Best fixed blades, $20 - $40, Camp/survival

B

Bo T

Joined
Feb 12, 2011
Messages
2,520
First, I like scandi grinds cause those are the only ones I can sharpen well freehand. IMO Mora owns the title for $20 and below (street), although I've had to spend between 1/2 hr to 5 hrs. cleaning up the backs and bevels on the ones I've owned. And I agree there are a few knives from other companies that compete in that price range.

I've just started looking at knives in the $20 - $40 dollar range (street) and it seems that there is a lot more competition in this price range. One that looks solid is the CKT Rodan. It looks like a very strong and durable knife (more so than the Moras) and it has the scandi grind. What are some others with the scandi grind and @ how much time will I need to spend cleaning up the edge? (I like a flat primary bevel. My benchmark for sharpness is being able to push cut through news print. And, I am sharpening freehand without any power equipment.)?
 
I have only one Condor--a Hudson Bay. Great knife for the money.

But what may look like a scandi grind in photos is actually a convex edge. I'm not sure, but I think the Rodan is the same.

Don't let that stop you. You can work on your sharpening skills and learn to sharpen a convex edge very easily. There are instructions available in the maintanence subforum. All you need is sandpaper and an appropriate surface (stiff mousepad, leather).

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=791525&highlight=convex+how
 
Last edited:
I have only one Condor--a Hudson Bay. Great knife for the money.

Keith, I've been looking at the HB. Is it really a good knife, or just good for an inexpensive knife? I would value your opinion. Thanks.

Bo, I would have recommended Condor as well.
 
I'd go with the Hudson Bay knife by Condor I own one and all I have to say is it's a steal for the money it's also a practical yet traditional pattern.
 
Thanks for all the good information. I've checked the knives out on line. They all look great.
I've been thinking about a butcher knife for the kitchen and its easy to pack it up for the camp. I've heard others say they make great camp knives and there was an article in Backwoodsman about a well used butcher knife.
I'll start going to the gun shows and sporting goods stores with the idea ao checking them out in mind. Thanks again.
 
at that price range its still hard to find a better knife then a mora. i haven't tried condor but i heard some bad stuff about fit and finish.
 
condor rodan and mora are suited for two different purposes, carry both and you should be able to handle just about everything while outdoors.

another idea is to get a smaller condor machete like the 12" bolo and a mora.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top