Fixed blade hunting/camping knife

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Joemannnnn

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Sep 21, 2017
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I'm starting to get into more outdoors activities and hunting. I wanted to pick up a small fixed blade to get started with and use while out and about. Something that could be used to dress a deer, etc.

I don't have much experience with fixed blades. I have only had several folders over the years. I'm looking to spend $100-150. I've been looking at the Benchmade Steep Country. The Guardian 3.5 on Massdrop also caught my eye. I don't love the Massdrop billboard on it, but the price is right. I do like the look of their knives and could be persuaded to up the budget if deemed worth it. I really like the 4.5 in orange they posted on social media. But that's shattering the budget and maybe a bit larger than I want.

I'm interested in opinions on these options, sizes to consider, and any other options that may fit the bill. Appreciate the input
 
Take a look at the White River Backpacker Pro in orange G-10 scales and S35VN steel. Really a nice little 3" knife. Strong, light, good steel, great factory sheath, and a price most can live with. After you use it a bit, and see what your needs really are, you might consider something a bit larger for the camping side of things. But the Backpacker is sufficient for 95% of your cutting needs in the woods. That said, I went for years using folders exclusively in the woods and survived just fine. A Mora of some sort is also a good camping addition and very inexpensive.

Added: Another very useful knife for both hunting and camping is the Kabar Becker BK-16. Most folks love them that use them. If you don't like the black blade, you can easily strip off the paint.

The Bradford knives are good.
 
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What type of hunting and camping? Bird, small game, deer, elk moose. For camping is it backpacking, car camping. Camp kitchen and wood work. Depending on your task you may want something small and another around 4 to 5 inch.
 
dsalazar said:
What type of hunting and camping? Bird, small game, deer, elk moose. For camping is it backpacking, car camping. Camp kitchen and wood work. Depending on your task you may want something small and another around 4 to 5 inch.
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The two knife approach is a topic frequently discussed here at BF. I agree that you will eventually want a larger knife available to you. If you carry it, you'll use it. If you just use it car camping, you can go quite large for flexibility but will mostly depend on the smaller fixed blade for most cutting chores. Add a folding saw to your acquisition list. Quite useful.

The new Kabar Becker BK-62 Kephart (5") would be a good all around camping and woods knife. I think you would probably want something else for field dressing game, but it depends on the frequency of use. You can certainly get by with just about any sharp knife (including a folder) for hunting chores.
 
22-rimfire said:
The two knife approach is a topic frequently discussed here at BF. I agree that you will eventually want a larger knife available to you. If you carry it, you'll use it. If you just use it car camping, you can go quite large for flexibility but will mostly depend on the smaller fixed blade for most cutting chores. Add a folding saw to your acquisition list. Quite useful.

The new Kabar Becker BK-62 Kephart (5") would be a good all around camping and woods knife. I think you would probably want something else for field dressing game, but it depends on the frequency of use. You can certainly get by with just about any sharp knife (including a folder) for hunting chores.
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Reason i ask is usually a folder with 2 - 3 inch blade works for small game bird, rabbit, squirrel. Then a 4 - 6 inch fixed can handle food chores, wood prep and what not. A 4 inch fixed can work for small game but it can be cumbersom. A 5 to 6 inch blade is cumbersom when dealing with small game.
Depending on your choices you can get one of each and be in your price range.
 
I also think a regular sized folder works well for small game, but you have to be willing to clean the knife after use or the end of the day. Never really had a problem with that even though some here will always say "fixed blade" for hunting chores.

Some would say that a 6" blade is cumbersome for larger game other than meat processing. Earlier this year, I purchased the Bark River Wilderness Explorer model (~$300) which has a 5.75" blade. That is about my limit for a regular carry knife in the woods, but would often just carry the Backpacker Pro or a more compact 3" knife when I know I really don't need a fixed blade at all when I have a 3" folder with me.

I love thinking about the "what if's" for camping and general woods use. I have found that in most cases I can get by with a short machete type knife for my "large chopper" around the camp site, but will seldom be willing to carry it on my belt unless I know that I will be using it.
 
Cleaning a folder is definitely needed after use in processing. Last thing you want is getting sick because ot was used in food prep. In the end its all depends on what you get used to and experiance using it. Process and elk with a 3 inch fixed ok. Hell quarter him if you know how to pop sockets from joints.
Im going to habe to look into this white river pro you mention. I believe you recommend it to me for edc.
 
