Farm/Ranch suggestions

knarfeng said:
Have you tried sharpening D2 with an Arkansas stone? D2 contains large chunks of chromium carbide, which is harder than that stone. It would be the same as sharpening 440C or similar stainless steels.

You might also consider some of the Ontario RAT knives in 1095 carbon steel.
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I have NOT tried it. Thanks for the heads up. Guess I’ll have to cross that steel off the list.
 
As a Beckerhead, I'm partial to the brand, it performance, value and top notch customer service. It's hard to go wrong with a BK-16 although the BK-18 may be more your tastes. Depending upon how much weight you care to carry, a BK-2 is a beast yet a manageable beast that will never let you down. The Becker/Kephart is a dandy knife and, as said, a classic design for a reason.
 
DMT Diafold hones are great for sharpening any steel, and not very expensive. I used a coarse/fine Diafold for years before getting DMT 6" bench hones and it really was all I needed. Still take it for field sharpening.
 
I hay, soy beans, corn, cows, cut wood and such.
You do NOT want a knife you can't afford to loose.
You will loose them and break or chip the blade.
I often carry a inside pants knife and always carry a big folder.
A sheath knife on a tractor can and will get in the way.
The folder is cold steel xl voyager either clip or tanto never serrated.
When you loose them or break it not a big deal, get another from your box.
Fixed I use cold steel srk it used to be buck 119 a great reliable model, I would never hesitate to rely on.
I do NOT want to loose another san mai or a becker again.
If you break or loose a $40 srk get another no panic.
When you break or loose $100 much less $250 You are pretty upset and spend a lot of time looking
And always carry a hatchet and a machete with you on the tractor, 4 wheeler or truck
 
[QUOTE="

Lastly, a Buck 119 could work well for you. You can find them in 5160 if you want to avoid stainless.[/QUOTE]
I second this, but wouldn't even bother with the 5160.
Add a Norton Fine India stone to your lineup and hone the $50.00 119 every few days, and enjoy the knife.
No gut hook on the 119, but it's a heck of a blade for $50.00....
Mark
 
Bradford Guardian 5.5 in 3v would be great at the top end 9f your budget, bladehq currently has one stock; and a Large Hazen in 1095 is right about $140, so leaves some meat on the bone.
 
One more for the "beater" pile that is a legitimately great knife: https://www.baryonyxknife.com/derugrrihukn.html

It's a thin, carbon steel blade (probably 1095 or 52100) that is tempered hard to provide good edge retention. Think of it as an all-American fixed blade Opinel - it easily takes a great edge, cuts like a laser, and costs about as much as a Mora. I recommend you not pry with it.

While I'm at it, if you're flexible on the US made requirement, Morakniv makes a bunch of great options in carbon steel that cost $40.00 or less. Other than the Dexter-Russell listed above, I can't think of an American made fixed blade that offers so much bang for so few bucks.
 
I noticed that you mention cutting twine/bale wrap.

I spent a lot of effort finding an EDC that would perform well on this crap (especially the wrap, which is hell on a blade edge) and I finally found that I needed a dedicated "wrap knife".

The solution I found was the Byrd Hawkbill. Its cheap. It sharpens easy, though it has needed surprisingly little maintenance. And it tears thru that wrap like crazy. The downside is that the blade isn't that versatile, tho it rocks on feed sacks. I try to keep mine handy in the truck, and absolutely hate to cut wrap without it.

I suggest giving one a try. I even bought a backup to guard against loss. :)
 
I like these options; Buck 110, 105, 119 and the Grohmann #1 & #3.

You mentioned you like the TrailMaster, if you are looking for something smaller and easier to carry, the Recon Scout and the SRK are monster knives and would seemingly fill this niche perfectly with the exception of not being made in the US.

503E042A-6E0B-48BB-85F2-C4C3BD7FE027.jpeg
 
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For a completely bullet proof knife that tears through twine and wrap like a laser. I bought a dozen of these and after 2 years of abuse still have eleven left. You will want a better sheath, but the sheath will last forever. Just replace the knife when you loose it. The knives are under $5 and American made. You can even throw it in the dishwasher.
 
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I think you're on the right track with a matte micarta A2 Saber ground L.T. Wright Genesis.

The handle comfort alone is a major factor in my ordering two more over the past two weeks (Micarta AEB-L Convex & Ironwood A2 Saber) to replace the micarta scandi Genesis I just gifted to a friend's son and to join my burlap 3V Flat ground Genesis. I don't have many duplicates, but I took out my entire collection a few weeks ago, just to "feel" them in hand, with and without gloves. The simple Genesis handle is the most comfortable "general purpose/use" handle I've experienced to date in any hold.

I'd likely be all over the Carothers knives too if the front of the scales dipped down lower to create the same "guard" effect the Genesis scales provide.

Good luck in your quest, you have plenty of great options and the search is one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey.
 
kershaw camp 5 is d2 steel, and only $60, with a 4.75" blade... company in the USA, but this one is made in china

suggesting it since it has the spine thinned out, which should be a useful place to pry with if you have to... save your edge ;)

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eveled said:
View attachment 1479856 For a completely bullet proof knife that tears through twine and wrap like a laser. I bought a dozen of these and after 2 years of abuse still have eleven left. You will want a better sheath, but the sheath will last forever. Just replace the knife when you loose it. The knives are under $5 and American made. You can even throw it in the dishwasher.
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You convinced me! Going to pick up several of these guys and stash them places. Thanks!

I’m also going to end up with a barkie Canadian special or a tops Tom brown tracker #2 for generalized farm/hunting/ camp duties.

So fellas, what do ya say? Tracker or the special?

Thanks for all the pointers, suggestions and advice!
 
They are cheap enough to stash in every tackle, tool, glove box. Survival and first aid kits. The sheath they come with is fine for what it is. Be sure to let me know how they work out for you.

They also make a similar pairing knife with a plain edge.
 
eveled said:
They are cheap enough to stash in every tackle, tool, glove box. Survival and first aid kits. The sheath they come with is fine for what it is. Be sure to let me know how they work out for you.

They also make a similar pairing knife with a plain edge.
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We use these alot, also the Victorinox version is similar and extremely handy!

Irish_Iron_Spring Irish_Iron_Spring look at the 4" Model 451 from Freeman Outdoor Gear. (You might have to look at a couple outlets.)

Made in Oregon, maker is ex-US Army... aircraft mech like me I think... look at all of his stuff!

4" Model 451 Fixed Blade | Freeman Outdoor Gear
 
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