Backpacking fixed blade??

S

savageman

Joined
May 27, 2005
Messages
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Hello there, I have a need for a fixed blade knife for a upcoming trip I have planned this summer. I will be backpacking (train) across Canada from Ontario to British Columbia in 2 months. I need a strong reliable fixed blade knife for general camp use and survival needs. This tool will be used in a saltwater environment and needs to hold up well to a bit of punishment. I am looking for the blade to be approx 3-4 inches and the entire package to be from 8-9 inches. I have a maximum budget of approx $120US. What models should I be looking at?? Thanks
 
http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t...=mission knives&backto=/agcatalog/results.tam

Here is an Mission MPU in 440c stainless for $80. I am not dure the link will work. If not go to www.actiongear.com search on mission knives. They have a great satisfaction guaranteed policy.

• Overall Length: 7.10" long
• Blade: 2.95"
• Handle: 4.15"
• Thickness: .20"
• Weight: 3.6 ounces
• Grind: V-Ground for Strength
• Full Tang Construction
• Finish: Non Reflective Satin
• Material: 440C Stainless Steel
 
I love my Ranger Knives RD-4. It's well within that price range and can do anything you ask of it. Also take a look at a RAT-3. I've heard nothing but good things about that knife and it's versatile size.
 
The Fallkniven F1 is pretty nice. In addition, the A.G. Russell Deerhunter (4") and Bird and Trout (3") are well thought of, inexpensive, available in multiple steels (AUS-8, BG-10, D2), and have an extremely safe sheath. They are also lightweight.
 
For $120.00 I'd go with two, a Ontario Spec8 on the belt and an Ontario RAT 3 on the ruck, both in 1095 so you won't need hardcore sharpening equipment. Just bring along a good file. If just one, I'd go a Ranger, or Ontario RAT 3 and with the left over change, a Becker Necker just to have.

Matador-
 
I was going to suggest an Ontario Rtak but 1095 is not good for salt water.
Some of them do come in D2 but I am not sure of D2 near salt water environs.

I would use only AUS 8 or 440c. There might be a few other type of steels but they will probably drive the price up considerably.
 
I can't say enough good things about the RAT-3 in D2. I have carried one daily for well over a year now and own 3 of them. It comes with an awesome sheath and a comfortable handle. The D2 holds a great edge and is not all that hard to sharpen. I do want to get a 1095 model just to compare. But either way the RAT-3 is a very well designed knife.
 
In addition to the above, I'd say look at the Buck Alpha Hunter and Benchmade 140 Nimravus, both in 154CM. The Buck is more of a hunting knife with it's broad belly and downsweep but it would do nicely around the camp. The Nimravus is more of a tactical/survival knife that would excel in camp, but you also be able to skin with it if needed.

Buck is about $85 online and the Nimravus about $110.

Alternatively, you could try a Bark River mini-Skinner in 12C27 (stainless). They're small (6-1/4" w/3" blade) but really get me horny with their nice belly and stout steel. Depending on the scales you get, they run from about $80 to $150.

If I were you, I wouldn;t worry too much about getting a knife with stainless steel (all the above are). If you care for it during your trip, any steel will be just fine. It may get a little discoloration if not stainless, but it's not going to just rust away in your hands.
 
Buck Vangard probably will be best check Cabelas for CPM S30V Alaskan guide edition - about $70, but if you are talking about saltwater - may be 420HC will be better.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I would go for a SAK or multi tool, a hand axe, and a fold up camp saw. You can get all of these for under 4 pounds. I bought all of these for about $75 You should also include an outstanding led flashlight from Surefire or Pelican.
 
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