Fixed blade suggestions

K

Khory

Joined
Jul 25, 2021
Messages
4
I’m looking for a good all around camp/outdoor knife. I’m thinking between 4 and 6 inch blade, comfy handle (micarta or g10 preferred), not excessively heavy. Ability to use a ferro rod is a bonus but not a deal breaker. Under $200 preferred.

Too many choices. Been looking at Becker, Esee 4, Tops BOB. Benchmade Bushcrafter or upcoming Anonimous look tempting too (and over budget). Maybe Fallkniven S1 (not sure about the handle).

Any guidance in narrowing my choices would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Welcome to the forums. You are definitely on the right track with your models listed.

I'd vote for the ESEE 4. I own one and it is my go to fixed blade for camping/hiking. TheKnifeConnection has an ESEE knife builder (which is where I bought mine) and you can get a nicer sheath upgrade with ferro rod holder if that interests you. If you have a big hand like me, get the extended G10 handles. Very comfortable and plenty of color options.

My second choice might be the Buck 104 Compadre Camp. 5160 spring steel (good stuff), the famous Buck heat treat, and another outstanding warranty.
 
my goto is the 14c28n ruike jager, amazing they've gone upto $70 now... but when I got it a few years back, under $50

eyJidWNrZXQiOiAiZmlsZXMua25pZmVjZW50ZXIuY29tIiwia2V5IjogImtuaWZlY2VudGVyL3J1aWtlLWtuaXZlcy9pbWFnZXMvUktFRjExOEduLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjogeyJyZXNpemUiOiB7IndpZHRoIjogNzYwLCJoZWlnaHQiOiA0MTUsImZpdCI6ICJjb250YWluIiwiYmFja2dyb3VuZCI6IHsiciI6IDI1NSwiZyI6IDI1NSwiYiI6IDI1NSwiYWxwaGEiOiAxfX19fQ==
 
From someone who doesn't own an ESEE 5 but watches youtube videos I would suggest the heavier more wedge like ESEE 5 (not the 6.) It out chops and splits wood with far more ease than lighter full flat grind blades such as the ESEE 6 and does almost as good a job of slicing. It also has a slide lock on the sheath for extra security. The 6 does not have that lock and I don't know why they chose that route.

If you are a super ninja about to face off a bear or other defensive situation the lighter faster full flat grind knife is better. It will also do the same tasks as the heavier thicker knife but not as easily. I think the heavier camp knife is more likely to be the best overall wilderness camping lifesaver and generally more useful than the lighter thinner one.

I do know that weight is certainly a consideration when backpacking as well so I don't have the full solution.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the forums. Just a thought for another option. You might look at LT Wright and EDIT: Battle Horse knives ... there are several different models and sizes. They are great quality and most can be used well with a ferro rod and they are slightly lighter and thinner than some mentioned.

You might want to watch the exchange here also ... you may find a great knife from one of the fine craftsmen here.
 
Last edited:
Check out the Doug Ritter RSK Mk3 only available at KnifeWorks.com. Great camp knife!

Kind of the bigger fixed blade brother of the popular Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 folder.

Also, the purchase benefits KnifeRights.org!

If you want something a bit lower cost in carbon steel, check out the Ka-Bar Becker Knife & Tool BK16.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to the forum.

I would get a Morakniv and save the money. I figure, if a Mora isn't up to the task, then a knife is not the appropriate tool.
 
Another vote for the Jager. 14C28N is a good stainless for a mid-sized outdoor knife, it's relatively easy to put a really sharp edge on it, and they do a good job on heat-treatment. A Ruike P108 is my EDC folder. Even at $70, the Jager is a good value.
 
Khory said:
Lol. I can’t get them all. Pick one as a suggestion?
Click to expand...
Where will you be using it? Tropical, woodlands, coastal, swamp, etc.?
What type of environment? Cold? Hot?
Food prep?
Fire building?
Do you plan to baton?
Is the area wet?
How well can you sharpen? What sharpening equipment do you have and will carry?
Do you like kydex or leather?
How important is blade retention in it's sheath?
Will you be hunting? Fishing?
Will you be around corrosive materials?
Prefer stainless or carbon steels?
Do you want a lot of belly, or do you prefer a more straight edge?
Do you prefer a certain grind?
Hidden tang, stick tang, or exposed tang?

I would suggest offering more information on what your looking for, and members could start dialing in options for you.

Good luck on your quest!
 
MolokaiRider said:
Where will you be using it? Tropical, woodlands, coastal, swamp, etc.? Woods of the Pacific North West
What type of environment? Cold? Hot? Moderate, 30s-80 depending on time of year
Food prep? Occasionally
Fire building? Yes
Do you plan to baton? No, I’ll bring an axe
Is the area wet? Rainy, but never had corrosion issues
How well can you sharpen? What sharpening equipment do you have and will carry? I make do with a hapstone and a worksharp field sharpener
Do you like kydex or leather? Either
How important is blade retention in it's sheath? Enough that I’d like it to stay in during normal use but don’t anticipate extreme conditions
Will you be hunting? Fishing? Fishing mostly
Will you be around corrosive materials? No
Prefer stainless or carbon steels? No preference, I like both
Do you want a lot of belly, or do you prefer a more straight edge? Straight preferred over a fat belly
Do you prefer a certain grind? Not particularly, partial to the stronger grinds
Hidden tang, stick tang, or exposed tang? No preference

I would suggest offering more information on what your looking for, and members could start dialing in options for you.

Good luck on your quest!
Click to expand...
Thanks. Answers above
 
Khory said:
Thanks. Answers above
Click to expand...
Perfect, that is helpful.

Take a look at some of the fixed blade offerings from Lionsteel.

Or, you could always get a Becker BK16 and upgrade the scales with micarta and a custom sheath from Azwelke.

The Esse and Tops are fine choices as well. For those you would have to choose based on preference. They are both well made.

As mentioned earlier, a LT Wright in CPM-3V would work great, but will likely exceed $200.

I would have a hard time choosing one over the other. They are all fine knives.
 
Welcome mate

I will throw you a bit of curve ball here.

Well within the budget Mora Gardberg or any other Mora tbh. Not flashy but solid performer, will endure everything you can throw at it.


The other spectrum, Carothers Performance Kephart in Delta 3V which is available on their website.

You have classic, timeless design with the modern materials....above $200 but well worth it.
 
The Montanero or Trampero by Joker would be good choices. The ESEE 4 is a solid knife. I recommend the HM handled models, as the flatter handles aren't great for prolonged use and just don't fill the hand as well as the ESEE 4HM does. The Benchmade Leuko would also be a solid contender if you can find one (I asked Benchmade and they said they were hard at work on the next shipment). There are a lot of great choices in this range for those activities.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top