Knife for jungle - $20 or less

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I own one knife and love it - first generation Gayle Bradley/Spyderco C134 CPM-M4 folder.

What would be closest to this size in a fixed or folder?

Edge retention and durability are most important
The aforementioned Byrd Cara Cara is close to the GB in size, with decent retention yet easy to sharpen. It’s a tad longer and more stainless, also much less expensive.
 
If there was only some sort of inexpensive knife that is used widely by the locals in the Central American jungle....

Something like that would be great. :D

Like in Chicago ...
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Machete will be everywhere and guides always have them. Not worried about that. i want a tough knife for prying open shells, slicing ropes, whittling sticks, killing fish, and other exploring tasks I deem fit.

And the guides, no doubt, will use them for prying open shells, slicing ropes, whittling sticks, killing fish, and other exploring tasks they deem fit.

Though if, as it appears, you are specifically not looking for a machete, it probably would have made things more efficient is you said so at the beginning. :thumbsup:

That said, I still think you should get the machete...you can use it on your next trip to Sweden! :D
 
A machete is a fixed blade knife, is it not?

No, it's a machete. When was the last time you heard someone refer to a machete as a knife (machete generally having an 18" blade or more)? Never.

By your rationale, an axe or sword are technically fixed bladed knives. :rolleyes:

Additionally, the OP also said
Folder prefered due to ease of carrying while hiking, but not a deal breaker! Folding is the last item on the checklist and its way down there!

When was the last time you saw a "folding machete"? His OP was clear he was looking for a knife, not machete. As were "most" of the replies to help him out.
 
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The Mora Companion MG in SS is a bit longer than the ProS, but a bit thicker. The Pro S has a slightly broader blade and is a bit less pointy - more belly at the tip. Just played with them a bit and I believe the Companion is just a wee bit stiffer. SOrt of a tossup.
 
I’ve been watching a lot of Dual Survial type shows lately and almost all of these people use large fixed blades.

I change my vote from Opinel/Byrd to a large fixed.

So, I would be bringing my cheap S&W beater with me when I decide to strand myself in the jungle. I think it was $30 with a sheath and weighs about 2lb. Perfect for cutting bamboo, making kindling, skewering tarantulas, etc. Not a big deal if you gift it to a local when you leave as well.

Likely available at Walmart or any retailer of crappy outdoor gear.

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In regard to large fixed blades close to the OP's price range, the Schrade line of knives have a few options for something bigger and tougher than a Mora. Blade is 1095 carbon, not stainless. For example the SCHF37 is right at $30.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sch...pOLYAhVQYK0KHRMMA3IQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1252&bih=564

Specifications:- Overall Length: 12.25"- Blade Length: 7.00"- Cutting Edge: 6.125"- Blade Thickness: 0.24"- Blade Material: 1095- Blade Style: Drop Point- Finish: Black- Edge Type: Plain- Handle Length: 5.25"- Handle Thickness: 0.80"- Handle Material: Rubber- Color: Black- Weight: 14.99 oz.- User: Right Hand, Left Hand- Sheath: Nylon- Knife Type: Fixed Blade
 
I believe the Companion HD is carbon steel. He's looking for stainless.

Why stainless? It is something that he intends to use for the duration of the trip. A little rust is not gaing to hurt the knife over a short period of time.

n2s
 
Can open a bottle with nearly anything. Stupid party trick i learned a while ago.

LOL! Me too... very useful skill when all you have is a rake and a tape measure.

I have the Mora Pro S and the BuckLite Max Small. Either of these can be had for less than a $20 bill, both worth it.

I like the BuckLite, it's full tang, made in the USA, in 420HC that's done right. One of the best deals in the knife world IMHO.
 
The first stipulation was a rust resistant folder for 20 bucks.

A nice Buck can be had in that range.

If fixed then a Buck or a Mora would do.
 
No, it's a machete. When was the last time you heard someone refer to a machete as a knife (machete generally having an 18" blade or more)? Never.

By your rationale, an axe or sword are technically fixed bladed knives. :rolleyes:

Additionally, the OP also said


When was the last time you saw a "folding machete"? His OP was clear he was looking for a knife, not machete. As were "most" of the replies to help him out.

Well, actually....

JmLgy9N.jpg


The folding machete was made by Cattaraugus, Case and Camillus and is quite common.

It was referred to as the 'Jungle Knife' by the air crews to whom it was supplied.

From the iknife collectors site;

"The folding machetes were called “Jungle Knives” by the crews who carried them."
 
Well, actually....

JmLgy9N.jpg


The folding machete was made by Cattaraugus, Case and Camillus and is quite common.

It was referred to as the 'Jungle Knife' by the air crews to whom it was supplied.

From the iknife collectors site;

"The folding machetes were called “Jungle Knives” by the crews who carried them."
Oh yes, quite common, see them used all the time. So about 1945 was the last time a folding machete was used and was used in a military application, thanks for the information. That blade doesn't look 18 in long either. Does it have a pocket clip? The OP should really pay attention to this, I think that's exactly what he was looking for.
 
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