Help me pick a knife please

K

keyser223

Joined
Apr 1, 2011
Messages
182
I am just starting to get in to knives and I'm looking for my first good blade. I'm basically just looking for a good general use/purpose knife that I won't be afraid to get dirty. I do alot of hunting/hiking/camping, but not really in any very remote areas, but if I had to stay overnight in the woods unintentionally I'd like to have a good tool with me. I would like it to be able to cut small branches/saplings or bark off firewood. (just thinking of things I would likely do with it)

I've been considering an Esee, not sold on which one, but leaning toward a 4. A Ratmandu. And I've looked at Fallkniven, but I'd prefer to buy US and not stainless.

I'd like to keep the price roughly at or under $150.

I'm open to recommendations. There are so many my head is starting to spin. Thanks
 
Esee is a very good choice. So is Becker-Kabar, or if you want to go very inexpensive, a Mora. They take the beating, hold a great edge, and cost anywhere from eight to twenty dollars.
 
Either the ESEE or the RatManDu would make a good choice. I've never used an ESEE, so I can't comment. I do have a RatManDu, and it's good choice for an all-around outdoors knife.
 
I ordered a Ratmandu. There is an Esee dealer here locally, so I'll check them out too. Thanks
 
I have a 3 of the brands you mentioned and do the same things you listed in simialar hunting areas. I carry my F1 more than any while hunting do to the light weight and easy to clean after gutting animals. but my favorite is the Swamp rat HRLM. all are great fail safe companys so if you can handle any I would to see what speaks to you. I think the RMD is a little to big for hunting , but for camping and other outdoor tasks it is good. jmo
 
cut it out, I was thinking the same thing about the RMD, but since I have the opportunity to buy now and I can't handle any locally, I thought I'd give it a shot. I have a feeling an Esee 3 or 4 is in my very near future.
 
Look at the Bark River Bravo 1, it's very close to the ESEE4 in size. Fatter handle, no choil, thicker spine, but convexed edge. There will be 4 steel choices in the near future. Also, the Highland Special, and a few others in and about that size range. Their edges are excellent.
Check out ML Knives as well, they are forged and look great, and are quite affordable.
 
I noticed you said "just getting into". Are folders out on this one. If you want a general purpose knife go with the Benchmade 551. its drop point 154cm which will hold and edge for longer than 1095 carbon (which is waht must ESEE knives are made of). I bring this up under the assumption you may want to carry a knife with you everywhere (in town).
I also have the IZULA in OD green and it can be tied to the back of your belt very easily horizontally.
 
I've owned the ESEE 3, 4, 6, and Izula. I've handled the ESEE-5. If you want a large knife I like the becker BK5. The Ontario SP knives are a good value too. If you WANT to spend $150 you can check out some custom knives here on blade forums.

My "camp" knives are, SOG Seal pup, Buck 119, Mora All Around, Mora 2000, and a Buck NightHawk. The Becker BK5 is more of a chopper for me, it goes in the same category as my Cold Steel Trailmaster and short Machetes.
 
keyser congrats on the RMD!! its a awesome knife!!! watch out tho Bussekin knives are addicting. lol alot of good knives mentioned I just stuck with the 3 you mentioned. pair the RMD with a ESEE-3 and you got a good do all pair of knives that will do just about any thing.
 
An ESEE 3 or 4 would work well. If you have larger hands, the handles of the Bark Rivers are nice. Find a used BRKT Bravo-1 or Gunny, both in A2.
 
I camped, many years ago, with just a Swiss Army Knife and an old KaBar - and made out quite well. I later added a Western (66?) fb hunting knife. Eventually, when it was lost, I went to a Buck 110 Folding Hunter - a most useful and classic knife still available today - even from WallyWorlds. For a fb, I have a choice - but I would agree with your leaning towards an ESEE RC4 as a fine choice. A good folder in the pocket is comforting, too. While a SAK is useful, I'd opt for a decent sized locking folder - that Buck 110 being a great such example.

Keep us apprised!

Stainz
 
I like the Bark Rivers, kephart, bravo I. They look good, and will cut to!
 
Fallkniven A1 or S1, top notch quality!! Also check out the BR Sts-5!
Just received a BR Sts-8 w/ maroon handles, my god the thing is a beast!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top