Decent Knives for $100 or less

lagarto

lagarto

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
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Hello all, I've been looking at buying a new fixed blade, something that would come in around $100 and would stand up to chopping, and general camp chores. So far my possibles include the KA - Bar D2 spear point, Sog Seal Pup, Ka - Bar Camp Knife and Ontario RTAK, if anyone has any input as alway it's much appreciated. I'm looking for a blade length of between 4.5 - 6.5 inches (although I made an exception for the RTAK,and actually anything larger than 4.5 would work, I really don't like small blades for outdoor use though) and something that will be relatively sharp out of the box. Also, Does anyone know if there are any decent BOLOS to be had in this price range? Thanks in advance.
Lagarto
 
I think that the Spyderco Temperance would make a great camp knife, if you leave out chopping. The Temperance’s blade is a little too light and short for efficient chopping, but you can baton it.



- Frank
 
I would highly recommend that you take a look at John Greco's handmade fixed blades, especially the newer flat ground models.

I have never seen a production fixed blade that could really compare to my Greco, and I've had a lot of them. It is not pretty, and it is not perfectly finished, but it is a superior working knife.

It takes a good edge and stays sharp for a long time, but is quite easy to resharpen. It came blazing sharp new, and I actually used it regularly for a few months before I needed to sharpen it up.

The knife is differentially tempered and dosn't seem to mind occasional whacks off of rocks or concrete, and has stood up to difficult use on various construction projects with no problem.

I have never encountered a fixed blade (custom pr production) for any price that I believe to be functionally superior to a Greco.

You should be able to find a 4-5 incher for around seventy dollars, depening on where you look.
 
Originally posted by lagarto
...fixed blade...around $100...stand up to chopping, and general camp chores. ... a blade length of between 4.5 - 6.5 inches ... relatively sharp out of the box.
Click to expand...
See also the Swamp Rat knives:
Bandicoot or Howling Rat: 4.5" for $89
Camp Tramp: 7.5" for $129

http://www.swampratknives.com/knives.html

SR-101 is a modified version of 52100 low chrome carbon steel. They'll be tough, and sharp, and if you find a used Camp Tramp, all around $100.

The Greco idea is a good one. 8670 is another simpler carbon steel he uses for bigger knives demanding even more toughness. Looks like his "Dangler Caper" is done up in 52100. He used to use A2 as a standard, but I don't see it listed on his standard models any more. I'd guess he would still do you a knife in A2. Strictly speaking not quite as tough as 52100 or 8670, but all around it should hold an edge a bit better (more abrasion resistant, but still tough), also carbon steel.

http://www.grecoknives.com

If you really want to do any significant chopping, you want a tough blade, that means generally carbon steel in this price range.
 
Sounds like a Fallkniven S1 ('forest knife') to me

< $100
VG-10
Full tang
5"

s1green.jpg
 
A bunch of good choices. I have several that work. In order of preference: 6"+ Fallkiniven A1($100), 7"+ BK7($50), and 6"+ Buck Nighthawk($45). The A1 is my choice for a "walkabout", the BK7 is my fav camper, and the Buck is more tactical. Get the older A1 in VG10 instead of laminated if you decide on that one. It is still on the shelves in some places. If you decide to spend more, the Camp Tramp is a good choice, and if you choose to break the bank let me know how good the CRK Green Beret is. ;)
 
You can't go wrong with a Fallkniven S1. I got mine and am extremely happy with it. It's a damn good value camping knife. Will do light chopping and the VG10 blade is shaving sharp out of the box. It's also easy to sharpen after that. I sharpen with a DMT diafold.
 
It would be hard to beat a BK-7 for what you want. They run around $45.
 
i just got the becker knife & tool bk-7 and i love it. it's perfect. it got great balance, was shaving sharp, cofortable grip, weighty blade, nice finish....the whole ball of yarn. it chops well (took down a 5" sapling easily with zero hand fatigue...actually it went to quick...i was still having fun) and is weighty enough to handle other tasks like hammering. decent sheath. maybe a little long for your needs (7 inches) but it's great for the purposes you list. at least check out the becker line up. there is a shorter on that looks sweet (i think it's the bk-9).

good luck
 
Seems like a lot of you really like the Becker's any thoughts on the Becker Brute and how it might stack up against either the camp tramp or Ontario RTAK?
Thanks
Lagarto
 
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