I'm not sure what knife to buy...

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Jan 4, 2014
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EDIT: I have purchased a TOPS Silent Hero. :)

I don't really like the term "survival" as I doubt I'll ever have to survive. I do know that I want to start spending more time outdoors and I live in a prime location to do that. I'm thinking I would like to buy a couple of items: A good camp knife as well as a machete/chopper. As far as the knife goes I would like something around the 5 inch or so mark to do camp related chores and something about 3/16 inches thick.

Esee: Reading the stuff on the boards people either seem to love them or hate them. The Esee 5 is super thick so that one is out. Not sure if I should consider the 4 or 6.

TOPS: Really like the look of the Silent Hero and the BOB although the SH is a bit longer and the BOB is a bit shorter.

Bark River: Not really sure what to go with. They offer a ton of knives. The Bravo 1 look great but again are shorter than what I would prefer.

Habilis: Their SRT (self reliance tool) is pricey but looks great.

Becker: They look like cheaper knives to me and the handles look uncomfortable.

Swamp Rat: Ratmandu looks killer!

As far as the Machete goes i'm looking at the TOPS .230.

I welcome your input and suggestions.
 
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My out-in-the-woods fixed blade trio typically includes a More Companion (light duties), BRKT Bravo-1 (light, medium, and some heavy duties), and a BK-7 or BK-9 (for heavy duties, and I find the handles to be actually quite comfortable in my medium-sized hands with gloves on). Not much one can't do with those (and perhaps a small bow saw).

If I had to chose only one, it would be the Bravo-1 (or, if you prefer just a little bit more length, BRKT makes a Bravo-1.5 with a 5-3/4" blade, which is a little more than 1/2" longer blade than the Bravo-1).
 
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the Ontario Rat 5 is similar to the Esee 5 and thinner (3/16) and less expensive (Great overall value)

The Bravo 1.5 in CPM3v is Killer and made for those looking for a bit longer blade. (also avail in S35vn which is more stainless but not as tough) knives ship free dot com has the best selection on BR knives

The Fallkniven F1 and A1 are Amazing Stainless blades.

The GSO Survive 5.1 CPM3V is pricey and hard to find but outstanding

The Becker handle is actually known for being very comfortable and I like it.

I personally dont like SR101 steel because I live in FL and my friends rusted like crazy. (Ratmandu)

Also I always mention that I like a forward finger choil incorporated into the blade to choke up for fine detail work

For Machete look at Condor, Ontario, Imacasa, Tramontia.. No need to spend a ton of money on a Machete when there are so many proven ones for less. (if you go with the latter 2, make sure you buy ones that are pre-sharpened.

I personally would recommend a smaller Machete to start. Ontario 12" is carbon steel and a great value around $25. Also available in a sawback. Just make sure the sheath is included. Most of the Ontario's, the sheath is sold separately for around $10

I Agree with the statement above about having a saw. I recommend the Bahco Laplander folding saw. Awesome, Light-weight and Inexpensive!

GSO 5.1
 
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Everybody loves the Ratmandu. It’s one of the great 5” knives.

Though if you have to have stainless you should look elsewhere.

The main downside is, you’ll need to get an aftermarket sheath.
 
I know I'm repeating myself, but take a look at the Boker Vox Rold. ~6", D2, great handle, usable choil.
The FFG makes it a great allround knife. Handle might not work for larger hands, as its quite slim. Great contouring though
 
I just did the math for you on the best bang for your buck

Ontario Rat 5 $90
Ontario Machete $40 (with sheath)
Bahco Laplander folding saw $30
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$160

All this for less than many of the other blades mentioned or that will be mentioned.
 
Way overthinking the machete. Condor, Cold Steel, Tramotina, Ontario, etc, will all to all you need it to for a fraction of the price of a TOPS. Beckers are comfy. If the full size Beckers are too bulky, go with a Tweener. If the handles is too slippery, buy the Mircata handles for $20.00. The Beckers are a great reasonable priced knife. Not cheap by any means.
I like Helle, and the lowly but HIGHLY capable MORAs. More money not always better.

I would say a Mora Robust or Companion or Helle Symfoni (my favorite for camp ) if you want a fancier wood handle (I love my Helle and Mora knives. Both work equally well.) Condor makes great machetes. Ontario will equally fit the bill. I have a Pack Golok Condor and a 12" Ontario. I would go with an Ontario, just because cost to performance makes it the better deal. Helle and Condor Machete, a lilttle over or under $200. A Mora and Ontario machete, around $75 total.

You look like you want to throw cash at your selections. If you can, good for you. Have a blast. But you're going to see that there are a ton of really great knives that will outrun the expensive knives. Listen to ALL the suggestions. If you just want to spend money, just go do it and start enjoying the blades.
 
GlockandBalls said:
I just did the math for you on the best bang for your buck

Ontario Rat 5 $90
Ontario Machete $40 (with sheath)
Bahco Laplander folding saw $30
__________________________
$160

All this for less than many of the other blades mentioned or that will be mentioned.
Click to expand...

Dead on! Same as my suggestions, with another hugely capable knife. Never thought to include the saw, but the Bahco eats wood like crazy! Great lineup!
 
GlockandBalls said:
I just did the math for you on the best bang for your buck

Ontario Rat 5 $90
Ontario Machete $40 (with sheath)
Bahco Laplander folding saw $30
__________________________
$160

All this for less than many of the other blades mentioned or that will be mentioned.
Click to expand...

