Help me pick a fixed blade knife for camping.

Dagon said:
I agree with Winbag, you could simply go camping with what you have and have ordered.
Click to expand...

That is a good point - I guess that I just see a hole in my lineup. I have a couple of folders sorted and a couple of multi-tools, so I am happy there. I have one fixed blade knife on order for some tasks that are better with a fixed blade than a folder - but it only has a 4" blade and I think that I may have uses for something a little bigger. I don't know that I would want to baton logs or chop wood with anything I already have - but a 6-7" blade might be able to handle noticeably more than the 4" blade would.

I am going to see if I can add to the order I have already placed - that way I can grab another knife without paying another lot of shipping.

I am more worried that I may need more knives than that I may have too many - I am tempted by the idea of getting a Kukri for chopping wood. But I think I should hold off getting anything too big because I have limited space to carry my camping gear. I am not traveling to the campsite by car, I am loading up a 400cc scooter. I do have more storage than most motorcycles - over 60 litres of storage under the seat, 35 litres in a lockable top box and a ~50 litre tail bag that I secure to the pillion seat when I go camping. I think I can take everything I want to with my current plans so I am happy at this point.

Another consideration is that the exchange rate is currently good for me, so it is not a bad time to grab another knife. If only my finances were better, then I would probably look at several more (and dearer) knives including the F1.
 
If only my finances were better, then I would probably look at several more (and dearer) knives including the F1.
Click to expand...

Yeah, well, I would rather buy 1 Fallkniven FB instead of 2-3 cheaper fixed blades. The standard F1 is around $110 on the exchange.

I am loading up a 400cc scooter. I do have more storage than most motorcycles - over 60 litres of storage under the seat, 35 litres in a lockable top box and a ~50 litre tail bag that I secure to the pillion seat when I go camping. I think I can take everything I want to with my current plans so I am happy at this point.
Click to expand...

Well, then just bring a small axe. if you don't have one, it will be cheap at you local megamarket. I always prefer axes for chopping work, and of course knives for cutting work!
 
There are plenty of awesome blades in the $70 and up range. However, I'm going to tell you to go with the Buck 119. Just drive over to wallmart and pick one up for the $40 or so that they cost. Its a decent fixed blade and you can baton it to your hearts content (I did mine for a couple of years until I started upgrading my knives). If you are dead set on ordering one, then I suggest getting a mora 2000 for $30 (see BensBackwoods or Ragnar's Forge for suppliers). The mora 2000 is a 4" blade but considered an amazing cutter.

Once you've decided that you like a 6" fixed blade then come back and get advice about upgrades. Spending $100 on a fixed blade because you read it was a good idea to do is a bad plan. Sure you can't go wrong with a great blade, but you should decide beforehand what features you like best in a blade. Also, people are willing to tell you what they like, but that might not translate into what you like.

There are 100's of styles of bushcraft and survival knives that all can do a great job in the wilderness. The best one for you is the one you've come to the conclusion is the best for you. It will never be the one that some internet warrior told you was the best.
 
ExMachina said:
reading your posts, my suggestion would be that you spend some time getting your feet wet with that day-to-day of camping before you break the bank on any more cutlery.
Click to expand...

I understand your point and the truth is that I am not looking at this purchase strictly in terms of need - I WANT a nice 6-7" knife that I can use for various tasks suitable for such a knife. But since I want this sort of knife and plan to buy one I am asking here for opinions on what is good value and a good knife for my money.


Dagon said:
Well, then just bring a small axe. if you don't have one, it will be cheap at you local megamarket. I always prefer axes for chopping work, and of course knives for cutting work!
Click to expand...

That is definitely a consideration - if I find myself using a knife for tasks better suited to a small axe then I will look at buying a small axe before the next camping trip. As I said - my collection will evolve as I go.

