I need help in choosing between 3 fixed blades:

S

SwatMC

Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
69
OK, I am pretty broke... but I want to buy one really good fixed blade to accompany me on my adventures.

I am down to three:

-Ka Bar Next Generation Fixed Blade with straight edge and kydex sheath.

https://www.kabar.com/product_detai...ryId=1,2,3,7,9&categoryName=Military/Tactical

-Benchmade D-2 CSK, Staight Edge

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=156

or

The RAT-7, not sure in either Stainless or D-2

http://www.jungletraining.com/rat knives.htm


I want a knife that I can beat up and not have to worry about it rusting. Something that would be decent in salt water.

Something I can re-sharpen real easy.

A good all around, camp field knife.

I was wondering if anyone had these knives and could give me some positive or negative feedback or if anyone can point me in another direction.

Thanks,
Mike
 
SwatMC,
D2 steel is a great steel for smaller slicing processes but IS NOT really considered a "stainless" steel.

The Ka-Bar Next Generations that I have are made of 12c27 cutlery steel and is probably a bit more of a "stainless" steel then D2

You understand that there is really no completly "stainless steel" if it has carbon in it's alloy (400 series). Series 300 stainless is quite stainless however there is none to very little carbon in it and is not hardenable.

I you really have to have a knife that is stain free then consider Talonite. Talonite is not very hard since once again, no carbon, however the carbides that make up talonite just seem to cut forever, even when it "feels" dull it will cut you. Just ask Ken Onion if he has ever gotten cut on "dull" talonite.

I guess that all of this is just to say...go with the Ka-Bar. It will also be less expensive to replace if it gets to rusty on you.

FWIW
Ciao
Ron Cassel
:cool:
 
If you need something reall stainless, stay away from D2, because it tends to pit badly when it corrodes. Maybe you shold consider something from Entrek or Fallkniven. The latter is a bit more pricy, but the quality is simply outstanding. I dopn't have any experience with Entrek, but they look like no frills, tough working knives. Fallkniven is VG10 (sometimes laminated between 420J) Entrek is 440C.
 
The 440A Kabar will be the most rust resistant and will also sharpen quick and easy. It will also dull faster than the other two, but if you don't mind sharpening then it should serve you well.
 
My choice would be the RAT-7 as I feel that it has the most desireable shape for work, as well as what I feel is a better grind for resharpening and slicing (full flat). If you are overly worried about rust you could always get a Marine Tuf Cloth to go with it!
 
I'd go with the rat-7 or any rat for that matter. If you want to spend a little less you might consider a becker knife and tool crewman or the bk-7.
good luck and always remember that if you get something and don't like it,trade it for something else. sooner or later you'll find the ultimate knife. at least I think it works like that. ahgar
 
I just got the Benchmade D2 CSK yesterday and I love this knife! Haven't used it yet, but it is a perfect fit for my hand, and it comes with a great cordura sheath with an extra pocket for sharpening stone [not included] or some other items. Very sharp, and I finally have a fixed blade that I'm satisfied with. Seems to be very high quality for not a lot of bucks [$89] at Knifecenter. Very pleased and can't wait to use it.
 
Thanks for all the feedback fellas.

7k7k99,
You're liking the CSK huh? That was the knife that I was all set to buy (to replace my black ka bar) but I am hearing that it isn't the best for wet weather.

But the CSK really does look pretty bad ass.

-Mike
 
Haven't heard much about it one way or the other review wise, but Benchmade did a nice job on it and it is a classy package. As far as the wet weather, if you take proper care of any blade, it should be fine.
 
too small.

I have a Cold Steel Master Hunter that I like. Also a black Ka bar that I am about to replace with... something.
 
I have the cold steel master hunter in carbon V too, but I like the new Benchmade CSK better
 
Do you have the CSK with serrations or plain?

I think I am going to eventually (once I have $) get the CSK with a plain edge.

I had the serrations on my Ka Bar, but they were a bitch to sharpen.

Whatta ya think?
 
damn, i am still torn.

I am looking at the Rat-7 and there is a little space where you can choke up on the blade and do some fine work.

But the benchmade and the ka bar look like they have a better grip.

damn.
 
RAT 7.... I have the 1095 version, but if around saltwater a lot go with the D2. In the end the RAT will be the strongest and best cutter/ chopper out of these.
 
I have the plain blade csk, I hate serrations.

I am not familiar with the Rat-7, but the handle on the csk is comfortable and a good gripping surface, and I think the Rat-7 has micarta, which to me on a large knife is uncomfortable. Plus I don't think the Benchmade will be as slippery when wet, micarta can get slippery, and I don't want to be dropping this big blade on anything I don't want to cut.
 
This is a tough choice Benchmade and the RAT series have great, rugged knives. However, I really think you'll love the Kabar it's one tough knife for a great price and the handle is great, they really do an excellent job with the kraton.
 
The Ka Bar Next gen series should hold up pretty well in wet weather conditions right?

a bit better than the D-2 stuff out there.

I don't mind sharpening the blade once and a while.

I wish I had the money to buy all 3 :-)
 
No experience with the Benchmade but I've found in the past that knives with that "curved in" guard - if they don't have a long enough handle, can feel a little restrictive. The Presidio seems more interesting to me but it is pricier.

Although the Ka-bar wouldn't be my first choice, I do have the 8", which I like the most of these models, but they are discontinued now. The handles on these next generation models might be the best I've ever held.

The RAT7 D2 is a lot of knife. Great blade shape and grind. It is heavy.
I like the handle shape, construction and micarta slabs.
I found the edges of the slabs to be sharp in my smaller hands. If you take a file to the edges it can be perfect. A little sanding and it becomes - for me - the best knife under $100.00 in this size.


I didn't see the salt water part and the coated stainless on the Benchmade would make it a top choice here.
 
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