How the heck do you decide...

T

Thaumaturgist

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Feb 18, 2009
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I'm looking to get my first "serious" knife. I mainly want it for camping/hiking/hunting and potential survival situations. I don't want a huge knife, so keeping it on the smaller side would be good. My budget is approximately $100 give or take. I've been looking all over, and can't decide between anything... So, here goes.

I've looked at:

Fallkniven F1, and H1. Thes look really nice... but they are at the top end of what I want to spend.

Cold Steel Master Hunter VG1 (No gut hook), SRK (Wish I knew where to find a Carbon V because I've heard they are better?) The SRK is at the long end of what I'm looking for.

Becker Campanion

AG Russel Deer Hunter, in VG-10, or D2

I'm sure there are others... Feel free to suggest. Thanks in advance.
 
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Listen to these guys. They know what they're talking about. :D For the purposes listed it's RAT all the way!
 
Ka-Bar / Becker BK-2
Rat RC-4
Also check with some of the Custom knife makers her on BF you might be surprised at what you can get for $100.00 ;)
Breeden Knives
Koyote Knives
 
Attractive knives, but dang they're expensive! I wonder why producing small carbon steel knives have to cost that much. I have no doubt they're good, but ouch—the price....
 
Ya'll are trying to make this tough! Those look like some great suggestions. Thanks much. I'll keep you informed on the decision that I make. I feel like a kid in a candy shop with only enough money for 1 good chocolate bar...
 
I know it seems like the forum is swarming with RAT stock holders, but it is for good reason. I only have a RC-6, but I have to agree with the masses. For relatively little money, the quality of knife you get, along with the best warranty imaginable, from a super company, designed by guys that listen to the feedback of users, is unsurpassed. For around 100 bucks, you get one tough knife, with well thought out features in design. The only reason NOT to get a RAT would be if you don't like coated steel blades, or 1095 steel.

If you want something shiny, you might take a look at the "Maker's" for sale forum here. There are a bunch of great knives available that might fit your needs. I also like the Bark River options, though I don't own one.

Among all the latest purchases I have made, two stand out as amazing values, with no buyers remorse: RAT RC-6, and the Spyderco Tenacious.
 
Yah, if you don't want custom, I'd get a RAT. No issue with barkies, but.... I'd have to go for a rat in a pinch.

In customs, you have to figure what you want- I like the breeden finish, and the knives are tough, I've beat mine to hell. Mine are definitely often far from shiny, but I focuse on a pukko/leuku style of blade. Stomper has some great stuff. There's a bunch of stuff on the maker's for sale forum right now to look at.
 
I've got a Bark River Aurora, and a RC-4.

If you want super tough, I can do anything and they'll replace it- go rc-4
If you want beautiful and VERY comfortable handle, with an amazing edge, go Bark river.

That's my initial impression to be fair. I haven't used either enough to comment to much on their use. But I do have 3 other Bark Rivers on the way to me as I type this. My wife is going to destroy me!
 
You said:
1. serious knife for camping, etc.
2. not too big
3. $100 give or take

You must look at Bark River.
 
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