I need a do all fixed blade

[wildern3ss]

condor bushlore or condor kephart. both are under $40

 

[Mikael W]

I would prefer the bk16 price which is why i have not bought the blackbird. Love the flat grind and spear point with micarta handles, similar to the tops dragonfly. What steel is it? And how does 154 cm compare to 1095?

CM154 is stainless and more resistant to abrasion.
1095 is easier to sharpen and has more toughness.

I have used CM154 in two folders without any trouble and 1095 in many Mora's.
Both are good steels for knives and will work for Your intended purpose.

For fishing, a stainless steel is my first choice, but with proper care any carbon steel will do.

Regards
Mikael

 

[Firestrike]

That's great, but sometimes you have to have a limit. The OP said $100; IMO mentioning anything over $100 is not helpful and rubs the $100 mark in the OP's face.

Not trying to start a war--just stating my views.

One could miss out on the perfect solution to the question if not given the "for a few dollars more" option. Just sayin'. Take a look at post #17 and there was no issue from you there, at $120 should'nt you have made a statement then? Not starting a fight here but consistency is key, and options should be explored especially when one could make a drastic improvement in Satisfaction, F/F, Quality, Design, Function, or Durability for a $20 bill.

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

I didn't realize that the OP had a budget of $100 when I posted the Mud Mutt.

 

[FTR-14c]

I didn't realize that the OP had a budget of $100 when I posted the Mud Mutt.

Its all good brother
We are all just trying to help each other out.

 

[link2derek]

ESEE 3 or 4 (i'd lean toward the 4, tho'):

 

[link2derek]

But for a little bit more money ($140-160 range), you can get a really sweet BlackJack M-125 in A-2 Tool Steel (an all-around great knife, IMHO):

 

[22-rimfire]

I like the Blackjack 125. Great classic knife design with great carbon steel. It has been my go to woods knife for a while until I got a Dozier custom. Did I mention that my EDC fixed blade is a small Dozier custom in CPM 154? My general feeling is CPM 154 is not as tough as 1095 or A-2 which is what you want with a woods knife. Once you get into the $150 area, there are lots of great choices made by Bark River.

I think you want the Kabar Becker BK-16. So, I would suggest you just choose that one. I feel pretty sure you'll like it.

 

[billygoat162]

I would prefer the bk16 price which is why i have not bought the blackbird. Love the flat grind and spear point with micarta handles, similar to the tops dragonfly. What steel is it? And how does 154 cm compare to 1095?

The BK16 is 1095CV, not much different than regular 1095. 154CM might hold an edge longer if all you are doing is slicing things, but for hard use, I think 1095 will be better all-around (it's a much tougher steel). The BK16 is an awesome knife--I like it better than both the ESEE 3 and 4 to be honest. It's the reason I can't justify buying a TOPS or Survive! GSO 4.1.

 

[wolverine_173]

ESEE 3 or 4 (i'd lean toward the 4, tho'):

I did find a brand new esee 4 on a local website for $85 bucks. is that a good deal?

 

[link2derek]

I did find a brand new esee 4 on a local website for $85 bucks. is that a good deal?

Sounds about right, depending on the specific model. Standard models go for about $90 new on the more popular knife retailers' sites (plus shipping, of course).

 

[rpn]

Another vote for BK 15- think the thinner tip is more fish friendly, but it is a nice size and can do all I ask for an outdoor knife. My Scrap Yard Wiener Dog is a thinner trailing point but also capable of some rough use. I lost a bit of the tip, but sharpened it out no problem.

 

[Jeru]

Im looking for an in between knife. I have a big 1/4 inch knife for batoning and and small bk14 for detailed task. I need something in between that could filet a fish and do some batoning, something that can do it all. less than 100 bucks

Assuming your 1/4" inch thick big blade is 1095 as well, just as your BK14, I would advise something more stainless. Especially if you want to filet fish with it. Something around 5" and not too thick (again: especially if you want to filet fish with it). It will cost you a lot more than 100 USD, but I really think that what you're looking for is something like a:
- Fällkniven S1
- Bark River Bravo 1 LT
- Survive! GSO 5

 

[jaymack9100]

Oooops double post.

 

[jaymack9100]

I've read many reviews that describe the Esee Laser Strike as a all around outdoor knife. It's next on my list and can be found at just under $100