7in. Combat/Utility/Outdoor/Multipurpose.. HELP!

mogmz

mogmz

Joined
Sep 1, 2002
Messages
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Ok, i need to know everyones opinion on the best knife that meets the following requirements-


* will be used for- medium prying, chopping, field dressing, cutting rope, ect.
* stainless to semi-stainless
* around a 7in blade
* $300.00 or under (under is nice ;), but this will be a do-it-all knife that should last a lifetime)
*full tang construction

Well that about sums it up. Oh, and as Mr. Scott Cook knows, this is a knife that i plan on getting in 5 or so months (along with his Owyhee Hunter when i can afford to buy more toys) so i have awhile to look around and make my decision.

And by 'everyones opinion' i mean 'WHAT YOU WOULD GET'
 
I read about a knife that fits your description on another thread, but with the search option disabled I can't locate it right now.

It is a knife called the "Raven", and is a semi-custom knife by Simovich or Simonvich - I can't remember how to spell the guy's name. Anyhow, it was a combat/utility type with a 7 inch blade made from S30V stainless steel, which is said to be an excellent stainless steel.

The price for the Raven is $299. Sorry I can't remember the details. Maybe another member can tell you the website.

For alot less money there is the Next Generation Kabar in D2 semi-stainless. The Swamp Rat Camp Tramp is very popular, but the steel isn't stainless.

Emerson is supposed to come out with an integral guard fighter in 440C, but I haven't seen it advertised yet.

I just bought a Timberline Zambezi with 440C blade, and it is a very strong and well-designed knife. I'm not too crazy about the sheath, though.

Alot of people like the Fallkniven A1 survival knife, with a VG-10 blade.
 
I would suggest a Busse SteelHeart ($297), but the steel isn't considered "Stainless".
It has the same rust-resistance as ATS-34, though.

The Simonich Raven is an amazing knife. www.simonichknives.com

added:
What I would get? I'd save up a little more and get a Strider.
 
I was going to suggest the BK7 combat/utility. Not as sexy as some of the others mentioned but one helluva knife for the $$$.
 
Besides the semi-stainless part, I think you're describing either the Becker 7 or Becker 9 ;)
 
Get a BK7.or two...or three. The sheath alone is worth the price.

or get a bunch of CS Bushman knives.

Why spend too much dough on something you are gonna actually use.
 
Smith & Wesson make one, I think it is called HRK or HRT. I have not used it but in handling it I was amazed at it's comfort. It is 440c and relatively inexpensive. It is available at Kinfe center, there is a picture too.

I think SRKW would be excellent, Chris Reeve Projects are in your price range, too. Not stainless though.

Why stainless anyway? Go with carbon steel, and increase your choices.

Regardless of choices, I doubt you'll beat a Busse Steel Heart, though.

Jim
 
The Busses seem indestructible and the Timberline, Falkniven and Becker products don't suck either. I'm quite sure that any one of them would outlive most folks stuck in tough circumstances. They're up to the task no matter what it is. Survival would come down to local turmoil and user knowledge, not weakness in any of these knife designs.

For me, I got a Lile Combat. A beautiful 7" D2 clip point fighting Bowie sort of blade. It's got a full tapered tang and seems to dance in my hand. It's got a great balance. The black linen Micarta should take any abuse I hand it, although it could get slick under certain circumstances. The overall shape of the handle seems like it would be easy to retain even when wet and slippery.

Lile Knives also makes a model called the Grey Ghost that might not be as pretty as the Combat, and only has a 6" blade, but is probably about as tough as a knife gets.

Then there's the new Chris Reeves Yarbourough Special Forces design. I got to handle a prototype at Blade West a few weeks ago. Oh My! Everything you loved about the One-Piece line and then some (except the hollow handles).

jmx
 
The description in the title SCREAMS Becker Knife and Tool 7 Combat Utility!! A deal at about $50!!
The description in the post screams SIMONICH mid-tech Raven. 7" of Paul Bos treated S30V that can take ANYTHING you throw at it!! A deal at $299!:eek:
 
Thanks, Schtik and Jason. I could not remember exactly how to spell SIMONICH or the Mid-Tech company name.

I have that S&W HRT Jim mentioned. The design is geared toward chopping. There is a slight khukuriesque bend in the blade. It is an excellent knife for the money, going for $50 - $60 from internet dealers.
 
Strider MT, or for $25 more you can, like Mc Donalds go large and get the MT-L, comes with a Special Operation Equipment sheath. Will post a picture later if you want. Take care. Dean
 
Eric,

Let us know what you end it with. Like you I have been in search of the same type of knife with the same intentions. I have no doubt that I own at least one that fulfills the above stated requirements, but like so many of us, I remain afflicted with the sickness of the never ending chase for a better blade. I have the Satin Jack, the Steel Heart, CRK, Becker, etc. you get the picture. I have the SJ absolutely scarey sharp, and have been carrying it during the hunting season. I really like most characteristics of the knife, but it may be a bit thick to really do as well at slicing as it would if it were just a little thinner. Of course you give up some of your prying and maybe digging capabilities that we try to cover with the ultimate utility knife. So anyway, let us know what you decide, 'cause there sure are a lot of great knives available, and I like most all of 'em.

Phil
 
The knife that you just described/are looking for, IS the SOG Seal 2000.:).
 
I just got the Becker BK-7. I've only held Randalls, Busses & the like, turning blue with envy each time. For the price, I don't think your going to get better than the Becker (I haven't really tested it yet, so don't listen to me.) It's replaced my SRK in the "if I have to own one badass knife that won't take half my paycheck" department. Of course, there's the old K-bar....

Al
 
I don't see anyone recommending the D-2 Kabar. Are there problems with that knife? Seems like a good deal, to me. You get a large knife with excellent steel for $130 - $140. No doubt a Dozier would be much more refined, but Kabar is a good factory brand.
 
Another model to consider is the Fallkniven A1. The VG-10 steel is semi stainless and tougher than many other high tech steels. If you really want a knife for hacking, prying and chopping you may want to reconsider the stainless requirement because most of the knives designed for the purpose use carbon steel. A VG-10 bladed A1, though, would be a siutable choice in a "stainless" knife. Take care.
 
Thanks for all the great incite, I'm looking into every suggestion made. So far i really like the Busse Steel Heart E, and Simonich Mid-Tech Raven. The Strider line also really appeals to me but i do not understand how they have a smaller blade, and made of a not-as-good (in my opinion) ATS-34 (as compared to the S30V Raven) and it costs more..?

One more thing I forgot to mention, I already have a Dozier Pro Guides knife with 4 3/4 blade I'm waiting on. It it going to replace my buck as my main knife for local hunting trips. The larger 7 in. blade I'm looking for will be what Ill carry on those long hikes/camping trips/and out panning for gold ;) where Ill most likely be several hours from any houses or vehicles.
 
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