Fixed blades--your recommendations?

Thanks for all the recommendations so far, you guys. I wasn't aware of the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp, but it sure looks appealing to me. I'm keeping my price range at around $200...so I may pick up a BK7 AND a Camp Tramp. :D
 
or you could do better, a Camp Tramp+ a great sheath from Okuden or Dwayne (aka leatherman)... or a Camp Tramp and a multitool you can stuck in the front pocket of the sheath so you have a perfect "survival" combo...:D
 
You have probably noticed that no one has endorsed the SOG knives you mentioned. The reason is that the blades are made from AUS6 and AUS8 stainless, which have poor reputations for edge-holding. You would be much better off going with a good carbon steel knife like the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp.

Becker knives always top the polls when it comes to the best low priced knives. You might want to handle one before you buy, however. Some people don't like the slippery handles on the Beckers.
 
A budget of $200 will allow you to look at individually handmade knives.

I like Hendrix knives
(that's not Jimi, but Wayne, of SC)

fbda1131.jpg


and they are almost ridiculously low priced for the quality (actually some are priced lower than many factory knives.)
eg: 2 knives in this photo are priced at $75......

see: Hendrix

We've had a thread here on
Handmades at Factory Prices
 
Have you looked into some of the offerings from Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works? Great knives at a great price but some recent issues with the sheaths supplied might warrant a replacement sheath from a custom maker.
Click to expand...

I am one of the people responsible for raising the MMHW sheath issue. I have a MMHW integral guard fighter, and the sheath is so loose the knife will slide right out. There is no strap or clasp on the sheath to hold it in.

I had assumed that the knife must have come with a loose sheath. However, I bought the knife second hand a gun show. John Gonzales, who sells the MMHW knives on his website, pointed out that the previous owner could have heated the sheath and caused it to loosen up. He also offered to replace my sheath.

I decided not to take him up on his offer, prefering instead to look for a strap I could attach to my sheath in order to hold the knife in. Still haven't found one, but I must admit I have not done much looking so far.
 
Thanks for all the recommendations and for helping me to decide on which fixed blade to choose. The winner is....the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp! After reading many great reviews and experiences with this Rat, I decided that it would be a great addition to my collection.

I plan on ordering one within the next couple of weeks. BTW, are these knives made when you order? I was reading that it usually takes about three to six weeks for delivery. :confused:
 
Usually takes far less on the standard line. That estimate is worst-case scenario.
 
Originally posted by dayuhan13
The Becker's are a good choice. I own several and quite happy with thier performance and low price. Have you looked into some of the offerings from Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works? Great knives at a great price but some recent issues with the sheaths supplied might warrant a replacement sheath from a custom maker. The Trident is a great looking knife and would serve you well but is double the price of the Beckers and at least a third more than MMHW if price point is an issue. Good Luck

Dayuhan
Click to expand...

I just recently got a Mineral Mountain Survival Bowie 10" blade off Ebay. The sheath is fine but I am less than impressed with the knife.
On my knife the handle is so huge that it affects the balance of the knife while chopping, besides just being uncomfortable. Also despite being hollow ground the edge angle is so steep that if you don't really aim your cut it glances. Also maybe I need to work on the edge more, but it seems to get dull very quickly.

I took it out this weekend and put it up against a little 12" Pen Knife Khukuri from Himalayan Imports. The little khukuri bit far deeper into the wood than the big 17" bowie, was easier on the hand, and only took a little stropping to bring it back up to razor sharpness. The Mineral Mountain was just plain dull by the end of chopping and I have yet to get it back up to razor sharpness.

I have another Mineral Mountain Knife ordered so maybe it will be better but for me the jury is still out on them.
 
The little khukuri bit far deeper into the wood than the big 17" bowie, was easier on the hand, and only took a little stropping to bring it back up to razor sharpness. The Mineral Mountain was just plain dull by the end of chopping and I have yet to get it back up to razor sharpness.The little khukuri bit far deeper into the wood than the big 17" bowie, was easier on the hand, and only took a little stropping to bring it back up to razor sharpness. The Mineral Mountain was just plain dull by the end of chopping and I have yet to get it back up to razor sharpness.
Click to expand...

This might be a good example of why so many people say edge geometry and heat treatment are more important that steel type. If I am not mistaken, both MMHW knives and the HI khukuris are made from 5160 steel. Factors other than steel must account for this big difference in performance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top