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Fixed blade camping knife that you actually use
- Thread starter zimmerDN
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2002
- Messages
- 328
Here's something that seems to fit what you're looking for, in a custom that fits your price cap.
David Farmer is a custom knife maker whose work is priced reasonably, and his medium camp knife is very nice. He makes a knife that begs to work, and has the personality and character of the maker built into it. The blade is just under 4.5", has a hamon, and is very comfortable in hand.
Here are some pic's of the one I have from him.
It's the first knife pictured from the top (the others are a BlackJack Small Cocobolo, and a Koster Kardas K4).
David Farmer is a custom knife maker whose work is priced reasonably, and his medium camp knife is very nice. He makes a knife that begs to work, and has the personality and character of the maker built into it. The blade is just under 4.5", has a hamon, and is very comfortable in hand.
Here are some pic's of the one I have from him.
It's the first knife pictured from the top (the others are a BlackJack Small Cocobolo, and a Koster Kardas K4).
If you trek a long ways into the woods, the last thing you want is more weight on your pack. This is why I favor the Scandi-grind blades. They are super light and work well in most environments. I am not afraid to drop them or even misplace the blade. A well honed hand axe is an amazing tool that cuts as well or better than most 10 inch bowie knives. Sometimes I pack a smaller Ontario machete if I am in the mood for something different. The Mora 2000 is always close at hand.
On my last wilderness venture, I left the DF and the BM safe and secure, out of the fray in the dark, dry climate of the lower drawer in my tool box.
On my last wilderness venture, I left the DF and the BM safe and secure, out of the fray in the dark, dry climate of the lower drawer in my tool box.
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2004
- Messages
- 19
To cat and willgoy
The Tomes knife in the photo by Ebbtide is called a "utility hunter" or sometimes a "jigged bone utility." The scales are simply jigged bone that have been worked by Mr. Tomes. It is one of his least expensive handle options and I believe the knife is the least expensive knife in his lineup. If I remember correctly I payed $165.00 for mine around the first of this year.
It is not shown at his website but he sells quite a lot of them, particularly to hunting outfitters. The blade is almost 3 1/2" long with the total length of the blade near 7 1/2". The bladesteel is 52100 carbon steel that sharpens easily and holds an edge quite well. It is a nice light knife with a very functional bladeshape for a variety of tasks.
You could get one just by contacting him at his website. I won't part with mine.
The Tomes knife in the photo by Ebbtide is called a "utility hunter" or sometimes a "jigged bone utility." The scales are simply jigged bone that have been worked by Mr. Tomes. It is one of his least expensive handle options and I believe the knife is the least expensive knife in his lineup. If I remember correctly I payed $165.00 for mine around the first of this year.
It is not shown at his website but he sells quite a lot of them, particularly to hunting outfitters. The blade is almost 3 1/2" long with the total length of the blade near 7 1/2". The bladesteel is 52100 carbon steel that sharpens easily and holds an edge quite well. It is a nice light knife with a very functional bladeshape for a variety of tasks.
You could get one just by contacting him at his website. I won't part with mine.
ah. That's exactly the kind of thing that newcomers like me need to learn. 
I suppose it's very much a matter of personal choice, as well as how much you're prepared to spend on a hard-use camp knife.
I suppose the inexpensive Mora type knives can handle most things well enough, and are suitable for crude sharpening in the field.
PS: off-topic: who's the quote in your signature?
I suppose it's very much a matter of personal choice, as well as how much you're prepared to spend on a hard-use camp knife.
I suppose the inexpensive Mora type knives can handle most things well enough, and are suitable for crude sharpening in the field.
PS: off-topic: who's the quote in your signature?
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2005
- Messages
- 3,531
ah. That's exactly the kind of thing that newcomers like me need to learn.
I suppose it's very much a matter of personal choice, as well as how much you're prepared to spend on a hard-use camp knife.
I suppose the inexpensive Mora type knives can handle most things well enough, and are suitable for crude sharpening in the field.
PS: off-topic: who's the quote in your signature?
I have many fixed blades, including blades ranging from Busses ($500 sharpened Pry Bars) to multiple (3 exactly) $15 dollar Moras. Moras cut incredibly well and sharpen easily on just about anything. However, they do not handle being twisted jabbed or slammed around into tough woods very well at all. The steel is soft and way too thin to be called hard use, in my opinion. I was just playing around with one of mine, and had bent the edge and broke off the tip before I knew what was going on. To me they have very specific functions, and would never be my go-to knife.
A Cold Steel SK-5 knife like the new Trailmaster runs around $80 bucks and are very tough. The bushman is even a good value, although the thin stock also bend and deforms readily at the edge. The basic Kabar is also a sound option.
My sig lyrics are from a Tool song called The Patient from the Lateralus album.
I agree that the Fallkniven (F1 or S1) would be a great choice for all around fixed blade. I also recently picked up a Swamprat Ratmandu for $128 from the Swamprat website (the ratmandus come and go frequently these days) and I don't think you could pick a better all around outdoor knife.
I think that's good advice re the original question, and $80 is a good limit to set.
The sig lyrics...Tool. Thanks. Good. Pretty much in line with the tradition in that genre. I like. Thanks.
yer killing me.
I should go home, and stop trying to make up my mind what knife to buy next.
If those were 4"-5" blades, that would probably do it. But I've been trying to stop wanting to buy a Kiku for a few weeks. I'm only just getting to accept that it's not a case of what I need or what I'll ever use.
- Joined
- Oct 29, 2005
- Messages
- 881
Ditto on the F1 -- can be had for close to 80 w/synthetic handle and simple leather flap sheath. I really enjoyed using it on my last trip. I agree with those that rec'd axes for splitting etc.... esp for cold weather camping. I personally like to get shortish, wood hafted, generic brand axes at the hardware store then beat them until they die... then just get another.
Forgot one...
Buck 102
2nd from the bottom.
I refer to it as my personal steak knife
Personally I think the 102 is a bit small. I've got mine right here, and while I think it's a great knife...I'd want something a little "beefier" out in the woods, especially if it was the only knife I could take.
- Joined
- May 25, 2007
- Messages
- 15,113
I'll add my two cents into this , I really like RAT knives; great knife and will not break the bank , try a RAT -5 .
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2006
- Messages
- 134
SOG Navy Seal 2000 is great for camping and makes a good letter opener too.
- Joined
- May 5, 2003
- Messages
- 2,494
Since you have a camp axe for the tough jobs, I'd take a good look at the Helle Harding for about $65. Functional and beautiful! Laminated blade steel, rosewood/curly birch/leather handle, and leather sheath with stud retainer.
If you like a thicker blade, the Fallkniven F1 is a sweet knife (and just a touch out of your price range).
Stay sharp,
desmobob