Knife shopping, need advice

S

sketchbag

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Oct 1, 2007
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Hello nice too meet you all.

I'm going out to do some work in the bush (canadian white shell area) and among the supplies I need to wrangle is a knife.

I started looking on ebay this afternoon, and ended up reading and researching all day until I found this forum. Ive read posts and reviews and such here for a few hours, but I'm even less sure of what I need now.

I was thinking of getting a fixed handle knife with a medium lengthed blade (6" or so, is that considered medium?), I want something sturdy, but I'm interested in input on what you think is best for a bush knife (camping, hunting, ect)

I kind of like those knifes with the hollow handle that is a water proof compartment, but they all look like low quality blades (judging by the price).

I spent quite a while reading about different types of steel used for knives, but it seems like the quality has as much to do with the manufacturers heat treatment as it does with the material, and even then there seems to be alot of debate on the subject. (any links to a thorough review specifically for knives? I mostly found metallurgy spec sheets which were only semi helpful)

I'd like something the lasts, but at the same time I dont want to spend too much until I have a better idea of what I need in a knife. I was hoping to find something good in the $50 range.

What do you guys think of old service knives from the army? Are they good quality or just easily mass produced?

To summarize, what do you suggest for:
-material
-style of blade
-brand
-where to buy

Thanks
 
I should have mentioned that I need something that will really hold an edge when working on wood. I'll need it to carve stakes from branches all day long.

My hopes for something around $50 might be a little unrealistic, I dont to go nuts though.
 
I don't know much about what's needed in the bush, but in that price range, most people tend to say that Ka-Bar and Cold Steel are pretty tough in that price range. I'd go to eBay for shopping to get the lowest prices.
 
Oh yeah, welcome to the forums:). Please do come back after your trip and tell us how the knife you choose holds up.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums sketchbag.

There is an entire forum here that is devoted to Wilderness and Survival Skills
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=692

You should ask this question there. Or perhaps the mods will move it.
You will receive much more directed answers.
Be careful out there.
 
Thanks I'll check it out

Can you recommend an online store that ships to canada (fixed blade shouldnt cause any issue with customs,yes?) that sells those brands? I'd like to check out the retail prices and get the detailed specs on each model, most auctions are pretty bad for info.

What differences are there between a $50 and $100 knifes that are look very similar? I'd definitely consider spending more if there's a big gap in quality.
 
Buck model 119......Walmart has them for $35, on the net all over for $40-45
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and friendly replies.

I noticed that the ka-bar army style knives are made from 1095 carbon, I read at cutleryscience that this material can preform very poorly (brittle, poor edge retention) if the blade isnt manufactured to a very high quality. How well do these ka-bar knives represent 1095carbon?

Would I be better off getting one of their hunting knives made of aus6?

I checked out the cold steel product line, but they didnt really appeal to me. There are one or two that look suitable but I'm leaning towards ka-bar.

Whats the low down on Buck?
 
Does anyone know what the difference between Kabars 50 different, but identical looking, army knives? Are all the commemorative blades just their standard USMC knife with a different scene engraved on the blade, or is there a practical difference?
 
Also with regards to the ka-bar knives, which type of handle is superior; synthetic or leather? Particularly in subpar conditions (wet handle, wearing gloves, cold hands, ect). All the comparable knives Ive owned had wooden or bone handles.

At the rate I'm going I might not have time to wait for a mail order, I might have to run down to S.I.R. and pay full retail. In any case, I'm open to any suggestions from their catalog
http://www.sirmailorder.ca/show_subcat.php?category_id=17&PHPSESSID=afe406dcd7ce2a39291086650bf3c29a
I'm leaning towards the ka-bar fighting knife w/ 7" blade
 
This Is A Very Sharp Very Sturdy Knife Designed For Nordic Use And For Nato And Us Forces. Look At The Kellam Website They Sometimes Put Them On Sale For $125
 
rick,
is this what youre referring too?
87da_1_b.JPG
 
sketchbag said:
Thanks for the warm welcome and friendly replies.

I noticed that the ka-bar army style knives are made from 1095 carbon, I read at cutleryscience that this material can preform very poorly (brittle, poor edge retention) if the blade isnt manufactured to a very high quality. How well do these ka-bar knives represent 1095carbon?

Would I be better off getting one of their hunting knives made of aus6?

I checked out the cold steel product line, but they didnt really appeal to me. There are one or two that look suitable but I'm leaning towards ka-bar.

Whats the low down on Buck?
Click to expand...

well ka-bars are excellent quality and economic and very sharp(scary sharp) Noss4 abused the hell out of one which will give you an idea of the abuse they can handle (www.knifetests.com). Mine havent even rusted and i live on the coast (was in HB now in Seal Beach) for years.

Ive got one with leather handle and sheath and one with kraton and i myself prefer the kraton because its rubberesque and you get the kydex sheath(sheath usually with these models) which wont darken like the leather does when it gets wet.
Marines have been using em for ages
 
That's really nice. If you were willing to go higher in price, I'd consider:

1st pick: Fallkniven S1 or A1
2 Pick: Ranger Knives RD6, 7 or 9
Cold Steel SRK
Ka-Bar D2 Extreme
Tie for 2nd Pick: Scrapyard Knives Scrapper 6
Becker Knives
 
sketchbag said:
Does anyone know what the difference between Kabars 50 different, but identical looking, army knives? Are all the commemorative blades just their standard USMC knife with a different scene engraved on the blade, or is there a practical difference?
Click to expand...

well somes are the same models with different stampings and graphics others are the standard knife but shortened still others feature different furniture (leather/kraton handle leather/kydex sheath) which can also vary in color.

then there are other models like the KB-1271 and 1270 which are different blade styles and lengths kb1271(wider 8" blade) and 1270(tanto blade).
 
Hey Guys..

sketch..

Where you from in Canada ??

Welcome to the Mighty BF.com

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Thanks guys!

fdd, those stress tests are a hell of a find. I always want to know the threshold for my equipment but I'm too frugal (read cheap) to test it so... how should I say... Vigorously.

Im not even done watching all of them on the kabar usmc and I'm sold. The version with the synthetic handle and sheath would probably be best for me because I'll be doing a lot of boating. I just phoned SIR and unfortunately theyre out of stock (BALLS!!!!). I think I'll put in an online order tonight and hope it comes by next monday.

Hi Normark, I live in Winnipeg. Going out to kenora next week to clean and re-stake prospecting lines.
 
There are still HookGuards in stock at Scrapyard and Eric makes an awesome sheath.
 
If you can spend about $20 extra bucks, look at some of the knives from Bark River. If you are feeling patriotic, look at the Grohmann #1 Canadian belt knife. The flat ground blade would be my preference.
 
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