but after using it for several years it has become one of my favorite fixed blades. Yes, it's a sharpened prybar but it's also a fine knife. They are 6.25 inches from tip to the front of the hilt.

Strider MT
Strider BT
Strider VB
 
You can also get a Strider WP that's a bit more compact at 4". It falls below your length limit but I think you'll find that it carries well and can handle the duties of a 5" blade very easily.

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Why are strider knives so expensive? They just seem to be a shapened and shaped piece of decent S30V steel with a parachord handle. Seems blocky and uncomfortable. I don't doubt they are good knives, but they look like they should be between $100-$200
 
CS Bushman,
Mora 2000, SAK, Hatchet. Probably get the whole load for $75 or so.
 
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