Fixed blade camping knife that you actually use

Z

zimmerDN

Joined
Mar 30, 2005
Messages
68
I need some reasons to justify why I should blow my money on another knife. ;)

I've been doing quite a bit of camping this year but nothing like backpacking into the wilderness. It's just normal tent camping.

I do use my folder here and there but I found my little 3" folder too small for majority of the tasks while camping.

So I want to get a fixed blade that I can carry just like I do with my folder now. What's the point of having the knife when it's not by your side when you most need it right?

I don't need a machette because I don't camp in the complete wilderness plus I have a small and 3lbs axe for splitting wood.

I want to keep this under $80, what would you choose?
 
Years ago I got this Ontario Spec Plus Marine, and it has been one heck of a good camp knife. 1095 steel, decent sheath, indestructible handle, there is nothing to complain about with this knife. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I know that there are better knives, but for the price this one has been great.

marine-1.jpg
 
Call Justin at Ranger Knives (507)230-0398, and tell him what it is you are wanting to do with the knife and what it's primary chores will be. He will steer you in the right direction and have the blade to you in no time. Depending on how big a blade you think you need I would recommend maybe an RD4 or RD6 or if you want something with a little more of a hunter profile and around a 5" blade I would suggest one of his TFI knives. Here is his web address http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/index.html The TFI knife pics are not on the website yet but I have a picture of both versions here,
tfi1.jpg

As you can see the TFI is available both with and without a lanyard hole. There also isn't a picture of an RD4 on Justin's website because it just became part of his standard line up but he can send you pics I'm sure. He is a great guy to work with and has amazing customer service with unbeatable prices...Call him, you won't regret it.

If the Rangers aren't your cup of tea I would recommend looking at the Ontario RAT3 or RAT5 for a good all around on your hip camp knife for a reasonable price.
 
Or a kabar. Same steel, and the 51/4 model should fit comfortably on your waist. They run ~$50. Or a SOG Seal Pup.
 
If you can spare a couple of extra bucks, a Fallkniven S1 makes a great camp knife!

sammyismaboi043.jpg
 
Kabars are a lot of knife for the money.

But with $80, I would definitely consider a custom Ranger or the Rat 3 or 5 suggested earlier. You won't be disappointed.
 
ontario TAK1 for sure. great knife, and much bigger than its actuall size. (does that make sense?)
 
A Mora sounds perfect for you, and it'll only set you back about 15 bucks shipped. Check Ragnar's here. I suggest the Triflex Craftsman. 1095 with a differential heat treat. Or for a little over 30 bucks the Mora 2000 is a steal.
 
Tolly said:
Call Justin at Ranger Knives (507)230-0398, and tell him what it is you are wanting to do with the knife and what it's primary chores will be. He will steer you in the right direction and have the blade to you in no time. Depending on how big a blade you think you need I would recommend maybe an RD4 or RD6 or if you want something with a little more of a hunter profile and around a 5" blade I would suggest one of his TFI knives. Here is his web address http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/index.html The TFI knife pics are not on the website yet but I have a picture of both versions here,
tfi1.jpg

As you can see the TFI is available both with and without a lanyard hole. There also isn't a picture of an RD4 on Justin's website because it just became part of his standard line up but he can send you pics I'm sure. He is a great guy to work with and has amazing customer service with unbeatable prices...Call him, you won't regret it.

If the Rangers aren't your cup of tea I would recommend looking at the Ontario RAT3 or RAT5 for a good all around on your hip camp knife for a reasonable price.
Click to expand...

Tolly,

You got any specs on that TFI knife? What's the blade thickness? .250? Does he has them in a 4" version too?

Thanks
CZ
 
Ludwig said:
Kabars are a lot of knife for the money.

But with $80, I would definitely consider a custom Ranger or the Rat 3 or 5 suggested earlier. You won't be disappointed.
Click to expand...

I like Justin's work, but for a "camp knife", I love the smaller RAT3...thin, wide blade, excellent profile, small enough to carry comfortably on the belt and big enough to do the majority of you camp chores.

ROCK6
 
Fällkniven F1 is a good choice. If you for some reason need a larger knife, then the S1 would be the next step in size. Fällknivens are all stainless steel, though, and that may be a problem for you if you prefer carbon. But the laminated VG-10 used in Fällknivens is good steel. :)
 
Another vote for the TAK-1. Under $80, makes a nice camp knife for sure.
 
I am also voting for Ranger Knives!! They are fantastic knives, and Justin IS a great guy to deal with!!
 
Ranger would be suitable but the best all around (IMHO) knife is the Barkriver Gameskeeper. Keep in mind, once you start down this path, you will forever be looking for the perfect knife.
 
Actually use, my $10 Mora Clipper from SG and my AG Russell Woodwalker. I have others including a: Kabar MFK, AFSK, Grohmann #4, Buck Big Sky (my hunting knife), BK11.

That being said I really want an Ontario TAK1. Don't know that I'd "use" it, but they are solid IMHO.
 
For less than 40 bucks you can land one of the Glock fixed blade knives that the Military issues. You won't be afraid to use it! It's certainly not up to the quality of some of the earlier suggestions, but you'll use the @#@$$% out of it. :D

Razz
 
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