Larger fixed blade opinions needed

mmcc100

mmcc100

Joined
Mar 19, 2010
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Fairly new to the knife world and although I am sure this topic has been beaten to death, I can't use the search function. I am looking for a good (when I say good, I mean I can't afford a Busse, Scrapyard, etc...) fixed blade larger combat-type knife. I can afford up to around $150. I know it's not much, but .....:o
I have it narrowed down to a few. Kabar/Becker, Ontario, SOG. I want something around 7" to 9" long. I would also like one with a nylon sheath.
Should I go with a dagger? Bowie? The knife will be really for an all purpose fighting/ SHTF use. Any help/ opinions/ pictures would be appreciated.
 
If you are going to be using it as a camp knife/survival knife then go with a drop point or a clip point/bowie style blade.

There are a LOT of options in your price range.

From the lower price range Ka Bar and Ontario Spec plus. Up to the Cold Steel Recon Scout or Trailmaster which with a bit of shopping caan be found in your price range.

A very good performer available for around $120 is the Browning Crowell Barker Competition chopper form ableammo.com.

ESEE knives is soon going to be releasing their ESEE Junglas which will have a 10 inch blade of 3/16" 1095, but I have yet to see a price point for it.

The Crowell Barker is one hell of a good knife for the bucks.
 
You can get yourself a nice custom knife for $150 or less. In these tough times you'll find some smokin' deals in the Knife Makers Fixed Blades for Sale Forum http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=754

as well as the Individual Custom Knives for Sale Forum http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=748

Here's a couple I've picked up recently that might fit what you're looking for:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=728193
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=717154
 
BK9.jpg

Becker BK9 around $75...ive owned/own alotta bowie style knives that cost 3-4 times that, and this one isnt going anywhere. plus, KaBar stands behind their products as well as anyone:thumbup:
 
+1 on the regulator bowie from scrapyard...only $100:D

The ESEE junglas is right around your price point, maybe a fews buck over $150, but well worth it! It should be hitting shelves very very soon:D
 
Umm, Kabar has some popular options Large Heavy Bowie and BK-9. My favorite Cold Steel Trail Master.

You should decide on 7" or 9" though cause there is a large difference in ease of carry and performance. If you can't think of a reason for a big bowie then mabye a machete and smaller knife.
 
I have a ESEE/RAT Cutlery RC-5 and RC-6 and love them both. They're right there in your price range too!

I was out batoning some firewood couple weekends ago, and had no problems whatsoever with either one. They're very well made, from very good steel, and is backed by perhaps the BEST warranty out there. The RC-6 is longer, lighter, and more nimble, the RC-5 is thicker (tougher), heftier (better for chopping), and VERY solid. I have no doubt the RC-5 could be one of the best SHTF blades you can have. Anything much longer, I think will be less agile, and more burden to carry.
 
wildmike said:
ESEE knives is soon going to be releasing their ESEE Junglas which will have a 10 inch blade of 3/16" 1095, but I have yet to see a price point for it.
Click to expand...

The lowest I found is $168. (Have mine preordered from there as well)
 
Spyderco Hossom Forrester
 
If you can handle the weight , you really can't go wrong with a Ka-Bar BK9 or a Cold Steel Trail Master in SK-5. Of the two, the BK9 is probably the better value per dollar, but they are somewhat different in balance. They are different enough that I think it comes down to how the knife feels to you.
 
Another vote for the Crowell-Barker- great knife and an amazing value. I don't know where you live, but unless you really need a knife that big I would look real hard at an RC6. That's about as big as I would consider "all-around".
 
Kershaw Outcast is the starter level chopper size I recommend the most often. About half the price of your limit, good and solid (the edge is a bit obtuse) and I have used teh heck out of mine.

The Barker Crowel or Becker are both good decisions as well.
 
Scrapyard Regulator!!! Better Steel, Better Grip, Better Warranty...Papa Johns...Oh wait...Scrapyard, Busse, and Swamp Rat are in a class by themselves...and are all part of the same entity. Yes it is a pain in the ass to order and they are different to deal with when it comes to finding knives but I will say the Regulator is available right now so you can get it. It fits your specs and your cost. look no further! The steel is SR-101 a steel that is up in the top tier among steels! It holds an edge better than any other...including INFI...which I consider the best!! Scrapyard has a warranty that is the best...along with RAT, Busse, and Swamp Rat. If you can break it they will replace it!!! NO QUESTIONS Asked! It is on the short side of your spectrum so if you need something long you should skip the 9" and go to the 10" Do a Dog Father if you can go to 10". Great price...and nearly indestructible! A Busse Bushwacker Mistress is better but fetches a 2x price tag. But both the Dog Father and the Mushwacker Mistress are in a class all themselves. Spend your money wisely, spend it once...Busse, Swamp and Scrapyard. These are great choices you wont regret it! I am trying my ass off to get these babies!!! I know no one that will ever say bad things about them nor push them to the brink!

I have a Kabar heavy bowie and an Ontario SP5....love them both, they are cheap and tough but the steel is (as great as I believe they are) is inferior to SR-101, INFI, and SR-77. Also the one thing about the Busse, Swamp Rat and the Scrapyard they appreciate in value! I love them and they are well worth the money! I just want them...badly!! I have had the pleasure of handling and using them...Dog Father...and it was really something! With that said the Bushwacker Mistress is even better!!! I would be happy if someone just willed be one! I love to chop and baton. Not to mention know that I have no fear of destruction for they have my back...period!
 
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