Durable, Fixed Blade For Camping?

D

Dave568

Joined
May 24, 2005
Messages
118
I was hoping to get some suggestions on some fixed blades for camping/hiking. I have never owned a real fixed blade before, just a bunch of folders. I have decided to go an invest in a good fixed blade knife that will be used only for hiking/camping in the woods. I was hoping to spend somewhere between $50-$100, so I don't want anything too expensive. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
 
I would check out kabar, they're a favorite fixed blade in that range and make an excellent camp knife. Also check out becker they have great knives as well.
 
Glock field knife. $40 and will do anything you want it to. You will need to adjust the edge from the factory though.
 
Beckers if you like heavier knives, or check out some Scandies for something lighter.

For around $100 you have some very nice Bark River Knives available.
 
Dave, when you say "Durable, Fixed Blade For camping/hiking" I'm guessing you mean chopping and whacking, not skinning and food prep?

I'll give you my two great bang for the buck beat 'em ups - Cold Steel Light Khukri (mine's the o-o-o-o-l-d one - 1st gen LTC,maybe?), and Spec Ops Survival Bowie. There are better choppers, I'm not sure there are better choppers for the money (as long as you want a knife, not a machete.) Now both of them had some quality control issues - basically, with Cold Steel and Spec Ops, there's just no guarantee you will get a knife with good heat treat out of the box. But they've both got decent warrantees and customer service. So test them immediately, and send 'em back if they're soft.

I've only had the bowie for a year (damn, just checked - EXACTLY a year yesterday! :thumbup: ) but I've had the khuk something like ten, and I have beaten the living crap out of it with never a problem.
 
I guess it depends on your definition of "hiking and camping". I've always carried an Opinel (locking folder), but recently switched to an AG Russell Hunters Scalpel (lightweight fixed blade). Those knives have easily performed every cutting task ever encountered while living and working outdoors.

Think about the sorts of things you'll need a knife for. Do you carry fresh vegetables that will need to be prepped? Cleaning game? Cutting tent lines and opening freeze-dry packages?

And how do you hike/camp? Do you move fast and light, car camp, or something in-between?

Best Wishes, and happy hiking,
-Bob
 
Thanks for the replies so far. So far I am thinking the Becker BK-7 would be a good choice, but I am just a bit concerned about the handle... every review I have read seems to say it is quite slippery - that is definitely a quality you do NOT want when you are outdoors many miles away from a hospital. :p

To answer a few of your questions... I like to hike light and move pretty quickly. I don't car-camp, I always hike several miles into the woods and set up camp wherever I find a nice spot.

As for what I am planning on using the knife for, I am planning on using it to cut rope, chop wood, shave wood for kindling, etc. I do not plan on killing or skinning any animals with it - it wouldn't even be my primary mode of self defense (Maybe a backup).

So far I am leaning towards the BK-7.
 
I would take a look at Bark River Knife & Tool. They have some nice knives in this price range. In particular the Gameskeeper knife comes to mind but there are many to choose from.
 
I took a look at the Bark River knives you mentioned. While they seemed like good knives, they aren't really my style. Right now I'm looking into the Kabar Short, which I think I actually may like a bit more than the BK-7 right now...
 
That Foster Fears knife over in the Reviews and Testing forum looks pretty nice.

Smallish, but I could see it being pretty handy little "field" knife. Not sure who sells them though.

Depends on what you're going to use it for though, I guess.

You also might check out the Ontario RAT line as well. Their D2 models seem pretty affordable.
 
I usually take my Falkniven F1 as my fixed blade, backed up by a SAK that has a locking main blade & a saw. The 3rd tool I bring is either my old CS Kuhkri or a GransFors Bruk Axe.
 
In regards to the Benchmade Model 10510 Gamer that was posted... it is described as being a "thin" blade... would it still work for chopping branches and the like? Or would it be too fragile for that sort of thing?
 
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