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Backpacking fixed blade

C

ClimbinMonkey

Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
25
I'm curious of others opinions/recommendations for a depandable fixed blade for backpacking. I'm talking about as light as possible fixed blade that would be a dependable survival knife if shit hits the fan. Obviously there is some trade off between lightness and sturdiness, but im not going to be chopping down trees or carving my way through a jungle. I've currently got a Mora companion which is a nice, light knife, but i'm thinking it may not be up to the harder tasks because of the thin blade and no full tang. Am I mistaken? Thoughts? Also under about $200 if your recommending a knife, I spend enough on camping gear as it is.
 
I beat the snot out of my Companion, and it's still going strong years later. If you're really worried about blade thickness, you could try the Mora Robust. Only cost you $15 to find out if it's for you. And if it ain't, you can send it to me:D
 
What "shit hits the fan" calamities are you expecting or "hoping doesn't happen but prepared for it"?
Basically any good quality fixed blade will handle most it not all backpacking chores and needs. I prefer the BK16 as it is large enough to be versatile, strong enough to not worry about hard use, light enough to carry comfortably.
I can baton with it but it is on the edge as long enough for such a chore.
I'd use any brand of similar quality, size and shape without worry.
 
The Mora just might do it for me, just thinking if a "hoping it doesn't happen but prepared for it" senario does happen I want a more robust blade that can handle batoning and other tasks. Since i'm intending on carrying this blade and only this blade for backpacking to cut on weight. But its not like ive put the Mora I own through its paces, so it might just hold up to anything I can throw at it. I was reading around and saw people recommend the ESEE Izula. Thoughts? Remember, I don't want a massive bushknife as weight is an issue. Oh and thanks for the recommendations so far!

Quick note after looking at the Izula more, is there any way to paracord wrap that skeletonized handle? And I can't tell the difference between Izula and Izula II?

woops, yep there is a way to wrap it.
 
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Falkniven F1,S1
Tops Dragonfly
Coldsteel Master Hunter
Scrapyard 411
I have these and would be happy to be stuck with any one of them.
 
655B-500x.jpg

(655B) Curved Skinner/Sticker/Boning 6 "
http://www.svord.com/

DFBABK.jpg

DFB ABK Dewey Bush Knife

All prices in Australian Dollars

DFBABK Dewey Bush Knife - ABK $279.00
14cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, full tang, Australian timber handles
DFB090 Army $162.00
12cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, Australian timber handles
DFB090A Army - antler handle $195.00
12cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, Antler handles

Sheaths for ABK and Army $56.00
http://www.deweyknives.com.au/index.html
 
I'm sort of taken with the Blackjack Companion. I am probably going to find a way to purchase this one.

If you want something much less expensive, it's hard to beat a Kabar Becker BK-16 or BK-17, or a ESEE 4.
 
Kabar Becker BK17
SOG Seal Pup
SOG NW Ranger (a little longer for batoning)

I have these and have been happy with any one of them.
 
I think this TOPS would fit the bill very nicely. Carbon steel, saber grind, solid.

Blade Length: 5.0"
O/A Length: 10"
Cutting Edge: 4 3/4"
Thickness: 3/16"
Blade Color: Black Traction Coating
Handle: Black Linen Micarta®
Steel: 1095 High Carbon Alloy RC-58
Sheath: Kydex With a Rotating Steel Spring Clip
Weight: 9.1oz
Weight w/ Sheath: 12.0oz
Mfg. Handcrafted in the USA
 
The ESEE Izula is perfect for what you are describing IMHO, and so are the ESEE Candiru and Becker BK11 and BK14. The Izula II is a good choice also, with the only difference being the handle is 1/2" longer and it comes with micarta scales (I think the regular Izula is just fine, and TKC scales make it very ergonomic). It really comes down to what you are comfortable with, but I think the Izula is a terrific choice. Lots of people will recommend larger knives (which are typically better for survival), but as you said, you want a "light as possible fixed blade" survival knife, which is exactly what I look for in a knife to take backpacking.

As tough as the Mora is, I wouldn't trust it as a survival knife. I think you are on the right track in getting something tougher but still small. One more thing to consider is that the Izula comes in "venom green", so it will be easy to find if you drop it.
 
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Moras are tougher than they seem. Other options would be:

Fallkniven F1
Bark River Bravo 1, Canadian Special, Fox River or any other 4" model
Becker BK 16
ESEE 3 or 4
Cold Steel Master Hunter (perhaps the SRK if it isn't too heavy)
Spyderco Temperance 2 (a bit over 200 dollars, but worth it)
Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter
 
These all great options thanks guys! I'm hoping to visit a store so I can get a feel for the different ones.

To take this in a slightly different direction, I am curious about the drop point and clip point difference b/w the Becker 16 and 17. I know it depends on how one intends to use the knife and how much abuse the tip will take, but I don't know much else than that. Any tips or links you could point me towards?
 
Just saw this thread. I think you should take a look at the Fallkniven F1 as well. Similar size to your Mora, with a full tang and great vg10 steel. You can have a choice of a zytel or leather sheath and you'll be well within your $200 budget.
 
ClimbinMonkey said:
These all great options thanks guys! I'm hoping to visit a store so I can get a feel for the different ones.

To take this in a slightly different direction, I am curious about the drop point and clip point difference b/w the Becker 16 and 17. I know it depends on how one intends to use the knife and how much abuse the tip will take, but I don't know much else than that. Any tips or links you could point me towards?
Click to expand...

As a rule of thumb, drop point for piercing and a clip point for skinning.
 
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