At the moment my current purchasing decision is going towards deciding between buying a KA-BAR 7" Becker knife or a Buck 6.5" Nighthawk. Either seems like a good useful knife for general camping duties that are capable of being used & abused. The Buck is only about $50, the Becker is about $75. I am thinking that maybe I should go with the cheaper option now and worry about dearer knives later when I have a better idea of exactly what I want and need in a knife. The Nighthawk sounds like a good tough knife that would do most of what I think I'll need and it looks like real good value.

ohen cepel said:
I like a small pocket knife and then a larger fixed blade for bigger chores. The Buck is a fine option, many have used it for years and I would give it a look. Well priced and if you don't like it even if you sold it for 1/2 what you paid for it you're not hurt much.
Click to expand...

Based on this logic I am thinking the Nighthawk 6.5" might be a good choice. Like the Buck 119 it is not going to hurt much financially and gives me that larger fixed blade for bigger chores. I could hang on to the extra money for more informed purchases in the future.
 
kgd said:
There are plenty of awesome blades in the $70 and up range. However, I'm going to tell you to go with the Buck 119. Just drive over to wallmart and pick one up for the $40 or so that they cost.
Click to expand...

For me that would be one hell of a drive.

I think I would like to spend more on a better knife - but I like the idea of leaving the decision on the dearer knives to later. The more I spend without really knowing what I need in a knife the more money down the drain. For the time being I am definitely leaning to the $50 or less price range - I could get a good useful knife without breaking the bank and buy whatever else might be better later.

Any comments on the Buck 119 6" vs the Buck Nighthawk 6.5"? There is only $6 between the 2 so I don't really care on the cost difference.
 
Oops, didn't see that you were from Aukland. I had a PDF from Aukland who worked for me for a couple of years.

The nighthawk is a beefer blade marketed towards the military/tactical. I'm not 100% sure, but I think it might have a more robust tang under the handle. The rubberized grips are less slippery than the phenolic handles of the 119. The 119 is the classic hunting knife. In fact, the 119 and Kabar look very much alike except for the larger size of the kabar.

The nighthawk is I suspect a more robust knife. Its texturized handle would also make it better in applications that involved having wet hands ect. You just have to live with its ugliness factor. The 119 is a classier looking blade especially if you get the ones with a leather sheath. Actually, the leather sheaths that come with the bucks are extremely good.
 
Ugly!!!!!! how dare you!!!!!!!! It was buck's entry for military contracts at one time, so it was made strong enough that the knuckle draggers would have a hard time destroying it.
 
Jake Bauer said:
Rat Cutlery RC4 under $100: http://newgraham.com/store/product/4790/RC-4-PE-Kydex-RC-4P/

That is all you will ever need. Steel, ergonomics, warranty, one of the best knife companies in the market.

Other than RAT, I suggest Becker. I Love my BK7, 2, and 11.

I also have nighthawk. Its a great knife, but not for camping. It's blade profile is purely for defense.
Click to expand...

The RC-4 looks like a nice knife and is definitely worth considering if I am looking to buy one that size. I would probably buy an RC-6 now if it was cheaper - that looks like a very good knife!

Thanks for the opinion on the Becker and Nighthawk - looking at the 2 I do like the blade shape of the Becker more. I am thinking that the Becker 7" would be pretty good for food prep - enough length for pretty much any food I am likely to prepare. I wouldn't mind spending less, but I do want to buy a nice knife in that 6"-7" size range and under $80 isn't too harsh on the finances. The Buck 119 is still an option because of the great price, though I do like the look of the Becker more.
 
Personally I think the 119 will be a fine choice as your starter knife.

Once you really start getting into hiking/camping you can upgrade. By then you will know just what works for you. You just might decide the 119 is perfection for your needs.

Me...I get by with a 3" blade fixed (or one with a 3 7/8" blade), plus a SAK and a hatchet.
 
My list of must have Bushcraft/Survival Knife Features:

1. 4-6 inches blade length
2. Drop Point
3. Full tang
4. Pommel end strong enough to take a pounding
5. Half or integral guard
6. Polished or satin blade finish NOT Black -- hard to see if lost or dropped
7. Orange Handles
8. Any steel -no preference (Just keep it sharp and I'll keep you sharper)
9. Lanyard hole
10. Must be under $200.00 (after all, this a tool not a trophy- Use it, abuse it, survive, and buy another IF needed.

