Good, Affordable Survival Fixed Blade?

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Lock1454

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Jan 4, 2009
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Hi all,

Am thinking about maybe doing some hiking / camping once I graduate in the spring. I mainly have only folders at the moment and am thinking of picking up a decent fixed blade for if / when I do start these activities. I'm looking for a general purpose survival knife; capable of doing some work with wood, general camp tasks, etc. What are some good options for a survival knife in these varying price ranges (<$30, $30-$50, $50-$75, ~$100)? Are lower price range blades good enough, or is it not reasonable to expect good performance from knives priced at those points?

I was looking into a KaBar USMC fighter/utility, but really wasn't sure how good of a knife it would be for what I'm looking for (I have no real experience with fixed blades).

Thanks for any and all input :D
 
You can find a RAT Cutlery RC6 for about 120 if you look around. I would highly recommend this knife. You can also have Breeden and a few other custom smiths build you a knife for 100-120. Buy the best you can afford, buy once, cry once.

I have 13 Busse Combat knives, and thats a lot of money wrapped up in knives. If I am not chopping crap with them, almost all other camp chores are done with the RAT knife. Its an awsome blade. If 6 inches is to big for you, get the RC4.
 
First off, are you the traditional or tactical type? That will determine your choice of knives.

I would classify myself as a more traditional type.

I would get a 12" machete. and a cheap solid knife like a mora. Both will be under 30 bucks...they will cost about that together if you get them off ebay. The moras have a huge following on these bushcraft forums...I use my machete for shelter making, trail clearing, chopping food...the list could go on. I really only use my knife when doing detailed tasks.

I would stay away from kabar fighters unless you're looking to slay boars or humans

For 80 something dollars I got a bark river woodland...Its as good a knife as any...semi affordable and handmade. Insane warranty too, Mike's the man. 20 bucks for an Ontario machete and you're set for anything. Unless you're in heavy timber, then replace your machete with a small axe. Id imagine ideal blade length to be in between 3.5-5" depending on preference.

just my .02

Woodland010.jpg
 
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Ka-Bar makes a great blade, especially if you can pick up an older one from a gun show or something. Just MHO. I haven't used on yet, but was very impressed by the RC-6 as well, but I can't justify the $$.
 
Let me second the recommendation for the RC4. It is one of the most versatile blades around. Its well made, nearyly indestructible and you can find it for around $80.

A Kabar has a few drawbacks as an outdoor knife. The sharpened top edge (swedge) actually hampers certain typical outdoor activities (like batoning). And the guard, especially the top half prevents certain grips that are useful for precise tasks. Having said that, I've used one successfully for nearly every outdoor task imaginable, and I've deliberately abused one with no apparent harm. You could do ALOT worse than getting a Kabar. Thousands of soldiers and Marines have used them for almost everything you can think of.
 
I'd go to Knives ship free website and just start looking at what is in your price range and what appeals to your needs. All quality knives there.

Can't go wrong with a RAT !
 
I agree with dbltap. Buy the best you can afford, and that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. RAT Cutlery is great as dbltap said I would also look into the maker's area here on the forum. Just about all of them have knives in that price range and the quality is top notch.

I have hear nothing buy good things of Breeden's work. I own blades from Stomper (JK), Koyote, one on order from Koster, shalegreenjeep (forum member, not in the maker's section), ML Knives, DP Knives, and I will vouch for any of them without question. I hope I did not forget anybody.

Good call on the Mora evbouret. Sturdy knife and inexpensive.
 
If your going camping bring more than one tool. Axe, Mora, and folding saw or Machete.

All can be had for under a hundred.

If you want just 1 knife for hiking and that what if scenario; an RC-4 is hard to beat.
 
Here goes:

If you are looking for a general survival knife that will be good for "some work with wood, general camp tasks, etc.", you will be spoilt for choice. There are options in every one of the price ranges you mention.

There's nothing wrong with the Kabar - I have one, and it's a nice, reliable blade. But, you might consider going with something that was designed with camp and outdoors tasks in mind. The Kabar is a good all-rounder, but some people find that the guard (particularly on the back side) gets in the way. Many people elect to file it off.

From a design perspective, I'm sure I won't be the only one to recommend a scandi-ground drop point with a nice, comfy handle. The humble Mora is a great option at the low end of the price spectrum, and the Mora 2000 is also a great knife for the money. Alternatively, you might look into some of the scandi 'bushcraft' designs that are made by some of our resident W&SS knifemakers. Stop by the makers' forum and check out the offerings by Fiddleback, Stomper (JK Handmade) and Koyote. They all make affordable blades designed for the outdoorsman.

Scandis are easy to sharpen on a flat ceramic stone, and they have a thin edge that excels at woodworking. I recommend something in the 4-5" range.

Do you have an axe that you will be bringing with you for chopping tasks? If so, it's best to stick with a good 4-5" blade. If you are planning to leave the axe behind and you're looking for a knife that can handle some chopping, I recommend the Becker line, currently made by Kabar. Both the BK-7 and BK-9 are no-nonsense knives that can take a serious battering, and they fall within a mid-range price point. Good value for the money.

I wouldn't be a good Canadian if I didn't plug the Grohmann D.H. Russell line. The #4 Survival model is an excellent camp knife. I have used one for years. It can take a nice slicing edge and is good for food prep and woodworking, but it is also capable of chopping. The balance and handle design are great - http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r4s.html . If you plan to bring an axe, you might want to downsize your knife a bit and go for the #1 Original model, in carbon steel if you can get it. A classic knife.

I'm assuming that others have posted in the time it took me to write this. Let's see if I'm right about not being the only person to recommend a Mora :D

All the best,

- Mike
 
You don't need much more than a 3-4" blade for what you describe, and if you're backpacking, lighter is better. A Mora blade will do everything you need. Check out the Scandi blades at ragweedforge.com.
 
At least take a look at the Becker/Ka-Bar Campanion BK-2. It's affordable (under $70) and set-up for hard use.

Manu Forti
 
A Mora and chopping / wood harvesting tool (small axe, machete, folding saw, or khukuri) pair is a good suggestion. :thumbup: And I'll throw in another vote of confidence for the RAT RC4 as an all-arounder.

Since no one else has mentioned them yet, a Fallkniven F1 can be had for under $100 IIRC and would be an excellent all-around knife. If you find you want to spend a little more, a BRKT Bravo-1 would make a fine hiking / general camp task knife too. All three (RAT RC4, BRKT Bravo-1, and Fallkniven F1) would serve you well. Your choice really does depend on the tasks you anticipate needing to do.
 
I would suggest getting yourself a Mora and a machete. Then get out in the woods and use the heck out of them. Figure out for yourself what you like about them and what you don't. While your doing that save your money and shop the makers forum for a maker whose style you like.

Order up what YOU want after you have figured out exactly what you want from your knife.

SDS
 
I had a 119 that was nice...a little big for an all around butchering knife, but a good knife none the less. Would be fine for woodworking stuff but again, a bit bigger than what I like. Their sheaths are second to none. The 119 sheath is the most secure sheath I've ever had the pleasure of wearing.
 
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