looking for 5ish inch camp knife - some odd choices

I think that the ontario blackbird is what you're looking for. 154cm steel 5 inch blade with micarta handle.
 
Bark River has a new 5" camp knife available.

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Big Mike
 
The RMD (and Jared at PawPaw) are a winning combination in MY book:

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The 15 is what, $80? Then $30 for micarta, and $20-$30 for kydex. That's only $140 tops. Seems the clear winner.
 
Thank you all. So much more confused now :D

I see the wisdom in all the different approaches. Except for 20 of the Old Hickory's. I would have to save money for a pack just to hump them all out each time...;)
The bk15 makes the most sense, and is more of a known quantity
The Southfork appeals to the budding steel snob in me (and design too)
The RMD (or safety mutt) - seems like something I should try at least once. It also fits all the specs (may have been my subconscious).

I was also considering going back to Mora and bk5, and shelving this whole thing - but what's the fun in that?
 
Bark River Canadian in 3V is a good one to consider as well. The more I use this, the more I like it. Great geometry and sturdy.
 
Just to add to the confusion, I picked up a TOPS Silent Hero this week and love it. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet but first impressions are good. Solid piece of 1095, not too thick, comfortable handle, good ergos. Great leather sheath too. I know people are skeptical of TOPS and it's not one of the "standard" suggestions for camp knives, but I was pretty excited about it so thought I'd mention it.

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mazibuko said:
Just to add to the confusion, I picked up a TOPS Silent Hero this week and love it. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet but first impressions are good. Solid piece of 1095, not too thick, comfortable handle, good ergos. Great leather sheath too. I know people are skeptical of TOPS and it's not one of the "standard" suggestions for camp knives, but I was pretty excited about it so thought I'd mention it.

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Heh, looks like a big kitchen knife. It's probably a pretty good slicer!
 
Probably one of the best knives fitting that budget out there is the ESEE 6 and they already come with a quality sheath right off the bat. You can usually pick them up for 115-150 (and still have cash to pick up an Izula!!).
Probably one of the best things about ESEE is their warranty. Its one of the best in the industry.

You'll be hard pressed to find a negative comment about their quality. I own a 6, nothing bad to say about them. It's the one that I lend out the most to friends that I'm camping with. I just use the Junglas more since I find that I need to use a larger/machete-like blade more where I live. The 6 is what you are looking for in a "one blade that does all"
 
high desert said:
I've moved away from coated blade knives. Koster Bushmaster for me.
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The Bushmaster is hard to beat in the five inch range and definitely worth the wait.

The Tops Dragonfly is a bit under 5" but its only 1/8th thick and is one hell of a performer.

Honestly, you could pick up one of these cheapo $6.00 knives from the grocery store for food prep and free up your camp knife.
I tossed it in with my camping gear and never looked back. It only weighs a few ounces and the plastic sheath is great.



 
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The esee 6 is as good as it gets. And the swamps RMD. Use both a lot and hard to beat either.
 
Lon Humphrey Brute de forge, one up for sale now for 180.00 in the forum exchange under customs. 1/4 thick, unless this one is different, but a high grind to a good slicer too.
 
kenash said:
Swamprat Ratmandu. SR101 steel. Blade length 5-1/4, thickness 3/16. Feels great in hand. You can "choke up" using the choil for the finer tasks. I believe the RMD has a following all its own.

Comes with the best guarantee there is!
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Take this advice its simply the best 5 inch production knife on the market bar none. Swamp Rat knives do EVERYTHING better than the Beckers do this coming from someone who owns both a RMD and a BK16.
 
sodak said:
Bark River Canadian in 3V is a good one to consider as well. The more I use this, the more I like it. Great geometry and sturdy.
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This has been on my wish list for so long I forgot about it. That's the problem with these threads. Thanks!
 
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