I will look into those suggestions. I really like the handle on the TOPS machete but I will look into the others.

jimh0220 said:
Way overthinking the machete. Condor, Cold Steel, Tramotina, Ontario, etc, will all to all you need it to for a fraction of the price of a TOPS. Beckers are comfy. If the full size Beckers are too bulky, go with a Tweener. If the handles is too slippery, buy the Mircata handles for $20.00. The Beckers are a great reasonable priced knife. Not cheap by any means.
I like Helle, and the lowly but HIGHLY capable MORAs. More money not always better.

I would say a Mora Robust or Companion or Helle Symfoni (my favorite for camp ) if you want a fancier wood handle (I love my Helle and Mora knives. Both work equally well.) Condor makes great machetes. Ontario will equally fit the bill. I have a Pack Golok Condor and a 12" Ontario. I would go with an Ontario, just because cost to performance makes it the better deal. Helle and Condor Machete, a lilttle over or under $200. A Mora and Ontario machete, around $75 total.

You look like you want to throw cash at your selections. If you can, good for you. Have a blast. But you're going to see that there are a ton of really great knives that will outrun the expensive knives. Listen to ALL the suggestions. If you just want to spend money, just go do it and start enjoying the blades.
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Hello, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. No, I'm not looking to throw cash at my selections but I have come to the conclusion that you generally do get what you pay for. I have two Mora knives and I think that they are great knives but I don't particularly like the handles or the sheaths that they come with and they are not full tang construction. I understand that something can have value and not be expensive and I welcome that. As far as the TOPS Machete, I really like the handles on it a lot. If I"m going to invest my money I would rather spend a bit more and get what I really want than something I will end up not liking and selling down the line.
 
Well, no surprise, I recommend the Ratmandu! It fits your specs perfectly. If you want a cheaper option, I'd recommend the Becker BK16, or the 17 if you like clip points.

For the machete, if you actually want a machete, I'd recommend a Tramontina or Imacasa. That Tops is badass, for sure, BUT - it's way too thick to be a true machete. I think it would be a good big chopper. If you want a big whomper for cheap give the Condors a look. The Condor Golok is an absolute monster, and it's around $50, with a really nice leather sheath.

Good luck no matter what you choose. And post pictures when you get something!
 
AntDog said:
Well, no surprise, I recommend the Ratmandu! It fits your specs perfectly. If you want a cheaper option, I'd recommend the Becker BK16, or the 17 if you like clip points.

For the machete, if you actually want a machete, I'd recommend a Tramontina or Imacasa. That Tops is badass, for sure, BUT - it's way too thick to be a true machete. I think it would be a good big chopper. If you want a big whomper for cheap give the Condors a look. The Condor Golok is an absolute monster, and it's around $50, with a really nice leather sheath.

Good luck no matter what you choose. And post pictures when you get something!
Click to expand...

The Ratmandu is for sure a contender. I actually like a thicker machete and didn't realize the TOPS was on the thicker side.
 
If you like the Mora style but not the handle, check out the other Scandi makers. Helle, Fallkniven, Bruschletto (sp), and many others, including some seriously great customs.
Check out the custom made stuff here. So many styles out there.
There is a really cool machete designed by Baronyx. Give it a look. Google it or search it here. Very cool.

Remember, with knives, money does not always match quality. There are so many sleepers.

Best wishes with your search!
 
BMC, I looked at the TOPS machete handle.

Go look at the Ontario machete handle. Nearly identical in shape. The Ontario handle is a little rough in it's fit and finish, but a few minutes sanding, and a little soft bat grip tape it you like it, and it is perfectly comfy for long use. This is a rock solid machete at a fraction of the price, like $100 less. Instead of putting that cash in a machete, put the extra dollars in the knife. You can pay for half of a custom knife almost with that much. At least order one with the TOPS. .230 is mighty thick for a long machete. My thickest machete is almost the same thickness and shorter. Too heavy for long work, and didn't cut as well as a thinner blade. I had to switch blade to chop through a 3" seasoned branch. If you want a chopper, get a big knife along with your machete and camp knife.
 
I would do the ESEE 6, the Survive 5.1 which is available direct on their website right now, Shaerk Big Mook, Ratmandu. Any of those would serve you well. There are many others too, but I have had many customs and my ESEE 6 is still here and kicking, its probably my most used camp knife. I also have a 12" Ontario machete as my beater, or a Busse Basic 11 for a hard chopper. A bacho saw is great as well. Get the orange version instead of the green Laplander, its half the cost for the same saw. All food for thought
 
Of those you listed I'd go with the Ratmandu or the B.O.B. The Ratmandu will probably have the best ergos of any listed...or just as good. it's a proven tough knife even if you do have to buy a sheath for it.

Bark Rivers and GSO's are great knives. Of the two, I'd go with the GSO. as I have some problems with the slender and slick Bark River handles. The GSO handles beat it by most accounts.

The Scandinavian knives having been mentioned, I'd also recommend you look at the leuku's (a blade design) of the Nordic makers. Another one to add to that list is J. Martinni Knives. I prefer the leuku design for bushcraft.
 
Beckers are actually really comfortable to hold and should honestly be way more expensive than what they are for the quality and work put into them.
 
I'm still up in the air guys. :)

I do agree that the TOPS Machete is pricey. I will look into the Ontarios but aren't they the same thickness?
 
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