Highly Durable Knife for $125?

S

Schtik

Joined
Jul 22, 2002
Messages
133
Hey,
I need a combat utility knife that can withstand abuse but with a budget of only $125 USD.


Criteria has to fit:
-7" to 9" blade
-Stainless steel
-Good for chopping, cutting, prying, sawing, jabbing and hammering.
-Good for fighting with.


Asking a lot, eh? *embarrassed*


Thanks,
Kevin
 
Originally posted by Schtik

Criteria has to fit:
-7" to 9" blade
-Stainless steel <----------
-Good for chopping, cutting, prying, sawing, jabbing and hammering.
-Good for fighting with.
Click to expand...
If you're willing to part with stainless and take Carbon Steel, get the BK&T Combat/Utility 7 or the Combat Bowie 9. I've seen the 7 for 45 and the 9 at 50 something. (at dirtcheapknives.com)
It has black epoxy coat, so it should keep most of the blade from rusting. Just oil the edge and any area where steel is exposed and you'll be fine. So what do you want to do with the rest of the dough now?
 
I've heard nothing but great things about the BK7 and BK9.
But they look like kitchen knives... That's the major turn-off.
But if no other knife fits the criteria, then I'll get both a BK7 & 9. :)


What's a Swamp Rat knife?
 
Nah the beckers look cool!

At this price range you will get the most value from a carbon steel knife.

I would probably buy the BK&T's i feel that they are an exceptional value. You can Also check out Cold Steel Since their Carbon V knives also come out of the Camillus factory (but i think CS sucks. . . but their knives are still good).

If you want something in a quality stainless steel, and knives that look beyond cool (and can still cut stuff) you could Check out Extrema Ratio, www.1sks.com has just started carrying their line.

The Swamp Rats are also an exceptional Value, they will probably offer better performance than the Beckers but they are about 3X as pricey.

If you want to double your price range then you are in Chris Reave, Busse, and Strider Territory, but for that kinda money you could always go custom, such as a simonich midtech Raven (my choice at the $300 price point)
 
Thanks for the suggestion on the Extrema Ratios! But they're all way above budget - I need to keep the replacement cost at $125 USD.

Which Cold Steel knife should I go for?
They all seem promising and way below budget.

And I haven't been able to find any info on Swamp Rat knives. Link, please?


Thanks :),
Kevin
 
Here is the link to the swamprat knives

www.swampratknives.com

The Camp Tramp is only $128.95, according to their site.

They also have a really good guarantee.

Darkjedi - May the Force be with you.
 
:D Thanks!

Now, I think, it's a toss-up.
Cold Steel Recon Tanto VS SwampRat Camp Tramp


Both blades are regarded highly at these forums.
Now it's a decision.

What do y'all think I should go with?
Could there be a third contender?
 
I like the Swamp Rats. You could argue that you'll never know the difference in steels in normal use, but the Swamp Rats have much better handles, and a no-nonsense warranty, in addition to what promises to be an excellent steel.
 
The blade length may be a touch shorter than what you want but look into the Boker Orca, Orca II, and Beluga recurve fixed blades. These blades are super tough and durable. You can shop around and find one in your price range.
 
I would go with the Swamp Rat...i just got to hold one the other day...i would trust my life with that knife
 
If it has to be stainless, perhaps the SOG Field Knife, or SEAL 2K. Then there are some Cold Steel offerings at substantially lower sticker price than $125.
 
Hmm here is one no one has mentioned specifacally before. The Bushman from coldsteel.It may not look like much but I think it is the most basic knife one can get.

7' blade 12 overall. Hollow handle good for a shaft to make a spear. Good for chopping. Cheap, can buy many of them should u need one for the car, house etc. U may need to get a better sheath for it\


I hope this is not way off base for your needs

Hmm on a second inspection u asked for stainless and a knife that could last. Yes try the baby seal, coldsteel recon tanto or the camillus bk7
 
I too recently recieved a swamprat. There are some pictures in the review forum. It outshines all of my fixed blades except the custom I have.
 
I like my CS SRK, a good beater, however I hated the handles not because they're uncomfortable, but you can't take them apart.
 
Chime in...

First suggestion: Pick up a Camillus or KA-BAR 'KA-BAR' pattern fighter utility with kydex sheath, should run you no more than $60 shipped. Then take the $40 and buy a Spyderco or Benchmade folder to go with it. Good deals on all of these knives can be had right here at BladeForums.

Second suggestion: Check out a John Greco hand-made knife at www.cqcknives.com . There are manys sizes and styles all within your budget.

Third suggestion: Follow the others suggestions and pick up the Swamp Rat! I don't have one myself, but I have not heard ONE NEGATIVE COMMENT about them.

Welcom to BladeForums and Enjoy the hunt...:)
 
It's such a stressful decision.
The Swamp Rat can't be had for less than $150 USD. So it is out of reach.

The Recon Tanto is such a promising knife.
But now, I think there is a 3rd contender. One that has a stainless steel blade: The Cold Steel OSS.


Any opinions on the OSS?

BTW, the chosen knife will be given and used by over 12 people in very demanding conditions; 3 days between resupplies and no place to replace broken knives.
 
Generally such combination as chopping, prying, hammering and stainless steel are not any good thing because stainless steels are way too brittle for such abuse. Plain carbon spring steel like 1095 for ex. would hold up much better.

However if you definitely want to go with stainless – take a look onto Fällkniven A2 Wilderness Knife at www.fallkniven.com
 
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