A high quality yet budget utility/fighter in the 5"-7" range

J

JTmisterknifeguy

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May 22, 2013
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So guys, here's the deal.
I'm looking for a budget, utility fighter, in the 5 to 7 inch range.
The budget limit is $35, there is no restriction on makers blade materials or handle construction.
I have been looking at several Ontario models, a few buck models, and a few Kershaw models.
Knives that come with better sheaths (we know what this means) would be preferable.
The blades intended purpose would be a secondary utility knife with a secondary emphasis on defense) to go alongside a kukri, hatchet or tomahawk.
The minimum thickness would have to be at least 2 1/2 mm but not exceeding 1/4 inch.
To anyone's knowledge does such a production model knife exist within the price range?
Currently I can find an Ontario Gen 2 sp41
that I can miraculously find close to or below my budget... It's not in my 5-7 inch blade length range, but from everything I've read it's an extremely capable knife... Can anyone suggest anything better than that one?
Ready, set, go!
 
At that price, with those perimeters the only option is a Schrade knife. They probably have at least 20 models that meet your requirements. The quality and performance is relative to each person's expectations and experience with knives.

Given what your looking for, and the price. I'm sure quality and performance would be marginal on more expensive knives anyways.
 
The Schrade Extreme Survival in 1095 carbon steel. Best deal your gonna get at that price that meets all your needs.
*edit- I own one, for a $30 blade it cant be beat, and also, for $30 you can actually beat it much as you want...
 
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Yea, the price went up on that one. All the 8cr13mov stuff is about $30 plus shipping.
 
DeadboxHero said:
At that price, with those perimeters the only option is a Schrade knife. They probably have at least 20 models that meet your requirements. The quality and performance is relative to each person's expectations and experience with knives.

Given what your looking for, and the price. I'm sure quality and performance would be marginal on more expensive knives anyways.
Click to expand...

Wow! I had completely forgotten about Schrade knives!!!
I don't usually think of them when I think of high-quality knives, but according to everything I've seen, their quality has improved drastically in the last five years.
Thanks for that info I'll have to do a little more research and broaden my search now.
 
BladeHQ has it listed for $31.95
1095 carbon steel 5.75" blade

I wouldn't have any worry about 8cr13mov though either personally. I litterally just saw for $27.95 at knifecenter you can get a 6.6" schrade in 8cr13mov with a mini pry tool, has 7/5* & 2/4* reviews... If your budget is tight, that's $35 shipped...
 
Yea man check 'em out.

I'm not a huge fan or anything just fits your needs.




Word, good find strategy9
 
1-1311865209.jpg


Look no further.

Or you could just look around for low-mid range second hand knives, like used ka-bars, Beckers, Ontarios, Cold Steels etc...
 
Whoa! I forgot about glock knives. Those could meet the need too.
 
you know that tan glock field knife isn't that bad looking. Would be suitable as a gift or to keep in the truck.

Any BF dealers keep them in stock that you guys know of?
 
Not sure if your interested in a tanto style blade but if you are Cold Steel has the Kobun tanto which has a 5" AUS8 blade can be had round your specified price if you shop around. If you want something more robust theybalso have the GI Tanto with a 7" 1055 carbon steel blade that can be had for under $30. You mentioned you wanted a knife with good fighting capabilities and I know the tanto style is popular for that reason.
 
DPC said:
1-1311865209.jpg


Look no further.

Or you could just look around for low-mid range second hand knives, like used ka-bars, Beckers, Ontarios, Cold Steels etc...
Click to expand...

I have a couple Beckers, and an sp10, and some here would call me a Cold Steel fan boy, but none of the models I have would quite fit into the category of utility/fighter. I hadn't thought about the Glock field knives... I'll have to brush up on a review or two of those. ;)
The thing about second hand ones is that I've found it extremely hard to find user blades for a good deal on pretty much any of the models by those companies... At $30-$40, your pretty much stuck with 2-3 models of Ontario for USA made, and Schrade for high quality (as in THICK 1095) for overseas produced.
 
