best fixed blade under $30

A

Armenate

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Oct 1, 2014
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I want a trustworthy fixed blade knife. I would use it on camping trips and any outdoors tasks. I'm not particular on the steel. Just want a medium sized knife that's tough.
 
Hate to be that guy but it sounds like you would like a mora companion in either carbon or stainless steel. For a more stout knife you could go with either the Mora companion HD or highQ robust. Lastly if you're into classic designs check out the classic 1 or classic 2. Many of use own multiple mora's. I have the classic 2/0, classic 2, companion all black in stainless, and hiqhQ robust. Quality on these knives is outstanding considering the price. Excellent camp knives around $15. You have to spend about about 3x that before you really start to see quality improve exponentially (am I using exponentially right?)

If for some reason you hate the mora company you could also check out hultafors or martini.
 
The condor bushlore is "close" to that price (usually runs about $33). Also, while I'm not a big fan of Cold steel usually (just not the type of designs I find myself wanting), the Cold Steel Tanto GI usually comes in right under $30. And while I'd choose a Mora over the Tanto GI for almost any task, it really depends on what you mean by "tough". Moras are great knives, but if you're looking to split logs in two, chop, and dig with the knife... the Tanto is the better tool for that job.

The Marttinni condor Timberjack is also worth a look. Its similar to a mora, but with a slightly longer tang, and slightly thicker blade stock. And finally, its run a bit softer on the RC scale, so it should be "tougher" than the mora. It also runs about $20.
 
If you have any plans to beat on the knife or split wood, hard use, etc. then stick with a Mora. The Companion can take just about anything you through at it. I've not had good luck with any other knife under $50 putting them through the same pace as the Mora.
 
A Mora 2000 is right around $30. Most people consider it a good general task outdoor blade. I have one and definitely recommend it for your price range.
 
While I have no experience with this knife. The Kershaw antelope Hunter 2 looks to be a good deal at $21.95. I don't know if the site I was looking at was a supporter of bladeforums but you should be able to find it easy enough.
 
Mora is the usual answer to this sort of query, and they are good knives for the money. I like the carbon steel #1 (you can get two for less than $30!).

There's also the Cold Steel Bushman, a very good budget knife. It's quite strong, too.

Marttiini has a couple of their Condor knives within your budget. I've used them and like them.

If you're willing to spend 3 or 4 extra bucks, look at the Svord Kiwi General Outdoors knife or Kiwi Trapper. Condor's Rodan is another great option for a couple of extra dollars.
 
It is extremely difficult to beat Mora in terms performance for the price. The only other knives that come to mind are Cold Steel's Bushman and GI Tanto, if you're looking for something a little more heavy-duty.
 
For around 30.00 you can get a glock 81 field knife. I don't think there is a tougher knife out there for 30 bucks. There are some destruction videos of the abuse the knife will take. Impressive.
 
First one that came to mind was the Gerber Big Rock. I would also second the Cold Steel Bushman. It's a very tough knife for the size and thickness. :)
 
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Cold Steel Bushman.

I have one I haven't used much but I honestly can't see how you could destroy it using it as it was meant. It's stupid tough and takes a scary edge.
 
Bushman at $20 might be unbeatable. For about $35-45 the Bk14 or BK15 are awesome.
 
Oh, and the CS true flight thower is highly reguarded with some mods, I have a CS Shanghai Shadow I found on the big auction site for $20 that is a pretty decent chopper and more useful than it looks.
 
The Marttiini Lumberjack "black" model is $32. Wood handle, carbon steel blade, and a leather sheath. The standard Lynx model is only $24, stainless steel and leather sheath.

The Condor Sapien and Bushcraft Basic (9") are right at $30. Can't get much more steel for the money than Condor.
 
Price wise the Martinni Condors are better than the Moras mainly due to their handle. Zytel is good all day long and my favorite "cheap" handle material. The handles are generous and well cut too. I own several Martinnis from leukus to fillet knives and they are very good. The steel on all is very good. With a Martinni you will also upgrade to better sheaths.

The Lumberjack model is more of a pukko style and has a nice wood handle that can be easily re-shaped to anything.

I've had Martinnis since I was a pup in the 60's. Great knives.
 
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