Good fixed blade for camping?

Becker 16 is a good all around size knife for just about any job you will do except for batoning, and there some out there who do that with such a knife, but it sounds like you are not building a log cabin, just enjoying the outdoors. Best advice I have heard here is get what you like and try try try. I like a large knife in the 6 - 7 range, but find I have been using the 3-4 inch blades more, so my needs are different. Let us know if you get that Barkie, sounds like that is what you are leaning towards.
 
If you like the form of your trusty Kabar, than I would recommend getting the Kabar D2 Extreme. Just purchase with a diamond stone and you'll be golden !!!
 
DFBABK.jpg

DFBABK Dewey Bush Knife - ABK $279.00
5 1/2"-14cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, full tang, Australian timber handles
DFB090 Army $162.00
4 3/4" -12cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, Australian timber handles
DFB090A Army - antler handle $195.00
12cm D2 tool steel, 4.5mm thick blade, Antler handles

Sheaths for ABK and Army $56.00
http://www.deweyknives.com.au/index.html
 
Lots of great suggestions so far. I'll add:

Koster Bushmaster 5 inch 3V @ $215 in micarta
Koster Bushcrafter, smaller and thinner stock but still 3V

Battle Horse knives Bushcrafter 4 inch, O-1 FFG or Scandi ( used to be Blind horse knife) @ $145

Svord Von Tempsky Ranger bowie : little brother to the 11 inch Bowie. Same great L6 steel, 6 inches and @$170 ish.

Buck Hood Punk 5160 5 and 5/8th inch blade around $ 115 - 120

All great choices.
 
Rasco said:
Maybe so for the smaller tasks. I don't think it can compete with a GSO-10... :P
Maybe one day I will try a Mora, but they don't fulfill that "second type of cool" for me.
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For the bigger tasks, use a better tool than a knife.
 
I have had good luck with the following; the original Cold Steel Kukri, I will have to check what type of steel but it virtually has no edge and still lops limbs far better than the Woodsmans Pal or the GI surplus machetes. I can't attest to the modern Cold Steel Kukris (post 2000) but this one is a beast. I don't recollect rust either and I abused and neglected this blade, which includes everything short of using it for a pry bar.
 
I generally prefer 4-6 inches for general purpose, so I'd recommend:

ESEE Laserstrike- have it, love it, great handle, great steel, very stout with the saber grind
ESEE 6- very popular, probably for a reason
Böker Vox Rold- have it, love it, don't be afraid of the D2 steel its great in this one, great handle, FFG makes it very versatile
Swamp Rat Ratmandu - often called the best one in this size range, no doubt great steel
DPX HEFT 4 or 6- made by Lionsteel, so no doubt about the quality
 
At this price range there are too many options... You have the luxury of buying any one of these fine knives that has been suggested. That being said, I would suggest you go out and handle as many as possible. How they feel in hand can make all the difference.
 
Depending on what your main uses will be the Spyderco Rock is a very interesting and useful design for camping.
 
testosterone325 said:
Planning to do some camping this year and want to get a decent fixed blade knife. Looking for something versatile for around the $200 mark or less. Been to a couple local shops and have so far checked out the Becker BK2, Esee 3, DPX HEFT 4, and some Benchmade Hunt series knives. I have been doing some research into Swamp Rat and I like the the features and looks a lot. Out of the knives I've listed, what would you recommend? Are there any other options I should consider? The Niolox and and SR101 steels sound interesting from the DPX and Swamp Rat knives. Anyone have any experience with those steels?
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You should be able to buy a Becker bk-2, 7, or 9. A Mora Companion, a folding saw (get the bright orange one), and a Fiskars splitting axe for around $200.00. And yes I am in Canada. Check out MEC. I picked up a Fiskars X25 splitting axe as a trunk beater at crappy tire for about 45 bucks on a flyer sale. The Beckers will do everything that you need them to do if uncommon sense is used. Sometimes I wonder if some guys actually use their knives or just stare at them while salivating and massaging their groin.
 
There are TONS of excellent mid size camping knives available. From Becker and Esse up to knives from Big Chris and other custom makers, there are at least 50 knives that would fit what you are looking for. Some are better than others, as far as blade steel, fit and finish, and warranty. Hold/use as many as you can before purchasing. My personal selections woulf be a Survive 5.1 and a Swamp Rat RMD. Hands down the two best knives I have ever owned.
 
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