Fixed blade $100

There really isn't a "best" fixed blade. BUT, some companies you should definitely check out are Esee, Fallkniven (my favorite), and Becker/Kabar. All are very great knives.
 
A few American and Taiwanese Ka-bars, older Ontario Spec Plus models, a few Cold Steel models like the Recon Scout in SK5.

Short 12" - 14" blade machete will probably do better whatever it is you are wanting to do, and for a really good price.

A $25 - $40 tomahawk or hatchet is a lot of fun also and will do better chopping, splitting, and banging away at stuff than a large knife.

With the machete or tomahawk/hatchet you can use the money saved for a good new pocket knife for small/fine work, sharpening supplies, food, gas, etc.
 
The Becker BK7 is a well balanced knife, I would recommend it. The BK9 is a great chopper, But the 7 is more versatile.
 
Ooh ooh! In that length range - BK9 all the way.

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Beckerhead #42
 
How is the Becker warranty? How is the included sheath? Is it kydex?

I've read ESEE has a awesome warranty.
 
How is the Becker warranty? How is the included sheath? Is it kydex?

I've read ESEE has a awesome warranty.

The warranty is great, as long as there aren't vice marks or evidence of using a cheater bar. basically unless you break it on purpose it gets replaced.

cordura sheath w/ insert...they rattle.
 
How is the Becker warranty? How is the included sheath? Is it kydex?

I've read ESEE has a awesome warranty.


Esse is probably your best bet. Great warranty, and it has all the bells and whistles. With Becker, there is some modifications to do.
 
Ok, generally a little over your $100 limit but the CS Recon Scout has been my beater for quite a while and I have never had an issue with it. I will tell you that it is a good idea to find someone to eventually remove the top guard as I have hit it a few times and made it a bit loose. It doesn't bother me though and the 5/16" blade is a monster to baton with!
 
With the 100 dollar limit I would say the best blades that I own in that range are

Becker BK 7 or 9
Khukri House Special Hunter Sirupate
10 inch Tramontina machete and a
Valiantco golok potong (just get the nylon sheath) in addition to the wood it comes with.
 
Esse is probably your best bet. Great warranty, and it has all the bells and whistles. With Becker, there is some modifications to do.

You can mod easily if you wish - but there's no real need to do so. Up to the owner.

ESEE was suggested and those are great but good luck finding one in your size range for under $100.

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Beckerhead #42
 
What about the Kabar Potbelly ? the blade does only have a 6.5 " cutting edge.
Also the Condor Varan. 30 bux and getting good reviews.
 
Lots of custom makers will make a knife like that for that price. You may want to check out some of the guys over on the makers for sale section. :thumbup:
 
+1 to the custom suggestion,
Or a Condor Hudson Bay+ a Mora, and that is still under half of your budget. Or if you don't want a big knife, I would still recommend a Mora, they make so many different patterns.
 
BK7 is a good option in this price range.

A bit of bike inner tube over the handle for added grip and you are done!
 
What is the difference between the older and newer models?

Older ones were 1095 with cordura/leather sheaths and plenty tough while often being available for $40-60. Gen II is 5160 with ridiculous sheaths priced higher than previous Spec Plus line, price is really just too much more than necessary for some common, cheap spring steel and a $1 generic sheath which is not even sized for the individual models.
 
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