Fixed blade hunting knife/general purpose camping for under $50

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ssnova

Joined
Mar 30, 2011
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I've looked at a few and have narrowed it down to a list. But I'm basically looking for something that is:

-fixed blade
-blade must be at least 1/8'' thick
-preferably a stainless steel
-full and thick tang(strong knife)
-good at skinning
-decent at whittling(the camping part)
-good finger guard(this is important to me while skinning)
-strong point/tip of blade(for carving and digging into things, don't want the tip to chip/break on me)
-around 5'' blade(manageable size)

I'm open to compromises but generally looking for those features in a knife preferably less than $50.

Here's some good candidates that I found, I'll list some cons for each though:

*Gerber Big Rock
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/129

cons: crappy handle(cheap rubber, seen it tear up on the field, though not the biggest deal, I guess I could put some custom ones on there), I also question the strength of the tip/point, otherwise decent knife.

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*Gerber Profile Fixed point
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/315

cons: blade is too short, only 3.5'', even shorter functional blade (I think 3'' is only useable when somebody measured it), other sturdy with a good defined tip.

------------------

*cold steel pendelton mini
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=CS36LPM

cons: blade is only 3'', too small



I had some runner ups, I considered the cold steel kobun tanto, but then realized the handle was too thin and it had no finger guard, could easily picture my finger slipping up and getting cut while working with it.

Also considered the Gerber LMF II(I figured I could still skin with that), though a bit more in price($70 at most places online), it's pushing my price limit a bit, plus it's half serrated which will be annoying to me if I try to whittle/shave sticks with it while in the woods.

Thanks guys, I'm open to pretty much any input!
 
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IMO one of the best deals in the fixed blade world is the Benchmade Bone collector 15005, it has a full tang, robust G10 handle, and the blade Steel is D2... and Benchmade's heat treat on that steel is very good.

It's a pain to sharpen, but I have to say, my fixed blade Bone Collector is the only knife I own where I don't worry about whether what I'm cutting will damage the edge. The other thing I like is that once you put the time in on the edge, you don't have to mess with it again for a while. Most of my other knives, including my traditionals with 1095 carbon, as well as Kershaws with Sandvik Stainless, need constant touchup to keep a working edge, at least with my usage pattern.

You can get the knife for just over $70, which I consider to be an absolute bargain.

If you do get one, and take the time to convex and polish the edge, you'll have a knife that will take absolutely absurd amounts of abuse to the edge, with little reduction in cutting capability.
 
Buy 3 or 4 moras. You won't be disappointed.
FT511.jpg
 
Without checking the specs I like the Bucks fixed blades, and have used one for years. The Woodsman has a 4" blade and the Pathfinder has a 5" blade. Prices are under $50.

I prefer a hunting knife with a 4" blade.

Regards,
Jerry
 
@iandh: Thanks for bringing that knife up, it looks like a beast! Though a bargain, most places I find it online sell it for slightly over $100 right now.

@theblademaster: I was just looking at Mora blades, they seem ok, my gripe is that their blade width's seem a bit small for my liking, though I can't deny the prices.
 
@jerm03: Thanks, I too prefer 4'' or around there, I almost forgot about the pathfinder/woodsman, pretty classic knives, although I heard some horror stories from their 420 stainless steels(shattering/breaking blades by accidental drops), though I don't know the people personally so I can't confirm it.
 
Look for one of the (now discontinued) Beretta "Loveless" knifes. You can find the "plastic" handled version under $50 easy. It's AUS-8 stainless, holds an edge, not bad to sharpen. I've used one for years. 4" blade, the drop point is the best "all around" blade I know of, and it's thick enough to be used badly if you must.
 
ssnova said:
@theblademaster: I was just looking at Mora blades, they seem ok, my gripe is that their blade width's seem a bit small for my liking, though I can't deny the prices.
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Don't be fooled by the mora's. They are very rugged built no nonsense knives for serious cutting. There is a reason they are a cult item with the survivalist crowd, to include Cody Lundin. All you have to loose by trying one is literally little more than pocket change, and you'll amazed at how they out cut many high end knives costing many times the price. I've got an old number 1 Frosts with the laminated blade, and its one of the best knives I've ever used.

Carl.
 
How about a Bucklite Max Large, or a Kershaw Bear Hunter II, both very capable, and well within your price range. Heck, you could get both!!
 
Wow! I just want to say thanks to all for contribution, recommendations, and suggestions!

@chis97: I wasn't aware of the Kershaw Bear Hunter II, thanks for telling me about that knife, actually looks similar in concept to the Gerber Big Rock.
 
The Queen Premium Hunters are all that you ask, but 3 1/2" to 4"
The are excellent in Queens heat treated D2, a solid knife with a deep sheath
A worker with no frills
 
I would go Buck first.They have many choices in your criteria and they are u.s. made.Mora is also a great choice,but the blades look thin to me also.I just reground one that had been used (abused?)to chop and baton and it was chipped to pieces.I will add that Mora sent a new knife in warranty though.I dont care for the Gerbers at all.
 
Get a Mora, for camping, a used folder to whittle, and a nice used hatchet. Heck I dress deer with a Case canoe and a small hatchet. When it comes to camping NOTHING replaces a hatchet! I don't care how many guys on you tube you see pounding their knife through all kinds of stuff!
 
What about the Buck Packlite series, there are several differant knives to choose from and you can build your own custom handle, wood, paracord, stag .
 
Seals said:
I would go Buck first.They have many choices in your criteria and they are u.s. made.Mora is also a great choice,but the blades look thin to me also.I just reground one that had been used (abused?)to chop and baton and it was chipped to pieces.I will add that Mora sent a new knife in warranty though.I dont care for the Gerbers at all.
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+1, If you are looking for a new fixed blade hunting knife, I'd look at buck first also. I've used a Vanguard for quite a long time and have been extremely satisfied by it. Moras, for hunting knives, I wouldn't use due to width. For anything else, they are great though.
 
One Buck knife that I've found highly useful is their Gen5 Skinner. Broad blade that's quite thin, long comfortable handle and very easy to carry anywhere. Under 50 USD and very well turned out indeed. I find this and other fixed Bucks much better value and use than the vastly more expensive Bark Rivers I have. Others will doubtless disagree, but alright.

I don't hunt but I do fish, it's useful for this. Good food prep knife too, makes decent curls for fire starting but it wouldn't baton well. Frankly, I leave that job for a small hatchet-always.
 
ssnova said:
...@chis97: I wasn't aware of the Kershaw Bear Hunter II, thanks for telling me about that knife…
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Glad someone pointed out the Kershaw. Rubber handle for a great grip, the size you’re looking for, and Kershaw has the BEST customer service and warranty department in the business:thumbup:

-sh00ter

EDIT: Oh yeah, it can be had for about $20 too:thumbup:
 
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