Help me pick a knife from these options please!

1

10160

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Nov 17, 2021
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Hi, I'm looking to pick up my first fixed blade outdoor/survival knife and ive narrowed it down to these:

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife​

KA-BAR #1213 Black​

Buck Knives 119​

Morakniv Allround Multi-Purpose Fixed Blade Knife​


so the most obvious thing is i dont know the difference between those two ka-bar knives. There were a few other varieties on amazon that i saw.

any helpful advice would be appreciated. total beginner here, the only knives im versed in is kitchen knives.
 
The Buck 119 is to fixed blades as the Buck 110 is to folders.

There is no better value and nothing better functionally in either category for a general purpose camp/outdoor knife. I own one of each.
 
sgt1372 said:
The Buck 119 is to fixed blades as the Buck 110 is to folders.

There is no better value and nothing better functionally in either category for a general purpose camp/outdoor knife. I own one of each.
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people seem to say that the ka-bar has no equal in quality. what about that brand?
 
If budget is of concern the Ontario Sp-1 is worth a look, it's comparable to the Ka-Bars for significantly less. Super easy to sharpen and is occasionally on sale for <30$.
 
Welcome to the forum, 1 10160 . I'll second the request to know more about your woodland activities.

While I have fancier or more expensive knives, I'll often carry a stainless Mora Companion. It's even less expensive than the Mora listed above. I got it plus a good kydex sheath from RK Custom Kydex for less than the cost of a Buck 119.

That said, the Buck 119 is a solid classic. There are different versions out there. You can get it with a traditional wood handle and you can even get it in a much better steel as MrStabby7 MrStabby7 mentioned (for a lot more money). The same is true of the Buck 105 if you want something lighter.

Ka-Bar does have a good reputation. I just don't like the feel of the handles on the ones you linked. I also prefer stainless steel. When I'm not carrying my Mora Companion and want something a little more robust, I'll often carry my Ruike Jager in 14C28N.
 
10160 said:
Hi, I'm looking to pick up my first fixed blade outdoor/survival knife and ive narrowed it down to these:

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife​

KA-BAR #1213 Black​

Buck Knives 119​

Morakniv Allround Multi-Purpose Fixed Blade Knife​


so the most obvious thing is i dont know the difference between those two ka-bar knives. There were a few other varieties on amazon that i saw.

any helpful advice would be appreciated. total beginner here, the only knives im versed in is kitchen knives.
Click to expand...

The main difference between those two Ka-Bars is that the USMC one has the traditional WWII look, leather handle and sheath.
The knife as far as I am aware is still in issue.
The Ka-Bar 1213 is more current in terms of appearance with the synthetic Kraton handle and Kydex sheath and black color.
Bear in mind that the Kydex sheath allows attachments to it by way of thoese eyes on each side. Also Kydex can be washed out
with water whereas you can;t with leather. Both are 7 inch blade and the same carbon steel.
Carbon steel requires a bit more care in terms of avoiding rust. Whichever Ka-Bar you choose, just be sure it's a genuine Ka-Bar.

The Buck 119 is another "Classic" and you can't go wrong. It is not a military knife as the Ka-Bars but it has been carried by some on there own in some theaters. This is the classic "outdoorsman's knife" that most people envision. The thing to note is that it is 420HC Stainless Steel so it will be much more resistant to rust than carbon steel. You can't go wrong with this knife. 6 inch blade.

The Mora model you posted seems light compared to the above two. Mainly, the blade thickness is less than the others, although I don't know what your intended uses are. Mora knives are highly regarded as being very good quality and value for the money.

None of your three choices are anything that someone might caution you not to purchase. So just go with your personal preference.
 
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I'm going to say "get the Mora".

Why?

All the rest have very pronounced guards on them, which is great for certain "survival" situations, where your survival depends on your ability to impair another person's survival. If your survival depends on your ability to do "bushie" stuff with timber processing, the Mora is going to let your thumb wander up the spine of the knife when you want it to.
 
The Mora is a mind-blowingly good value. It might be the Glock 19 of fixed blade knives in the sense that it works great, costs little, and, if it falls off the back of a truck and you lose it, it's no biggie. But the Buck 119 at $69.99 is like getting a Colt 1911 for $199.99. All upside, no downside at the price.

EDIT: I was thinking of the Moras that sell for $15. :)
 
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I don't have one (yet) but
Buck 119 Pro sounds very temping !
S35VN steel and canvas micarta handle ...
Yummy
 
Buck 119 is a classic, and the 420hc model is just fine and very affordable. Love mine.

As for kabar, I'd go with the Dog's Head version because I like the guard and pommel better than the standard kabar fighting/utility knife.

I have both, both are awesome. Together they cost a little over $100 (or did when I bought them). Can't go wrong with proven classics.
 
Of the four mentioned my first choice is the 119, then either Kabar. I would not buy the Mora you mention, 8" blade is too long for most uses. I have a USMC fighting knife and a 119. I find the 6" blade on the 119 to be optimal. Just used it this week to field dress two deer. Perfect knife for that duty.
 
10160 said:
people seem to say that the ka-bar has no equal in quality. what about that brand?
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I own a KaBar as well as the 119. Nothing wrong w/the Kabar but it's a different kind of knife than the 119.

It's bigger, longer and heavier than the 119 which can be good or bad depending on your needs and useage. I think the 119 is "prettier" and functionally equivalent to the KaBar (unless you plan to do some serious batoning or prying w/it), which is why I recommended it.

However, they are both cheap enough that you can buy both w/o breaking the bank. If you buy them both, you can always sell the one you like least on the BF Exchange after you pay for at least a Gold Level Membership.

BTW, I also agree w/ Boattale Boattale (above) that the Mora you've selected is TOO LONG for practical use as an outdoor survival knife. A sturdy puukko (or bushcraft knife) around 4-5" would be another matter but it wasn't on the list of choices.
 
I have owned lots of buck knifes in my time, but I would say get the 119 vary good quality for the price one pays.
 
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