Fixed-blade Substitute folder for bushcraft?

mlanghornes

mlanghornes

Joined
Apr 24, 2009
Messages
798
Ok, I know a folder can never really substitute for a fixed blade in terms of strength and reliability, but there are times when a fixed blade is not an option, either from a sheeple-scaring perspective, or a legal one (or both). Now, I'm not looking for a folder that can take the same punishment as a fixed blade, just one well-suited for bushcraft work. IF I baton anything with it, it will be sticks less than an inch and a half in diameter, to split for kindling, and I'll baton with the lock disengaged. I've done it on my SAKs without a problem. It'll be mostly used for shaving (wood), carving notches, camp tasks, food prep, package opening, etc. I always carry a sak with a saw, an I use that when I can, but I'm looking for something with more handle, more grip, one-hand opening, and a lock. Up to $100, but cheaper is better. Also, if it comes in a high-visibility handle color, that's a plus. Right now I'm considering the orange-handled Griptilian or the blue FFG Endura. My only concern with the Endura is the thinness of the FFG blade, even though it will be used as a knife, not a prybar. The Griptilian is a bit more robust, I think, but I don't want to trade away too much cutting performance. Thoughts? Alternatives?
 
The Grips are great for edc and woods use, I don't think you will feel underknifed with one at all.
 
I imagine either one will serve you well. Also the Spyderco Military and Para-Military models. For a more old-school approach, the Buck 110 has served more than a few folks well in the woods.
 
any of the Locking victorinox models.. ( ruck sack forrester or trekker) are tough to beat.. I use my forrester more than any of my fixed blades probably...
 
Buck 110. Kershaw Black Horse is a similar design, I've had one for over 20 years and carried it as my primary woods blade for several years. Hard to go wrong with a Buck 110 though.
 
Either the mini-grip or the full sized grip will serve you well. Also the Ritter variant of both models is another option.
 
I like the Svord Peasant for it's steel (L6) and blade shape-makes for a pretty ideal small outdoors knife, though 'rough use' with a friction folder probably isn't the greatest idea.
 
I kinda like the Gerber FAST Draw, even if it's made in china.

On another site, a SA told me there's 1000s of knives out there to fit my needs.
And listed a few knife sites. Plus gave me a history of knives.
 
Another option is a Pocket Bushman by CS. Very inexpensive. (30 or so). Very very strong lock. The blade steel is nothing super, but it works fine.

Lots of handle, and sharp point. One hand opening, and if you learn two different tricks, you can close it one handed as well.

Some find the handle a bit thin, and it is all metal. I don't find it uncomfortable. That said, you would want gloves if you were in very cold weather!
 
I would, with the description you've offered, recommend a Spyderco Manix (not the Manix2).

The reason is I have one, and I've used it very much like fixed blade. I've used it to cut everything from wood for stakes and clearings to baton'n extremely dry store bought "fire wood" into workable pieces. I've absolutely abused my Manix and it is still one of my favorite folders I've ever owned. Still going strong, with out an issue. It's not as pretty as it once was but even after using it as a hammer it's still enact. In batoning, I've hit it hard enough that the lock does bounce free from time to time, but it has never broken and still locks up solid as ever to this day.

My money was well spent on this knife and I've buy another one any day.
 
birk%20curly%20birch.jpg

no experience with it, but it looks very nice, there's also a micarta handle version. http://www.bensbackwoods.com/catalog/birk curly birch.jpg
 
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