A few suggestions...

J

Johan

Joined
Oct 12, 1999
Messages
631
I've been trying to decide on a small camp/hike knife (5" blade). Something no thicker than 3/16" thick with metal or micarta handles-no Kraton!

I've already got a Busse Natural Outlaw as well as a Basic #5, but I'd like something a little thinner. Price range is preferably sub $200.

Right now my main candidate is a Reeve Mountainer. Anybody got any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.
 
The Becker Campanion seems like one hell of a knife. It's one of the few fixed blades on my list of "must haves".

Paul
 
Check out TOPS. They make some nice stuff. I think they are all coated 1095 with micarta slabs. Check out the Firestrike. I believe there is a 5.5" version of that that is a damn fine knife at 3/16". The bigger version of it felt like a natural extension of my arm when I picked it up. It is one of my next buys.
 
The Firestrike is what I would suggest too. It has a divot in the handle to use as part of a bow-drill, the back of the blade is specially heat treated or something liek that to use as a flint striker, and a ferrocium rod (whatever those deals are called anyways) is attached to the sheath too. 3 ways to make fire built into a coated carbon steel blade. VERY cool!

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"Come What May..."
 
Dozier Professional Guides Knife
Mike Mann's Cliff Knife
Trace Rinaldi's TTKK
Steve Mullin's Pack River Camp Knife

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
If it was going to be a TOPS it would have to be the Firestrike FS46 (the smaller size).

Any other suggestions?
 
Crayola, are you thinking about the Firestrike from TOPS or the Laser Strike from Randall's Adventure and Training by TOPS? I don't think the Firestrike has those features you mentioned, but the Laser Strike does, and it would also be a fine blade for this job.
 
Ohh! The Laser Strike looks good! Fairly small so I won't scare the sheeple, flat grind (my fav), micarta handles, good price. Looks like a winner.

Anybody handled one?
 
If I am reading all the info right, it may not even be in production yet, either that or it just came out. Either way, there won't be all that many of them out there as they are produced for a relatively small market. I, like you, think it would be an excellent knife and it will go on my to buy list, but I also am looking at a Firestrike. But IMHO, you can't go wrong with TOPS. Excellent knives and decent prices.
I think that Randall's Adventure and Training is located <2 hours from my place, so I may just take a trip down there to see one sometime when I have the cash, but that won't be till this summer or later unless I get a job this semester.
I believe that if you ask Mr. Randall, he would be happy to give answers to any and all questions you have. I have not dealt with him personally, but from what I have seen, he is a very knowledgeable person and easy to work with.
 
Johan,
I think all the addresses were posted except for Mann's Cliff knife. Unfortunately, I'm at a computer that does not have that bookmark. I believe the company is Idaho Knives but can't remember for sure.

BTW, did you look closely at Dozier prices. I believe they are almost the same as the Firestrike, which BTW, I believe is manufactured by TOPS. I think it would also be an excellent choice and is "on my list" as they say. I know Dozier just had a $10 price increase, though, so his prices are just up a little bit.

The Dozier knives are premier slicers and will really hold an edge. They are probably harder to sharpen than Jeff's knife, which is designed for rougher use and easier sharpening. The Dozier is premium quality D2 (stainless or semistainless) which he is renowned for his ability to get the most out of. Jeff's knfe is 1095, which is good carbon steel but not premium steel. Nevertheless it's still popular and for good reason, it will easily take an edge and hold it fairly well. I do most of my whittling with 1095-steel knives.

I would not do any prying with the Dozier but with Jeff's knife, you should be able to do some prying. Nevertheless, the Professional Guide's knife is an awesome thing to hold in your hand. Actually, any of Bob's knives rock my boat. I just got his general utility (K1) knife and am couldn't be happier. It's probably the finest small game knife I own. I also have a hunter on order from him and CAN'T wait.
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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
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