Can't make up my mind, so here I am..outdoor knife suggestions

StuntDouble

StuntDouble

Joined
Apr 26, 2004
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2,501
So I've been looking for a basic no frills fixed blade for a few months now, and I'm not having much luck finding "the" one. Here are some of the criteria I've been looking at:

-Blade length between 3.5"-5"
-Full tang or hidden.
-I'm trying to stay away from rubber handles, mainly because I don't have much faith in their long term durability.
-Carbon or stainless doesn't matter, as long as it isn't below 425M
-Some sort of finger guard, preferably single guard.
-Priced between $50-$100, preferably closer to $50 if possible
-Not a sharpened prybar.
This is pretty much going to be my main hiking and backpacking knife, and will be accompanied by either a machete or small axe, so it's not likely to be used to chop down trees. More of a general camp use, and SHTF knife. Some of the ones I've been considering are:

Sog Seal Pup- I like the design, but I'm worried that it is going to end up being a sharpened prybar, like the Seal 2000's I've handled. Also, I'm not a fan of serrations on a fixed blade.

Sog Seal Pup Elite- I like the fact I can get this one in plain edge, but that useless rasp on the back of the blade just turns me off. So does the double guard, though I may be able to sand that down a bit

Buck Vanguard- Around the right size, but I'm concerned about how robust it is.

Buck 119- Same concern as the Vanguard, and I found the handle on the one I used to own was pretty slick, even with dry hands.

Ontario Rat 3 or 5- I like these designs, but I seem to remember hearing complaints about the handles being too big.

Cold Steel Master Hunter- I like the design, but there's that rubber handle..


I already own a couple of Mora designs, and though I do like them as knives, I don't really like them as field knives, if that makes any sense.

So, does anyone have any feedback or input on the knives I've mentioned, or have any suggestions for some other knives I should check out?
 
Chris Mapp said:
Buck Vanguard- Around the right size, but I'm concerned about how robust it is.

Buck 119- Same concern as the Vanguard, and I found the handle on the one I used to own was pretty slick, even with dry hands.

Ontario Rat 3 or 5- I like these designs, but I seem to remember hearing complaints about the handles being too big.

Cold Steel Master Hunter- I like the design, but there's that rubber handle..
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Tell you what, I had a 192, and I think it would do you fine, Also have the master hunter, and I think if you got one in carbon V that whould be the way you go, if not, aus-8 would work fine too.
Rat three would be last as too my personal preference, but you may like it more.
 
It's got a rubber handle but here is my Benchmade NRA Snody...
SaanichInlet007.jpg


or my Ka-Bar D2 Impact Spear Point with Micarta handle...
MtWork010.jpg
 
Skunk, how big is the handle on the TAK?

If it helps, the handle on my Becker BK-7 is right at the point that it's too big to be comfortable for extended use.
 
Take a look at the Grohmann DH Russells, great knives for the money; full tang with a choice of flat or sabre grind and carbon or stainless on most models. No separate guards, but the blade/handle shape do serve as a minimalist integral guard. The only downside are the standard leather sheaths which could be better.


If you are willing to spend around $100, I would recommend the Foster Knives Fears Survival knife, which has a G-10 scales (in a choice of 3 colors) over a full tang, integral guard, 440C steel and an excellent custom quality sheath from Normark (On Scene Tactical).


The SOG Revolvers are nice also, comfortable handles with a AUS8 knife blades plus a built in saw – definitely not a sharpened prybar. The Revolver sheaths are decent but not spectacular.


The only knife that you listed that I own is the CS Master Hunter - nice knife but I don’t like the rubber handle. To me, the handle feels a bit too soft and tacky and at the same time the checkering feels too abrasive. I also find the handle shape too straight to fit my hand comfortably. If you decide to go with a rubber handled knife, I would suggest the Fallkniven F1 instead. The F1’s handles seem to be harder with a less rubbery feel than the Master Hunters and the grip has, at least to me, a more comfortable shape.





- Frank
 
The handle on the TAK is Micarta, and can't be compared to the Becker stock handles, which are [cough] poor to fair at best [cough].

IUKE can help, he psoted a pic and gave some stats in the "I ordered a TAK" thread.

When mine arrives I'll give the low down.

it's the bottom one in the pic.
knife003.jpg
 
frank k said:
The SOG Revolvers are nice also, comfortable handles with a AUS8 knife blades plus a built in saw – definitely not a sharpened prybar. The Revolver sheaths are decent but not spectacular. - Frank
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Yeah, I really like my revolver H, really sharp knife, sog know's their heat treat, they get what they can outa' aus-8, which is a good amount ;) :thumbup: :D
 