As a kid growing up, I used to see my Dad cleaning his toe nails or trimming them with a folder (slippie mostly). That left an immense impression on me all my life to the point that if I use a folder for anything food related, I think about my Dad and would I be willing to use his knife for anything food related. My answer is Yes, but only in an emergency. As for folders and wild game, you can clean them and you always wash the meat afterwards anyway if you have any common sense.

The biggest reason I carry a fixed blade in the woods is it is there for emergency use when a stronger option is the only option as compared to a folder. I will always have a folder with me in the woods and often a Victorinox SAK set up like a Tinker or Pioneer model.
 
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+1 on the new Becker Kephart or a similar knife, maybe by JK knives.Lastly, check out LT Wright knives, I like the Maverick Scout or the Northern hunter knives in AEBL.
 
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Go grab that Massdrop Guardian 3.5 and don't look back.

Plenty of size for what you are after. You are probably correct in that the 4.5 will be a bit bigger than you need.

Brad makes great stuff.
 
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dsalazar said:
What type of hunting and camping? Bird, small game, deer, elk moose. For camping is it backpacking, car camping. Camp kitchen and wood work. Depending on your task you may want something small and another around 4 to 5 inch.
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I'm guessing I'll be into deer, hog, and coyote in terms of hunting.

For camping, it's mainly glamping with the family. Getting out hiking more with the kids, trying to introduce them to the outdoors. Maybe looking for a good started knife and could easily see myself adding to it
 
A folder like the rat 1/2 is always good to habe clipped to in pocket. Can be used for general work, food prep, kindling, small game. Keep it clean after use to avoid any contaminaton. You can get one in d2 which is a step up from the aus8 but i dont mind aus8. Like
Esee izula, 3, 4 are good options. They are coated 1095. Still have to take care of uncoated parts. I have a esee 4 and 6. The 4 sees more carry and use. The 6 is left at camp for whatever there.
Becker also makes some good one.
Your going to have to find your sweet spot.
Id recommend a folder for the small and a fixed 3.5 to 4.5 inch blade.
 
dsalazar said:
A folder like the rat 1/2 is always good to habe clipped to in pocket. Can be used for general work, food prep, kindling, small game. Keep it clean after use to avoid any contaminaton. You can get one in d2 which is a step up from the aus8 but i dont mind aus8. Like
Esee izula, 3, 4 are good options. They are coated 1095. Still have to take care of uncoated parts. I have a esee 4 and 6. The 4 sees more carry and use. The 6 is left at camp for whatever there.
Becker also makes some good one.
Your going to have to find your sweet spot.
Id recommend a folder for the small and a fixed 3.5 to 4.5 inch blade.
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I have a mini grip I carry on and off. Also have a SOG assisted opener I keep in the truck. I think these would be suitable folders, Looking for the next step in a fixed blade.

I also need to step my sharpening game up. I have some lansky sticks, but they don't seem to do well with the mini grip
 
Joemannnnn said:
I have a mini grip I carry on and off. Also have a SOG assisted opener I keep in the truck. I think these would be suitable folders, Looking for the next step in a fixed blade.

I also need to step my sharpening game up. I have some lansky sticks, but they don't seem to do well with the mini grip
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A mini grip is definitely going to do the job. You can go less expensive to start. A mora in carbon or stainless. These are really cheap in price and high in quality for price. Can be relegated to truck or backpack spare blade. Find something thay fits your hand comftorbly and size is not cumberson for your use. You will most lilely end up getting something else after you start using it.

Spyderco sharpmaker are really good in what they are. You can also get various sticks for them. They ar mainly to keep a sharp edge on the angle you have.
you can get into a guided system. I have a lansky diamond and have reprofiled some edges. The guided is good for setting your angle. Then touching up on the sharpmaker. None of this will be effective without a little practice.
 
And Bradford just put the G4 on sale for 40% off on the s30v version.

Thoughts in that at $140ish? Hard to consider the g3.5 now from Massdrop
 
The g4 would be great. Keep in mind the handle is different. If the length is something you dont mind. It would be a good all around blade. Either one would be good. I personal go with 4 inch blade for all around use.
 
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Keep in mind the 3d contoured handles will fill the hand more than the flat slab handles. Also the leather sheath may need to be upgraded to kydex. Leather can loosen up and keep moisture in.
 
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