Fixed blade for camping / basic bushcraft?

[strategy9]

Maybe it's overkill, but fwiw regarding blades i would rather have and not need, then need and not have, especially deep in the woods: i also don't like working harder then i have to if i don't need to, but camping for 3 or more days I would pack at least the mora and/or bk11, bk15, Tramontina, camp axe, + a bow saw, at least one folder, and a whittler.

And the wife and teenage kid better at least have their own folders.

 

[ocnLogan]

The type of camping you do will dictate what you will want to bring. Car camping of course you can bring more, so weight isn't a problem, hiking long distances of course is the opposite situation.

Here are my personal preferences for "camping" knives.

• I prefer 2-3 more specialized blades, instead of one "do everything, but with compromises" blade
• I prefer my main blades to be in the 1/8-3/16in thickness range, with lengths between 4-6in, and made of carbon steel.
• I prefer fixed blades.
• I prefer full tangs.

Here are the three things I use most when I go camping.

• Mora carbon campanion. This is light, and carves like nobodies business. I use it for general camp tasks, whittling, and all sorts of other things and it does well at that. An outstanding value at ~$15.
• Becker BK9. This is my "hatchet replacement" knife. It does out chop my hatchet (did a comparison once, and on that wood, the bk9 took just under half as many swings as the hatchet). However, I don't use it to chop often at all. Instead I use it to baton, make tent stakes, and do other larger tasks. It also works surprisingly well for small stuff.
• Corona folding saw. I used to think chopping was cool, then I realized that its much, much easier/faster to just saw the wood. So I use the saw to get firewood to the right lengths, and the bk9 to process it down further if its needed. Well worth the ~$17 it cost me.

Now, here are just some random thoughts.

• If I was to get just one knife, I'd be looking to buy an ESEE 6, Becker BK12, BK10, or BK16.
• People seem to be divided on Becker stock handle scales. Myself, I actually like the texture on the stock scales. Perfect amount of grip and slip. The handle design helps make sure you can't slip and hurt yourself, while the texture gives you good control, yet no blisters. I'd at least try them out if you get a Becker. Worst case you can buy the micarta later.
• If you're looking for an esee, I'd say skip the 5, and get either the laserstrike, or the 6, as I feel those are their best blades.
• I feel that everyone should buy a mora, regardless of whatever else they want. They may really surprise you (mine did). The worst case scenario is you paid $12 to learn what you don't want in a knife. More likely though is that you'll find aspects you do like, and want to find in other knives.
• Becker and ESEE are by no means the only game in town for outdoor knives, they're just well known, well regarded and priced pretty well, so you'll see a lot of talk about them.

Anyway, sorry for the long winded response. Hopefully something in here was of value .

Good luck .

 

[JWheel]

After looking through the options, I like the ESEE 4&6 and the BK10/12/15/16. I like the basic Beckers way more on price though. But I've read that they don't have a square edge for use with a ferro rod. Is that the case for only some or all of them or all of them? I don't have the tools necessary to grind it down.

Oh, and by overwhelming demand, I'll get a Mora companion. Probably a saw and hatchet too. Just need to whittle down my choices now.

BTW, might be car camping in TX, but would be hiking in CA. My first trip will be in CA.

 

[Boris74]

After looking through the options, I like the Beckers. But I've read that they don't have a square edge for use with a ferro rod. Is that the case for only some or all of them or all of them? I don't have the tools necessary to grind it down.

I have the SCHF37 and it is actually more useable than the BK7 and chops like the BK9. You can throw a spark anywhere on the spine and the finger choil actually throws the best sparks of any knife I've seen with the ferro rod that comes with it.

 

[JWheel]

I have the SCHF37 and it is actually more useable than the BK7 and chops like the BK9. You can throw a spark anywhere on the spine and the finger choil actually throws the best sparks of any knife I've seen with the ferro rod that comes with it.

I looked at the SCH37. My only concern (a rookie concern) is that the pricing seemed so low that it made me wonder what I would be losing vs. an ESEE or Becker. My problem is ignorance. <--This statement applies to 99% of my life.