My saying..."Save the beauties to admire use the beaters to make the fire."

Choices:
Modified SOG SEAL PUP ELITE- violates my #2 but it's proven to be durable-Violates #7but I spray painted mine orange
Modified Fallkniven F1-Spray to color orange handles
Bark River Knife and Tool Bravo-1: Perfect
Becker Ka-Bar BK2 Campanion: My personal Fav: Just strip blade, Spray blade metallic, spray handle orange OR remove handles and paracord wrap orange to the handle, this will then allow the pommel exposure to be used as a hammer if needed. I did this to mine, looks and works great. (and yes...the paint holds up very well against batoning slicing and dicing.)

Nothing like customizing something to fit your own needs. That's a true survival tool.
 
Last edited:
Jake Bauer said:
I suggest Becker. I Love my BK7
Click to expand...

OK - I have done it!
http://newgraham.com/store/product/218/KaBar-Becker-Combat-Utility-BK7/
I think this is a knife that I will like - I certainly like the looks of it. It should be big enough for what I currently can think of being my needs/wants. I have read about how sought after this knife is and I don't think the price is really that much for such a highly regarded knife. With the extra small knife included that gives me big (7" blade), medium (4" blade) and small (umm, small blade) fixed knives.

I also have a Rat 1 & Endura 4 on the way as well as my K502x - so I'm doing OK for folders.

So for now I'll try to keep off the credit card and save my money - I don't really see any need to add to my collection for a while. Maybe I'll find I need a hatchet or machete at some point, but I wouldn't need to spend much for that. I'll try to cut out the spending for a while at least - for now I'll just go with using the knives I have on hand and on the way.

I think of what I have on order the BK-7 is the one I am most looking forward to getting my hands on! Compared to many that I have looked at it seems a little under-priced to me - I think that I would have been willing to pay a bit more for that one.
 
Whoa, I didn't see that you are from Auckland either. Kia Ora bro! I grew up just outside of Rotorua but have been living in the States for almost 11 years now. I'll hopefully be moving back in a couple more.

I have a Benchmade CSKII for sale right now on the exchange which I could work out a deal with you for if you are interested. I was pretty excited about it but personally decided that it looks a little too tactical in nature to be carrying around in the bush (especially in NZ, it would probably raise some serious eyebrows). I now have a RAT RC-4 in the mail which I got on the exchange here a few days ago which will replace it. If you can can go up to $80-$90 or wait until one comes up used one comes up a little cheaper then I reckon they are one of the absolute best under $150 or so. At least that is what I decided for myself from talking to people. Hopefully it is true!

Have you looked around at custom makers in NZ? I bet there are some around there that could do you a nice user for around the same money that it costs to get one sent over from The States. Just a thought. Good luck man, and glad to see someone representing here for the homeland...ahhh I miss it so.. :thumbup::thumbup:

Edit: I see you already made your buy. Congrats! That supple jack and bush lawyer don't stand a chance.
 
Last edited:
Sorry for the late reply. Even the Discovery Channel's (TV) 'Survivorman', Canadian Les Stroud, has used a Buck 119 on occasion on his show. The Brit 'Bear Grylls' likes more expensive fare. The bright SS of the 119 is easier to keep clean - and won't add it's 'taste' to your food, should you use it for food prep - a la a coated knife - like the Nighthawk. It's a great bargain in a fb.

Stainz
 
banana-clip said:
Check out the Scrapyard SOD or RAT RC 5 or even a Swedish Mora knife.
Click to expand...

Mora.

Cheap, tough, light, sharp.

If you are going to be chopping wood, you need an axe or hatchet, not a knife. I mostly skip it. If I need a fire, I can gather enough deadwood for a night or two.
 
If you can find an old Buck General,great camp knife,mine is 30 plus years old and still going strong.(yeah hollow grind haters,mine's still a beast)
 
If you can find an old Buck General,great camp knife,mine is 30 plus years old and still going strong.(yeah hollow grind haters,mine's still a beast)
 
Good choice gadget. It's a fantastic knife. Go on over to the Becker Knife and Tool forum and look around. You'll see other good things.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top