Looking for a budget camping/EDC fixed blade.

C

Cajun Carry

Joined
Jun 29, 2022
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I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to fixed blade knives, and I am looking to pick up a couple budget options to try out. I would like to be able to use it while camping, maybe some bushcraft stuff, and for general use around the house. Ideally I would like something in the 3-4in range, but I am open to others. Eventually I would like to have a custom knife made, but I want to test out some cheaper production knives to get a feel for what I like.

First, I am going to pick up a Mora. I am looking at the Basic 511 Carbon Steel, unless another model would be better?

Some other knives that have peaked my interest are:
1. Buck 684 Bucklite Small in 420HC
2. CRKT SiWi in SK5
3. Brisa Bobtail 80 in 12C27
4. ESEE 3 in 1095
5. Condor Bushlore in 1075
6. CIVIVI M2 Backup in D2

If anyone has used any of these I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, if anyone has any additional recommendations please let me know. Thanks!
 
“Fairly inexpensive” is subjective, so from least expensive to most. I would personally stick to Mora, ESEE & LT Wright. Within those companies, the Mora Bushcraft Black or classic, ESEE 3,4 or laser strike and LT Wright GNS or Genesis. There’s honestly so many companies that make great blades for “camping” and so many ppl will swear by different brands. Just see what you need the knife for (simple camping chores like cutting food and whittling or heavy tasks like batoning) and choose one that you like the looks and feel of. If you take care of it and use it respectfully for what the specific knife is (and not trying to split wood with a Mora classic) it will do wonders and last a life time.
 
Becker BK16 (mine has the aftermarket micarta scales, and has been stripped and the drop point slightly modified)
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Ruike Jager in 14C28N
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Joker Campero (also modified- clip point rounded into a drop point)
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All three are great knives under $100.
 
1095 is going to be a little tougher, less likely to chip, rust can be an issue depending on environment. Keep it oiled.

S35VN will hold an edge a little longer, less toughness than 1095, less maintenance though. Will be a little more time consuming to sharpen.

I’m pretty confident Esee warranty would cover both 1095 and S35VN if something happened ( I know for a fact the 1095 version has unconditional lifetime warranty).

Personally, I’d go for the 1095 version, I basically live in a desert environment though.
 
Here is my 12 year old 1095 and 2 year old s35vn. I carry both daily. For 10 years I carried the 1095 IWB but it now rides in an Armatus at 12:30 and the stainless is IWB. I live on the gulf coast so it’s hot and humid 10 or 11 months a year. I’ve never oiled either knife and never cleaned rust off the 1095 but I did just notice some on stainless I need to clean.
 

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Bucklite MAX 684 is nice. I have the older 673 which has a different handle but appears to be about the same blade. I haven't used it yet, but it's a handy size and shape.
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Spyderco Bow River is pretty cool. Especially when the street price was lower. Thin and slicey.

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Last edited:
USMCPOP said:
Bucklite MAX 684 is nice. I have the older 673 which has a different handle but appears to be about the same blade. I haven't used it yet, but it's a handy size and shape.
View attachment 1879319

Spyderco Bow River is pretty cool. Especially when the street price was lower. Thin and slicey.

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I love the look of the Bow River. I am hesitant though because of the 8CR13 steel. Is it heat treated well?
 
a1b2c3 said:
Here is my 12 year old 1095 and 2 year old s35vn. I carry both daily. For 10 years I carried the 1095 IWB but it now rides in an Armatus at 12:30 and the stainless is IWB. I live on the gulf coast so it’s hot and humid 10 or 11 months a year. I’ve never oiled either knife and never cleaned rust off the 1095 but I did just notice some on stainless I need to clean.
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Awesome this is great info. I am on the Gulf Coast as well. May have to pick one up.
 
Another vote for ESEE or Becker. (*My preference goes to the Becker BK-16, over the 3 or 4)

If you're looking for something a little more robust, go with a BK-2, BK-10, or ESEE-5, in my humble opinion.



*My little Buck 679 gets an Honorable Mention, as it has been an outstanding companion "overnighter" to several of my larger blades. It's the 1st Gen version of their current offering. (*the "685"?) For my uses, it's a zero maintenance/low drama blade...not to mention that Buck's 420HC cleans and resists stains like it's coated in Teflon.
 
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