Help me pick a knife

R

Rolandokie

Joined
Nov 2, 2009
Messages
9
I'm looking for a knife and I'm calling on you knife experts for some help.
Here's a rough idea of what I'm looking for. What models would you recommend and where is good place to buy from?

Criteria:
fixed blade
3-4 inch blade
Made in the USA. I just can't be proud of a Chinese knife.
$50-$75
Drop Point
Steel type? (would like a higher grade, just cuz..) D2? 440C?. I want something tough that I don't have to sharpen often. If hard to sharpen then I'll deal with that.

Thanks guys.
 
First welcome to the forum. There are a lot of good knives out there that would meet your criteria. What price range did you have in mind ****(edited---sorry, didn't see that you had stated a price range)****and what kind of use do you plan. You mentioned a drop point, does that mean you're looking for a hunting knife? If so then I am very fond of the Buck Vanguard.

I have the Cabela's Alaskan Guide version in s30v. It was around $80 or $90 when I bought it. The regular version can be found for $40 -$50 I think. Both are good knives. Of course there are a lot of other good knives out there it just depends on how you are going to use it. The Vanguard is a good hunting knife, but it isn't what I'd choose for batoning logs.

Here's a pic of my Vanguard
vanguard3.jpg
 
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I think not all of them are made in the US, but they are American brands...

-Benchmade Fixed Griptilian
-Buck Alpha Hunter
-Buck Omni Drop Point Hunter
-Buck Vanguard
-Gerber Gator Fixed Blade
-Ka-Bar Large TDI
-Ka-Bar Becker Necker
-Ka-Bar Working Hunter
-Ontario SP40, GENII
 
Several good knives can be found like you are wanting !
Buck Omni Hunter
KA-BAR/Becker BK11
Ontario TAK
Ontario RAT 3
RAT Cutlery Izula
 
Looking at the knives below, never mind #1 & #5, going L-R:

IMG_3919.jpg


The second one above is a Buck 192 Vanguard - excellent knife, good hand protection, very good metal (Paul Bos heat treated 420HC). Less than $70 mail order. They come razor-sharp. Good leather sheath (The slightly less expensive 692 has a rubber handle and nylon sheath.).

The third one over is a Gerber Stag/S30V Freeman, admittedly now just over your price limit - but a great feeling knife with an upgrade in steel. Judicious shopping - even, gasp, on evil-bay, may land you one 'close'. Nice leather sheath, too. Very sharp.

The fourth one is a Benchmade 201 'Activator +' in D2. Great edge-keeping blade material, even if mine came quite dull. Very nice leather sheath. May be just over your limit now, but a great knife - when sharp!

The sixth one is a Buck 005GYS 'Gen5'. Excellent blade - same material as the 192 Vanguard. Dymondwood handle. Great hiking knife - you can carry it horizontally on your belt in it's velcro-looped nylon sheath - a plus. Handy! ~$50 mail order.

All knives are US-made - some sheaths are imported. I hope this helps!

Stainz
 
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