$50 outdoor knife

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kberg

Joined
Feb 4, 2009
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Alright guys, I've been researching bushcraft etc. for the past few weeks. In a couple months a friend and I are going on a camping trip where I'll be able to put some of this theory to the test.

I have a few smaller knives (leatherman multitool, a couple folders) but no large fixed blade. From what I've read, you can't go wrong with a Buck 119, and I do like the look of the knife.

However - perhaps I'm overlooking something? At the risk of sounding stupid (remember, I'm new to this) would a 7 inch Ka-bar be a bad outdoor knife? Specifically, the ka-bar 1211. The reason for thinking about this vs the Buck is that it's high carbon instead of stainless, and it has a reputation for being very tough. I'm not looking for a knife that I won't use, and I don't think I'd feel bad beating up a Ka-bar (that's what it's for, right?)

Let me know what you guys think.
 
I'd go with the ka-bar, or better yeat the becker bk7, kb makes them now. Take a look at those, perfect camp knives.
 
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I'm not personally a big fan of that blade length or grind style for an outdoors blade. I find that they don't chop well at all, and are cumbersome for fine work. However I think there are folks here who do like that length.

To sound like a broken record, something like the Mora 2000 is a great and inexpensive belt knife. Superb slicer/carver and still quite lightweight. If you want something for heavy batoning and chopping, then the nearest things in that price point will be a few kinds of hatchets, the KaBar heavy bowie, and maybe the KaBar Becker line if you spend some more.
 
I'll also suggest a Kabar/Becker BK7. It has the 7" blade that you are looking for and is VERY tough. You will have to shell out another $15 or so, but it will treat you much better than the Kabar fighting knife.
 
I'd go with the kabar. I have a buck 119 that I bought around 1993 and still have it but I only used it once or twice camping when it was new. I didn't like it much but that's just my opinion.
 
Alright guys - question about the bk-7. I googled it and found it listed to have 0170-6C high carbon steel. On the ka-bar/becker site (kabar.com) they show the "Becker 7" combat/utility" which appears to be the same knife, but it's listed with 1095 carbon steel.

I'm guessing that the 0170-6C is an older version and they now come with the 1095 cro-van. If I were to buy this knife, is the difference in steel enough to favor one model over the other? I don't know much about the different types of carbon steel.

And also, other suggestions are welcome. I'm not necessarily limited to a large 7" blade, I wouldn't mind anything above 5 or so. I just don't want to get one that's too small, because it would sort of defeat the purpose of buying the knife since I have 3-4" folders including the ones on my multitool.
 
I would not go with either. It is all a subjective.


Personally, I would take something bigger and cheaper like a machete. A Tramontina bolo machete is around $6 and would out cut either knife. Then I would pair that with a small fixed like a Mora or some such and I would still be under $50 with shipping included.

That is keeping it cheap, my combo is a kershaw outcast and a Fallkniven F-1.
 
Since you have small knives I would pick either of the two that you suggested. I have both and would hate to part with either of them.:D
 
Of the two, the Ka-bar. If you can find a BK7 under $50 do that.:thumbup:

I carry an RC6 and a spyderco military while out, throw in a folding saw and Im good to go.
 
You guys respond quickly - I appreciate all the input.

Fundamentally, do you prefer high carbon vs stainless? I'm not going to be swimming with the knife or anything like that, and from reviews and research it seems like a high carbon is better except that it rusts.
 
A smaller option to consider at half your price point shipped is a Blackjack Grunt. Large enough for light chopping with a forward balance to help, and an in choil grip for finer work.

As for carbon vs. stainless, I've used various types of each in everything from pen knives to full sized choppers, and I've had both perform adequately for my needs. I don't have an issue using either, and regularly carry both types. My main fixed blade users are in H1, N690Co, 5160, 12C27, 1095 and 154CM. All serve me well, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. H1 won't rust, but won't hold an edge quite as well as the 154CM for example.

Generally I'll prefer the carbon tool steels in the Winter because they'll be chopping and batoning a lot of wood, and anything that gets on the blade can easily be rubbed off with snow. Stainless in the warmer seasons, because clearing vegetation is more likely, I sweat a lot (More an issue with folders in the pocket than fixed blades) and snow isn't around to help me clean my blades.
 
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wait till RODAN comes out from Condor Knife and Tool!

This is what i made it for! and it will be around $30 I think.
 
kberg said:
From what I've read, you can't go wrong with a Buck 119, and I do like the look of the knife.
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You sure can go wrong, if you want to chop with it. Classic hunter, not really a camp or survival knife.

To keep it simple, 0170-6C and 1095 cro-van are in the same class of carbon steels, more or less. Either one is a fine choice, so choose the blade design you like better.

Like SpookyPistolero, I'm not a huge fan of mid-length blades, but if that's what you want, Ka-Bar has lots of good options under $100, including the Beckers. Check out Ontario knives too... a similar line and price-range, with some different features.
 
halo2 said:
What do you plan on using it for during the trip?
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General cutting, chopping, possible food prep (if we go somewhere and can fish for/trap some food) and just general outdoor purposes.

James -

Perhaps I'll get a longer machete type blade, and pair that with a smaller fixed (which was one suggestion) if I can't decide on a medium length that I like. The problem is that I don't have tons of outdoor experience and don't know what I'll find more useful.
 
KuRUpTD said:
Hey Joe ... what's the ETA on these ?
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Not sure yet! As soon as I know, everyone else will. I am hoping they will get them made within the month. and then out by next month? gnar.
 
I've found I like the BK-2 more than the BK-7 lately, and that is what I'd choose between the two if I had to choose a cheap all purpose. I convex them though. But I'm more in line with Spooky and Psy on this. I generally prefer carry things designed for more specific purposes; a smaller knife like a Mora or the like coupled with a saw or hatchet.
 
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