 

[Boris74]

I looked at the SCH37. My only concern (a rookie concern) is that the pricing seemed so low that it made me wonder what I would be losing vs. an ESEE or Becker. My problem is ignorance.

All you are losing is buying a big name, I've used them all. Only one I can say chops better is a BK9 and that's barely better. The steel is tough, holds an edge and it refuses to give up. I put it through a month straight of very demanding daily use and over used it more than a few times and other than wearing off the coating, it's doing perfect.

I thought the same thing too but the knife proved me wrong. The ferro rod that comes with it starts fires the best when used on the finger choil to spark.

 

[strategy9]

I like my SOG camp axe, comes a decent sheath that has a clip, (was what sold me on it over other options).
1055 carbon steel, good basic axe steel, real easy to sharpen

Buck camp axe isn't a shabby option either. My brother in-law has one, the 5160 steel is another great option for axes. (Tougher then my SOG)

The little Husquavarna gets good praise too for value on the dollar...

Council Tool 18" Hudson Bay is what I personally want to upgrade too though. My buddy got one recently, and it is great to swing (made in America), but is slightly higher in cost when you figure the sheath into price which is sold separately...

 

[shaving sharp]

Just took delivery of a Condor Crotalus knife. For the price it is a nice knife and is beefy enough for most camp chores. Check youtube there are a couple reviews. Right around $60.00 and has micarta handles and a decent kydex sheath. As far as a hatchet goes I would take a small bow saw instead. I have spent many weeks primitive camping out in the forest away from everything and have never needed a hatchet. Just a good knife and bow saw.

 

[DJC72]

I own a number of Esse and Becker products. I like both of these companies because they are quality products at a reasonable price and I don't mind beating up on them instead of some of my more expensive blades. At first I gravitated more toward my Esee's because of the nice sheaths and micarta handles but now all I reach for are my Beckers. The ergonomics are superior, in my opinion. Add some tennis tape to the bk handles and you are good to go.

 

[MeanBeaver]

The difference is that the schrade is made in China. The becker and esee are both USA made.

 

[JWheel]

How about the ferro rod issue? Can I strike on a BK-7 or 10 or 15 without having it customized? I've already heard that the BK-2 and 16 require customization.

 

[ocnLogan]

After looking through the options, I like the ESEE 4&6 and the BK10/12/15/16. I like the basic Beckers way more on price though. But I've read that they don't have a square edge for use with a ferro rod. Is that the case for only some or all of them or all of them? I don't have the tools necessary to grind it down.

Oh, and by overwhelming demand, I'll get a Mora companion. Probably a saw and hatchet too. Just need to whittle down my choices now.

BTW, might be car camping in TX, but would be hiking in CA. My first trip will be in CA.

It is true, Beckers don't come with a very square spine (at least none of mine have). Given, its not round, but its not a perfect 90° spine either. A little work with a file/grinder/stone or sander of some kind can give you a square edge pretty easily (same with the Mora actually, most of their lineup doesn't come with squared spines. The bushcraft line does though.). Also, I have no idea if the ESEE knives are square on the spine, as I don't recall hearing anyone else say either way.

If you're still looking for a Hatchet, you might try an Estwing. They can be found locally at many places (home depot, etc), and are a good solid USA Made Hatchet, and they usually cost around $35 or so.

I have the SCHF37 and it is actually more useable than the BK7 and chops like the BK9. You can throw a spark anywhere on the spine and the finger choil actually throws the best sparks of any knife I've seen with the ferro rod that comes with it.

The SCHF37 is also a somewhat different type of knife than either of the above. It outweighs the BK7 (which was designed as a replacement for the venerable Kabar 1217 USMC... aka, a fighting/utility knife) by a good few ounces, and is thicker with a lower grind than either of them (which should mean it isn't quite as slicey overall, but should baton better for sure)

The big reason I like Becker knives actually, is the ergonomics. To me, the handle design is very comfortable (never once had a blister with a Becker knife, and I don't wear gloves). I also like how they have an integrated lower guard (the front of the handle just prevents your finger from touching the blade), and the rear part allows you to use the rear grip with 2-3 fingers on the main handle, and get a much better swing for chopping (with a lanyard of course).

