Knife for ATV

T

Trvlngnrs

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Oct 25, 2009
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I'd like a knife to keep on my ATV in case I break down, wreck, etc. I live in St. George UT so I do a lot of desert and mountain riding. Sometimes I'm 30+ miles away from the camp. I usually have a pistol and/or rifle with me.

The $44 Buck 655ODX Short Nighthawk with a 4 7/8" 420HC fixed blade looks pretty good to me, but I'm not very well versed in knives, so I'd like some input from you guys. I'd like to keep the price below $75, since there is a high chance of someone stealing it. I'm not adverse to a folding knife either. In fact, since I found this forum last week, I've already ordered a Spyderco Salt H1:)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000EHUYU0/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
 
If you're looking that route I'd recommend picking up a Buck 119. It's a good USA made outdoors knife plus if it does get stolen or lost you can pick up a new one for around $40. There's a reason the 119 has been around forever.
 
I believe I would keep what you have and maybe add a 12 inch Tram. they are about 10.00 delivered.
 
Thanks for the tips! It looks like the Buck 119's blade is the same steel as the Nighthawk's. It is a couple dollars more expensive though. It comes with a leather case instead of nylon, that's probably where the price difference is.

I'll had to google "Tram" to find out what it is. That's another option I hadn't thought of.
 
If you really wanna go inexpensive, a Cold Steel Bushman is great for the $.

Becker Necker is $35ish.

Kabar Heavy Bowie is $50ish.

I'm sure someone will recommend a RAT Izula too.
 
Personally, I'd stick with the Nighthawk or the 119. I had a 119 for a while. It was a good FB and IIRC, it's a tad heavier than the Nighthawk. That might come in handy if you have to do any light chopping... something you can't do well with most folders. The RAT is a nice choice, but it's gonna be a bit smaller than the Bucks and you already have a smaller knife on the way to you.

The Bucks will work well for you and they'll be easy to touch up in the field if you have to use 'em hard. Add a small DMT stone for doing field touchups and you should be good to go, even if you get stranded and have to spend a night or two away from camp.
 
I'll second the 10 inch tramontina machete and add a multitool in case you can fix anything. Most importantly, take at least 4 litres of water if in the desert, and if you're 30 miles from help, know where you're going and in reasonable shape I'll bet you can walk out of trouble if you have to. If you're not lost and you have water, it's more an inconvenience than a disaster.
 
Because the ATV is carrying it and not you I'd say get a 12' machete (Ontario,Tramontia,Barteaux) Barteaux are my fav, Ben Meadows is a darn fine company to deal with. AND a small axe or hatchet. Keep your belt knife on your belt. Bucks are fantastic cutters but easy to snap the point on. Kershaws are good. Spyderco's are even better but cost a little more. Cold Steel's are found at gunshops and Puma's seem to last forever. Just differences in cost. Best of luck. Anrkst
 
Lots of recomendations for the Buck 119. It's the same blade steel as the Buck Nighthawk (420HC). Do you not like the partially serrated edge of the Nighthawk, or is there something else about the 119 that makes it preferable?

Just trying to learn......
 
On my ATV I carry a Buck 110 and a 10" axe. I prefer an axe over a bowie size knife.
 
hmmmm.... since you got a good FB on your belt and a great pocket knife in your ... well.... pocket, maybe a good multi-tool ( leatherman style ) would be a good choice. :D
 
On my ATV I pack my Gerber/Fiskars 14" sportaxe & my ColdSteel Kukuri Machete ($19.00 ) On my self I always have a SAK & Spyderco Endura4 waved & one of my fixed blades on my belt...in my pack I have a Multi-tool & a backup fixed blade (mora clipper or BlackJack Grunt)
 
all good picks, i picked up a cold steel pocket bushman this thing rocks, super sharp, a 4 inch blade, super lockup, and $30 or less..........
 
Trvlngnrs said:
I'd like a knife to keep on my ATV in case I break down, wreck, etc.
Click to expand...

It sounds like a good multi tool would be a better choice than just a knife. You're more likely to have an option to fix something that broke with pliers, screwdrivers etc than just a blade.
 
ED13...I looked up the Buck 110 and it reminded me I have an old beat up one about 25 - 30 years old in my junk drawer. No sheath, blade worn, missing a rivit.... I didn't know it as the 110, but as the Folding Hunter.

Has anyone ever sent an old knife back to Buck to get it refurbished? Are their prices reasonable?

BTW, I do have a multi-tool stored on the ATV, I was just looking for an excuse to buy another knife!

Thanks again for all the tips!!
 
I will be sending a knife off to Buck for a repair today most likely. From what I read they will do most repairs for free. Unless you did something like pry with the blade or use the knife as a hammer. They may just send you a new Buck 110. Hope that helps. Try looking up Buck Warranty on the google.
 
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