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Best inexpensive "beater" fixed blades

R

RedLynx

Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
11,445
Hi guys,

I don't own many fixed blades because due to my disability, I have a slight-to-moderate (depending on the day, my level of exhaustion/stiffness, etc) side to side motion of the torso when I walk, and that can cause a knife I'm wearing on my belt to dig a bit. I don't really notice my side to side movement except if wearing a blade or seeing myself in a mirror or on video, but it's there.

So anyway, despite this I do want to add a couple more decent fixed workhorses to my collection in the next few months. Nothing with a specific purpose in mind, but any knives under $50 that you've found to be surprisingly resilient and effective (I think it's always nice when inexpensive buys surprise us or exceed expectations).

I'd prefer at least a 5" inch blade.

I really like the Becker BK2 but it's a bit over what I'd like to spend (though not way over...)

I don't have a need for the best hunting fishing camping survival thing ever, which is why I'm asking about relatively inexpensive blades here.

I know that for many of you, there is no such thing as a good fixed blade at the prices I'm asking. I totally get that, although since I find myself carrying more folders, a "high end" fixed blade isn't a priority for me. I understand for many of you who DO want/need the high quality of the best hunter camper knife, it's necessary to get something that you feel is of quality much higher than can be had for these price points.

I've just been reading a few fixed blade threads and even such knives as I'll never need such as "rescue" type knives have really nifty looking blade or sheath configurations and just look like interesting tools to own... so I'd kind of like to add one or two fixed blades to my small collection (mostly just Moras, one old Schrade (my first fixed knife and my second knife ever, long ago now) and an old Craftsman I got from my late grandfather.
 
I have not tried one myself, but I would think that the cold steel GI tanto would be an extremely sturdy beater for the the price.
 
Take a look at Condor Tool and Knife. They have some nice offerings at the price point your looking at. Im looking forward to the 2014 Moonshiner :)
 
The most steel for the money is undoubtedly Condor, and I especially like the Bushlore and Bushcraft Basic knives. Even the giant Hudson Bay costs less than $40; their smaller knives are generally in the $20-30 range. The Sapien looks nice too, but I haven't ordered it yet.

Something a little nicer-looking, I bought my boy one of the inexpensive imported KaBar hunting knives with stacked leather. The Little Finn is under $30, and the much larger hunting and skinning models are $30-45. As those prices you don't get a Super Steel, but there's nothing wrong with the build quality. The sheaths are nice thick leather too. Well worth the money.

My own fixed blade that I carry regularly, hiking - backpacking - motorcycling - working, is the AG Russell Hunters Scalpel. Small enough for pocket carry. The hard locking sheath is the safest that I've seen. And the steel is pretty good too. All for $20. There are also the larger Bird and Trout and Deer Hunter models of the same design.

Look at the Scandinavian knife brands to see what's in your price range too. Ahti, Mora, Marttiini, Lapin, and others. The best that $50 can buy might be the Ahti Forest Knife.

So many choices...
 
I have Mora classics in all my get home bags (yes, all of them, 2 cars, businesses, and since we live in an apartment, one in the master bedroom), because they are inexpensive, reliable, easy and cheap to replace, and my wife (who is NOT a knife person) has no trouble sharpening them. They ran me about $10 a piece. Mine are all the 4" blade models though, and I don't recall seeing too many with 5"+ blade lengths.

I think you might be happy with a slightly shorter blade for the cost savings, ease of carry (neck or belt, hell, pocket if you want), ease of replacement if something dire happens (if you drop a $10 knife in the river, it's a $10 loss, if you drop a $100 knife in the river, well, you get my point), and maintenance on them is super easy. MIneral oil for sharpening and storage (since it's food safe), the 'modern' versions come with built in firesteels, heavy duty plastic sheaths with drainage, and a belt loop, and if you're all thumbs with knives, you can get one with a guard for the same price (or cheaper).

My big recommendation would be a Mora classic (yes, with the painted birch handle, you'll thank me when you drop it in a pile of leaves and still notice the red handle instead of just another stick), set it up for neck carry with some 550 cord and a cord lock, and if you want to broaden your horizons later, you'll still have a great beater knife. Practice sharpening with it, trap making, fire making, etc. Best $10 'science kit' I ever bought. SO much better than that thing my folks bought me in the 70s that I used to blow off my eye brows and burn the carpet.
C
 
never owned one, but the Kabar mark 1 is about that pricepoint, and has a 5'' blade. ive heard its a great knife. condor/mora/coldsteel are also good suggestions.
 
Junglegend said:
never owned one, but the Kabar mark 1 is about that pricepoint, and has a 5'' blade. ive heard its a great knife. condor/mora/coldsteel are also good suggestions.
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I EDC'ed a KaBar Mark 1 for about a year, great knife. I am partial to them as I had to slit a Blacktail's throat with one after a paralyzing spine shot a few years back.
 
I´d recommend the Glock Feldmesser (Glock Fieldknife) as a beater fixed blade. I three of them. One in the house (just in case), one for outdoor/hiking and another one in my toolbox. The one in the toolbox is also used for a light prybar tasks. It´s performing pretty well.

A Mora is also a great inexpensive knife for your tasks. :)
 
Might be just a few dollars over your limit but check out the Buck 119 Special, Sentry, Endeavor and Reaper.
 
Humppa said:
I´d recommend the Glock Feldmesser (Glock Fieldknife) as a beater fixed blade. I three of them. One in the house (just in case), one for outdoor/hiking and another one in my toolbox. The one in the toolbox is also used for a light prybar tasks. It´s performing pretty well.

A Mora is also a great inexpensive knife for your tasks. :)
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My Glock Field Knife travelled the world riding in my ruck. Literally. Been through hell and did everything asked of it. It's 30 years old now.

Glock%2520M81%2520Field%2520Knife.jpg


Were I to do it again, I'd probably take this Mora, though the saw back on the Glock 81 will cut through roots and big bamboo in short order. But you are right, either will suffice, and both can be had for less than $30. The Mora at less than $20.

Mora%2520Companion%2520Heady%2520Duty%2520Orange.JPG
 
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Condor has a few very nice models in your price range. Cold Steel also has some, I'm fond of the Bushman it's a thin carbon steel blade that cuts well but can take some punishment. The Svord Kiwi Trapper and General Outdoors knives are good, too (you can get a "special grade" from Baryonyx)
 
Condor Rodan or Bushlore(myriad of other choices as well), Cold Steel Bushman, Ontario Sp series, Schrade schf9 or 10.
 
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