So personally, I think the look of the handle on the schrade looks uncomfortable, and to me, the Beckers are worth the extra price alone for their ergonomics (let alone their other qualities). Of course that will vary by person to person, but its worth thinking about, as how the handle feels is a big part of a knife design .

 

[Boris74]

It is true, Beckers don't come with a very square spine (at least none of mine have). Given, its not round, but its not a perfect 90° spine either. A little work with a file/grinder/stone or sander of some kind can give you a square edge pretty easily (same with the Mora actually, most of their lineup doesn't come with squared spines. The bushcraft line does though.). Also, I have no idea if the ESEE knives are square on the spine, as I don't recall hearing anyone else say either way.

If you're still looking for a Hatchet, you might try an Estwing. They can be found locally at many places (home depot, etc), and are a good solid USA Made Hatchet, and they usually cost around $35 or so.



The SCHF37 is also a somewhat different type of knife than either of the above. It outweighs the BK7 (which was designed as a replacement for the venerable Kabar 1217 USMC... aka, a fighting/utility knife) by a good few ounces, and is thicker with a lower grind than either of them (which should mean it isn't quite as slicey overall, but should baton better for sure)

The big reason I like Becker knives actually, is the ergonomics. To me, the handle design is very comfortable (never once had a blister with a Becker knife, and I don't wear gloves). I also like how they have an integrated lower guard (the front of the handle just prevents your finger from touching the blade), and the rear part allows you to use the rear grip with 2-3 fingers on the main blade, and get a much better swing for chopping (with a lanyard of course).

So personally, I think the look of the handle on the schrade looks uncomfortable, and to me, the Beckers are worth the extra price alone for their ergonomics (let alone their other qualities). Of course that will vary by person to person, but its worth thinking about, as how the handle feels is a big part of a knife design .

I don't wear gloves either and I took the F37 straight from the sheath and straight to a pile of wood chopping and batoning for two hours. I didn't get any hot spots or blisters but I don't have city slicker hands either. The handle is actually designed for that choke down chop grip. It was made for chopping. The Schrade also uses a higher HRC heat treat than the Becker or Esee. It's slightly harder and you won't notice tooling around out back or in the time it takes to make a you tube video but with continued use you will. The grind, whatever it is about it, it out chops a BK7 all day long. If both were the same price and I tested both side by side in the same wood (which I have done) I would buy the F37. Be it the weight or grind or geometry of handle to blade to weight between the two, the F37 easily out chops it and retains its edge better, at least comparing mine to a buddies BK7. The BK9 chops better but tends to wedge in too deep some times requiring working to get it out for another stroke, not a bad characteristic, just a tiny annoyance to me.

Schrade has a new version coming out of the 37 though. The SCHF52 with a better more durable coating like they put on my SCHF26 and a redisgned handle. So there will be two grip options for those who want a different handle shape. That's the best part about Schrade. They listen to their customers and implement changes quickly. The F37 has been out 6 months and they already made changes based on customer feed back. I was one of them on the blade finish. If enough people ask, I bet they'd sell an uncoated one before the end of the year.

 

[22-rimfire]

Ignorance has lead me to buy many knives that I have little use for and seldom even pick them up to fondle.

I like the Mora Companion a lot. But I tend to prefer the BK-15 over one simply because I like the heft of the BK-15 over the light Mora.

I don't regret buying most of the knives I own. I have settled onto the 4-6" size as being the most useful and the size that I am most willing to carry along the trail or in the woods. 3" is a tad small for my fixed blade and I have folders to cover that length. I don't even like to carry a BK-7 (don't have the BK-9) in the woods and have such a big knife flopping around on my leg only to discover that I never even take it out of the sheath in most cases. If I know I am going to be chopping, I'll take a machete which is even bigger than the BK-9. I however have enjoyed playing with the Condor Kumunga (10" blade) as it is something between a knife and machete and fairly inexpensive. Whether or not I end up taking it out in the woods is another matter. I still have the 4-6" fixed blade preference.

So, after all of my trial and error buying and using knives, what do I think is a good value and practical? BK-15/BK-16/Bk-17. They reflect the size I like and you can spend more money, but they work for me. A "big" knife would be the BK-10.