I have a sog seal pup it's a great knife but the tactical bladeshape is a bit of a turn off to me...but over all it is a good solid knife, however the clip point blade doesn't nec lend itself to the overall sturdiness of the knife. I can't imagine breaking it but if I did the tip would be the spot....I recently acquired a fallkniven f-1 and it is hands down the best field knife in my collection razor sharp out of the box and solid as the day is long 3 &3/4 drop point blade of vg-10 stainless steel laminated with 420 hc stainless it has a full tang that protrudes through the but of the handle which I have used so far to hammer tentstakes and crack open numerouis nuts...it's thick for a small knife but is sharp enough for delicate tasks and strong enough to last a life time retails for about 80 bucks and I cannont reccomend it enough I would definitely trust this as my goto blade and as everyone here can atestify too, I'm nervous and flaky about selecting knives. that's my 2 cents... Good luck in your search
 
I suggest a Fallkniven F1 it can be had for under 100.00 and I have never heard a bad thing said about them. It is my favorite knife. It has a 4" blade so it is plenty big enough and I have never heard about the thermorun (spell) handle becoming loose. The tang also goes all the way through the handle so it is plenty tough (I actually preffer this method of handle to any other, it's much better in cold weather)

I strongly suggest the F1. :D

It'll last a long time. :)
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys. You're definitely giving me some ideas.

pitdog, how was the edge on your Kabar Impact? I ask because it seems they left the edges very thick on the USMC knife, just curious if that's the case for the Impact series as well.
 
i find the ontario tak handles pretty big lengthwise, but not overly big in terms of girth. Even better is when you contour the micarta to fit your hand. I did this to mine and it feels awesome.

 
Chris Mapp said:
Thanks for the replies so far guys. You're definitely giving me some ideas.

pitdog, how was the edge on your Kabar Impact? I ask because it seems they left the edges very thick on the USMC knife, just curious if that's the case for the Impact series as well.
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I don't think it is thick, but that is just me comparing it to my other blades so it is relative !
I can tell you that it came shaving sharp and that it keeps an edge longer than any of my other knives.
I can also tell you that it survived quite a big drop down rocks and escaped with just a little of the coating chipped off but no damage to the blade.....you may have already read about this episode in a previous thread of mine !!!:thumbup:
 
I was searching for the one and finally settled on the Buck 102. It's like the 119 only smaller. I had a 119 but found out quick that it was more knife than I needed.
The handles on Buck's 100 series do feel a little slick but i have never had any problem while using mine and I have used mine with wet cold hands. I think that it is a comfortable knife to use. It is also very sturdy and I have never felt like I was pushing it.
Mine takes a razor edge, cuts very well and is easy to sharpen. It also holds that edge pretty well. It is a friendly looking knife that is easy and comfortable to carry.
Anyway the 102 is the one I settled on. Good luck to you on finding yours.
 
While it is above your price-point, do take a look at Doug Ritter's RSK Mk3 (fixed Rittergrip):

http://www.equipped.com/rsk_mk3.htm

rskmk3withsheathnr6.jpg


-Blade length between 3.5"-5" ==> 4.5" blade

-Full tang or hidden. ==> full tang

-I'm trying to stay away from rubber handles, mainly because I don't have much faith in their long term durability. ==> machined G10 handle - the machining gives the handle a mild texture to make it slip-resistant. The handle's shape is borrowed from the Griptilian line and allows comfortable handling by a wide-range of hand sizes

-Carbon or stainless doesn't matter, as long as it isn't below 425M ==> Semi-stainless S30V

-Some sort of finger guard, preferably single guard. ==> Single guard w/ thumb ramp on top

-Priced between $50-$100, preferably closer to $50 if possible ==> $165 Yes, I know this is above your price range, but you won't need to buy a second and third knife while attempting to find the "right" one, so you'll save money, really!!

-Not a sharpened prybar ==> 0.140" thick blade is thin enough to be a great slicer - especially with Doug's trademark high flat grind - but still thick enough to be tough. For reference, the Fallkniven F1 is 0.180" thick.

This knife, manufactured by Benchmade, also has a lanyard hole sized for paracord and a multi-carry (that means it has lots of different attachment points) ambidextrous nylon sheath with a kydex insert for safety.
 
I will second the recommendation on the buck 102. I just got one and it will make a great knife for camping and hiking. It may be a tad small for what you want to do. It probably could stand batoning if absolutely need be, and the technique was correct, but I would not ever want to have to get to that point. Another knife you may like in your price range is the Benchmade 151 fixed griptilian. I really like the look of that knife and almost bought it instead of the 102. I got the 102 because of other positive experiences with a buck 105 I have had since I was about 13. Since you said you carry a machete or small axe, I would not worry too much about the batoning aspect. I really like the 102.
 
Might not be to your liking,but I love my queen premium hunter.I got the drop point in oak.At around $40 you get a lot of knife in my opinion,D2 steel,nice size and shape stong and functional.
 
Benchmade fixed griptilian is an awesome knife that fits all your criterior.
$62.50, 154CM, 4.something blade.
 
I suggest a look at Bark River. They have many parctical and durable knives in that size and they are of superb quality. If you look around, you can find one in or near the upper end of your price range
 
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