camping/genral use knife

T

tuesday

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Mar 10, 2009
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Hi Ive been looking for ages for a folder that not only is made out of a decent steel but also that has a practical handle and design. Drop point blade is preferable as is a solid lock with no play. Ive had a few cheaper knives that have sufficed momentarily but im looking for something longer lasting. I'm not looking for anything fancy looking just a hardy knife that can take punishment and holds its edge well.

I was looking at the leatherman Nehalem but dislike both the gut hook and HUGE bottom of the handle.
Also at the Pocket Bushman By cold steel but im not sure about the steel.

Price range is about $132
 
In your price range, you have lots of options from Spyderco and Benchmade.
 
If you want a camp knife then you really should be looking at fixed blades.

There are a ton of them on the market in your price range.
 
Ankerson is right; a fixedblade is your best choice, but I understand that sometimes circumstances require a folder. Take look at Benchmade's Kulgera and Onslaught folders. The suggested retail prices are a little high for your budget, but retailers will have more competitive prices.
 
the Pocket Bushman has OK steel - it'll take a keen edge, but will need touching up more frequently than higher end knives. It's huge in the hand, though - just a warning.
The Ontario RAT-1 folder is a good general purpose knife, too, especially under $30.
At the higher end of your price range, check out the ZT350 or the kershaw blems thread on the exchange.
$132 will also get you a wide range of fixed blades under 4.5" blade length as well, either factory or custom maker.
 
Faced with the same need (good camping folder), I tried several knives and after a year or so have decided to stay with my Spyderco Endura G10 with a VG-10,full flat ground blade. It has a great size (4" blade), great handle (grippy G10), great stainless steel, great blade profile, great quality (perfect lockup, no rough edges, centered blade, no movement at all), has a great, ergonomic handle, and really no flaws that I can find. I love it, and I'm not really a Spyderco guy.

just my 2¢ worth
 
1066vik said:
The Ontario RAT-1 folder is a good general purpose knife, too, especially under $30.
Click to expand...

GOOD suggestion.

Also, you could look through threads on the subject in the Wilderness & Survival forum. Here's a current one on this topic: Folders.

I have a Victorinox Farmer in my pocket right now. They come up on our Exchange regularly.
 
I would get a Kershaw Blur or a Benchmade 551. Sturdy folders, good size, easy to carry, come in different steels, proven reliability.
That is, if you insist on a folder. Otherwise, get a 3" or 4" fixed blade. In your price range, there are literally dozens and dozens of great knives to choose from, with good sheaths to boot.
gl in your search.
 
One of my favorite all around fixed blades is the Entrek Javelina . The blade is 4 5/16",3/16" thick and made of 440C. The knife will take a lot of tough use and can be had for just over $100.00.
 
For $132, I'd get an EDC folder and a fixed blade for camping.

Rat1 ($30) for EDC use and a Ranger RD4 ($90) for camping.

Spyderco Delica ($50) + Becker Bk2 ($70)

something along those lines..

If you truly want a heavy duty folder, I like Kabar Mules (underrated imo) and Kershaw Rams. A low end ZT might be in your budget too.
 
Thanks everyone i ended up going with a Buck vantage pro. nice blade shape and verry comfortable handle. I am definetly looking at getting a fixed blade as well tho.
 
Great choice:thumbup:. Buck stands behind their knives with a great warranty.

A Victorinox SAK is something I always take camping/ hiking. The Forester, Rucksack, Trekker, Hiker, and Farmer models are great for that. There have been many times that they have literally saved the day/ night -or at least made life a lot easier.
 
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I like my liner lock Buck #347 Vantage Pro and it's S30V blade - a more common EDC here than it's upscale framelock #172 Mayo TNT Ti sibling with a similar blade. Should do well... however, I used a basic Buck 110 for many a hiking/camping trip. A traditional lockback knife with a 420HC blade that keeps it's edge quite well, yet is easily resharpened. Great handle - available, production and custom, with finger grooves. An upgrade - like the S30V 'Alaskan Guide' 110 sold by Cabelas - or the special CPM154 version sold only at Bass Pro Shops. Either is <$80. Another choice - a Buck Custom Shop 110 made to order - with nickel-silver bolsters, walnut scales, and S30V blade - ~$85 and a few weeks wait - but made for you. You could buy a basic 110 from Wally World for $28 + s/t to 'evaluate' - then order a custom - and still have a 'user' until the custom arrives - and lunch money left from your stash. Either way, you are buying a made in ID product.

I like my V-Pro and TNT, but there are some things you could do with a 110 you shouldn't do with them. A fixed blade is another step up, too. Good luck!

Stainz
 
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All of the suggestions above are sound.You could also get a new version Cold Steel Voyager.It now comes with liners,a Triad Lock(one of the strongest made),and a laminated VG1 stainless blade.Plus,they make them in several sizes,worth taking a look at.
 
I would say a fixed blade is a good second to have, lets try and keep it as reasonable as possible, so therefore A Mora Clipper and an Endura should cover all your needs you have fore camping. You can even pick up a Full size Griptilian in stead of the Endura if you would like.

Or you could get a Victorinox Soldier that has a saw in with it as well (a great knife that can be used for a lot of things)

In my camping experience those are all the blades I truly need, but being this is a hobby I tend to go a bit nuts!
 
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