All around knife for $100

R

rodelio

Joined
Feb 9, 2011
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I would want something that I could cut small branches (maybe about 2-4" diameter) of trees and bamboo, digging, opening cans and other stuffs. I have been looking at ESEE 4 (1095 steel) and KA-BAR EXTREME (D2 steel), what do you think is the most suitable knife for me for about $100 budget? Any brands are also welcome.

TIA
 
Fixed blades only? The Becker BK2 is good for all-around use and very tough.
 
Although I just purchased my BK2 recently and havent been able to put it to work, I still must agree with the Becker BK2 +1 :thumbup:
 
You're on the right track with the ESEE-4. It is going to be just right for just about everything. The BK-2, while a great knife, is a great big knife and may not fit your requirement of an "all-around" knife. It is going to chop better than the ESEE-4 I have to say. Opening a can is a wash between the two. But "all-around", I give the ESEE-4 the edge.

Advice regarding the BK-2 is good though. I like it and wish to obtain one but I cannot yet speak to it directly.

ESEE-4 is going to indestructible for anything but brutal prying, could chop some in a pinch, and is going to do other things as well or better than just about anything (dress game, carve wood, maintain a horse's hooves, cook in the kitchen or the camp, lop off dead leaves in a garden...you name it). Plus the ESEE-4 comes with a great Kydex sheath.

I just bought my second ESEE-4 and will getting a third probably (the orange one).
 
rodelio said:
Becker BK2 seems noteworthy then, other suggestions are all welcome still.
Click to expand...

BK 2 is a great, little, tank of a knife. BK 7 too. Not as thick, but 7" blade.
ESEE 4 is a good choice too. I have one, good for all around use. Handles are small though. Made some wood ones for mine.

In the 4" range look at a Benchmade Pardue Rant (either D2 or 440C)
I have the 440C - for $47 GREAT deal.

Look at Bark River - good stuff. Shop it around though. Prices vary a lot.

Lots more good choices.

Just comes down to what you like. Size, feel, etc.
Remember you can always sell a good knife, if you happen not to like
it for some reason.

Good luck.

My Rant and ESEE 4

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Check out the OKC Ranger series by Ontatrio Knives. Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop has a good selection.
 
Here's another vote for the BK2. If you like the very small knife idea - ESEE 4 rocks. If you're leaning that direction though, lean a bit further and have a look at the ESEE Izula, Becker BK11 or BK14. Throw some micarta slabs on those and you have an outstanding small knife for a bit less than the ESEE 4.

For an all-around knife though - you really can't go wrong with the BK2 for ~ $60.

---

Beckerhead #42
 
BECKER AND RITTER! doesn't get better than this!!!
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk2
Design Ethan Becker & Doug Ritter
Blade Material 1095 hardened to 57 HRC
Blade Length 6 in. (15.24 cm)
Blade Thickness 0.188 in. (4.78 mm)
Blade Shape Wide-Chord Drop Point
Blade Grind High Flat Grind
40º inclusive edge, 8º bevel
Overall Length 11.375 in. (28.89 cm)
Balance Variable Perfect Balance™
Weight (full up) 13.2 oz. (374 g)
Weight (w/ all 3 brass plugs removed) 12.8 oz. (263 g)
Tang Style Full, extends past handle material at rear, lanyard hole
Blade/Tang Finish Charcoal Gray Powdercoat
Handle Material Black Glass Reinforced Swiss GV6H
Sheath Multi-carry Ballistic Nylon w/ heat molded Liner
IMG_9976a.jpg
 
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ESEE-6 is also something to consider. I love mine as do most other owners from the feedback I've come across. Longer than the ESEE-4 and BK-2 but thinner than the BK-2, but still plenty stout at 3/16" thick. Knife and molded plastic sheath (which is quite nice and has its advantages over kydex) alone a little over $100, throw in the molle back and you're still just under or over $150, if prices have remained consistent.
 
furfmonkey said:
BECKER AND RITTER! doesn't get better than this!!!
Doug Ritter RSK® Mk2
Design Ethan Becker & Doug Ritter
Blade Material 1095 hardened to 57 HRC
Blade Length 6 in. (15.24 cm)
Blade Thickness 0.188 in. (4.78 mm)
Blade Shape Wide-Chord Drop Point
Blade Grind High Flat Grind
40º inclusive edge, 8º bevel
Overall Length 11.375 in. (28.89 cm)
Balance Variable Perfect Balance™
Weight (full up) 13.2 oz. (374 g)
Weight (w/ all 3 brass plugs removed) 12.8 oz. (263 g)
Tang Style Full, extends past handle material at rear, lanyard hole
Blade/Tang Finish Charcoal Gray Powdercoat
Handle Material Black Glass Reinforced Swiss GV6H
Sheath Multi-carry Ballistic Nylon w/ heat molded Liner
IMG_9976a.jpg
Click to expand...
:eek:
It DOES get better! That thing has the Rowen Heat Treat (same as ESEE, or so i surmise from a picture of the other side of the blade i saw on the web)!

Thanks for the heads-up on this one! :thumbup: Still on pre-order for only $125 was all i could find on getting one... Wow.
 
Excellent suggestions so far. Whetrock mentioned the Ontario Gen2 spec plus line. I'll second that, and specify the SP-46 as the better of those:
SP%2046%20MED.JPG
 
Hmmm... All-around knife? I'd think you'd maybe want something a bit bigger than the -4. Maybe an ESEE-6? If I could have only one knife it'd be the -6. Aside from that, the -4 is great, as is everything in the Becker line (they just don't hold an edge nearly as long as ESEEs do, I have to say).
 
Anyone who have a say on Dumpster Mutt? Looks like it is thicker than BK2 although smaller and it is made with SR77, how does it compare to BK2 in strength? I will be mainly using it to cut branches and chop them but would like to be able to use it to other chores like cutting bones. Which one should be able to hold an edge better in cases where there will be a nail in some wood I am chopping?

I am actually from the Philippines and one test it that is commonly used here is to try piercing a coin, can the BK2 do this?

TIA
 
Cobra281 said:
BK 2 is a great, little, tank of a knife. BK 7 too. Not as thick, but 7" blade.
ESEE 4 is a good choice too. I have one, good for all around use. Handles are small though. Made some wood ones for mine.

In the 4" range look at a Benchmade Pardue Rant (either D2 or 440C)
I have the 440C - for $47 GREAT deal.

Look at Bark River - good stuff. Shop it around though. Prices vary a lot.

Lots more good choices.

Just comes down to what you like. Size, feel, etc.
Remember you can always sell a good knife, if you happen not to like
it for some reason.

Good luck.

My Rant and ESEE 4

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[/IMG]
Click to expand...
I have A BK7+9. Cammilus made. Great knives. Practically indestructable. Also have a BM Rant DPT in D2. $72.00 at knivesplus.com. Great knife also.:D
 
Okay, hunting for the cheapest BK2 out there, anyone who can share a link will be highly appreciated. =)
 
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