Looking for a 200-400$ Combat/Utility fixed blade

Howabout a Chris Reeve Green beret! can't go wrong with S30V and You can get them for around $250.

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In that price range, I would look at Busse, Swamprat, Scrapyard. Tough to beat for strong, dependable forever warranty knives. The main three steels these companies use (all run by the same family Busse, and his kin), are Infi (proprietary steel, super tough, very resistant to shock and impact damage, decent edge retention, and great stain resistance all in one package). Sr101 (their version of 52100 with a proprietary heat treat process, great edge retention, great strength, though not stain/rust resistant like infi, it is used by many custom makers for forging knives). Sr77 (Scrapyards modified S7 steel. Used for jackhammer bits, super tough, fantastic impact and strength. Less edge retention than Infi, or Sr101, and also not stain resistant).

I would not let the staining issue decide the matter. Both will be fine with minimal care (like any carbon steel or tool steel).

One major gripe people have about Busse and family knives is that they are not offered with a sheath. The reason for this is that many buy multiples of their knives to collect, and yes, to sell. If you have 10 knives of a particular model, you don't want them to all come with a sheath and pay an extra 50 per knife. (Collectors have been known to order 27 or more of a particular model at once, that would be a lot in sheaths). This really is not a terrible thing. There are about 20 guys out there making perfect sheaths for any model you want, exactly how you want them set up. They will be what you want, not a basic sheath that everyone has to accept (there are several manufacturers that send out crappy sheaths with every model, and you have no option to not pay for the sheath that you will only end up replacing anyway!).

ESEE knives also have a lower price point, and have stellar warranty. The steel is 1095, with a good heat treat. Basic 1095, but done right, and very dependable and useable, and you won't be out as much if it gets lost. (I really like 1095 in use, it takes a great edge very easily, and is decent for edge retention. Nothing mind blowing, but a good plain old working steel).

Also in that price range, as others have said, you are in very solid custom user territory, which is just plain cool! There are too many to list all of them, but start cruising the custom section, and the customs for sale.
 
Get a cheapie or two to see what you really like as far as blade and handle design and size.

I personally wouldn't purchase and carry some of the $200+ knives mentioned here or in similar threads even if offered for $80-100. You got to know what you are looking for and what the extra money is really giving you.

Also background of the person/s who design it doesn't necessarily mean it would be better than some cheaper offerings.
 
You already picked the right choice. SPARTAN NYX. Premium rust-resistant blade steel, awesome veteran owned-business (military discount offered), and they just plain look AWESOME. I have the NYX and the ENYO in black and dark earth.
 
Would have to agree with Crimsonfalcon..... go with a Winkler you will be happy you did.... and you can stay under the 400 water line at the same time
 
During a similar conversation I was involved in I heard a vet say "A guy who brings an expensive knife into combat is setting himself up for tears and heartache when that expensive knife disappears from his gear". He also said "Carrying a $500 knife in a combat zone makes as much sense as wearing a Rolex".

I found his thoughts on the subject interesting. Personally, I can understand the desire to own an expensive knife, but I would ask myself if the work I was going to do with the knife truly justified the cost, and I would consider the possibility of it getting "lost".
 
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Have you checked out the Al Mar Shiva? If you like daggers you might also be able to find a Al Mar Fang or Fang II. The Fang's are discontinued but are awesome knives.
These are the combat knives that I would look at in your price range.
 
Bark River STS-5. The STS line is my current favorite production knife series. I have the 5 and 8. Both are just fantastic knives. Looking for a 3 now. Check 'em out, they won't disappoint.
 
OrdnanceBubbaUSMC said:
Get a cheapie or two to see what you really like as far as blade and handle design and size.

I personally wouldn't purchase and carry some of the $200+ knives mentioned here or in similar threads even if offered for $80-100. You got to know what you are looking for and what the extra money is really giving you.

Also background of the person/s who design it doesn't necessarily mean it would be better than some cheaper offerings.
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Agreed. How will you be deployed? Large base like Leatherneck an Air field or remote FOB in the middle of nowhere? Can you feel sure it won't get "borrowed" by a fellow service member or ANA piece of crap?

If it's utility then go with something $100 or less for sure and besides you should have plenty of extra cash when you come home for an expensive blade and it won't get messed up over there. Going to suck enough as it is so no reason to add to it.

Good luck and God bless.

EDIT. Sorry, I misunderstood. I was under the impression you were deploying. Man! It sucks getting old!:o

Go for it. It's only money. :cool:
 
I agree with the above about try a lesser priced knife, in the $100+ range (that is still expensive to me) and maybe go higher. I really recommend the Trail fighter by ML knives, it is 6 inches of 3/16 1095 steel with dymondwood scales. that is resin pressed wood. Or go with a tactical from AA forge knives. You can get 5160 in 1/4 or 3/16 thickness, or he may 1095 or 1080, and get a great Kydex sheath for about 250-270. Hope this helps.
 
For that price I would take a hard look at Fehrman knives. I would personally take my ESEE 3 mil and have no doubts in it, not to mention is much less costly than a Fehrman.
 
Essee, Becker, Ontario RAT or Ranger series, all good choices for $100 more or less. All will get the job done. If you have a few more bucks you want to spend I would look at Bark River or Entrek.
 
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