Advice On Which Knife to Get

Nathan Ihrke · Sep 28, 2008

Ok, I need a tactical fixed blade knife. I go out in the field frequently and need it to take some abuse. Here are some of my parameters-
-Full Tang
-3.5 to 5 inch Blade
-American Made
-Fairly Hard Steel but able to be sharpened
-Good Sheath System
-Under $150
Thanks a lot for any advice

SPXTrader · Sep 28, 2008

You're right at the price of a RC-4. That or wait a bit for the RC-5 SERE.

Kaizen1 · Sep 28, 2008

Welcome to the forums

.

Spyderco Street Beat

StretchNM · Sep 28, 2008

Tactical? I like my Benchmade Nimravii (especially the black plain edge) over my USA Camillus. 154CM steel, relatively easy to sharpen to a very fine edge and a sheath that's hard to beat.

And here she sits amidst the fray:

Nathan Ihrke · Sep 28, 2008

I've heard of the SERE and taken a peak at them before. I had been thinking about the Nimravus and Seal Pup Elite, then I found out the pup was made in Taiwan and that turned me off. Now I just want to make sure I don't jump into the Nimravus w/o looking at other potentials. I haven't really heard of rat but it's a good looking knife

Jason B. · Sep 28, 2008

Another vote for the RAT

jetsrb32 · Sep 28, 2008

Go with a Bark River

SPXTrader · Sep 28, 2008

Nathan Ihrke said:
I've heard of the SERE and taken a peak at them before. I had been thinking about the Nimravus and Seal Pup Elite, then I found out the pup was made in Taiwan and that turned me off. Now I just want to make sure I don't jump into the Nimravus w/o looking at other potentials. I haven't really heard of rat but it's a good looking knife

Take a look around here and here. It won't be a waste of time. :thumbup:

Nathan Ihrke · Sep 28, 2008

Looks simple and bare bones, which is kinda what i like... definetely worth looking into

Idaho Jarhead · Sep 28, 2008

Another vote for the RC-4. I don't own one personally, but it fits your requirements and is on my short list. :thumbup:

EDCeeker · Sep 28, 2008

Nathan Ihrke said:
Ok, I need a tactical fixed blade knife. I go out in the field frequently and need it to take some abuse. Here are some of my parameters-

Personally, I'd recommend the Fallkniven F1, H1 or S1:

-Full Tang - check
-3.5 to 5 inch Blade - check - 3.8 inches (F1), 4 inches (H1) or 5.1 inches (S1)
-American Made - Swedish - close enough?

-Fairly Hard Steel but able to be sharpened - check - one of my favourites: VG-10
-Good Sheath System - check - You have a choice of two with each
-Under $150 - check - $123 for the F1, $120 for the H1, $110 for the S1 at New Graham Knives (approx. prices)

So, other than their being made in Sweden, rather than the U.S., any of the Fallkniven S1, H1 or F1 meet all your criteria. Research them here on BF. I don't think you'll find a dissatisfied Fallkniven owner.

Here are some field tests:

S1, F1, from WM Fällkniven
H1 hunting knife from Fallkniven

Nathan Ihrke said:
Thanks a lot for any advice

You're welcome.

I own a Fallkniven A1 (survival knife). (I've not yet found the need to put it though its paces.) I'll be wanting a somewhat smaller sheath knife for just banging-about in the woods, and I'm thinking it might well end up being the F1 or H1.

babakanoosh45 · Sep 28, 2008

I would tell you to give a look at the Buck NightHawk line. 420HC made in the USA and tough as nails. Also well under a $100.00....

LowTEC · Sep 28, 2008

another vote for RC-4, nothing beat a well heat treated 1095 blade, where is the video that shows the blade was bent over 40 (approx.) degree side way and bounce back to normal like never happened? Although they are good stainless steel for folders but I don't think VG-10 or 154CM can get the toughness of a well treated 1095 carbon steel

audiopile · Sep 28, 2008

USMC knife. Only problem with this knife is that there are all sorts of cheap and maybe effective accessories for it ( sheaths).Personally, for your use - I prefer the kydex or plastic sheath ( not worried about the rattle in a non-combat situation).
Literally millions of satisfied users - their sons ,grandsons and grandaugters - are a pretty impressive endorsement.This may not be the newest idea in a 1095 knife - it's still IMHO the best.

neeman · Sep 28, 2008

For a non-tactical fixed blade knife go with a Barkie.
The choice for a field knife is astounding.
You will find something that suits your needs exactly.
And the quality is superb.

jb3920 · Sep 28, 2008

Another vote for the RC-4. I use mine constantly.

newknife · Sep 28, 2008

StretchNM said:
Tactical? I like my Benchmade Nimravii (especially the black plain edge) over my USA Camillus. 154CM steel, relatively easy to sharpen to a very fine edge and a sheath that's hard to beat.

And here she sits amidst the fray:

In the third picture...what's the name of the knife on the top and the third one from the bottom?

thanks...

StretchNM · Sep 28, 2008

All Benchmades. Top to bottom: (Newknife, your questions are answered in bold):
- Rukus S30V steel
- Nimravus (alum scales) 154CM steel
- Nimravus (G-10 scales - very nice!) 154CM steel
- 975S (my very first BM [1996]) ATS34 steel
- 635 Skirmish S30V steel
- (can't remember) automatic
- 210 Snody S30V steel

scraphogg · Sep 28, 2008

it will be hard to find but a buck 888 solutions. they are bad to the bone IMHO!!!!

babakanoosh45 · Sep 28, 2008

+1 on the Buck 888 Solution. It is a great FB that fits the bill....This knife skinned 3 whitetails last year and was used to build 2 decent sized stick blinds. A little soap and water and it looks great!