I generally carry something a bit more expensive (around $150-$200). One of my favorite knives is the Blackjack 125 (5" blade) and really like the Blackjack 124 (4.1" blade). The 124 is new to me and I believe it is going to take over as my preferred woods knife but I really don't want to be pounding tent stakes with it or beating it to death batonning. But I can see splitting wood for kindling with it (light batonning) and using it for most every purpose that I use a knife for. I like the guards on the Blackjacks. So, I'll take it where I don't envision hard use and probably go with the Becker 15 or 16 for harder use.

I am not particularly interested in the Schrade knife simply because it is Chinese made (with so-so steel) and has the curved edge as I recall.

 

[NJBillK]

It doesn't take much at all to square a spine up, just some SiC sand paper (wet/dry) and a flat surface like a desk edge, a cutting board, or a work bench. Lay the sand paper down and run the spine back and forth. In 10 mins, you will feel like all of this concern was over something trivial.
Or you could wrap/staple the sand paper to a paint stirrer and use that.

Sand paper is $5 and the paint stirrers are often free at your local home improvement store.

 

[Boris74]

I am not particularly interested in the Schrade knife simply because it is Chinese made (with so-so steel) and has the curved edge as I recall.

Chinese made, yup. So so steel, nope. My SCHF37 with its 1095 holds its edge better than my other 1095 blades. It also comes with a higher HRC than the domestic made knives in the same class. I also have one of their SCHF26 blades and that 8cr13mov holds its edge more than twice as long as the SCHF37. It's also just as tough.

There's no problem with a bias, but unfounded ones tend to cloud issues. If one is looking solely based on performance, like I have and compared the two before purchasing. The F37 blows the BK7 away in every field except country of origin. It's hard for me to swallow getting a knife solely based on country of origin when it has less performance at the tasks I have in store for it. But that's just how I see things.

The OP will not be unhappy with a BK7 though. Just putting a great alternate option regardless of price. I reccomend it solely based on comparison of performance of the two.

 

[NJBillK]

Please excuse the derail, but a lot of people choose not to purchase chinese made (or Many other countries) over a US made product primarily due to the fact that we, as a nation, do not create as many goods as we used to, we purchase more from outsourced companies and it hurts "us" more in the long run than spending a few more dollars on a home grown alternative.

Also keep in mind, shipping for any warranty work is going to be easier and likely faster, if it is a US based company.

 

[ocnLogan]

I don't wear gloves either and I took the F37 straight from the sheath and straight to a pile of wood chopping and batoning for two hours. I didn't get any hot spots or blisters but I don't have city slicker hands either. The handle is actually designed for that choke down chop grip. It was made for chopping. The Schrade also uses a higher HRC heat treat than the Becker or Esee. It's slightly harder and you won't notice tooling around out back or in the time it takes to make a you tube video but with continued use you will. The grind, whatever it is about it, it out chops a BK7 all day long. If both were the same price and I tested both side by side in the same wood (which I have done) I would buy the F37. Be it the weight or grind or geometry of handle to blade to weight between the two, the F37 easily out chops it and retains its edge better, at least comparing mine to a buddies BK7. The BK9 chops better but tends to wedge in too deep some times requiring working to get it out for another stroke, not a bad characteristic, just a tiny annoyance to me.

Schrade has a new version coming out of the 37 though. The SCHF52 with a better more durable coating like they put on my SCHF26 and a redisgned handle. So there will be two grip options for those who want a different handle shape. That's the best part about Schrade. They listen to their customers and implement changes quickly. The F37 has been out 6 months and they already made changes based on customer feed back. I was one of them on the blade finish. If enough people ask, I bet they'd sell an uncoated one before the end of the year.

I don't wear gloves either and I took the F37 straight from the sheath and straight to a pile of wood chopping and batoning for two hours. I didn't get any hot spots or blisters but I don't have city slicker hands either.

Sadly, I probably have "city slicker" hands nowadays (desk job for me ). But about an hour and a half or so is the longest I've ever used my BK9 in one sitting, and never had any problems with it. And I was aware that the schrade was also designed for the "rearward handle grip" or whatever we want to call it (hence the weird jimping on the underside of the rear of the handle on the tang).

