Day-Pack Knife Recommendations

[chiral.grolim]

I am looking for suggestions on a fixed blade to carry in my EDC/day-pack/Get-Home-Bag. I am open to all suggestions in the $20 - $200 range.

I have been considering an ESEE-4 and a HI Kukri for backpacking/camping or a true "bug out" situation. That said, what I am looking for right now is a blade for a small pack that I carry daily, take to the shooting range, and that I hike with. The ESEE-4 and kukri do not feel like optimum solutions for that use.

My bag already contains a Leatherman MUT which seems to have a decent, thick folding blade on it, and I always have a SOG Vulcan folder in my pocket. These currently address my every-day needs. However, should I get lost, stuck or injured on a hike and have to unexpectedly spend the night outdoors, I would like something that can handle some basic bushcraft and chopping duties.

So... not too big, not too heavy, but enough to handle some light chopping if need be. I really like the ESEE-6, but I hear it's not the best chopper.

Any thoughts?

You have a minimum price?

This is a very common question/topic on here.
My own $0.02 is that you should drop the khukuri and the SOG and...

Well, you can get a folding saw / saber saw / pocket chain-saw if you feel the need for a saw, but other supplies might be more useful. Superfluous items would be the khukuri and the SOG. Keep the ESEE-4 and the Leatherman and you're good to go blade-wise, the abilities of those two fully overlap the SOG, and the khukuri is a dedicated tool - i.e. a lot of weight if you aren't likely to put it to use.
The chopping ability of the ESEE 6 or 4 is immaterial as either should be used with a baton for such chores, either a walking-stick brought along or a stout length found en route, whatever works. A tough 4 - 5" blade + baton can accomplish wonders where chopping is concerned. Look up techniques, practice with the tools you have already in your arsenal, and have fun!

If you do decide to pick-up a new tool, ones I'd avoid are the BK2 and BRKT Bravo1, the first because of weight/size issues, and the second because of size/ergonomics issues... but that is only my opinion. My two favorite "all around" knives: Cattaraugus 225Q and the RatManDu - long enough, thin enough, light enough, strong enough, excellent edge-retention, and very comfortable in use. Pick up a short Spec-Ops combat master for the RMD or another generic sheath for 5" knives if you don't want to go custom leather or kydex.

There, that's enough for me. Have fun!

 

[jmsodpc]

any suggestions for me? i would like a fixed blade that has 3-4" blade, dont like serrated or black coated blades, and i do like leather sheath and also like up to $100 in price, and like burl handles.

 

[Mrbladedude]

I am looking for suggestions on a fixed blade to carry in my EDC/day-pack/Get-Home-Bag. I am open to all suggestions in the $20 - $200 range.

I have been considering an ESEE-4 and a HI Kukri for backpacking/camping or a true "bug out" situation. That said, what I am looking for right now is a blade for a small pack that I carry daily, take to the shooting range, and that I hike with. The ESEE-4 and kukri do not feel like optimum solutions for that use.

My bag already contains a Leatherman MUT which seems to have a decent, thick folding blade on it, and I always have a SOG Vulcan folder in my pocket. These currently address my every-day needs. However, should I get lost, stuck or injured on a hike and have to unexpectedly spend the night outdoors, I would like something that can handle some basic bushcraft and chopping duties.

So... not too big, not too heavy, but enough to handle some light chopping if need be. I really like the ESEE-6, but I hear it's not the best chopper.

Any thoughts?

I have the ESEE 6 and it chops just fine. Not as good as a machete of course but it will get the job done. If that is too big of a knife for you have a look at the Fallkniven F1. Great knife. I own that one as well.

Both very good, solid dependable knives.

 

[Coyote3855]

As others have suggested, I think you've got knives covered. A small hand axe (I have the little Gransfors Bruks) and a folding saw (mine is an Opinel, but I have a Buck as well) will be, IMHO, more useful in processing firewood or building a shelter than another knife. That said, a 1970's vintage Buck 119 goes outdoors with me every time. I understand this isn't answering your OP, so... I have an ESSE 3 that I like. It was around $100.