Backpacking/Camping <$100 Hard Use Fixed Blade Reccomendations?

Another fan of the Scrap Yard 511. It will run a little over your budget depending on which sheath you go with, but it fits your requirements perfectly and is one hell of a blade for the price.

They pop up in the exchange about once or twice a week.
 
Appalachia said:
Do you think I would be able to baton wood above, say, four inches in diameter with the BK 16? It seems physically impossible with a sub-5-inch blade.
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Although I have never batoned anything more than say 3 1/2 inches in diameter, I wouldn't say it's physically impossible. I would imagine you would just start batoning from the sides, instead of staright down the middle.

Here's a pic of my BK16

IMG_3390.jpg
 
Okay, thanks guys. I'll have to decide between the BK-2 and the BK-16. The BK-2 is heavy as ****, but it sure is a sexy blade.
 
I have the bk16 and I must say I love this thing it is my go to outdoors knife and can handle anything I myself can throw its way.
 
Ontario Rat 7 is a great one. I had no problems with it. The Ontario RD7 is sweet but pretty heavy. Try a recon scout from cold steel. Its pretty good all around. If you can afford it??? I love my SRK. Its very old and carbon v steel but it took so much abuse that I tust it for everything.
An RTAK II or Cold Steel Trai Master are great choppers but you carry a saw so maybethats to big for your tast?
Scrap yard 511 or 711 is Awesome knives if your willing to wait.
They have great handles too! Only thing is no sheath. Youhave to get that your self.
 
I have the Ontario RAT-7 in D2. It's a good woods knife. A bit heavy with a blocky slab handle, but I really like the D2. Gave it a good sharpening on the belt and it has stayed very sharp through lots of batoning and bush wacking. The nylon sheath it comes with is good, but bulky with the accessory pouch and long. I got the chestnut ridge kydex sheath and like that better for this knife than the nylon.
 
In all but the hardest wood if you use a little common sense and baton off center (like suggested) you could use a simple Mora all day long.

Since you said you will add this new knife to a saw, folder and a mora (and to me the Mora is the quintessential backpacking/camping knife anyway) it seems a axe/hatchet or matchete would be the smartest pick...perhaps the old 'woodsman pal" but they are a bit higher in price than a machete. maybe even the CS shovel would work for you?
 
Ontario RAT7's can still be had for a good price, you can find a good price on anything used. Check out custom makers also. Many offer well built, affordable knives. They might not be the prettiest, but then we're not holding beauty pageants, are we?
 
I would check with the fine folks at Blind Horse Knives. BHK makes knives that you could carry with the saw and meet all your needs. A saw, Mora, Benchmade and a chopper its a lot of weight. A saw and aBHK Bushcrafter ( flat grind is my choice) would be all you need.

My $ .02
 
Thanks guys. I've decided on the BK-2 since I've had experience with a previous model, and it just seems great for my purposes. Plus I've got a guy that can make me a good custom sheath
 
I would reccomend the gerber prodigy. Its a thick, strong knife and has not yet let me down. i chopped an 8 inch gum tree down with it, then made the tree into a shelter. It was a bit of hard work but it never failed (even though the baton did, twice). its also an extremely comfortable knife to use and has a great sheath. :D
 
Appalachia said:
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so take it easy on me :D
I'm looking for a fixed blade to take backpacking and camping. It will be paired with my Sawvivor Folding Saw, Mora and whichever folder I decide to take for the event (Delica 4, Griptilian, Skyline, Stretch, etc.)
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Why take a folder and a Mora? Indeed, why take a saw and a larger knife? Do you like carrying things?
 
AngryDaddyBird said:
An RTAK II or Cold Steel Trai Master are great choppers but you carry a saw so maybethats to big for your tast?
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Or he could junk the saw and take an MTECH 151 - almost identical to the Trailmaster, but only $30

[video=youtube;6bpsnwg5SFs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bpsnwg5SFs[/video]

I'd replace the poorly attached kraton handle on either, and the 151 needs a sharpen to use.
 
RDog said:
In all but the hardest wood if you use a little common sense and baton off center (like suggested) you could use a simple Mora all day long.
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As long it is long enough, yes. And if you're one of nature's knife breakers you could swap a regular Mora for the Robust. Or if that isn't enough, a $25 Bahco Wrecking Knife (curved tip version.)

it seems a axe/hatchet or matchete would be the smartest pick...perhaps the old 'woodsman pal"
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This doesn't make sense. If you're not sure whether to carry a hatchet or a machete, a chopping capable knife splits the difference.
 
I wonder if the OP got his knife yet, seeing as how he hasn't been in this thread for 3 months. I also second the BK9 suggestion.
 
BK2 will do whatever you ask it to. I would suggest a small fixed (BK14) or a nice sized folder like a RAT 1 to compliment the BK2. Even with 2 knives you will still be under budget.
 
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