Help me pick my next ~5" woods bumming knife!

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Dutch_Henry

Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
51
Hey all, I'm looking for suggestions for a 5(ish) inch blade for use bumming around the woods. This would pair with a folder for off-trail rambles in my "neighborhood", which happens to be a huge swath of undeveloped woodland here in the Appalachian foothills of NH. I typically favor smaller blades (my FBF recluse and buck woodsman see a lot of use). But lately I've been wanting to add a mid-sized blade into the mix—especially for when I'm off on longer treks or in areas where there's a higher likelihood of an unexpected overnight. I have some larger choppers, but they don't see a lot of use.

I'd like something similarly capable to my FBF and buck in terms of fine work and ease of carry. But it needs to have more utility to it for wood processing and shelter-building in a pinch. I guess I'm looking for a hybrid between your standard bushcraft knife and your standard "survival" blade.

The Esee Laser Strike has really caught my eye ($99), as has the BK16 (~$72). Have also sort of considered the TOPS BOB (~$115). What other worthy contenders are there around and below the $100 mark?
 
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ESEE Laser strike and the TOPS BOB are both really good blades. ESEE has the best warranty (really only matters if you are really wanting to thump on their knives). Their Junglas and 3mil have been my woodsy couple for a good number of years now.

However, recently the 3mil has been taking a backseat to my Winkler Hunter's knife and a neck (or folder) knife. Its for the extra cutting surface since I've realized I don't use the choil as much anymore in favor of a small knife for the finer tasks that would call for it.

If you are willing to wait for a few more months, ESEE will be releasing the Camp Lore line which will be very similar to the BOB (designed by the same dude(s) if I'm not mistaken)
 
Wow, the Winkler Knives are gorgeous customs. Would love something along those lines but I unfortunately need to keep the price <$100ish. Ah, someday. Thanks for turning me on to a new maker.

I didn't know about ESEE's Camp Lore line. Will see what my googlefu reveals...there's something appealing to a kydex sheath, if only because most of mine are in leather or cordura.
 
Dutch_Henry said:
Wow, the Winkler Knives are gorgeous customs. Would love something along those lines but I unfortunately need to keep the price <$100ish. Ah, someday. Thanks for turning me on to a new maker.

I didn't know about ESEE's Camp Lore line. Will see what my googlefu reveals...there's something appealing to a kydex sheath, if only because most of mine are in leather or cordura.
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The release date for the camplore is still up in the air by the sound of it. I hear October/November timefram and when they'll actually be obtainable is a bigger question.

But yeah winkler really has the function and aesthetics down to a artform. I'd buy their Sayoc Axe with tribal markings in a second if it wasn't so blasted expensive.

Also look at the EnZo knives. I hear good things about them but I'm not too familiar with them.
 
The cow said:
The release date for the camplore is still up in the air by the sound of it. I hear October/November timefram and when they'll actually be obtainable is a bigger question.

But yeah winkler really has the function and aesthetics down to a artform. I'd buy their Sayoc Axe with tribal markings in a second if it wasn't so blasted expensive.

Also look at the EnZo knives. I hear good things about them but I'm not too familiar with them.
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Mr Cow, you are a man of excellent taste :thumbup:
 
Angus McGunnigle said:
BK16, as it is basically WONDERFUL.
BK10 is a great knife too.
SOG NW Ranger is a sleeper that is a great knife, IMO.
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Angus, what's your opinion on stock grips on your Beckers?...the only thing that's really held me back from the 16 is the thought that I'd end up throwing in another $35 for micarta. But having never had the chance to use a becker in the field, I could be totally wrong
 
Pretty pleased with this one:



The bush series afghan is 1095 and features thinner blade stock that may be more to your liking. The one pictured is ~1/4" of 5160 with orange g-10. Tan and black micarta are also available. It does however, come with a nylon sheath that leaves a bit to be desired. I had a Kydex one made by a local knife maker. Even so, I'm into this one for under your budget, just shop carefully.
 
Guest--I like the looks of that, and absolutely, ~.18 would suit my needs more than .25. I've always held off from Ontario because my dad had issues with a bad heat-treat in the mid 00s. But I understand that was kind of flukey and they're pretty stout blades. How's the edge retention on yours?
 
If some of the TOPS are calling you, how about the HOG? Looks nice to me.

I have a BK 15 and like it a lot as well.
 
I just acquired a BK16 and installed the micarta scales. I'll say that of ALL the knives I own/have owned, it is one of the best, by far, for the price! I made a leather sheath for it and am seriously in love with it! The KaBar warranty is also lifetime and zero hassle. I never really liked the gadgety TOPS knives, myself. Good luck in your quest!
 
Dutch_Henry said:
Guest--I like the looks of that, and absolutely, ~.18 would suit my needs more than .25. I've always held off from Ontario because my dad had issues with a bad heat-treat in the mid 00s. But I understand that was kind of flukey and they're pretty stout blades. How's the edge retention on yours?
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In a word. Astonishing. Ymmv with the 1095 over the 5160 but I wouldn't be worried. My bevels were asymmetrical from the factory but I've beat this thing to death and it hardly shows.
 
Dutch_Henry said:
Angus, what's your opinion on stock grips on your Beckers?...the only thing that's really held me back from the 16 is the thought that I'd end up throwing in another $35 for micarta. But having never had the chance to use a becker in the field, I could be totally wrong
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I like the stock handles fine. I wear size L gloves.
I have left the 16 totally alone and on the 7 and 10 I very lightly scuffed up the scales with some sandpaper. The 16 really is about the perfect knife, IMO. I would encourage you to get one. I know if mine were to be lost, stolen, etc. I would replace it ASAP.
 
Very happy so far with my ESEE 5. Its a bit of a jack of all trades knife, and it is a bit beastly but I love it.
 
Anything from battle horse knives. Only a little over $100 and a step up in fit and finish over most production folders.
 
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