I haven't handled the SCHF37, but like I said, it "looks" uncomfortable to me. I haven't handled one yet, so that's just me going off of the looks .

The handle is actually designed for that choke down chop grip. It was made for chopping.

I'm not surprised the Schrade out chops the BK7. IIRC, the BK2 out chops the BK7, which is 1.75in less blade length. The BK7 was never really designed for chopping, so it makes sense why the Schrade would be better at is (under the assumption that the Schrade was designed primarily as a woods/chopping knife). And the BK9 being thinner/higher grind is why it can bind more in some wood (it penetrates farther, and on some wood types it can get stuck, similar to how a machete will).

The Schrade also uses a higher HRC heat treat than the Becker or Esee. It's slightly harder and you won't notice tooling around out back or in the time it takes to make a you tube video but with continued use you will.

I was looking around for a HRC rating for these, but didn't see one. Do you happen to know what the HRC rating is supposed to be? And while maybe I don't use my Beckers every day, I can assure you that in the 4 years that I've owned my BK2 and BK9, they've done fine by me. I didn't make any youtube videos about it though .

Ignorance has lead me to buy many knives that I have little use for and seldom even pick them up to fondle.

I like the Mora Companion a lot. But I tend to prefer the BK-15 over one simply because I like the heft of the BK-15 over the light Mora.

I don't regret buying most of the knives I own. I have settled onto the 4-6" size as being the most useful and the size that I am most willing to carry along the trail or in the woods. 3" is a tad small for my fixed blade and I have folders to cover that length. I don't even like to carry a BK-7 (don't have the BK-9) in the woods and have such a big knife flopping around on my leg only to discover that I never even take it out of the sheath in most cases. If I know I am going to be chopping, I'll take a machete which is even bigger than the BK-9. I however have enjoyed playing with the Condor Kumunga (10" blade) as it is something between a knife and machete and fairly inexpensive. Whether or not I end up taking it out in the woods is another matter. I still have the 4-6" fixed blade preference.

So, after all of my trial and error buying and using knives, what do I think is a good value and practical? BK-15/BK-16/Bk-17. They reflect the size I like and you can spend more money, but they work for me. A "big" knife would be the BK-10.

Good input there. I feel the same way about small fixed blades vs folders, and my favorite fixed blade size.

The small knife + big knife + saw combo works great. If I was only going out with a single blade, I'd likely be getting the BK12/16/10. But with the multiple knife system, the BK10 starts to feel pretty redundant with the BK9 around, hence the smaller other knife.

But yeah, its always a work in progress, trying to find what works best for how we each use our knives and what works best for where we use them.

Cheers .

 

[LukeTheSpook]

Just get a Mora and then browse the knife maker forums here. Maybe grab a bushcraft type knife from jk knives or Jarret Fleming. That's way cooler than store bought

 

[22-rimfire]

Chinese made, yup. So so steel, nope. My SCHF37 with its 1095 holds its edge better than my other 1095 blades. It also comes with a higher HRC than the domestic made knives in the same class. I also have one of their SCHF26 blades and that 8cr13mov holds its edge more than twice as long as the SCHF37. It's also just as tough.

There's no problem with a bias, but unfounded ones tend to cloud issues. If one is looking solely based on performance, like I have and compared the two before purchasing. The F37 blows the BK7 away in every field except country of origin. It's hard for me to swallow getting a knife solely based on country of origin when it has less performance at the tasks I have in store for it. But that's just how I see things.

The OP will not be unhappy with a BK7 though. Just putting a great alternate option regardless of price. I recomend it solely based on comparison of performance of the two.

I obviously didn't know the SCHF37 was made with 1095. The origin impacts my decision making as does the manufacturer or brand. But I try not to poo poo a knife simply over the origin generally speaking. However, generally speaking I have little interest in anything Schrade makes now. That could change. I still buy Schrade USA stuff at shows. I don't think they are the greatest knife in the world however. They were for the most part, pretty middle of the road knives then.

The BK-7 is not the best chopper. For real chopping other than an occasional branch or thin tree, I like something bigger. But I really don't chop much camping or even tramping around the woods. I seldom recommend choppers unless it's a machete or something akin to a machete.