First fixed blade

My top choice in that range for hiking, UL backpacking, and camping is a Bark River Mini Aura in 3V. Very light, especially with a DLT Kydex sheath, yet very tough and functional. It is not stainless so may require a little prevention on multi day, rainy trips or exposure to corrosive things.

For longer trips, I like the Guardian 4 in M390. The 3D micarta handles are fantastic. M390 is highly stainless with very high wear resistance.

If I had to pick just one as an all rounder, it would be the Guardian.
 
Some weird advice in this thread I must say.
That's a pretty sweet budget you've got there. For a camping/hiking knife at $300, you should get a well made, beautiful knife made for that particular purpose out of a high end steel and a nice handle material. Something from Bark River might be a good suggestion or maybe a Fällkniven NL4 Idun.
 
Great makers, great knives, I say go less expensive now, try a few different things, and then decide if still want to spend your budget, then you know exactly what you want in a great custom. Just my opinion, do not mean to start a debate, but I think it is a good way to start, you may have more experiences and are now ready to make that next step. Let us know what you go with. :D
 
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