Recommendation? Entry Level Fixed Blade?

I

ikiosho

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2025
Messages
6
Hey y'all, first post here. Glad to be here.

I've had a small collection of pocket knives and multi-tools over my life - nothing of real note to this group. A few (functional, not wall-hanger) swords.

I don't have any fixed blade, and shooting for one that is sub $100. The options out there are overwhelming and I have almost no brand recognition other than Buck knives - just now following hobby pages about knives.

Ideally it would be very resilient to use (though I don't mind maintenance on something like carbon steel) and multi-purpose. I love tent camping and heavy yard work and plan to get into back country camping soon.

Is the community consensus that it's generally better to buy a nicer knife the first time, or do you see it more like an expensive tool, and it is better to upgrade when you have outgrown the cheap tool?

I've found these ebay knives from a 99% rated seller... they claim 1095 with a heat treat of 55-58HRC but are made in Pakistan. But they're only $40. Is that worth the risk?

I like that their handle is nearly like a chef's knife but have no idea if that's prone to hot spots.

Thanks in advance!

edit: clarifying that the pictured knives are not marketed as SS
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There's a huge sea of info out there... I'll be reading but appreciate any guidance, pointers, recs, etc.
 
55-58 HRC is a large gap, and I would not trust the heat teat on those (or the steel claims). Stick with known companies.

Another tell is that 1095 is NOT a Stainless Steel (SS as claimed) indicating the company is...less than honest.
 
Welcome to the forum.

I would stay away from the Pakistan potmetal knives. Buck is a solid choice if you like them. My suggestion would be to surf the “for sale: fixed blades” section of the forum to get an idea of what you like. Enjoy your stay, it’s a great place to be :) :thumbsup:
 
Welcome to Bladeforums! If you are familiar with Buck Knives then I'd say go for a Buck 119, 104 and/or 656. These will all serve you well for reasonable cutting/camping tasks. Eventually you can try other models and brands once you start to learn what you like.

As mentioned, beware of anything made in Pakistan as knives made there are known for being poor quality.
 
Gerber Strongarm retails for a penny less than a C-note and probably fits your needs. Only buy it from a reputable retailer, though, as apparently it's an easy knife to fake. I'd start by searching that in the prominent retailers' pages and then see what else comes up as suggestions, maybe you'll find something you like more.
 
Welcome to the forums. You don't have to spend a lot for a decent quality blade, but I would recommend not spending your money on knives with unknowns. Meaning stick to reputable dealers and brands. I would pass on the two you posted and do a bit of research before buying I think you'll be much happier in the end.

You can get a good knife under $100.00 in most cases it just depends what your needs and uses will be for the knife. If you can give some parameters for size preference and your uses I'm sure you will get lots of suggestions that will give you good options to check out.
 
I think that we're all lucky to be alive at such a great time. The choices seem endless. I know that you'll get a lot of great recommendations in this thread.

My most used knife in your price range? One of my StrongArms, hands down. I think the next two would be a standard SRK (*SK-5 steel) and a Peltonen M95, which would basically "tie" for second place. I believe that the latter comes in at about $110. However, I think that I scored my last one for about $80-$85. My third most used, in the range that you gave, would probably be a Garberg.


Happy hunting!
 
Welcome to the BFs. For <$100, you could grab a Cold Steel or two from Amazon or Midway USA. They are not elegant, like those you posted, but they will serve you well. Beat them up or take care of them, either way, they will get the job done.
 
Thanks all! Definitely plan to browse the classifieds here and will look up the models recommended here.

Ultimately I envision this knife as being longer (8-10") with a hefty spine and a spear or drop point. Something that can take a beating, and doesn't need to do delicate work.

Definitely like the look of more slender knives without a big belly.

Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today? Excluding enthusiast models.

navman said:
Another tell is that 1095 is NOT a Stainless Steel (SS as claimed) indicating the company is...less than honest.
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You're right and they don't even advertise it as such! That's on me for describing it as SS - doing too much at once :)
 
Check out cold steel srk compact, gerber strong arm, mora companion HD.
Not to beat a dead horse but tread lightly on ebay, especially if they claim the knife is made out of 1095 stainless steel 🙄
Last but not least, be careful around anything from Pakistan. In 30 minutes or less here, you'll learn the names of a couple dozen companies that are well worth your time and money
 
Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today?
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$75-125 is perhaps a good range in 2025. I bought my first modern fixed blade about 7-8 years ago (the aforementioned Gerber) when prices were less inflated and i had a gift card to use. Given the use I've got out of it, I'd buy it again. I'd try to wait for a sale, though.

If you happen upon a dirt cheap Paki knife like those you pictured, try it for yourself alongside whatever recommended tool you end up with. The consensus is firm on why we advise against them, but until you experience it for yourself, you may always wonder. And, at least you'll have a backup knife (or better yet, a loaner).
 
I second (or third or fourth^^) the Gerber Strongarm, it's a really good beater knife and I've used mine heavily, still going strong.

Also, I'd advise against eBay and pakistani knives, stick to well known brands of which you'll find a lot of good suggestions here.

As for your questions, my first fixed blade was a Gerber Freeman Guide which I still have but don't use (spent about 30€ for it) and my second one cost around 150€, from then on I fell into the rabbit hole, discovered different steels and brands and most importantly, I discovered Spydercos 😂

When I didn't know a lot about knives, I bought cheap junk off Amazon as well, but that's all just wasted money and time, in my opinion. Browse the forums, look at a lot of threads with pictures, research which knives you like the look of, you'll be certain to find something in your questions price range.

Also, Moras are really great for what little money you spend for one :)


Happy hunting and welcome to BF 💕
 
ikiosho said:
Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today? Excluding enthusiast models.
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My first fixed blade was an Esee 4. Bought it second hand for $75-$80. It had never been used. What drew me to it was that Esee offers lifetime guarantee no matter what. Now I think I still have it but not sure. I like other knives now that are not production off the shelf knives. For the most part made in the USA. I know there are great products out there made overseas but thats where I'm at. Welcome to the club.
 
ikiosho said:
Thanks all! Definitely plan to browse the classifieds here and will look up the models recommended here.

Ultimately I envision this knife as being longer (8-10") with a hefty spine and a spear or drop point. Something that can take a beating, and doesn't need to do delicate work.

Definitely like the look of more slender knives without a big belly.

Is $100 a good limit or tier of knives to look at? What did you spend on your first fixed knife, or what would you spend today? Excluding enthusiast models.


You're right and they don't even advertise it as such! That's on me for describing it as SS - doing too much at once :)
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If I were looking for a 7" to 10" blade I'd maybe spend a bit more and look at the Becker BK9 or maybe a BK7. You may even find them used for closer to that $100.

The BK9 is a great large knife.
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I have been looking at the cold steel drop forged bowie. That seems to have dropped in price. And would be a much better version of a bowie knife than the one in that photo.


I may as well throw in the survivalist which is similar.

 
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