Help me think of a few options around $50 for a fixed blade

Yo Mama

Yo Mama

Joined
Sep 25, 2011
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I'm having a hard time finding anything in my criteria. I have plenty of other blades to take on a trip, but I would like to buy a new one just for this trip. We will be camping for about 2 weeks. I want a fixed blade that will be between three and four inches. Something that will work well for food prep as well as making feather sticks and the sort. Something easy to carry.

The hard part is been sticking to my price point and getting a few things that are important to me in this purchase. One is country of origin, I'm sorry i know they probably make some good stuff but China is off the list. In addition I do not want to leather sheath, I'm fine with Kydex or nylon. So far the buck sehlrik comes the closest, but I can't buy it because of my first priority. The cold steel kubon also looks a bit interesting. I can't believe I'm saying this but Gerber makes the strongarm that looks also like an option.

So come on everybody give me a few other options here please.

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jimmyd1982 said:
I mean...... Mora...
Is there a reason that isn't your first choice?
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I should have mentioned that yes we will have a mora knife with us, the companion, it's been tried and true and It's just tough as nails for sure. Just looking for something different that's all.

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Condor Kephart. About $30. Made in El Salvador

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Russell Green River Hunter. Abut $15. Made in the USA

Russell%2520Green%2520River%2520Works%2520Tweaked.JPG
 
It's surprisingly hard to think of a quality knife in that price range that doesn't come with a leather sheath lol.
I did have a Buck catch my eye at wally world the other day, I'm pretty sure it was called the Mesa. It had Micarta scales, 420hc,and a plastic sheath for around 40ish. Funny enough the only reason I didn't pick it up was I prefer leather sheathes.
 
Becker BK11 or 14 for lighter carry but maintaining full utility and strength.

Condor or mora for a full handled knife for longer usage comforts.

I have a Mora (carbon), a Condor, a Becker BK24 and 11.

The mora is the lighest, and takes a keen edge and slices nicely but isn't the toughest (blade steel) of the 4.
Comes with an ok sheath, functional but cumbersome while lacking modularity.

Condor, tough alloy, takes a decent edge, geometry tends to be a bit steep for slicing (can be thinned by Baryonyx when purchasing for a nominal fee, plenty worth it), plenty of models to choose from in your price range,
Comes with a quality leather sheath, but lacking in carry methods aside from adding a belt loop for a dangler.

BK11/14 comes in 1095 crovan, basically 1095 with some slight alloying materials to offer a slight bump in edge retention. Plenty tough, and takes a keen edge, though they can do with some thinning.
Sheath is decent but locking (new model), can be threaded to be worn many ways, or lashed a pack.

That being said, I wear an XL width glove and the 11 can feel a little cramped prior to modifying the grip to fit me, now my BK15 San mai is a regular carry item.
(The BK14 handle fits me just fine).
 
I recently purchased and used on a hiking trip, a Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter in 3V. Picked I up for $60 some dollars. A steal of a deal. I'm beyond satisfied with it.

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jimmyd1982 said:
....I did have a Buck catch my eye at wally world the other day, I'm pretty sure it was called the Mesa. It had Micarta scales, 420hc,and a plastic sheath for around 40ish. Funny enough the only reason I didn't pick it up was I prefer leather sheathes.
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Wonderful knife for the money. I think the blade may be a little long for your liking though.
 
The Strongarm will serve you well if you're willing to go past 4 inches on the blade.
 
jimmyd1982 said:
It's surprisingly hard to think of a quality knife in that price range that doesn't come with a leather sheath lol.
I did have a Buck catch my eye at wally world the other day, I'm pretty sure it was called the Mesa. It had Micarta scales, 420hc,and a plastic sheath for around 40ish. Funny enough the only reason I didn't pick it up was I prefer leather sheathes.
Click to expand...

Bingo! I saw it's a wmart exclusive. I'm starting to track one down now. I know it's a little longer than I was looking for, but it has everything else I wanted. Thanks man!
 
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Everyone, thanks for all your help and suggestions. Many good options, some I had fully considered but had leather sheaths. Reason is that the area we will be in is very humid, and I'd rather not keep a blade soaking for 2 weeks.
 
Yo Mama said:
Bingo! I saw it's a wmart exclusive. I'm starting to track one down now. I know it's a little longer than I was looking for, but it has everything else I wanted. Thanks man!
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No problem man. If you feel like it maybe you can give us a little review when you get back, I'm still pretty tempted to pick one up myself even though I have zero need for it lol. Enjoy your trip!
 
jimmyd1982 said:
.... If you feel like it maybe you can give us a little review when you get back, I'm still pretty tempted to pick one up myself even though I have zero need for it lol. Enjoy your trip!
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Yes, please do. I would love to read a review on that knife.

I am also considering a purchase myself. My wife won't be happy but what is she going to do? Stab me with it?
 
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