Sharp Knives 86 said:
Not sure if your interested in a tanto style blade but if you are Cold Steel has the Kobun tanto which has a 5" AUS8 blade can be had round your specified price if you shop around. If you want something more robust theybalso have the GI Tanto with a 7" 1055 carbon steel blade that can be had for under $30. You mentioned you wanted a knife with good fighting capabilities and I know the tanto style is popular for that reason.
Click to expand...

Like I've said, I'm what could be called a cold steel fanboy, and I've owned both a Kobun and a carbon V recon tanto, buuuut I needed money a while ago, and I sold them :grumpy: so I do "get" the tanto, I've had the GI tanto in mind. That thing begs to be modded and tricked out, and for a $20, who wouldn't?
The only reason I think I won't pull the trigger (on the GI, or any other tanto) is that while the tanto design is robust and great for not deforming while piercing tough objects, is that I'd rather have a curved belly for the 99.8% of the time I'm going to be using the knife as a tool.
It's a great affordable option though!
 
Just looking at Blade HQ I'm seeing some juicy choices.

This for 31.95

schrade-schf38-cm-large.jpg


This for 2$ over your budget (although I'm not really digging those spaces between the blade and the handle)

boker-magnum-fixed-bowie-fg-satin-02mb027-large.jpg


This for 34.95 (and it makes sense that you'd go for this if you compliment the knife with a machete or an axe)

marttiini-390022t-back-large.jpg


And that is only looking at blade hq. There are plenty other knife stores that have good discounts on knives. This is supposing you are american (or that wherever you live, you dont get r*ped with the shipping), but I'm sure your country or continent will also have reputable knife stores.

More expensive knives with discounts is the way to go , in my oppinion.

I'll have to brush up on a review or two of those.
Click to expand...

I have two and they are excellent, by far two of the most pleasant surprises. Perfection is paid with some $$$, but ruggedness and dependability is very cheap.

I recommend these series of videos, and of course tests and reviews made by or related to Cliff Stamp.

[video=youtube;kc5TNRnVhtw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc5TNRnVhtw[/video]
 
DPC said:
Just looking at Blade HQ I'm seeing some juicy choices.

This for 31.95

schrade-schf38-cm-large.jpg


This for 2$ over your budget (although I'm not really digging those spaces between the blade and the handle)

boker-magnum-fixed-bowie-fg-satin-02mb027-large.jpg


This for 34.95 (and it makes sense that you'd go for this if you compliment the knife with a machete or an axe)

marttiini-390022t-back-large.jpg


And that is only looking at blade hq. There are plenty other knife stores that have good discounts on knives. This is supposing you are american (or that wherever you live, you dont get r*ped with the shipping), but I'm sure your country or continent will also have reputable knife stores.

More expensive knives with discounts is the way to go , in my oppinion.



I have two and they are excellent, by far two of the most pleasant surprises. Perfection is paid with some $$$, but ruggedness and dependability is very cheap.

I recommend these series of videos, and of course tests and reviews made by or related to Cliff Stamp.

[video=youtube;kc5TNRnVhtw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc5TNRnVhtw[/video]
Click to expand...

A boker magnum, really?
How does the 440c steel hold up? How about the hilt construction?
Those are even cheaper than the schf9, and look "stabbier" without sacrificing belly for slicing tasks...
What y'all think?
 
Depends what you mean by a utility knife - i.e. what kind of utility you are thinking of putting it to.

To me, a hi-value utility knife that could also serve for defense would be the Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie. If you want to stay in your price range, look at the Gerber Big Rock (although slightly under 5" blade).

However, those are quite different knives from a 7" kabar-type knife.
 
Out of all those shown so far, I'd be most happy to own that Marttiini. How are the grips on those, if anyone has fondled one? Are they rubbery and grippy? Or harder molded plastic?

I don't have experience with it, but the Condor Boar Dagger is $37, and it's over 7". The Condor Varan is right at $35. A few others from them might pique your interest as well.
 
High quality and low budget don't mix that good...
Cold Steel GI Tanto, strong as hell, easy to sharpen, but don't expect much on fit and finish ;)
 
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